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Rookie to Ridgeback

Orientation for all employees

A great orientation program will set you up for success, grow a sense of belonging, and empower you to positively contribute to the mission, vision, values and priorities of the university.  By joining these sessions to participate with colleagues from across campus you are advancing our core strengths. Orientation workshops provide you with a structured overview of community expectations along with education about our current priorities.  Throughout the journey you will be equipped with tools and resources to support your university experience.  We want you to thrive and flourish here at Ontario Tech.  We have designed an orientation experience that will support your journey as a university employee.

These sessions will:

  • foster a sense of belonging, inclusion, engagement and shared purpose
  • provide direction and support in your role
  • accelerate your learning and competency development
  • empower you to direct your orientation pathway
  • reaffirm your employment decision  

Sessions are not mandatory, however, they are highly encouraged.  Sessions are held in the fall and winter semesters.

Who should attend:  Orientation sessions are available for all employees and managers at the university.

 Audience:  These workshops are intended for full time continuing and limited term employees.  Employees from these  categories who are new to the university will be automatically enrolled.    Any university employee can self-enrol.  

 

Information about Teaching Assistant/Sessional Instructor training is now available on the Teaching and Learning Orientation Site.

Resources

January 2026

  • Orientation to HR for Managers
    Date: January 22, 2026
    Time: 10a.m. - noon
    Location: Virtual
    (non-mandatory)

    This course is for newly hired and existing Ontario Tech managers.

    This session will provide an overview of:

    Health and Disability Management

    • identify and list the goals and objectives of the Attendance Management Program and the Disability Support Program
    • understand the processes around employee sick leaves, accommodation and workplace injuries;
    • identify your role and responsibilities in assisting your employees to record, improve and manage their attendance; and
    • discuss key areas of concern and opportunities related to supporting time and attendance

    Mental Health and Well-being

    • Your role within the Mental Health Action Plan
    • Leader supports with the Employee Assistance Program
    • Ways to support your team's well-being

    Health and Safety

    • Overview of the Internal Responsibility System
    • Supervisor responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act
    • Accident Injury and Hazard Reporting requirements
    • Joint Health and Safety Committee obligations related to workplace inspections and hazard prevention

    Job Evaluation

    • an overview of key concepts in job evaluation;
    • documents and tools in how jobs are evaluated;

    Recruitment and Compensation

    • an overview of the Compensation Program and supporting salary administration guidelines
    • an understanding of the process to initiate a position to Recruitment for posting; and 
    • Effectively plan and prepare for an interview by selecting the appropriate style and structure;
    • Compose behavioural and competency-based interview questions and identify prohibited interview questions;
    • Appropriately assess and select candidates while remaining compliant with legislation and collective agreements

    Performance Development

    • The Performance Development Cycle
    • Timelines for Goal Setting, Check-Ins, and year-end performance reviews
    • My HR Connection and Limited-Term Processes
    • What’s in the collective agreement

    Leadership Development

    • Available programs, succession planning, and employee development

    Professional Development

    • How learning catalogues are developed
    • Why your input is important
    register
  • Managing in a Unionized Environment
    Date: January 27 & 27, 2026
    Time: 9a.m. - noon
    Location: Virtual

    This course is for newly hired and existing Ontario Tech managers.

    It is the skills on display in day-to-day relationships that management determines the effectiveness of managers and unionized workers. It is the ongoing resolution of issues and problems that arise daily that will either create a culture of success or one of resistance. In this skill-building workshop, you will learn new skills and have a unique opportunity to discuss the application of the collective agreement into a practical context.

    Learning outcomes include:

    1. Understanding and managing the collective agreement with a guided Q&A session
    2. Managing conflict effectively with disgruntled and challenging employees
    3. Learning to leverage your communication skills to build trust and commitment
    4. Knowing when and how to provide constructive feedback that is different from discipline
    5. Providing the leadership skills that create a “can-do” environment
    6. Knowing when and how to engage employees to encourage ownership and accountability
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Orientation for Employees

    Date: TBD
    Time: 1 p.m. (EST)
    Location: Virtual
    (Non-mandatory)

    For the employee sessions: “This session is for all employees at the University.: and for manager sessions: “This session is for newly hired and existing Ontario Tech managers.” 
     

    Description:
    Our Employee Assistance Program provider, TELUS Health, blends the best user experience and clinical expertise together to help people everywhere achieve total mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing. It has both your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and personalized well-being resources that can support you and your dependents with issues related to work, life and everything in between. Whether you have questions about handling stress at work and home, parenting and childcare, managing money, or health issues, you can turn to TELUS Health for a confidential service that you can trust.

    REGISTER

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Orientation for Managers

    Date: TBD
    Time: 1 p.m. (EST)
    Location: Virtual
    (Non-mandatory)

    For the employee sessions: “This session is for all employees at the University.: and for manager sessions: “This session is for newly hired and existing Ontario Tech managers.” 
     

    Description:
    Our Employee Assistance Program provider, TELUS Health, blends the best user experience and clinical expertise together to help people everywhere achieve total mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing. It has both your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and personalized well-being resources that can support you and your dependents with issues related to work, life and everything in between. Whether you have questions about handling stress at work and home, parenting and childcare, managing money, or health issues, you can turn to TELUS Health for a confidential service that you can trust.

    REGISTER