New Employees
Congratulations on your new role!
The first days, weeks, and months of your employment will be filled with excitement, a wealth of information, and many questions. Your work is integral to our mission, and we look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together! This site includes resources to guide you to information to get started, explore your benefits, and where to reach out if you need more assistance.
Onboarding Resources
As a permanent employee at Ģý, you will be invited to an in-person New Employee Orientation designed to help you feel welcomed and prepared for your new role. You can review the Orientation and Onboarding Overview for details on what to expect on your first day.
Before attending orientation, complete all required online forms and documents, which can be found in the Before You Start section on this page. We hope these instructions provide the guidance you need for a smooth and successful start to your new chapter at Ģý.
As a new faculty member, you will not be required to attend a formal in-person orientation with the Office of Human Resources. Instead, your orientation and onboarding will be coordinated by your designated supervisor within Academic Affairs, who is excited to help you get started.
As a temporary employee at Ģý, you will not be required to attend a formal in-person orientation with the Office of Human Resources. To ensure a smooth start, complete your new hire paperwork and schedule a time with the Office of Human Resources to review your documents.
As a student employee at Ģý, you will not be required to attend a formal in-person orientation with the Office of Human Resources. We encourage you to visit the Student Employment page for helpful resources and information to get started successfully.
Before You Start
At Ģý, we are excited to welcome you to our community. The Office of Human Resources coordinates orientation and onboarding to ensure you have a smooth start and feel right at home.
Before starting work and joining us on campus, employees will complete employment verifications and the onboarding steps outlined below. This ensures you are fully prepared to begin your new role with confidence. Once you have completed all the required steps, you will be ready to join the Ģý community and begin your exciting journey with us.
Note: Student employees do not need to complete new hire paperwork or set up OnePort with ITS. Faculty adhere to the Academic Affairs onboarding process.
The Ģý has partnered with HireRight to conduct your Background Verification. All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Upon receipt of the verbal offer, you will receive an email with your official written offer letter and instructions on completing the Hire Packet.
Complete Your Form I-9
Before starting work, all employees must complete the online Form I-9. The instructions and links will be sent in along with your official Offer Letter email. Form I-9 must be completed on or before your first day of work, and documentation reviewed and certified within three business days of your start date. The University also participates in E-Verify, a federal electronic system that confirms eligibility information submitted on the Form I-9.
Finalize Your Employment Verification during your in-person Onboarding Orientation
During your in-person onboarding orientation, the Office of Human Resources will review your original, acceptable documents, to complete your Form I-9 verification. If you have questions, review the list of acceptable documents below or contact the Office of Human Resources.
Do NOT email your completed forms since they contain personally identifiable information (PII).
We recommend that all employees review their tax withholding forms to ensure they align with their current financial situation. Completing your Federal W-4, NC-4, and W-2 consent before your first paycheck helps avoid delays in payroll or tax withholding. If you have questions or need assistance, consider consulting a trained tax advisor or professional to make informed decisions.
Note: Only if your status is Non-Resident Alien (Non-U.S. Citizens), contact the Office of Human Resources to seek guidance on next steps.
Ģý Payroll Services have been outsourced to the UNC System Office. They are responsible for the administration of all Ģý payrolls including tax reporting, web time entry, departmental time reporting, time approving, salary redistributions, salary overpayments, salary underpayments, as well as the many other facets of payroll accounting.
The University requires all employees to participate in direct deposit however there are exceptions. In addition to completing the Direct Deposit Enrollment and Change Form, we will also need either a voided check, a photocopy of a voided check, or a letter from your bank with the routing and account numbers. For more information or questions visit the Payroll website.
Direct Deposit Enrollment: Complete the online
OnePort
The University information portal (OnePort) is a helpful one stop-shop for all employee resources.
Two-Factor Authentication and What is it?
To keep your data safe and protect your identity, ITS is implementing Azure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) into our login process. Azure MFA is mandatory for all Faculty, Staff, and Students.
This includes access to many Ģý systems, including the University information portal –!
Ģý ID Card
On your first day, we will welcome you to Governor’s Hall, where you will receive your Ģý identification card (Rocky Card). We will take your photo and help you get everything set up so you are ready to start your journey at Ģý!
Orientation and Onboarding Overview
Orientation sessions are typically held on the 1st and 15th of each month. One to two weeks prior to your start date, you will receive a Welcome Email with the specific time, date, and logistical details for your onboarding session.
