The Davis campus is extending a new kind of welcome to new employees, by focusing on the people, the place and the culture of discovery that make this university a special place to work.

This new introduction is called NEW, for New Employee Welcome, organized by Staff Development and Professional Services, a unit of Human Resources. New will be held quarerly, including summer.

Eighty-eight people attended the first NEW, Oct. 20, at the Conference Center. The morning program included a buffet breakfast, resource fair, two-hour formal program and optional campus tour.

NEW was born from a charge by Ralph J. Hexter, provost and executive vice chancellor, to engage and support employees early in their UC Davis careers. This initiative also produced the Front Door website, a comprehensive resource developed for new or potential employees but relevant to all.

Early engagement

“It’s important that we engage our new employees early and find ways to help them connect their day-to-day work with the overarching mission of our university,” Hexter said. “The New Employee Welcome is designed to express our appreciation to the new faculty, staff and postdocs on campus, and to introduce them to some of the great work our university accomplishes every day.”

Maureen Stanton, vice provost of Academic Affairs and distinguished professor of evolution and ecology, gave the first welcome at the first NEW. She shared why she is committed to this university: “UC Davis achieves exceptional balance between being down to earth and shooting for the stars. It is a special place in that regard.”

A trio of representatives from the Office of Campus Community Relations highlighted diversity and respect for diversity as integral parts of the university, and introduced the Principles of Community through fun, interactive exercises. Rahim Reed, associate executive vice chancellor, led the OCCR delegation, accompanied by Vickie Gomez, director, campus and community engagement; and Mikael Villalobos, associate chief diversity officer.

Participate and contribute

Bob Segar, assistant vice chancellor, Campus Planning and Community Resources, focused on how learning and community building are woven into the physical spaces of the campuses in Davis and Sacramento. He introduced the new employees to the history, present state and future vision of campus facilities.

“I believe the most important ingredient in campus sustainability is creating an environment where people care enough to participate and contribute to its future,” Segar said.

Kristi McMahon, senior training analyst in Human Resources, shared information on the vision, leadership and campus of the UC Davis Health System.

The program also included Joel Viloria, Aggie alum who works as Horse Barn manager, who shared his professional passion and expanded on his video profile from the One of a Kind campaign.

Passion for UC Davis

Paul Hasson, among those in attendance, already was familiar with the university and culture from his time as a student — and now he’s back as a physical therapist in Occupational Health Services. The NEW event reaffirmed his passion for UC Davis, he said.

“It was great to have all the resources available to us in a relaxed setting,” he said. “As an ex-Aggie football player I may be a bit biased, but after the program it was really obvious how committed the university is to the success of its employees. I feel very fortunate to again be a part of this great community.”

Gunrock and Rich Shintaku, director of Diversity and Inclusion, Human Resources, presented a trivia game and prizes to wrap up the event.

Here is the NEW calendar through summer: Jan. 28, April 28 and July 28. Invitations will be sent by email, or you can sign up here. For more information, or to ask questions, contact Staff Development and Professional Services by email.

Scott Yates is a project and communications manager in Human Resources.

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