The new hire process ensures that each employee begins their employment at Ithaca College with the necessary documentation completed, orientation scheduled, and a clear understanding of their employment terms.
3.5.1 The Offer Letter and Appointment Form
The department chair , hiring supervisor , and/or Human Resources representative is responsible for extending the employment offer and confirming the details in writing.
The offer letter must include:
- Start date
- Salary
- Probationary period (if applicable)
- Duration of appointment (if temporary)
- Benefits eligibility
- Orientation and onboarding sessions dates and times
- Position title and department
- New hire orientation details
- Work hours per week and weeks per year
- FLSA status (exempt/non-exempt)
- Supervisor name and title
- Background check details
If the position includes special terms or conditions (e.g., remote work arrangements, funding stipulations, temporary classifications), these must be discussed with and approved by Human Resources in advance and clearly stated in the offer letter.
Documentation requirements:
- One signed copy of the offer letter must be retained in the employee’s official personnel file.
One signed copy is provided to the employee for their records.
3.5.2 New Hire Session with Human Resources
All new employees must attend a New Hire Orientation session , which is held every Monday at 9:00 a.m. in the Office of Human Resources and subsequent New Hire Onboarding sessions held Mondays at 2:00 p.m.
During the New Hire Orientation session, employees:
- Complete required onboarding documentation:
- Form I-9 (employment eligibility verification),
- This requirement supports compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and the Immigration Act of 1990.
- Form I-9 (employment eligibility verification),
- A list of acceptable documents for identity and employment eligibility verification is available on the Human Resources website or by contacting the HR office directly.
- Verify receipt of signed Wage Theft Protection Agreement
- Verify receipt of signed offer letter
- Learn about College policies, procedures, and available resources
During the New Hire Onboarding sessions
- Learn about additional Ithaca College resources and policies
Issuance of New Hire Journeys
- On or before their first day of employment, new hires are assigned electronic onboarding tasks. These tasks include reviewing the policy manual, enrolling in benefits (if eligible), setting up payroll information , and completing required trainings on workplace safety and Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Prevention. Prior to a new hire's first day, Human Resources also sends information via email that includes the Employee ID and username and information on accessing various Ithaca College system accounts.
Last Updated: May 2025