Preparing for Your Arrival
Before your first day, please visit the New to Lehigh website. It contains the most comprehensive information for new employees. The key steps are summarize below.
Offer Letter & Start Date
Your official start date is listed in your written offer letter, and you are expected to arrive in person on that date.
If you will not be here in person on that date, your letter must be revised to reflect your actual arrival date. Please coordinate with your department if any changes are needed.
Before Your First Day
After receiving your written offer letter, you will receive onboarding instructions, including the Preparing For Your Arrival checklist. To ensure a smooth onboarding, please complete the steps below:
Required Forms
Download, complete, and bring the following forms in person to the Human Resources Office on or before your first day:
- I-9 Form
- W-4 Form
- Direct Deposit Authorization Form
- Act 32 Residency Certification Form
- Employee Information Form
Schedule your I-9 appointment by emailing inI9@lehigh.edu. HR will provide a list of acceptable identification documents. Questions about forms? Contact your department coordinator or business manager.
International Postdocs
If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, please email Nichole Hunley, Associate Director of the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS), at intnl@lehigh.edu to share your anticipated arrival date. This applies even if you are already in the U.S.
Once you've made contact, OISS will provide you with important information about the check-in process and any required orientation to help you get started at Lehigh.
Background Checks
You will receive an email from CBY with instructions to complete the following:
- Background Questionnaire and Disclosure & Authorization Form
- Child Abuse Clearance
- FBI Fingerprinting
All required background checks must be completed within 90 days of your start date. Questions? Contact inemploy@lehigh.edu.
Additional Preparation
- Preview Lehigh benefits, explore campus, and confirm your arrival details: Details >
- Submit a photo for your Lehigh ID here. Pick up your ID card on your first day.
- Get a Lehigh parking permit here
Your First Day
- Visit your faculty mentor and your department business office.
- Obtain your LIN/PIN to activate your email and pick up your Lehigh ID card: Details >
- Get connected with other postdocs through our Google group and Slack Channel
Your First Week
- Enroll in benefits within 30 days of your start date. Follow the Benefits Enrollment Guide and attend the next HR Benefits Orientation.
- Log into Lehigh's Course Site to complete:
- Working with Minors training
- Workplace Harassment compliance training
- If applicable, apply for a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN). Visit OISS’s website. for guidance. Note: You must complete OISS check-in before applying for an SSN.
Additional Resources
Child Care and Wellness Programs
International Postdoc Survival Guide (NPA)