Steps for New Staff

At Baylor, you will find a world class faculty and staff dedicated to teaching and research, championship athletic programs, outstanding student involvement and a diverse community with a strong commitment to faith. As a staff member, you will find a supportive work environment dedicated to excellence and service. The people of the university make Baylor special, and you now have the opportunity to contribute to and receive the benefit of that effort.

Your employment at Baylor begins with Essential BU. Follow the steps below to prepare for your first day:

Steps to Prepare for Essential BU (Orientation)

1. You'll receive information on how to access Ignite and complete your new hire paperwork virtually.
2. Complete your Employment Eligibility Form (I-9) Section One prior to your first day of work. For a list of acceptable documents, please visit www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/acceptable-documents.
3. Activate DUO to access your Baylor accounts.
4. Activate BearID.
5. Complete the Prior University Work Experience Form.
6. Read the 2025 Benefits Brochure. During orientation, you will hear more about benefits and have the opportunity to ask questions to a benefits specialist.
7. Review the Welcome to Baylor page on the HR website.
8. Review the Baylor Orientation Guide for 2025.
9. Review the Payroll page and prepare any questions for your manager.

Steps to Complete on Day One

1. Access Ignite to complete your employment forms virtually.
2. View this webpage for instructions to digitally register your vehicle and to obtain your digital Baylor ID.

Steps for Success in Month One

1. Review and enroll in your selected benefits before the end of your first 30 days via Benefitfocus^TM.
2. Review Baylor University Policies.
3. Understand Baylor’s compensation philosophy.
4. Check Baylor email during your first month for training sessions or requirements.

Compliance Training

Preventing Harassment, Discrimination, & Sexual Violence and Your Role as Baylor Staff

As a part of Baylor's commitment to developing a caring campus community, all faculty and staff are required annually to complete the Intersections: Preventing Harassment, Discrimination, & Sexual Violence online course in Ignite during Fall 2020. You can read more about Baylor's Title IX policy and the role of faculty and staff members here. As well, learn more about your role in reporting according to Senate Bill 212. 

Occupational Safety and Health

You will receive an email from the OSHA Manager with information for required training and about the RiskAnalytics/RiskTool system. The vendor for the computer-based training is RiskAnalytics/RiskTool. Once enrolled in the training system you will receive a welcome email from RiskTool to establish a password. After the welcome email, you will receive additional emails for each training module that you are assigned to complete (These emails are not spam).

The training modules selected for each employee are part of the Occupational Safety and Health’s (OSHA) safety compliance initiative for the University. New hires are enrolled in the programs soon after the start of their employment with the university,. These modules must be completed within two weeks of the assignment date.

More information is available on the Environmental Health & Safety website.

Succeeding in the Weeks Ahead

We hope you find success in all stages of your career at Baylor. Whether you are returning to work on campus after time away, or this is your first time putting on the green and gold, we hope that Baylor feels like home. There are many resources available to help you develop professionally and personally. 

Tools for Professional and Personal Development

HR Contacts & Resources

View the Waco Culture Guide

Be Part of the Baylor Family

Attend Baylor athletic events, visit the Mayborn Museum, exercise at the Student Life Center (SLC), enjoy a performance by Baylor Theatre students, engage with Baylor Traditions, walk the bear trail around campus, spend some time on the Brazos river and rent equipment at the Baylor marina, visit the bear habitat on campus, get some Baylor spirit gear at the bookstore, and participate in the Waco community.