Importance of Onboarding
At UCLA, onboarding is more than paperwork—it’s the foundation for long-term success. A strong onboarding experience ensures that new employees feel welcomed, informed, and prepared to contribute meaningfully from day one. This page outlines essential steps and resources for a smooth, compliant onboarding process for staff hires.
Moving & Relocation Resources
At UCLA, we understand that moving and relocation can be a significant part of the recruitment and onboarding process, especially when hiring talent from outside the local area.
Moving & Relocation Policy
UCLA follows the guidelines outlined by the University of California to ensure that relocation expenses are managed consistently and fairly. These policies, procedures and resources help facilitate the relocation of employees while maintaining compliance with university regulations.
Key Resources:
- UCLA Travel Services
- UC Policy G-13: Policy and Regulations Governing Moving and Relocation: This policy provides detailed information on the procedures, allowable expenses, and reimbursement guidelines for moving and relocation at the University of California.
- A listing of University contracted moving companies that will bill the UCLA directly at reasonable rates is available via email by contacting ap@finance.ucla.edu in the Accounts Payable Department. Many extra services are provided with the UCLA contracted companies that normally are not available through self-contracted companies. Visit the Purchasing website at http://www.purchasing.ucla.edu. Click on Moving Household Goods for more information.
- Travel Services forms webpage at: https://travel.ucla.edu/forms.
For more information or assistance with the relocation process, please contact your local HR Department.
I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification
Federal law requires that all new employees complete Form I-9 to verify their identity and authorization to work in the United States. Departments must ensure the following:
- Form I-9 must be completed no later than the first day of work.
- Section 2 of the I-9 must be completed within three business days of the employee’s start date.
- All I-9 documentation must be reviewed in person by an authorized UCLA representative.
- Remote hires should be coordinated with Campus Human Resources to ensure compliance.
For more information or support, visit UCLA's Tracker I-9 Training Resources webpage or contact your department HR representative.
UCLA New Employee Onboarding Checklist
The onboarding process helps ensure each new hire is equipped with the tools, access, and understanding needed for a successful transition. Departments should follow a structured onboarding checklist that includes:
Before the Start Date
- Confirm signed offer letter and background check clearance (if applicable)
- Set up UCPath access and initiate hiring transaction
- Assign UCLA Logon ID and email address
- Order equipment and set up workspace (if onsite)
- Coordinate BruinCard issuance
- Schedule welcome/orientation sessions
- Review the department’s onboarding plan
First Week
- Complete I-9 verification and benefits enrollment
- Provide department and campus welcome materials
- Introduce team and schedule key meetings
- Share UCLA mission, values, and workplace expectations
- Review safety and compliance protocols
- Provide job-specific training resources
First 30–90 Days
- Set performance goals and training milestones
- Schedule regular check-ins with supervisor
- Review progress and provide feedback
- Discuss long-term development opportunities
- Encourage your new hire to explore New Employee Orientation and UCLA Campus Resources.
Need Help?
Your Department Human Resources representative is available to guide you through each step of the onboarding process—from finalizing offers to preparing welcome materials.
For HRPOC clients, you can consult with your Sr. HR Business Partner for onboarding and new employee orientation resources.