UW & Benefits Orientation
Welcome Day - a required orientation for all new faculty and staff
Welcome Day helps prepare you for success at the University of Washington by providing key information about the University and its structure; the responsibilities, resources and amenities associated with employment at the UW; and the importance of contributing to inclusive work and learning environments.
In addition, Welcome Day introduces the UW Employee Benefits package, including retirement plan options, and gives you the opportunity to receive guidance and ask questions about your benefits selections. Since most enrollment deadlines fall within 31 days of an employee’s eligibility date, you should attend Welcome Day during your first few weeks of employment.
Individuals whose position is in a bargaining unit represented by UAW 4121, WFSE and SEIU 925 have the opportunity to talk with representatives.
Starting in January 2020, Welcome Day is expanding to a full-day experience. Over the lunch hour, employees may attend a resource fair and talk with representatives about key perks, programs and services, including a tuition exemption expert from Professional & Organizational Development.
Learn more about the Welcome Day agenda.
NOTE: Welcome Day is open to all faculty and staff. Academic Personnel, the medical centers, UW Medicine, UW Bothell and UW Tacoma host their own orientations; employees from those areas may attend Welcome Day in its entirety or simply attend the benefits portion starting at 1:30 p.m. (registration is still required).
Schedule:
- Welcome Day occurs every Monday with the exception of holidays, in which case it’s held on Tuesday of that same week.
- 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Online Benefits Orientation:
If you are not in Seattle, you may complete an online benefits orientation, or view the modules before you arrive for your new job. However, once you arrive in Seattle, you are still required to register for and attend the Welcome Day orientation listed above, which has much the same information.