Columbia University Human Resources

    Welcome to Columbia, New Faculty & Staff 

    Congratulations on becoming a new member of the Columbia community. You are joining the diverse group of people who make our University great.

    Please use this checklist to make sure all necessary forms and benefits elections are complete as you start your new position.

    Step-by-Step Checklist:

    1. Employment Eligibility:
      • Within 3 business days of your start date, visit an I-9 Service Center to complete Form I-9, Section 2. Remember to bring the appropriate original documents with you, as listed in Section 1 of the I-9 online
    2. Taxation: Fill out your W-4 form (PDF) and give it to your hiring manager.
    3. Computing: Work with your hiring manager to obtain and activate a UNI, your Columbia computing account.
    4. Identification Cards: Get a University ID card. Please know that some locations require additional building identification cards; see your hiring manager for assistance.
    5. Benefits: Effective January 1, 2008, you will receive a benefits enrollment kit on or before your start date.

      The benefits enrollment kit provides information on electing your medical, dental, and retirement plan benefits. If you do not receive the kit by your start date, be sure to ask either the person who hired you, or your Departmental Administrator (DA), for a copy.

      You must elect your Benefits within 31 days of your eligibility date. For Faculty and other Officers, your eligibility date is your start date. For Support Staff, eligibility dates vary; please see your Benefits in Brief.
      • Read the appropriate Benefits in Brief to learn about your options. You will receive a copy of this booklet in the enrollment kit.

        There are four versions of Benefits in Brief; if you misplace your copy and are not sure which group you belong to, ask your hiring manager.
        • Benefits in Brief for Faculty and Other Officers 2008 (PDF)
        • Benefits in Brief for Local 2110 and Non-union Support Staff 2008 (PDF)  
        • Benefits in Brief for SSA and TWU 2008 (PDF)
        • Benefits in Brief for Local 100, 32B-32J, 1199, MEBA & MM&P 2008 (PDF)
      • Log in with your UNI and password to the CU Online Benefits Enrollment System and make your benefits elections. 
        You may call the Benefits Service Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, if you have any questions about the enrollment process.
    6. Orientation: As soon as possible after your first day of work, attend an orientation to learn more about the University and the benefits in which you can enroll. Be sure to bring your benefits enrollment kit:
    7. Sign up for Text Message Notifications, if you would like to receive them. Text messages sent to cell phones will be used in rare cases when a very brief message can be sent. Some possible scenarios for choosing to send a text message include weather emergencies, major transit interruptions and campus closures. The University also will continue to use email, phone and in-person communications.
    8. Working at Columbia: Once you have started work, we recommend you refer to Working at Columbia, our guide to life at the University and in the neighborhood.