Crimson Welcome is IUP’s comprehensive new employee onboarding and integration framework. It begins before employment through NEOED onboarding, continues with supervisor-led first-day and first-week activities, and progresses through three orientation phases.

Phase 1 addresses benefits and bargaining unit-specific information. Phase 2 introduces practical employee resources, campus services, and union engagement. Phase 3 connects employees with their role, the institution, and the broader IUP community.

Together, these components provide a coordinated experience that supports employees from pre-hire through successful integration during their first year of employment.

Employee Journey

  • Pre-hire
    NEOED onboarding and required pre-employment activities

  • First Day and Week
    Supervisor communication, department welcome, and checklist

  • Phase 1
    Benefits and bargaining unit-specific information

  • Phase 2
    Employee resources, campus services, and union engagement

  • Phase 3
    Institutional integration during the employee’s first year

Framework Components

Pre-Hire | NEOED Onboarding

Before the start date, new employees complete required employment documentation, acknowledgments, and other assigned onboarding activities through NEOED.

 

First Day and First Week | Supervisor-Led

Supervisors provide first-day information and use the first-week checklist to introduce the position, department, expectations, colleagues, work environment, and immediate resources.

Phase 1: Benefits and Bargaining Unit

Provides benefits information and content specific to the employee’s bargaining unit, including applicable enrollment requirements, timelines, and employment-related information. Phase 1 for AFSCME employees has been in place since fall 2025.

Phase 2: Employee Resources and Union Engagement

Introduces employees to PASSHE, the Commonwealth, IUP, campus support offices, parking, I-Card, dining, institutional services, key contacts, and relevant bargaining unit information. Phase 2 for AFSCME employees has been in place since spring 2026.

AFSCME Leadership Notification

Human Resources provides AFSCME leadership with a BI report identifying new AFSCME hires so union representatives know whom to contact. AFSCME leadership also participates in a designated union-focused portion of Phase 2.

Phase 3: Employee Integration

Brings together areas from across the institution to help employees understand their work, IUP, and the broader community. Employees are invited during their first year. The inaugural session was held in August 2026, with the next sessions already scheduled.

  • November 2, 3, 4, 5, 2026
  • February 1, 2, 3, 4, 2027
  • April 26, 27, 28, 29, 2027

Location: 201 Stabley Library

Time: 8:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Phase 3 Focus Areas

Day 1: Know Your Employment

Understanding how individual responsibilities, expectations, and contributions connect to the university’s work.

Day 2: Know Your University

Building awareness of IUP’s mission, structure, priorities, operations, and the offices that support its work.

Day 3: Know Your Community and Role

Building connections across campus while strengthening understanding of how your role contributes to the IUP community and mission.

Overall Goal

Provide a structured, welcoming experience that supports readiness, connection, engagement, and long-term success at IUP.