The Total Orientation Process (TOP) for new employees (Staff, Faculty and Post-Doctoral Fellows) is the best way for newcomers to SMU to get to know the University and become familiar with the its' many resources.
The orientation process begins with the new employee online tutorial, which provides an overview of the University's history and culture, along with summaries of the many benefits our staff and faculty enjoy. This tutorial is customized with a specific version available for staff, faculty and post-doctoral fellows.
Two additional online tutorials, Preventing Sexual Harassment and Preventing Workplace Discrimination are also required and help all our new employees understand their roles in maintaining a respectful and productive workplace.
For more specific information refer to the specific employee roles to the right.
New Manager Orientation
New employees who are entering the University in a managerial position will also be required to complete New Manager Orientaiton within their first year. This series of 3 required and 3 elective workshops will futher support managers in their new roles by providing an overview of University resources and processes. You will receive an email approximately two weeks after your first day with more information and enrollment instructions.
Staff
New staff members typically spend their first morning in Human Resources completing new employee and payroll paperwork, learning about benefits enrollment, obtaining an SMU identification card and parking sticker. Additional information regarding the total orientation process is reviewed to support the employee through the 90-day probationary period.
In addition to the online tutorials, new staff members are required to attend a short seminar titled, "SMU & You" which focuses on the mission, ethics, and culture of the University, as well as some of the exciting plans for the future.
Faculty
New faculty will receive information from the Provost's office and their department administration. HR invites new faculty to attend a benefits orientation and Q&A session prior to the start of the fall semester. New Faculty are asked to completed the online tutorials within their first 90 days of employment.
In addition, new faculty are expected to attend the New Faculty Symposium offered in August prior to the start of the semester. Your department will provide information regarding the date and time.
Post-Doctoral Fellows
Post-doctoral fellows complete the online tutorials and any additional orientation required by their school.