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Welcome to Penn

Orientation and Onboarding

Welcome to the Penn community, and congratulations on your new position. Our faculty and staff make us the great institution that we are, and we want you to feel valued, appreciated and rewarded for the great work that you will do here.

Welcome New Staff

Congratulations on your appointment at the University of Pennsylvania. Our goal is to ensure you are provided the information that you need to know and some information that is nice to know as you begin your career at Penn. 

Within your first few weeks, you will receive a Learning Plan Notification from Workday, Penn’s learning management system, with instructions for taking the HR New Staff Orientation Online program.  By completing all the sections, you’ll learn what makes Penn an exceptional and exciting place to work and how to make a smooth and successful transition into your new role. You will find information about the history of Penn, hear from senior leaders, learn about key centers within the organization, and about all the many benefits and programs available to you. 

If you have not yet received this online training please contact TalentDevelopment@hr.upenn.edu.

Completing Your Introductory Period

For all new regular staff members, the Introductory Period consists of the first four months of employment at the University. Your manager or supervisor should discuss this in detail with you.

Your Penn Identity

The PennCard is the official University of Pennsylvania identification card for students, faculty, staff, and other members of the Penn community. Your PennCard is also used for many activities including building access, recreation and library services, and PennCash purchases. To get your PennCard, bring a valid, government-issued photo ID to the PennCard Center (located on the second floor of the Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut Street) at least one business day after your Hiring Officer or Business Administrator has entered your complete payroll record into the Payroll/Personnel System.

A PennKey and password are also required to access many of the University's electronic services. Visit the PennKey website for information on the major functions associated with setting up and managing your PennKey and password.

Getting Paid

You have the option of receiving your pay in one of two ways: Direct Deposit or the ADP Aline Card system. Whether you’re weekly or monthly paid, you can find pay dates and pay periods here. Check with your manager or supervisor to see how you need to report your time and/or leave each pay period. To print your paystub, find tax information and reimbursements, view your total compensation summary, enroll or update direct deposit and more, visit the U@Penn portal (My Pay).

Identifying and Taking Training

Be sure to edit your Learner Groups in Workday Learning. This tool will help identify what training you’re required to take. You should update the selection every year or if your job changes. Any required training identified by your Workday Learner Groups can be accessed directly in Workday Learning.

Your Workspace

If you need technical help for your computer or telephone, your manager or supervisor will give you the contact information for your Local Support Provider (LSP). Your manager or supervisor may have already set up telephone and voicemail services for you.

The Department of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety offers an ergonomics checklist that provides guidelines to improve your workstation or job and prevent injuries from occurring.

Finding Your Way Around Campus

Navigate Penn’s campus with easy-to-use maps that point you to specific buildings, schools, athletic facilities, libraries, and even artwork on campus. From this site you’ll also find links to Penn Transit Services, SEPTA, Arts@Penn, and places to dine.

Get to Know Penn's Traditions

University Holidays

The University observes eight holidays per year, in addition to a traditional Special Winter Vacation between the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

Suspension of Normal Operations

The University recognizes that there are times, due to emergencies such as severe weather conditions, when classes may be canceled and/or schools and centers may be closed. Your manager or supervisor may have a method in place to contact you about any closings. The University also announces a closing or other modification of work schedules through the following means:

  • University's emergency information number: 215-898-6358 (215-898-MELT)
  • Communications from the Division of Public Safety
  • KYW News Radio (1060 AM), the City of Philadelphia's official storm emergency center
  • UPennAlert Emergency Notification System (for University-related incidents and crises)