Things To Do Your First Week

1. Fill out employment paperwork (often with department secretary). This may include paperwork for benefits (health, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, retirement plan), intellectual property rights as well as the actual job contract. (See Initiating Your Appointment for guidance)
   
   
2. Obtain a university ID card at the HUB (Hetzel Union Bldg - first floor to the right of the open area).
   
   
3. Sign up for a computer account (Computer Bldg).  You should receive your Penn State account id within 2-3 working days.
   
   
4. Obtain the keys for your office/lab Your department office will start the process. Keys can then be picked up from the facilities office in 510 Thomas (call before you go: 863-4502).
   
   
5. Get a parking permit (Facilities Office in 510 Thomas -call before you go: 863-4502).
   
   
6. Get a purchasing card if you are setting up a research lab. See the Purchasing Card section of the New Faculty Web site. (You can use the VISA purchasing card to order small equipment, supplies and reagents over the phone or via the web.  The purchasing card is also very useful for purchasing supplies at local stores).
   
   
7. Get your home life in order.  Don't worry about taking time off to take care of things like utilities (telephone, mail, water, electricity, cable).  It's more efficient to take the time to get these things done quickly than it is to stretch things out.
   
   

If you are a foreign national, you may need to
finalize your visa as well as obtain a Social Security card. 
This should be taken care of immediately.

First Month Checklist

1. Order equipment and supplies for your lab and/or office.
   
2. Order computer(s) and printer(s) for your lab/office.
   
3. If appropriate, order furniture for your lab/office.
   
4. Submit regulatory forms:  biosafety, radioisotope, animal use, animal purchase.
   
5. Attend chemical waste safety training course (required for all lab personnel).
   
6. Introduce yourself to any faculty in your department that you did not meet in previous visits.
   
7. Identify potential mentors, approach them and ask if they will mentor you (individual departments may have individual mentoring systems).
   
8. Get Pennsylvania driver's registration and/or license.
   
9. Start a spreadsheet/database of your presentations (talks, posters).
   
10. Start a spreadsheet/database of your teaching assignments.
    
11. Update your cv.