• Congratulations on your new position, and welcome to The Catholic University of America! We are thrilled to have you as part of our team and we look forward to meeting you on your first day. We want to get a head start on the onboarding process and to make it as easy as possible for you to access your information online via the Onboarding Portal. The portal enables you to quickly update your information, and complete onboarding requirements prior to your start date.

Before You Start: Preparing to Work at Catholic University

We are so excited you have made the decision to join us! Much of the set-up process will begin on or after your first day, but there are a few things you can do in advance. Please login to the Onboarding Portal to complete the action items below.

Important Day 1 Information

Communicate with your department liaison or supervisor and make sure you have this information prior to your first day:
  • What time to arrive
  • Where to report when you first arrive
  • Your department/school work schedule
  • Dress-code expectations if applicable

  • What to bring on your first day

Complete Your Background Check

You will receive an email from Truescreen requesting you to initiate your background check. Please follow the detailed instructions on the email and complete and submit your background information. Prior to starting, your background check must be successfully cleared.

Complete the Form I-9 Section One

In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 ("IRCA"), The Catholic University of America must verify the employment eligibility of each employee within the first three days of employment.
As required by federal law the university is required to complete and retain a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification document for all regular and temporary employees hired after November 6, 1986.
Completion of Form I-9 is a shared responsibility of both the employee and the university. Section #1 will be sent via email and added as a task in the onboarding portal and must be completed by you. Form I-9 can be completed as soon as, but not before, a job offer has been extended and accepted.
Section #2 must be completed by HR or an authorized university representative, on or before the third day of employment. You should provide acceptable documents to complete the Form I-9 (The List of Acceptable Documents is the last page of Form I-9.). All hires are required to present documents in person on campus. If you are not working in the DMV area you are required to complete a remote Form I-9 where you will schedule an appointment in your area.
In order to complete Form I-9 employees are required to present documentation confirming identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Employees who are unable to meet federal I-9 requirements cannot lawfully be employed.

Review your University Benefits

Your employment includes a great benefits package! You can review the University benefits offered to our staff here. Also, within the first week, you will receive an invite to attend New Employee Orientation where our benefits packet will be covered.

Set-Up your Direct Deposit

You will receive a direct deposit form via email from hr-talent@cua.edu to complete. This form needs to be submitted to the hr-talent team on or before your first day.

Complete your Tax Forms

The tax forms (federal and state) will be added as a task in the onboarding portal. You must complete these tax forms on or before your first day. If you need to change your tax forms, please visit the payroll website to obtain the necessary forms.

Your Parking or Transportation Options

If you require parking on your first day, please connect with your department to request a guest pass. After your first day, you will need to register for parking.

Your First Day: Getting Set-Up at Catholic University

As you embark on this exciting new journey, the following steps will help get you set-up on your first day.

Completing Section Two of Form I-9

You are required to bring in your verification document(s) on your first day to complete section two of the Form I-9. Please review the list of acceptable documents. All hires are required to present documents in person on campus. If you are not working in the DMV area you are required to complete a remote Form I-9 where you will schedule an appointment in your area.

Activate your Cardinal Account

Your account will be activated on your first day. You will receive your Username and Employee ID Number from the HR talent team. You will need to change your password by using the Password Change Service website in order to access your account.  

Get an Employee ID Card

Visit the Office of Transportation and Card Services website to upload a picture for your card. You will receive your employee ID card from your Department on your first day. 

Verify your Personal Information on the Cardinal Station Portal

Visit the Cardinal Station website and log on to “Cardinal Faculty and Staff: HR Payroll System”. Select the "Personal Details" tile and verify your personal information under each category on the left-hand side.

Complete Your Required Training 

You are required to complete the following online training modules within three days of your start date. To access these modules please visit our training website. 
Privacy and Information Security
FERPA Awareness
Online Compliance Awareness Training
Preventing Harassment and Discrimination and
Title IX/Sexual Misconduct

Getting Acclimated at Catholic University

Below are additional actions for you to complete to support your integration at the University.

Review Your Job Description

Within your first two weeks, your supervisor will meet with you to review your job description. You will also be required to sign the job description and formally accept your roles and responsibilities.

New Hire Orientation

You will receive an invitation within your first week for New Hire Orientation. Orientation is typically held virtually twice a month on Thursday from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. Attendance is mandatory. 

Benefits Sign-Up

You have up until 30 days from your start date to enroll in health benefits. You can review the University benefits offered to our staff here. Our benefits package is reviewed during New Hire Orientation.

Your Initial Review

Upon completion of your six months probationary period, your supervisor will complete a initial review. This review will be discussed with you and submitted to your personnel file.