Resources for Temporary Employees Your First Days and Weeks

Your first days and weeks will be filled with meeting new people in your department and division, learning about Westmont, and training. You can expect to learn new systems and software, new procedures, and you will learn more about individuals and departments important to your role. In the midst of all this learning, we have a few guiding ideas to help. 

  • Ask your manager to identify your initial assignments, the purpose of your work in general and how it fits into the department’s goals. This is also a great to clarify what your manager’s expectations are for your role.
  • Meet all of your new co-workers and the other people in departments you'll be interacting with on a regular basis. 
  • Set up your work space with supplies or equipment you'll need.
  • Review the departmental organization chart to familiarize yourself with the work structure in which you'll be working.
  • Ask your manager what different software and programs you will be using, and how to gain access. 
     
  • WebAdvisor is an internal system which provides Employees with information including leave plan and paycheck summaries. You will use your Westmont username and password to login. Take some time to explore this system!
     

You are encouraged to ask questions to clarify aspects of your job that will help you understand the direction, roles and responsibilities, relationships, and scope of authority for your new position. Getting key information early will also help you feel more comfortable and more easily able to make meaningful contributions right away. You may ask your manager or a team member some of these questions:

  • Are there regular meetings I am expected to attend?
  • If I am the first to arrive at our work location, how will I gain entrance?
  • What projects will I initially be working on? Will I be able to get a list from you as to who I should contact to be brought up to speed? What are the deadlines?
  • What is our department's fax number? What is the policy about personal phone calls and cell phones?
  • Where should I pick up my timecard? When are they due, and when will I be paid?
     

Your time at Westmont is sure to be filled with opportunity to learn and grow, and there will certainly be countless more questions you will think of. Do not hesitate at any point to reach out to Human Resources with questions you may have. Our goal is to ensure that you have all of the resources you may need to succeed and thrive during your time at Westmont College!