Orientation vs. Onboarding: Understanding the Difference
Orientation at Tulane is typically the initial phase of the hiring process. It is designed to provide new employees with essential information about the university, its mission, vision, values, and overall organizational structure. Orientation is held every Friday from the first Friday in January to the first Friday in December, excluding university holidays.
Onboarding at Tulane extends beyond the initial orientation phase to the first twelve months. It is designed to integrate new employees into their specific roles and the university's culture more deeply. The onboarding process is more personalized and comprehensive, involving:
- Detailed introductions to departmental goals, projects, and expectations.
- Training and development opportunities related to the new hire's specific job functions.
- Mentoring and networking opportunities to build relationships within and across departments.
- Regular check-ins and feedback sessions to address any questions or concerns and assess progress.
- Onboarding aims to equip new employees with the skills and knowledge needed for their roles and foster a sense of belonging and commitment to the university's goals and values.
Key Differences
- Duration: Orientation is short-term; onboarding is a longer process.
- Focus: Orientation focuses on general information and compliance; onboarding is role-specific and culture-oriented.
- Objective: Orientation aims to inform; onboarding seeks to integrate and develop.
While orientation at Tulane is the initial welcome, providing necessary institutional knowledge, onboarding takes a deeper dive, ensuring new hires are fully prepared, comfortable, and engaged in their new roles. Both are critical to a successful employment journey but serve different stages of the new employee's transition and adaptation to the university environment.
