Employee Orientation: First 30 Days

Orientation is a new employee’s first step to starting a new role in our Buckeye community. It is designed to help new and transferring staff members feel informed, connected and prepared to succeed in their roles.

Through orientation, they will gain an understanding of Ohio State’s history, organizational structure, culture and the many opportunities available to them. They will begin learning about their specific role, the college or unit they will be working in and the team they’ll be joining – laying the groundwork for strong relationships and a successful transition.

To meet the unique needs of our workforce, Ohio State offers tailored orientation experiences:

• Campus Orientation for staff working in academic and administrative units – see Campus Orientation below
• Medical Center Orientation for employees joining the Wexner Medical Center – see Wexner Medical Center below
• New Faculty Orientation hosted by the Office of Academic Affairs – learn more by visiting the Office of Faculty Affairs

An employee’s journey in their new role starts with the tools, resources and support they need to thrive from day one and you play a critical role in that experience. Whether the employee is new to Ohio State or transitioning into a new role within the university, your guidance and engagement are key to helping them feel welcomed, supported and positioned to make a meaningful impact. Ohio State is committed to partnering with you to foster their success every step of the way.

Campus Orientation

At Ohio State, campus staff begin their journey with a self-paced, on-demand orientation experience designed to provide a smooth, flexible start. This approach ensures consistent content delivery, accommodates varying schedules and minimizes first-day technology barriers.

Buckeye Employee Orientation: Your First 30 Days is an online curriculum in BuckeyeLearn. This engaging, self-guided experience will introduce employees to the university’s mission, values and essential resources. The curriculum includes two components:

1. New Buckeye Orientation: Becoming an Ohio State Employee – a self-paced, three-module course. The recommended module timeline is:
   • Module 1: Embarking On Your Orientation Experience – complete by your second day of employment.
   • Module 2: Navigating Your Orientation Experience – complete by the end of your second week of employment.
   • Module 3: Continuing Your Onboarding Journey – complete by the end of your third week or employment.
2. Employee Orientation Guide – a downloadable document to help employee navigate their first 30 days.

Ohio State also provides an Employee Onboarding Companion Guide for hiring managers in BuckeyeLearn. This downloadable document mirrors the Employee Orientation Guide and provides guidance to help you support and engage with employees during their orientation period.

If the employee’s new role includes leading and the management of non-student employees, additional resources for them and you can be found on the People Leader page.

As a leader, you play a vital role in shaping a new employee’s onboarding experience. You are their primary point of contact for support, guidance and clarity around their role, responsibilities and performance expectations. In addition to connecting them with university-wide orientation resources, you help personalize their experience by sharing training, tools and information specific to your college or unit. You also play a key part in helping them navigate your team’s culture and feel comfortable asking questions as they settle into their new role. Your active involvement from the start helps build trust, confidence and connection.

Wexner Medical Center Orientation

All new hires at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center attend the virtual New Team Member Orientation on their first day.

The session, presented via Microsoft Teams, introduces new team members to the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center legacy – anchored by collaboration, a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

The week prior to their start date, new team members will receive a welcome email containing the orientation date and time and link to join.

You will receive a copy of this email. Please confirm with the new team member how they will join the orientation (from the office, from their home, in a group with others, etc.) and how they will spend the rest of their first day.

For additional onboarding resources and guidance specific to the Wexner Medical Center, visit go.osu.edu/wmconboarding.