The Employee Orientation is a four-hour class designed for all new EHRA and SHRA permanent employees. During this session, you will learn about Ģý’s mission, values, and resources.
What to Expect During Your Orientation:
- Overview of Ģý’s mission, culture, and values.
- Introduction to campus resources, tools, and support services.
- Information on benefits, leave programs, and work/life programs on campus and remote.
- Opportunities to meet and connect with fellow new employees and leaders.
- Guidance for a smooth transition into your role and department.
- Set up your Ģý OnePort account and obtain your official Ģý ID.
- Presentations from various departments.
Note: This Orientation Schedule is only applicable for permanent employees. For more information on Student Employment and Temporary Employment onboarding resources visit the respective links below. Faculty are encouraged to coordinate with their respective supervisors for their orientation.
Your First 90 Days Experience
Your first 90 days at Ģý are designed to help you feel welcomed, informed, and supported as you settle into your role. During this period, you will continue onboarding activities that deepen your understanding of our campus community, workplace expectations, and available resources. You will also receive essential information about University policies, professional development opportunities, and the tools you will use in your day-to-day work. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident, connected, and prepared to thrive at Ģý.
During your first weeks at Ģý, you will complete several onboarding tasks designed to help you settle in, connect with your team, and access essential tools:
- Verify system access and ensure you can log into all required platforms.
- Set initial development goals in collaboration with your supervisor.
- Complete required compliance training and review University policies.
- Participate in introductory meetings with key partners or collaborators.
During your first month, you will begin settling into your role, refining expectations, and building connections across campus. Typical tasks include:
- Report on your 30-day goals, sharing progress and any needed support.
- Verify your benefits and compensation information to ensure accuracy.
- Get comfortable with team culture, communication styles, and department norms.
- Discuss Flexible Work Schedule options with your supervisor, where applicable.
- Participate in team activities or job shadowing to strengthen relationships and better understand departmental work.
By the 60-day mark, you will have a stronger sense of your role and how it contributes to the University. During this stage, employees typically:
- Complete all required compliance training, if not already done.
- Prepare for your 90-day goal discussion by reflecting on progress and identifying areas for growth.
- Explore professional development opportunities, such as workshops, online learning, or campus training sessions.
- Participate in campus events or programs to stay engaged and build community.
After your first90 days,share your professional development plan with your supervisor and begin discussing your longer-term goals within the department and theUniversity. Take time to visit another campus location to broaden your understanding of theUniversity’s culture, resources, and community. Continue engaging with your supervisor through regular check-ins, where you will receive performance feedback, clarify expectations, and explore growth opportunities. These conversations also serve as a space to discuss work-life balance, ensure knowledge transfer, and reinforce your ongoing success in your role.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR)
The Ģý Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) is available to all prospective and current employees and students. A requirement of the the ASFSR provides you, and our community, with important information regarding campus security and personal safety, including crime and fire statistics for the three (3) previous calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on-campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Ģý, and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from campus.
Benefits and Work/Life Programs
Benefits
As a valued member of the Ģý campus community, employees are eligible for certain benefits. You will have access to resources designed to support your health, well-being, and success at work. For details on what may be available to you, visit our Benefits page.
Work / Life Programs
Your experience at Ģý goes beyond the workplace. As an employee, you are encouraged to take advantage of our Work/Life programs that foster balance, growth, and connection. From wellness and recreation opportunities to campus events and professional development resources, these programs are designed to help you feel supported and engaged both on and off the job.
Leave Programs
Employees at Ģý accrue paid leave. To learn more about the specific types of leave available for your role check the Office of Human Resources Leave Programs.
Retirement Plans
Employees are eligible for state retirement programs as well as supplemental retirement savings plans, such as the UNC System's 403(b) or 457(b). These plans allow you to save for your future in a flexible way that works for your financial goals. If you would like to learn more about contributing to a retirement plan, the Office of Human Resources can help you explore your options.
Getting Around Campus and Asheville
Starting a new role also means discovering a new community. Whether you are learning your way around Ģý’s campus, navigating Asheville’s neighborhoods, or exploring what makes our city unique, we are here to help you get settled. This section includes resources on campus navigation, local bus transit, biking and walking, moving to the area, community culture, and tips for staying safe. Together, these tools will help you feel at home, both on campus and in Asheville.
