UWW Onboarding Resources
There’s a lot to learn when getting started at UMass – whether you’re new to the University or have transitioned into a new position. We have compiled a list of resources that may be useful for onboarding new staff. Some resources apply to all staff, while others may be more role-specific. For a more thorough, downloadable guide, see the Staff Onboarding Resources document.
New GIC-Eligible Employee Guide – What to bring to orientation
Employees eligible for insurance coverage under the MA Groups Insurance Commission (GIC) must attend an orientation on payroll and benefits. This would include:
- New employees
- Current non‐benefitted (“CC”) employees transferring into a benefitted position
The UCard is the official UMass Amherst picture identification card and is available to undergraduate, graduate and University Without Walls students as well as faculty, staff and qualifying Non-Employee, Non-Student (NENS) positions.
A UCard is required to access the UWW building after hours.
Building Door/Access
For building/door access, please contact Karen White at @email or 413-545-5202 with the number on your UCard. For metal key requests, please provide the room number.
Parking Permits
Permits to park on the UMass Amherst campus can be obtained through Parking Services. Please refer to the parking map to find parking and building locations. The Parking Services office is open Monday through Friday from 7:45am to 4:45pm EST and is located at 51 Forestry Way on the UMass Amherst Campus. They can also be contacted via email at @email or by phone at (413) 577-PARK (7275).
This training is mandatory for any faculty or staff position, including teaching assistants and student employees, that requires access to student data in our student information system (SPIRE).
The University of Massachusetts is committed to promoting inclusive workplaces, ensuring all employees understand their role in creating a respectful work environment, and providing information on the resources and procedures available to address concerns. New employees must attend one of the online or in-person Respectful Workplace trainings.
Harassment Prevention Training
The Harassment Prevention and Title IX workshop provides an overview of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and discrimination and how to prevent these from occurring on campus and is required for all new employees. Currently, this training is only offered online.
New Academic Advisors should review the resources and trainings available through Student Success. Academic Advisors should first complete FERPA Certification training (above) and request appropriate SPIRE access (below).
SPIRE Access
Before access to the student information system (SPIRE) is granted, FERPA Certification training must be completed. Once certification has been completed, request SPIRE access by logging into SPIRE with your NetID and password and navigate to My SPIRE > SPIRE Access Request.
If you require the same access as another staff member in your department, you do not need to check any of the boxes in the Select the Access Needed from the Grid Below area. You only need to find the name of the staff member in the "Copy Person" field. If you need different access and are unsure of what boxes to check, contact @email for assistance.
Administration and Finance Access
Staff whose role requires access to Administration and Finance systems (e.g., PageUp, HR Direct, BuyWays, Summit, etc.) must request access and complete relevant trainings as needed.
HR Direct
Staff can access HR Direct to view their paystubs, access tax documents, and enter time off. Log in using your NetID and password.
New employees will be provided with a laptop and docking station with the software below installed/configured.
Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
Microsoft Teams
Zoom
Chrome
Acrobat Creative Suite
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
VOIP access
The tech support team will also work with you to set up any other approved software that you'll need to perform your duties.
Please review and sign the Computer Awareness and Data Security Compliance Statement as required by the University. Completed statements should be returned to HR.
Special requests related to computers/software should be sent to tech support and will require managerial consent.
You will need to set up the following:
- Duo multifactor
- Voicemail greeting - You will receive instructions from UMass Amherst IT
- Email Signature - In Outlook, navigate to File - Options (lower left hand corner) - Mail - Signatures
Should you have any technology-related questions, please contact tech support.
NOTE: Any questions/issues pertaining to BlackBoard or Moodle should be directed to the IDEAS group.
ALL non-emergency, tech support-related issues (including phone, printer, document access, etc.) be reported through the tech support email. Please do not send technical support emails to Floyd’s individual email address. We kindly ask that you refrain from walking over to report non-emergency issues as well.
Sending non-emergency issues to email will be beneficial in several ways:
- A help desk ticket is automatically created, reviewed in a timely manner and assigned to the appropriate person or group.
- We are able to see all open issues which allows us to prioritize them in a manner that is equitable among those physically working in the office and those working remotely, and in order of scale and impact.
- It allows us to track the number of issues that we are receiving which aids in identifying trends resulting in better communication.
- It allows us to keep a history of any technical issues that you may have had in the past, resulting in quicker resolution of similar issues.
For emergency issues requiring immediate assistance only, please call 413-507-0177 or visit the tech support area. If a team member is not available, please use the tablet in the technical support area to IM the tech support team.
NOTE: If you are unable to send an email due to the technical issue, please contact the tech support line at 413-507-0177.
Employee Counseling and Consultation Office (ECCO)
The ECCO provides free and confidential counseling, consultation, and referral service that assists employees in resolving personal, work-related, and family issues.
Equal Opportunity and Access Office (EOA)
The EOA office is responsible for investigating complaints, providing trainings and communications related to the Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence and the Title IX Policy & Procedures.
In addition, this office is also responsible for administering reasonable workplace accommodations for faculty and staff related to COVID-19, medical leaves of absence and disabilities.
Labor Relations/Unions
There a number of different unions represented on the UMass Amherst campus and each has their own bargaining unit contract that sets forth wages, hours, sick time and other employment conditions. If you are unsure of which union you are affiliated with, please see the Bargaining Unit FAQs or contact Human Resources.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is an online library of in-depth courses on subjects from creative tech tools and techniques to business skills. UMass Amherst students, faculty, and staff have free, unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning.
Modern Workplace Initiative
UMass Amherst recognizes that the use of Flexible Work Arrangements can support academic and business objectives while also promoting goals related to employee engagement, retention, recruitment, and overall employee satisfaction.
Partnership for Worker Education
The Partnership for Worker Education is an innovative educational partnership among the University of Massachusetts, AFSCME Local 1776, the University Staff Association, and the Professional Staff Union which provides high-quality worker education targeting new skills, employee advancement, engagement, retention and morale.
Workplace Learning and Development
Workplace Learning and Development (WLD) is dedicated to promoting and supporting staff and faculty organizational growth, development, and empowerment through innovative, high-quality workplace programs, workshops, resources, and services.
