New Employee Essentials

Your first day at CCRI is designed to set you up for success by helping you feel welcomed, informed, and connected.

Attend New Employee Essentials
Begin your day by participating in New Employee Essentials, where you’ll be introduced to the core elements that shape CCRI as an institution. This orientation covers our Mission and Vision, Strategic Plan, and Guiding Principles, and provides an overview of how the college operates. You’ll also learn how your role contributes to student success and institutional effectiveness.

Beyond policies and procedures, this experience focuses on how we work together as a community; exploring shared governance, fostering respectful and supportive workplaces, understanding communication styles, and connecting your work to CCRI’s broader strategic priorities.

Set Up Your Technology Access
Connect with the IT department to ensure your accounts, systems access, and equipment are properly set up so you can begin your work smoothly.

Obtain Your ID Badge
Be sure to get your CCRI ID badge, which provides access to campus facilities and serves as your official identification.

Meet with Your Manager
Spend time with your manager to review your role, responsibilities, and expectations. This is also a great opportunity to learn about department norms, priorities, and how your work contributes to team and institutional goals.

Connect with Your Team
Take time to meet your colleagues and begin building relationships. Your team will be an important resource as you get started.

Explore Your Campus
Tour your home campus to familiarize yourself with key locations, services, and resources that will support your day-to-day experience.

Your first day is just the beginning; take it all in, ask questions, and know that support is available every step of the way.

Your first week at CCRI is an opportunity to deepen your understanding, get fully set up, and begin integrating into the college community.

Connect with Human Resources
Schedule time with Human Resources to gain a comprehensive understanding of your benefit options, including health coverage, retirement options, and other available resources that support your well-being and work-life balance.

Engage with Your Collective Bargaining Unit (if applicable)
If your role is part of a collective bargaining unit, connect with your union representative. They can provide valuable information about your contract, rights, and available support.

Review Policies and Procedures
Take time to familiarize yourself with key college policies and procedures. Understanding these guidelines will help you navigate your role effectively and contribute to a safe, respectful, and compliant workplace.

Access Professional Development Resources
Sign into CCRI’s professional development platforms, including LinkedIn Learning and Academic Impressions. These tools offer valuable learning opportunities to support your growth and success.

Set Up Your Workspace
Organize and personalize your workspace, to ensure you have the tools, materials, and environment needed to work efficiently and comfortably.

Week one is about gaining clarity, building confidence, and establishing the routines that will support your ongoing success at CCRI.

By your third month at CCRI, your focus should be on gaining confidence in your role, strengthening relationships, and becoming more engaged in the college community.

Complete Your Probationary Review
At this stage, you will participate in your first routine review as a probationary employee. This is an opportunity to reflect on your progress, receive feedback, and discuss next steps with your manager.

Set SMART Goals
Work with your manager to establish clear SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) that align with your role and CCRI’s strategic priorities. These goals will help guide your continued growth and performance.

Explore Professional Development Opportunities
Begin identifying professional development opportunities that support your career goals. This may include trainings, workshops, or learning experiences available through CCRI and beyond.

Stay Informed on Policies and Practices
Continue reviewing relevant policies and procedures, and don’t hesitate to seek clarification when needed. Staying informed ensures you are working effectively and in alignment with institutional expectations.

Engage with the CCRI Community
Take advantage of opportunities to connect beyond your immediate role. Consider attending campus events such as athletic games, theater productions, heritage month celebrations, and other community activities. These experiences help you feel more connected and engaged with the broader CCRI community.

Month three is about growth, connection, and engagement. Build your confidence while becoming an active and involved member of the CCRI community.

At the six-month mark, you're building on the growth and engagement established in your earlier months. This is a time to deepen your involvement, broaden your perspective, and begin contributing more fully to the CCRI community.

Continue Your Growth and Development
Reflect on the progress you’ve made since your first months and continue working toward your SMART goals. Stay engaged with professional development opportunities and seek out experiences that enhance your skills and effectiveness.

Get Involved in a Committee
Consider joining a college committee. Participating in shared governance is a valuable way to contribute your voice, collaborate with colleagues across the institution, and gain a broader understanding of how CCRI operates.

Attend Key College Events
Make an effort to attend major institutional events such as Opening Day, Professional Development Day, Commencement, and the Knight of Opportunities fundraising event. These gatherings strengthen your connection to the college and highlight the impact of our shared work.

Connect with Leadership
Take advantage of opportunities to sign up for “Lunch with the President,” offered twice each fall and spring semester. These informal sessions provide a unique chance to engage in conversation, share perspectives, and learn more about the college’s direction and priorities.

Month six is about expanding your impact, moving beyond your immediate role to actively engage with the broader CCRI community and contribute to its continued success.

Reaching your one-year milestone at CCRI is an important achievement. Over the past year, you’ve built a strong foundation, developed meaningful relationships, and contributed to the college’s mission. This stage is about reflecting on your journey, strengthening your impact, and preparing for continued growth.

Reflect on Your First Year and Monitor Performance
Continue working closely with your manager to assess your progress, celebrate accomplishments, and identify areas for growth. Regular performance conversations help ensure alignment with departmental and institutional goals while supporting your ongoing success.

Deepen Your Professional Development
Engage in professional development opportunities that build on what you’ve already learned. As you grow, consider sharing your knowledge with colleagues, whether through informal conversations, team discussions, or presentations to contribute to a culture of continuous learning.

Strengthen Your Contributions
By now, you have a deeper understanding of CCRI’s operations, culture, and strategic priorities. Look for ways to contribute more broadly through committees, initiatives, or cross-departmental collaboration while continuing to excel in your role.

Provide Feedback to Human Resources
Your perspective is invaluable. Take time to share feedback with HR about your first-year experience, including what supported your success and where improvements can be made. Your insights help enhance the onboarding experience for future employees.

Look Ahead to the Future
Work with your manager to revisit and refine your goals, explore new opportunities for growth, and consider your longer-term career path at CCRI. Your first year is just the beginning of your journey.

Year one is a time to reflect, recognize your progress, and look forward. Continue to grow, contribute, and thrive as a valued member of the CCRI community!