Staff Orientation

We've designed this orientation course just for you – to help you learn about the University of Waterloo as your employer, supporter, and community.

In this course, you'll gain:

• A good sense of the University's history, mission, and vision for the future
• An understanding of the foundational pillars that distinguish us from our institutional peers
• Answers to many of the questions our new employees often have, which include:
  • HR basics like payroll, benefits, and pension
  • How to access and navigate our campuses and digital spaces
  • University policies, principles, structures and guidelines that shape our daily operations
  • An overview of our campus and cultural “norms" that you may encounter
  • Where to get support along the way
  • Insight into our employee perks and ways to get involved 

This course aims to help you develop a strong sense of place and connection while enhancing your confidence and skills as you navigate your new workplace.

We encourage you to complete this course at your own pace within your first few days or weeks at Waterloo. You can return to the course anytime.

To access the course:

1. Log into LEARN (UWaterloo’s online learning platform) using your WatIAM credentials.
2. From the top menu, select “Self Registration” and scroll down the list to “New Employee Essentials”. Select and register for the course. It will show up on your LEARN home screen along with your mandatory training courses.

At any time, if you have any questions about the course or have feedback for improvement, please reach out to us: [email protected].  

The Waterloo Staff Orientation Team is delighted to partner with the Visitors Centre ambassador team to offer these 90-minute tours. Register on Portal to learn more and reserve your spot.

What you can expect: 

• A guided tour for new UWaterloo staff, led by one of our talented student ambassadors who will share insights, stories, and wayfinding tips about the University campus
• An opportunity to learn about Waterloo's history, students, buildings, eateries, reputation, academics, campus life, and more
• One of our Staff Orientation Team members will join the tour to answer staff-related questions as well as share beneficial tips and insights from a staff perspective
• An opportunity to connect with other new Waterloo staff members
• Staff campus tours are typically offered in spring term and occasionally in early fall term based on demand

Accessibility: 

Should you have accessibility considerations you'd like us to be aware of, please contact Krystal Mittler, OHD Events and Programs Coordinator, at [email protected] at least one week before your scheduled tour.

We will do our best to accommodate or provide you with alternate tour options.