Retaining high-quality employees is one of the university’s strategic priorities. A large part of retention is helping new employees feel connected to and invested in the organization, and one way to accomplish this is through comprehensive orientation or “onboarding” programs. With that in mind, two new orientation events have been added to acquaint the university’s newest employees with our history, culture and values: New Employee Cohort Lunches and Holy Cross Mission & Values Lunches. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These events are part of the university’s New Employee Orientation process, and invited employees are expected to attend. Please make whatever scheduling arrangements are necessary.   If there are unavoidable conflicts, please contact HR to make arrangements for your employee to attend a later session.   

 

In addition to these new events, an old tradition – Catholic Culture (Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Being Catholic…But Were Afraid to Ask) – is being revived. The Catholic Culture sessions are informal discussions about Catholic traditions and practices led by Fr. Rick Wilkinson and will be offered once or twice a year. All employees will be invited, but please especially encourage your new employees to attend, so they can become more familiar with our Catholic identity.

 

As St. Edward’s University approaches its 125th anniversary in 2010, it is more important than ever that new employees understand what makes this such a special place to work. So, when your new employees are invited to any of these events, it will be up to you to help them see the value of learning more about their new community.  

 

Finally, remember that new employee orientation isn’t a one-time event; it is a process that occurs over time, through structured activities like these, but more importantly, through positive day-to-day interactions with their supervisors and co-workers. As a new employee’s supervisor, it really is up to you to help him/her come – and remain – onboard.