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Onboarding

Welcome to Portland State University! No matter where you work in the University, you'll want to be familiar with our Vision, Mission and Values, Academic Profile which includes what distinguishes us and our current strategic initiatives, and the PSU Organization Chart to assist in both navigation and your understanding of where your position is in relation to other University departments. We are an organization that continuously grows and forms many community partnerships to serve our students, area businesses and environment. Your contribution is important to us and we want to assist you in making a quick and successful transition to PSU.

The first few weeks on a new job can be confusing as you adjust to new systems and ways of doing business and try to master the logistics and culture of your new workplace. Your manager and the Office of Human Resources will be working together to help ensure that you complete the necessary employment paperwork to be placed on payroll and receive a paycheck. Your manager will also assist in arranging other services as needed as well as providing you with a copy of your job description.

You are strongly encouraged to join us for the Employee Briefing. You'll not only get acquainted with the benefits plans and our expectations for employees, but also meet some of the other new employees and learn about the rich history of Portland State University. In addition, we have created a New Employee Onboarding page to provide additional guidance for you during your first months at PSU. This includes connecting staff and faculty to PSU news sources, faculty resources you'll want to know about, information technology tips and tools, and much more.

Topics in this section to help you with your transition include:

Getting Started

You must complete certain New Employee Paperwork on or before your first day of work. In order to ensure that you have completed all the necessary items for employment and payroll we recommend that you visit us at the Office of Human Resources. If you are unable to do so please call our staff at 503.725.4926 to discuss how to complete the required documentation. Failure to complete the required paperwork will lead to a delay in your paycheck, benefits enrollment as well as other employment issues. In addition, you will not be established as an employee with access to PSU email and other systems tools. The following table lists the New Hire Paperwork and Documentation requirements:

Please Note: IRS regulation and the Federal Employers Handbook of 1998, requires that every employee’s payroll name must exactly match their Social Security card to prevent misdirected social security funds. To verify this, HR must see your original Social Security card and make a copy for your file.

Getting Started Guide
Required Document What is it? What you need to do
Being Offered the Position
  • Letter of Offer
    		 This letter confirms your employment and start date and initiates your payroll record. Sign and submit promptly after receipt.
    Mandatory Employment Forms
    The first three documents are required to be completed by all employees. Direct deposit is optional but highy recommended. Your Social Security Card OR Alien Registration Receipt Card is required for PSU-specific documentation and must be brought to HR with your completed documents.

    Complete documents and bring to HR along with the required identification documents as outlined in the I-9 form AND your Social Security Card OR Alien Registration Receipt Card.

    You must turn in your paperwork within three days of starting work.
    Additional Requirements for Foreign Nationals

    If you need sponsorship from PSU (such as J-1, H-1B, or TN status), you and your hiring department will need to work closely with the Office of International Affairs as early as 3-6 months before your start date to make this possible.

    On your first day of work at PSU, you will need to be able to demonstrate that you are eligible to work in the U.S.

    		 Complete the required forms and bring to HR with your other required documents.
    Benefits Enrollment
    PEBB benefits begin the first of the month following BOTH your hire date into a benefits eligible position AND your completion of online enrollment through the PEBB Benefits online enrollment system OR your completion and submission of enrollment forms to HR. HR will provide you with your retirement enrollment information. If you work 600 hours or more in a calendar year, you are eligible to participate in a PSU pension plan. Enroll in PEBB benefits online before the end of the month OR complete, sign and submit paper forms to HR before the last working day of the month. You must enroll within 60 days of your hire date or you will not be covered. Midyear changes can be made for qualified life events and must be completed within 60 days of the life event.
    PSUFA-AFT Benefits
    • Apply for available grant in three different funds offering benefits to eligible members of AFT
    • You can enroll immediately in a voluntary retirement plan
    • Visit the Retirement Benefits page for information on our Pension Plans.
    		The AFT Collective Bargaining Agreement with PSU offers Faculty and Researchers working less than .50 FTE an opportunity to apply for the following benefit funds:
    • Faculty Education
    • Professional Development
    • Health Insurance
    		 Review the programs and Eligibility to Apply criteria for the three programs. Then complete the applicable form(s) as outlined and submit to the address shown.