IUP’s newest staff members had an opportunity to learn more about the university, meet colleagues from across campus, and discover resources available to support their success during the inaugural Crimson Welcome Phase 3: Integration for Staff, hosted by the Office of Human Resources, August 4–6.
More than 40 staff members hired within the past year were invited to participate, with approximately 23 employees attending sessions over the course of the three-day program.
Crimson Welcome is IUP’s comprehensive onboarding experience, designed to support employees from their initial orientation through their continued integration into the university. Phase 3 builds on earlier onboarding and employee resource orientation by helping new staff better understand IUP, make connections across campus, learn where to find resources, and see how their individual roles contribute to the larger university community.
Throughout the program, representatives from across the university introduced participants to the people, services, and resources that support IUP’s work. Sessions covered IUP’s strategic plan, academic and student affairs, human resources, public safety and emergency management, technology, finance, facilities, advancement, admissions, marketing and communications, and other university services. Participants also took part in a campus tour and had opportunities to ask questions, share experiences, and provide feedback.
The program was designed not only to provide information but also to help new employees successfully transition into their roles and become more fully integrated into the university. By connecting employees with colleagues and resources beyond their own departments, Crimson Welcome provides a broader understanding of how different areas of IUP work together to support students and advance the university.
As the inaugural group, participants are also helping shape future Crimson Welcome programs. Feedback and discussion during the three days identified opportunities to make future sessions even more useful, including tailoring information to specific employee groups, adjusting the length and timing of sessions, and continuing to make each phase of the onboarding experience intentional.
Human Resources is gathering additional feedback through a participant survey, including input on a possible shortened three-day format organized around “Know Your Employment,” “Know Your University,” and “Know Your Community and Role.” That feedback will help guide and strengthen future sessions.
Crimson Welcome is also part of IUP’s broader work to strengthen employee training and professional development. Developing a comprehensive new employee orientation experience is one component of the university’s 2026–27 Employee Learning and Development strategic priority. Additional work will focus on job skills training, management skills training, and executive development.
Resources and presentations developed for Phase 3 will continue to be shared with participating employees and new hires, extending the value of Crimson Welcome beyond the three-day program.
The inaugural session marks an important step toward creating a more consistent and connected onboarding experience that helps employees understand IUP, build relationships across campus, find the resources they need to be successful, and become an active part of the university community.