Before Your First Day and During Your First Week
Welcome to the University of Massachusetts!
Your role is key to our team’s success, and we are here to support you as you settle into your new position. To help you get started, please take a moment to review and complete the tasks below by their due dates to ensure a smooth start to your journey with us.
We're thrilled to have you as part of the UMass community and look forward to your contributions!
Before Your First Day
Complete Your Background Check Application
This process is required for all employees of the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is conducted through our third party vendor, Truescreen. You will received an email instructing you on how to follow the process. Please ensure you complete all elements of this process well in advance of your start date.
Complete Your CORI Check
Step 1: Read the first page of the CORI Acknowledgment Form - UMass Amherst.pdf and sign at the bottom.
Step 2: Go to the second page and fill in the required personal information and your current address.
Step 3: For the final step, you’ll need either someone from our Human Resources Department OR a notary public to check your government-issued ID and sign the form at the bottom of the second page.
Uploading Your Completed Form
Once you’ve finished filling out and getting your form verified, you must upload it to our online portal– ”AskHR.” Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Click on this link: https://umass.tfaforms.net/241
Step 2: Write your First Name, Last Name, Email, and Department you are being hired into in the boxes.
Step 3: Affirm that you have had your CORI form verified by an authorized HR representative OR a Notary Public.
Step 4: Click where it says “Choose file...”
Step 5: Attach the completed verified document.
Step 6: Click the “Submit” button.
Obtain a Parking Pass
To secure a parking pass for one of the campus lots, please plan to visit the Parking Services Office on or before your first day to obtain a temporary pass. Parking passes are required and strictly enforced for all lot parking. Please visit https://www.umass.edu/transportation/parking for more information about Parking Services.
Your First Week—Attend Payroll and Benefits Orientation
Your supervisor will schedule your new employee payroll and benefits orientation, which will likely take place within your first few days of employment. This session provides a comprehensive overview of our benefits packages and a detailed review of your new hire packet. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions of our HR specialists.
Since much of the session focuses on our extensive benefits package, we recommend reviewing the GIC Benefit Decision Guide in advance to familiarize yourself with available healthcare options. This guide offers details on each plan, helping you prepare any specific questions you’d like to discuss.
Please allocate 2—3 hours for this orientation and log into Zoom a few minutes early to ensure a prompt start.
Your First Week—Complete & Submit Your New Hire Paperwork
You will receive new hire paperwork at your payroll and benefits orientation. These forms must be completed and submitted to Human Resources by the deadline provided at orientation to ensure timely payment of your salary and to secure desired benefits.
Your First Week—Enroll in MA Group Insurance Commission Offerings
At the payroll and benefits orientation, we will review the Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission ("GIC") options for health, life, and long-term disability insurance available to you. Please take the time to read through this information carefully, as timely enrollment is essential for securing your coverage.
If you do not receive an email invitation to enroll in GIC coverage via the "MyGIC Portal" within the first 10 calendar days of your employment, please contact us or visit the HR Employee Service Center in Room 325 of the Whitmore Administration Building during our public hours. We’ll be happy to assist you in completing your benefits enrollment.
Your First Week—Enroll in Flexible Spending (Optional)
The Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission ("GIC") offers a Flexible Spending option for health and dependent care expenses, administrated by TASC. Flexible spending allows you to pay for certain eligible expenses with pre-tax money deducted from your paycheck on a plan-year basis (July—June).
Please note: funds not spent during the eligible period are lost therefore please carefully your election amount. A list of eligible expenses can be found on TASC's website.
Please ensure you enroll online with TASC within the first 10 calendar days of your benefited employment to secure eligibility to participate in your first plan year of employment. Participants must re-enroll during April open enrollment in order to participate in the following plan year.
Your First Week—Review Additional Laws & Policies
In keeping with the University’s mission and vision, we ask that you take some time to review our Commonly Referenced Laws & Policies to become an informed, educated and respectful campus community member. Review these laws and policies here.