Visiting Ģý Campus
Planning your trip to Ģý? Use our campus map to get familiar with the area, find parking, and locate key buildings before you arrive.
Ready to experience campus in person? Schedule a visit to explore our beautiful mountain setting, connect with our community, and see what makes Ģý such a special place to learn and work.
Directions from the East on I-40Take I-240 towards Asheville. Take I-240 to Merrimon Ave (US-25). Turn left on W.T. Weaver Blvd and proceed to traffic circle and Ģý entrance. Go up hill and at top of hill, make a right on to University Heights. Take University Heights to first left and proceed to bottom of hill. Continue on University Heights to P-17.
Directions from South or West on I-26 or I-40 Take I-240 towards Asheville as you cross the river, move into left lane. Take US I-26 North proceed one mile to Ģý exit. Turn right at the bottom of the exit ramp and proceed to the first traffic light. Take a left on to Campus Drive. Continue on Campus drive and turn right at the stop sign and proceed down the hill (you will pass two parking garages). Turn right onto University Heights and proceed to P-17.
Parking on Campus
All vehicles parked on the Ģý campus must be registered and display a valid parking permit. Parking is enforced 24/7, 365 days a year in all lots. Parking permits are issued through Ģý Parking Services, and options, rates, and designated parking areas vary by permit type. Review the Parking Services website for full details.
Visitor Day Pass
Visitors must obtain a visitor parking permit through the University’s parking portal before parking on campus. Visitor permits require basic vehicle information (license plate, make, model, color, and year). Ģý students, faculty, and staff may not use visitor permits.
Employee Passes
Once you are hired and have received your computer login credentials, register your vehicle and obtain an employee parking permit through Ģý Parking Services.
For more information contact Parking Services at parking@unca.edu or (828) 251-6691.
Your safety is our top priority. At Ģý, we are committed to providing a secure, supportive, and service-oriented environment for all students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors. Our Public Safety team collaborates with local law enforcement and emergency management agencies to ensure a safe campus community.
Services We Offer:
- 24/7 Campus Police: Our fully authorized state police agency provides around-the-clock law enforcement services.
- Emergency Management: We are prepared to respond to emergencies promptly and effectively.
- Environmental Health and Safety: We maintain a safe and healthy campus environment through proactive measures.
- Community Engagement: We emphasize community-oriented policing to foster trust and cooperation.
For more information or assistance, visit our Public Safety website or contact us at (828) 232-5000.
Contact Information:
- Phone / Dispatch: (828) 232-5000 / From any on-campus phone: 6710
- Email: police@unca.edu
Address / Office
Weizenblatt Hall, CPO 2700
One University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804 Ģý
Getting around campus and the city is simple, sustainable, and affordable. Ģý is a walkable campus with sidewalks and pathways that make it easy to get where you need to go. Asheville is also bike-friendly, with nearby greenways and bike lanes connecting campus to parks, neighborhoods, and downtown.
Ģý also partners with Asheville Rides Transit (ART) to give students, faculty, and staff free rides on all city buses with a valid Ģý Rocky Card. ART buses stop right on campus, making it easy to get downtown, to the grocery store, or across the city without worrying about parking. Riding the bus is not only convenient and cost-effective, but also an environmentally friendly way to explore Asheville and stay connected to the community.
Quick Tips for Transit at Ģý
- Ride Free: Show your Ģý Rocky Card to ride any ART bus at no cost.
- Campus Stop: ART buses stop directly on campus for easy pick-up and drop-off.
- Routes: Popular routes connect campus to downtown Asheville, grocery stores, shopping areas, and neighborhoods.
- Schedules and Maps: Visit Asheville Rides Transit (ART) for updated bus routes and schedules.
- Plan Ahead: Download the Transit app or check the ART website to track buses in real time.
Why Visit When You Can Stay
For Information and Resource on how to move to Asheville visit the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Website below.
Things to Do Around Town
Looking for something fun to do after work or over the weekend? Check out Mountain X Calendar, the go-to local events hub that highlights music, art, community programs, festivals, markets, and more across Asheville and Western North Carolina. The calendar is updated daily and offers filtering by interest, so you can find something that fits your style.
Mountain Xpress also publishes news, arts features, and “Smart Bets” picks to help you discover what’s happening in our region, perfect for staying connected and exploring your new community.
Whether you’re into live music, theater, outdoor markets, or community gatherings, these resources make it easy to plug into Asheville’s vibrant culture.