Staff, Faculty, and Post-Doctoral Fellows
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 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.
SMU welcomes many students, employees, and visitors to campus every day and seeks to maintain an inviting, safe, and secure environment for those working on campus or engaged in SMU-sponsored activities. To this end, new employee required training includes two online tutorials: Stop Harassment and Discrimination and Eliminate Campus Sexual Violence. These tutorials help all our new employees understand their roles in maintaining a respectful and productive workplace. Additionally, SMU has adopted a Protection of Minors Policy to promote the well-being and safety of minors who participate in programs or activities run by or associated with SMU. Per the policy, all employees are required to complete the training on SMU Blackboard.
For more information refer to the specific employee roles in the tabs above.
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 and beyond.
The following on-line courses are required for all new employees (Staff, Faculty and Post-Doctoral Fellows).
- Harassment and Discrimination PreventionTutorial
- SMU Program for the Protection of Minors Tutorial
- Data Security and Privacy
In addition, based on your job responsibilities, you may be assigned other training by HR, Police Dept, or Risk Management.
FAQ for LawRoom, SMU's training vendor
New Staff Resources
For those employees who are required to report their time:
Faculty
New faculty will receive information from the Provost's office and their department administration. After accepting your new faculty contract, HR will send instructions for completing new hire paperwork prior to arriving on campus and registration instructions for New Employee Orientation (HR/Benefits Orientation) to attend upon arriving to campus. New faculty can contact HR directly to initiate the onboarding process at NewFaculty@smu.edu.
In addition, new faculty are expected to attend the Teaching Effectiveness Symposium offered in August prior to the start of the semester. Your department will provide information regarding the date and time.
The following on-line tutorials are required for all new employees (Staff, Faculty and Post-Doctoral Fellows). You will be notified by the LawRoom, SMU's training vendor, when the training is available. New Faculty are asked to complete the elements of their within their first 90 days of employment.
- Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Tutorial
- SMU Program for the Protection of Minors Tutorial
- Data Security and Privacy
In addition, based on your job responsibilities, you may be assigned additional training by HR, Police Dept, or Risk Management.
FAQ for LawRoom, SMU's training vendor
New Faculty Resources
Human Resources
Provost Office
- Teaching Effectiveness Symposium *
- New Faculty Teaching Excellence Program
- New Faculty Orientation *
*New faculty are expected to attend both these programs prior to the start of the year. The Center for Teaching Excellence will provide additional information directly.
Post-Doctoral Fellows
Post-doctoral fellows complete the online tutorials, the Blackboard course, and any additional orientation required by their school.
The following on-line courses are required for all new employees (Staff, Faculty and Post-Doctoral Fellows). You will be notified by LawRoom, SMU's training vendor, via email when the training is available.
- Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Tutorial
- SMU Program for the Protection of Minors Tutorial
- Data Security and Privacy
In additional, based on your job responsibilities, you may be assigned additional training by HR, Police Dept, or Risk Management.
FAQ for LawRoom, SMU's training vendor
New Post-Doctorate Fellow Resources
New Manager Orientation
New employees who are entering the University in a managerial position, or who are promoted to a managerial role, 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 or promotion with more information and enrollment instructions.
New Manager Resources
For managers of exempt and/or non-exempt employees: