Oregon State University

New Employee FAQs

How will I know about orientation programs? What is provided at OSU?

Visit the orientation activities portion of this website for a general overview of what you can expect for new employee orientation. Your new employee packet will contain information about when and where the next one-to-one benefits help session is offered or you can view the scheduled meetings online. The benefits orientation is offered once monthly by the Employee Benefits office and no reservation is necessary.

I am not familiar with the computer programs used at OSU. Is training available?

Yes. Banner training is available through Information Services. You may register at the centralized OSU Professional Development registration website once you have set-up your ONID account. Other computer training is available from the Department of Forestry's Computing Training and Education program. These courses are open to campus for a small fee if they have space available. You must register through their web sites.

I am not sure about emergency exit procedures in case of fire, etc. How do I find out about procedures in my building?

General emergency procedures can be accessed through the Department of Public Safety and Oregon State Police website.

You also received an Acknowledgement of Safety Rules in your new hiring packet. This should be reviewed with your supervisor. You will also want to discuss specific emergency response procedures in your building and unit.

I discovered I am not in the employee database system. What do I need to do?

You should contact your department's personnel or business center contact, who is responsible for submitting and tracking your new hire paperwork. This enables you to be entered into the employee database.

I had to miss my employee benefits orientation. Where do I go for assistance with benefit forms?

Please review the benefits overview website where you will find complete information about your benefit options and may sign up online.

If you need further assistance, you may contact the Employee Benefits office at any time (Phone: 737-3103; Campus Location: 204 Kerr Administration Bldg.) for one-on-one assistance with your benefit signup and forms. You will want to have your paperwork completed immediately after hire so that coverages can be activated in a timely manner.

I would like to know about OSU policies and procedures in general. How do I find out?

For general university policies, please visit these websites.

Beyond that, check with your supervisor or department personal contact as there may be policies and procedures specific to your job function.

Is there one source for news and events at OSU?

An organization of this size does its best to advertise and provide news and events coverage through web submissions. Please visit the Events Calendar for current news and events at OSU. You can also subscribe to receive OSU Today by email from their website.

Is there one website or handbook that has all the info I need as a new employee?

Not completely. There is an extensive amount of information for faculty and staff at the Faculty & Staff home page, and your college or department may have put together some information that is helpful to new employees. This web site is designed to bring together information as a one-stop shop for new employees.

What about pay raises, discipline procedures, promotion, etc.? What are my rights and who are my contacts?

If you are a classified employee, you can see your supervisor or personnel contact to review a copy of the OPEU Bargaining Agreement. You may also find the information on the web. For academic and professional employees, contact Academic Affairs or the Office of Human Resources.

What services are available to me to help get my work done?

There are many units who provide services to staff and faculty and the best way to find out about them is to explore OSU's web site. The Faculty and Staff Campus Services page is loaded with information. Ask questions of your coworkers and colleagues, especially those who have been around for awhile.

What's the best way to get involved in the OSU community?

There are many groups and organizations who would love to have you join them. Their specific websites provide information that informs you how to join and other information. You may also check with coworkers and faculty in your department regarding committees or organizations in which your department or college may be affiliated.

Corvallis community groups are featured on the Corvallis, Oregon Clubs and communities website.

Where can I view all the benefits available to me as an OSU employee?

Please visit the Employee Benefits website which includes most of the information you need regarding your employee benefits. The website includes contact information should you wish to ask further questions about the benefits featured.

Why does OSU need my social security number?

OSU requires that you provide your Social Security number and name as it appears on your Social Security card, to ensure that payroll records match identically with those of the Social Security Administration.  A copy of your card is the preferred means of obtaining this information.  If your card is not available, this information must be provided on the Personal Demographic Form.  OSU reserves the right to require seeing the original, signed Social Security card if a discrepancy arises.

Contact Info

Office of Human Resources,
Oregon State University,
122 Kerr Administration Building,
Corvallis, OR 97331-2132
Phone: 541-737-3103
Fax: 541-737-7771 or 541-737-0553.
E-mail
A division of Finance & Administration.
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