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Welcome to American University! Information for New Full-Time Staff

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This page summarizes the things that you'll need to do and know to transition into your new role. If you have any questions, please contact us at HR Payroll Help, or call 202-885-3836.

Sign Your Offer Letter

It is important that you acknowledge your offer by signing and submitting your offer letter before you begin.

New Hire Packet

You will receive an email from "AUHumanResources@american.edu" that contains important new hire documents, resources, and policies to review. Please follow the instructions and complete before your first day at AU.

Forms to complete in your new hire packet

  • Personal Information

  • Foreign National Status

  • Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification

  • Form W-4, Employee’s Federal Withholding Allowance Certificate

  • State Tax Withholding Form

  • DC Pregnancy Accommodation Notice

  • Equal Employment Opportunity Self-Identify Form

  • Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability Form

Resources in your new hire packet

Your offer letter will advise you when you are scheduled to attend new-hire orientation. Orientation is held virtually on Zoom, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m, unless your letter states otherwise.

You will receive an overview of the university, a technology overview, and a video summarizing your benefits package and how to enroll. 

If you are unable to attend orientation on your scheduled date, please email HR Payroll Help, or call 202-885-3836.

There are a few more things that you will need to do once you have started in your role and have access to AU’s portal.

Verify Part 2 of Your Federal I-9 Form (Employment Eligibility) within 3 days of your start date

  • This is a federal requirement that shows your proof of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the U.S.
  • Your offer of employment is contingent upon you providing proof of employment eligibility in the United States and must be completed no later than three (3) days of your first day of work.
  • Where to verify Part 2 of your Federal Form I-9
    • The Office of Human Resources
      Walk-in, Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    • Offered on-site by some departments
      Check with your HR Representative for availability
  • You will need to show proof of your employment eligibility when you verify Part 2 of your I-9. Acceptable, original, unexpired documents that you can use to complete the Form I-9 can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-9 Acceptable Documents site.

Complete new hire forms

WAMU Studio Tour

Wednesday, January 18, 3:00pm-4:00pm

4401 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Register for the WAMU Studio Tour

New staff are invited to an exclusive tour of WAMU, American University’s radio and the leading public radio station for NPR news and information in greater Washington D.C. The radio station studio tour includes recording areas, research and journalism work areas, and event spaces. Staff will learn about the organization, how it supports AU’s mission, and engage with staff on another campus. Sponsored by WAMU and Human Resources.

AU Fitness Centers Tour

Monday, January 30, 12:00 – 1:00pm

Meet at Jacobs Fitness Center

Register for the AU Fitness Centers Tour

AhealthyU and RecFit will lead a group tour of Jacobs, Congressional, and Cassell fitness centers. Staff and faculty will learn more about RecFit gym memberships, the group fitness schedule, and the fitness equipment available at AU’s gyms. Staff are encouraged to bring their questions. Sponsored by AhealthyU and RecFit.

Nutritious Workday  Lunches (Chicken)

Thursday, February 2, 12:00pm-1:00pm

Virtual through Zoom

Register for the Nutritious Workday Lunches (Chicken) session

Whether in the office or working from home, it can be difficult to eat a nutritious meal that keeps you energized and focused throughout the day. Join Jen Pilut, registered dietitian and AhealthyU’s wellness program manager, for a cooking demo that turns crockpot chicken into two delicious lunches using less than 15 ingredients. Make shredded chicken tacos and buffalo chicken wraps that are budget-friendly and made with various nutrient-dense foods.

To follow along, you can purchase the ingredients and prepare your chicken in advance. Jen will demonstrate how to make the tacos and wraps. Vegetarian substitutions will be suggested. Sponsored by AhealthyU.

Main Campus Tour

Monday, February 27, 11:30am-12:45pm

Meet at the AU Admissions Welcome Center on the second floor of the Katzen Arts Center

Register for the Main Campus Tour

Take a stroll through AU’s main campus while learning about its history, how to navigate campus, and notable aspects of the community. Sponsored by the Office of Enrollment and Human Resources.

Trauma-Informed Support and Communication

Tuesday, March 14, 3:00pm-4:00pm

Virtual through Zoom

Register for the Trauma-Informed Support and Communication session

What does it mean to be trauma-informed in the workplace, whether we are interacting with students or our colleagues? Trauma-informed approaches acknowledge individuals' experiences with trauma, with the goal of helping practitioners to avoid escalating situations that could retraumatize the people we serve and work with. This session explains what it means to be trauma-informed and provides an opportunity to practice and apply these methods to our work at AU.

Nutritious Workday Lunches (Vegetarian)

Wednesday, March 22, 12:00pm-1:00pm

Hybrid through Zoom; in-person location TBA

Register for the Nutritious Workday Lunches (Vegetarian) session

Whether in the office or working from home, it can be difficult to eat a nutritious meal that keeps you energized and focused throughout the day. Join Jen Pilut, registered dietitian and AhealthyU’s wellness program manager, for a cooking demo that highlights delicious vegetarian recipes.

To follow along, you can purchase the ingredients and Jen will demonstrate how to prepare. Sponsored by AhealthyU.

Wellness Discounts and Programs Available through CareFirst and Kaiser Permanente 

Wednesday, April 19, 11:00am-12:00pm

Virtual through Zoom

Register for Wellness Discounts and Programs Available through CareFirst and Kaiser Permanente

Join other new staff to learn about the additional perks available through AU medical insurance. Gain insight about online health programs and health coaching resources available through your specific health care provider (Kaiser Permanente or CareFirst). Plus, find out if your health insurance provides discounts on your favorite athletic brands (ASICS, Fitbit) or mindfulness resources. Sponsored by the Benefits Team in the Office of Human Resources.

AU Arboretum Tour

Tuesday, April 25, 12:00pm-1:00pm

Meet in the School of International Service Lobby

Register for the AU Arboretum Tour

Take a moment to appreciate AU’s award-winning, accredited arboretum. Led by Facilities Management, you will learn interesting facts about the landscape and AU’s sustainability efforts on this strolling tour. Sponsored by Facilities Management and Human Resources.