Illinois Orientation
Mark your calendar for orientation sessions to complete your onboarding checklist. Register for dates and session times using the links for each orientation.
As part of the onboarding process, all new employees will be invited to attend multiple orientation sessions designed to support their transition into the university community. Â
These include the Illinois Orientation for New Employees, which introduces campus culture and resources; University of Illinois System sessions, which cover essential topics like benefits and retirement; and local or unit-specific orientations tailored to your role or department. Â
We encourage you to attend any sessions that will help you feel informed, connected, and confident as you get acclimated to campus. Below is an outline of the available orientations.Â
Illinois Orientation for New EmployeesÂ
Program Overview
This orientation introduces new employees to the university’s mission, values, and the Illinois Value Proposition – why working here matters and how each role contributes to a greater purpose. Through interactive activities and resource sharing, participants will learn how to navigate the organization and access essential tools and systems. The session also highlights everyday extras that enrich campus life, from cultural perks to wellness resources. Practical guidance on where to find important information and what to know as a new employee ensures everyone leaves informed, connected, and inspired.Â
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Illinois System Orientations Webinar
Program Overview
The Benefits Overview Orientation is designed to provide comprehensive information and benefit material to assist new benefit-eligible employees with making the required health, dental, life, and dependent enrollment decisions within their first 30 days of employment. These sessions are scheduled for 3 hours and begin promptly at the start time listed. As a reminder, new state benefit eligible employees have 30 calendar days, from the benefit eligibility date, to make state benefit plan elections.Â
My Benefits Registration
- Approximately three (3) business days after completing the My Profile Form in UI New Hire, employees can go to MyBenefits to self-authenticate, register, review their options, and make plan elections. Please refer to the printable PDF for assistance in registering and logging into MyBenefits as a first time user: My Benefits Registration Guide
New Hire Benefits Overview Webinar
Welcome to your new role! You have 30 calendar days from your hire or benefit eligibility date to choose your health, dental, life, and dependent coverage. If you’re full-time, you can elect to opt out, and if you’re part-time, you can choose to waive coverage. Join the insurance and SURS webinars online:Â
Benefit Coverage for Postdoctoral Fellows
Postdoctoral fellows, who are not eligible for health insurance benefits through the State of Illinois, will be able to request a standard level of reimbursement for premiums that will be consistent across all departments on the Urbana campus. The fellow must make their own purchase arrangements for insurance coverage from a carrier they find acceptable. The fellow will be reimbursed by their department using the reimbursement guidelines
Role-Specific Orientations
Employees should anticipate an orientation from their college/unit that goes beyond administrative tasks. It should offer clear role expectations, insights into the department’s culture, and connections with colleagues and mentors. There may be orientation sessions designed specifically for your role on campus. Explore the options below to see if any are tailored for you.Â
Orientation for New Executive Leaders
The Orientation for New Executive Leaders (ONEL) is a leadership development program series for all newly appointed senior-level leaders from across our campus that is jointly hosted by the Office of the Provost and the Office of the Chancellor. ONEL focuses on what it means to lead at Illinois. Participants are introduced to campus policies, processes, and initiatives.
Click here to learn more about the ONEL program.
Illinois New Faculty Orientation
Hosted by the Office of the Provost, Illinois New Faculty Orientation (INFO) provides resources to inform you and connections to inspire you as you begin your career journey at Illinois.
Click here to learn more about the INFO program.
Graduate Assistantship Orientation
Join us for an orientation to learn more about your role, the campus, and more.
- Tuesday, September 2, 2025 – 3:00pm – 4:30pm | Join on ZoomÂ
- Thursday, September 4, 2025 – 9:00am – 10:30am | Join on ZoomÂ
Additional Orientations
Business and Finance Employee Orientation
This orientation will give you a basic understanding of the information and resources available to help you get started in your new role as an employee with business and finance responsibilities at the University of Illinois System. It will give you a sense of the complexity of the operations in the system, the various roles and responsibilities of business and finance employees, and the support offered by the Office of the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Comptroller (CFO).