Throughout the Onboarding process you will receive a variety of important new hire information from your Department as well as several other areas of UAB. Be on the lookout for emails regarding new hire guidance from Recruiting, orientation material from Learning and Development, and several UAB Campus Learning System courses. These emails will include all of the task you must complete prior to and during your first few days at UAB. This will ensure all time sensitive and important task are complete and you can come into your first day informed and confident.

Blazer ID
One of the first things you will need at UAB is a BlazerID. A BlazerID is a computer login name that the university has deployed campus-wide. It is roughly equivalent to a screen name or username. Many of the network and computer resources at UAB accept or require a BlazerID for login.

UAB has begun automatically assigning BlazerIDs to incoming employees and students to streamline onboarding and expedite access to campus systems. Those who are assigned an automatically generated BlazerID will have an opportunity to request a change, though this is not recommended and will delay your ability to access UAB systems. Users will be able to create an email alias when they activate their BlazerID.

UAB Email Account
A UAB email account will be automatically assigned once your BlazerID is registered. While this process is automatic, it may take several business days before your email account is set up and ready to use. UAB servers refresh overnight to reflect changes made during the day, so it is normal for this entire process to take several business days.

UAB Badge/ONE Card
A UAB ONE Card is a multifunctional, highly secure, single photo ID card which will act as your employee badge. Please submit a request for a department ONE Card if you need additional building access (animal facilities, shared equipment rooms, or other UAB buildings).

Direct Deposit
Anyone employed at UAB is required to use direct deposit. Utilizing the Self Service Applications in the Oracle Administrative Systems, employees may enter and maintain this information electronically. Payroll Services will mail the first check if the banking information has not been provided. The second disbursement is held in Payroll Services until information is provided. Once the information is received, the payment is either mailed to the employee or released to the employee if they are using our self-service computers. Note: A US bank account is required for direct deposit.

Benefits
To sign up for benefits, please visit the Benefits website and select “UAB for ME PORTAL”. Please remember you have to sign up for benefits within 30 days of your hire date. You will find full plan information on the UAB for ME portal.

Parking
UAB has several parking options available for employees; click here to learn more and apply. Parking in dense, urban environments is a complex part of a comprehensive transportation network. Therefore, UAB has on-call access that may be used for “after hours” parking. On-call access is available from 5 p.m.–5 a.m. weekdays, or all day on weekends. If you need to add this access, please submit a request here. Note: a $25.00 annual charge (April-April) will be added to your account.

Training
Since you will be working in a scientific research lab, you will be required to take training courses specific to the type of research being conducted. Most of the training you will take is accessible online via the Campus Learning System. Some courses will automatically be assigned to you, but please see your lab manager or supervisor to ensure all required training is completed.

Our Department is spread across five buildings: Bevill Biomedical Research Building (BBRB), Shelby Biomedical Research Building (SHEL), Tinsley Harrison Tower (THT) McCallum Basic Health Sciences Building (MCLM), and Volker Hall (VH).

The goal of the acclimation phase is to lay the foundation for you to be properly adjusted to your new role in this department. Understanding your role in the department is an important task to accomplish during your early acclimation period. It can be achieved by discussing expectations with your supervisor and completing training courses, and as time progresses, you will find your place within this department. The research environment can take some degree of adjustment, but know that you have many people supporting you and rooting for you within this department!

An acclimated member of our team will understand their role in the department, be informed about campus events, be familiar with the UAB website, know how to find resources to answer common questions, and confidently navigate UAB. The You & UAB Handbook addresses many questions you may have about your employment and provides an overview of the opportunities, benefits, and responsibilities for UAB employees.

Events
This department conducts various events that serve to increase knowledge of specialized topics, facilitate the cohesiveness of the department, and showcase experts. For more information on our seminar series, research retreat, endowed lectures, please visit our events page.

Additionally, UAB hosts numerous events on campus which can be found here. 

UAB Resources
It is important to familiarize yourself with online UAB resources. You may have to access these resources throughout your time in the department. Frequently visited sites include: UAB administrative page, Environmental Health and Safety, Financial Affairs, and more.

UAB has created a beneficial interactive campus map online that you can use to assist you when navigating UAB. 

Travel
There are many opportunities for travel through employment in this department. We have designated staff in the chair’s office to help you prepare before and after you travel and when seeking reimbursement. You must understand the UAB travel guidelines before you begin to make your travel arrangements, so please familiarize yourself with them before you spend money.

Branding
Branding is an important part of the UAB image. Branding unifies, simplifies, and defines UAB. But it's more than a logo or website. Our brand is our reputation: it explains who we are and why we matter to students, employees, and the communities that support and rely on us. We encourage you to utilize the UAB Branding Toolkit to personalize your email signature, download official logos, PowerPoint Templates, and more. 

UAB Perks
Several general UAB employee perks that you can take advantage of, such as the Recreation Center, discounted tickets,  the UAB computer software distribution website, and additional UAB employee perks. 

UAB Employee Assistance & Counseling Center
UAB Employee Assistance & Counseling Center offers free, confidential support services for UAB employees and members of their immediate household. A dedicated team of certified counselors, an extensive collection of online resources and a schedule of programs and events are designed to help you identify, understand and resolve work-related and personal issues to help you achieve a successful work/life integration. Available services include individual, couples and family counseling, financial advisement, educational and stress management programs and access to a collection to online resources.