What is Owl Launch?
Owl Launch is a curated staff first-day experience designed to streamline the initial onboarding process at Rice University. Owl Launch will enhance the new staff member experience, increasing engagement, loyalty, and retention.
This program is based on the “Four C’s of Onboarding”:
- Compliance: Ensure all necessary paperwork and legal requirements are completed.
- Clarification: Provide clear information about job roles and expectations.
- Culture: Introduces new employees to the University’s values and culture.
- Connection: Helps new employees build relationships with their colleagues and the broader University community.
Human Resources, Rice University Police Department, Parking, Wellness, and Staff Council will work together to provide this first-day foundational experience and then pass the torch onto hiring managers and departments to continue the onboarding process for a successful launch into a career here at Rice University!
Preferred Start Dates
This program will be offered multiple times each month to allow flexibility in scheduling new employee start dates. These dates will be the only time we offer the full program, including campus tours and lunch for the new benefits-eligible staff employees.
Fiscal Year 2025
Communication
Information for new employees set to start on a preferred start date and participate in Owl Launch will be provided to both the new employee and the hiring manager or appropriate department representative.
- New Employees: The Talent Acquisition team will send an email with first-day logistics and a link to complete the online New Employee Orientation before their start date to new employees attending Owl Launch. Hiring managers will be copied on this communication.
- Hiring Managers: The Talent Acquisition team will also send an email reminder to hiring managers to complete any access/key requests before the new employee’s start date.
- Point of Contact: Please contact your assigned Talent Acquisition team member or email jobs@rice.edu for any questions.
What's Covered?
Hiring Manager Role
Although we will communicate with the participating new employees about Owl Launch, hiring managers should still reach out to new employees before their start date to welcome them, answer any questions, and prepare them for their upcoming first days in their new role. Information and tools are available to assist with the departmental onboarding, including a 30/60/90-day plan guide and Hiring Timeline. We encourage departments to use the 4 Cs of Onboarding as a guide throughout onboarding.
Remember to pick up your new employee at COB at the conclusion of Owl Launch, around 3:00 PM on the first day. You can end the day by introducing them to the team, giving them a tour of the office, getting feedback on their first-day experience, and giving them an overview of your onboarding plan.
Owl Launch Presentation
To download the presentation, click here.
FAQs
- What if the new employee does not start on a preferred start date?
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The hiring manager/department will guide the new employee through all first-day activities. We are unable to add or piecemeal parts of the program. We have an onboarding checklist available to help guide you through the first day of onboarding and suggested places on campus to visit with your new employee.
- Who can attend these sessions?
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These sessions are open to benefits-eligible staff employees, including postdoctoral associates. Space is limited and does not accommodate spouses/families.
- What happens if it rains?
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The tour and lunch will proceed rain or shine, with possible schedule adjustments. We suggest wearing comfortable clothing and shoes and bringing an umbrella and/or other rain gear if needed.
- Is attendance for the entire day mandatory?
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We believe each part is essential for the new employee experience; therefore, attendance for the entire day is required to ensure a comprehensive onboarding experience.
- Will additional benefits enrollment sessions be available outside of the preferred start date?
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Yes, once a month. For available dates, visit this page.
- What documents should my employee bring to Owl Launch?
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For the I-9:
Employees should bring acceptable documents to complete the Federal Form I-9.
For Benefits:
Employees can upload their eligible dependents' documents in iO during their initial 30-day eligibility period.
- Can my employees have a tour and lunch if they opt out of Owl Launch?
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No, space is limited to employees starting on one of the preferred start dates.