Guidelines for the Onboarding Partner

Onboarding Partner Suggestions and Tips

As an onboarding partner for a new employee, you play an integral role in helping them successfully acclimate to Ohio State. Your support contributes to a sense of connection, confidence and early success for the new employee. The below guidance will help you build this relationship.

Before the Employee’s First Day

• Meet with the employee’s direct leader to clarify your role.
• Plan for introductions during the employee’s first week. If appropriate, connect with them in advance of their first day via email or phone (coordinate through the leader).
• Schedule an initial meeting (e.g., coffee, lunch or virtual chat) during the employee’s second week.
• Learn about the employee’s background, role and team. Review their position description and discuss key expectations with the leader.

During the First Week

• Reach out with a welcome message or visit if in person. Confirm your plans to meet during their second week and provide your contact information.

During the Second Week

• Meet for a welcome conversation, either in person or virtually. Share your experiences: how long you’ve been at Ohio State, your current role and your interests.
• Ask how orientation is going and offer to clarify anything they’re curious about. Share your orientation and onboarding experiences and any lessons learned.
• Learn about their professional background and interests.
• Offer a tour of the workspace and introduce them to nearby colleagues. For remote or hybrid employees, provide a virtual walkthrough of tools, communication channels and organizational structure.
• Share helpful tips, favorite lunch spots or local attractions to support their community connection.

During the Following Months

• Establish a regular meeting schedule (e.g., weekly for months 1–2, biweekly months 3–4, monthly months 5–6). Adjust based on mutual needs and availability.
• Check in with the employee between meetings via email, chat or phone.
• Continue making introductions and providing informal connections.
• Invite the employee to relevant business meetings, networking events or social opportunities.
• Serve as a sounding board for questions, challenges and reflections.
• Share helpful employee development resources, opportunities or internal systems/tools.
• Join a three-way check-in with the employee and their direct leader at the midpoint and end of the onboarding partner relationship.

Helpful Tips

• You don’t need to be an expert—your lived experience at Ohio State is your greatest asset.
• Ask open-ended questions: “What do you need right now?” or “How can I support you?”
• Discuss communication preferences early and revisit as needed.
• Recognize that trust and connection take time; be patient, open-minded and nonjudgmental.
• Emphasize connection, especially for individuals who are new to the area, higher education or the workforce.
• Have fun, be yourself and show enthusiasm for their success.