Getting Started

As a University of Guelph community member, you are an integral part of our dynamic organization. Our goal is to ensure that you are able to quickly get answers to the many questions you may have during your first few weeks at the University. Working together, we want to provide an easy transition into your new work environment. Before your first day of work arrives, you can take the opportunity to get the following items started but you will need confirmation of your central log-in first and should receive this by email.

• Identification (ID) card [2] - Your University of Guelph ID card serves as picture ID, can be used as validation that you are a University employee, and provides access to a wide-variety of services and benefits available on all U of G campus sites. For instructions on how to obtain an ID Card, visit the Campus Card website [3].
• New Employee Welcome (NEW Days) [4]: The University of Guelph aims to provide both a supportive and welcoming environment to its new staff. We take pride in the talented employees we attract to the University of Guelph and are committed to ensuring they get the best possible start we can give them. Be sure to ask your manager about your participation in NEW Days. One day at the beginning of each month of the year (excluding January, April, July, August and December) have been dedicated to welcoming and connecting new employees to the University environment and giving them a positive start. NEW Days complements new employee orientation initiatives, which may currently be housed at the departmental level. 
• Required and Recommended Learning [5]: Each U of G employee plays a critical role in creating and maintaining a culture of health and safety, security, and inclusion. View required and recommended learning, noting that you will require your central log-in to access these courses.
• Benefits and Pension Enrollment: The University of Guelph provides a wide range of employee benefit programs to offer support to our employees and to enhance the working environment. To enroll in any benefits for which you may be eligible, log into your employee profile on your first day of work and click the 'Benefits' tab to start the enrolment process. Please note that if you are eligible for pension, this is not always available on the first day of employment. For instructions about how to enroll, please see the self-service training and tutorials available at Employee Self Service - All Employees [6]. For information about group health plan eligibility, please visit the benefits webpage.  The benefit booklet for your specific employee group [7] contains a full eligibility description. For information about the University Pension Plan please visit Joining the plan - My UPP [8].
• University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP): Enrolment in UHIP the is mandatory for any visitor or staff member not covered by a Canadian Provincial Health Insurance Plan and it is the responsibility of the employee to initiate enrolment in UHIP if it is required. Details regarding the plan and premiums can be found here: University Health Insurance Plan [9].
• Campus Parking [10] - If you require a parking permit, please visit the Faculty & Staff Parking Permits page under Campus Parking Services. You may buy a permit using the online parking portal noting that all monthly staff permits are available only through payroll deduction. Your central log-in will be required to access the online parking portal.
• U of G Alert [11]- is the University’s emergency notification system. Go to the Campus Safety Office website [12] and click the U of G Alert button to add contact details to your U of G Alert account.
• SAFEGRYPHON [11] - The Campus Safety Office SafeGryphon app assists in improving safety on campus. The app includes quick calls to emergency services, push notifications notifying you of emergencies, interactive campus maps and the option for a personal alarm or flashlight in case you find yourself feeling unsafe or in an emergency.

Resources

Resources that will help you make a smooth transition into your new role include:

• Campus Map [13] - The Campus map allows you to search for a location on campus by selecting a building or selecting a department name. Interested in the history of our campus? Check out this self-guided walking tour [14].
• Smoke Free Campus [15]: To support the University’s commitment to creating a healthy campus for everyone, the Guelph campus is tobacco- and smoke-free! The Tobacco- and Smoke-Free Campus policy applies to all faculty, staff, students and visitors and applies to the entire campus.
• Central Login Account [16]- As a staff member, you may require a central login account which gives you access to services such as Gryph Mail and software downloads.
• Pay [17] - University employees are paid on a biweekly basis through direct deposit. Hourly paid employees who report regular hours are paid one week in arrears; all others are paid to date.
• Guide to Central IT Services at U of G [18]: Read through the guide provided by Computing & Communications Services (CCS). While many departments/colleges have their own on-site IT support, CCS provides many of the centralized services you will utilize at U of G. You will find information on our campus email system (Gryph Mail), Single Sign-On, WiFi, Phones, Information Security, and more. The CCS IT Help Centre provides free IT support for the U of G community.

Human Resources will help to support your transition, please call us at extension 53374 for further assistance.

Services and Discounts

The University of Guelph proudly offers many resources, benefits, services and programs that promote a healthier University of Guelph, and we encourage you to learn more about and take advantage of those that meet your needs.

• Learning and Organizational Development [19]: HR Learning & Organizational Development supports learning at U of G by providing relevant, experiential, and research-based programs throughout the year. We also connect you to learning opportunities across campus and with various reputable content providers.
• Wellness@Work [20]: The University of Guelph is committed to supporting the well-being of the whole person for all University of Guelph staff and faculty through a comprehensive, integrated, evidence-informed workplace health promotion strategy. Wellness@Work provides monthly programming and initiatives for employees to participate in.
• GREAT at U of G [21]: GREAT at U of G supports gratitude, recognition and appreciation for all faculty and staff at the University. Our objectives are to educate our community on why and how to practice gratitude, recognition and appreciation, to facilitate those practices through the provision of easy-to-use tools, ideas and platforms, and to connect our U of G community to each other to share great ideas and inspiration.
• Department of Athletics [22] - Staff and faculty can purchase Athletic memberships and participate in fitness programs at the Athletic facility at a subsidized rate.
• Hospitality Services Express Plus Account [23] - Hospitality Services manages numerous dining facilities and retail shops on campus. Faculty and Staff can save 10% on purchases through the Express Plus Account.
• Arboretum [24] - There are a series of trails accessible for pleasant lunchtime strolls or study of the fabulous diversity in plants.
• Campus Safety Office [25] - The Campus Safety Office is committed to enhancing the safety of students, staff, faculty and visitors to the University of Guelph.
• Child Care and Learning Centre [26] - The Child Care and Learning Centre has been providing care and education for young children since 1990.
• Computing and Communications Services (CCS) [27] - Computing and Communications Services (CCS) provides a wide range of IT and communications services and support to the University of Guelph community including on campus network and internet connectivity, email, phones, and software downloads.
• Human Resources (HR) [28] - Human Resources supports the University’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research and community service through the provision of quality HR programs and resources.
• Office of Diversity & Human Rights [29] - The role of the Office of Diversity & Human Rights is to help maintain an environment within which all persons, regardless of their personal characteristics, feel that they are treated with dignity and respect.
• McLaughlin Library [30] - On a busy day more than 12,000 people use the McLaughlin Library, and more than 1 million visit annually.  University of Guelph staff have borrowing privileges at the Library.  Your University of Guelph ID card is your library card.
• Occupational Health and Wellness (OHW) [31] - OHW integrates health promotion and disease prevention strategies to support a culture of health and well-being within the University community.  Staff can participate in various wellness programs such as the Better ‘U’ lunch program which includes leisure walks, a free learn to run program and lunchtime running group.
• Parking Services [32] - Parking Services manage the multi-facility parking system for the University of Guelph community and its visitors. 
• Total Compensation Team [33] - As part of Human Resources, this team provides payroll, group benefits and pension administration to the University community.
• University of Guelph Bookstore [34] - Books, University of Guelph clothing, stationery, and gifts are available at the Bookstore.