Before the Resident Begins

Assign the resident an orientation buddy.

Orientation buddy

What is a buddy?

A buddy is different from a mentor (which is discussed in a future section).  It would be good if the buddy were an SPA employee which may give the resident a feel for the differences and similarities between EPAs and SPAs as well as indicate any hidden barriers that may exist EPA and SPA employees can be mitigated.

How do we find a buddy?

Explain the roles and responsibilities of an orientation buddy and solicit volunteers.  Try to match the resident to an SPA employee.  Gerald and/or Kathy B. can choose a buddy from those who volunteered. If no one volunteers or the volunteers are unsuitable for any reasons, such as limited time due to other commitments or work schedules that do not mesh well with the resident's work schedule, ask department heads to suggest employees who would make good buddies.

Roles and responsibilities of a buddy

Discuss the orientation process with Gerald or Kathy B as well as the supervisor of the first rotation and agree on how you can best assist the new employee.

There is a list of useful orientation and HR links included in this document.  It would be useful for the buddy to go over them with the resident during the orientation process.  This may be accomplished by actually pointing out certain areas or simply making it clear that you are available to answer any questions s/he may have or to refer him or her to the appropriate person. Keep in mind that for some HR issues the appropriate campus office is different for EPAs and SPAs so advising the resident of this and either referring him/her to the correct office or to Kathy B would be appropriate.

Greet the resident on his/her first day at work.

The buddy should conduct the tour of the library scheduled for the resident’s first day. Show the resident around the EUC and Jackson Library.  Show him or her places to eat lunch, get coffee, snacks, restrooms, etc.

Introduce the resident to co-workers and colleagues.

Provide verbal feedback and encouragement to the new employee.

Be a companion.

Offer to sit next to him/her during meetings both of you are attending.

At least one day during the first week, probably the first day, the resident will be having lunch with staff from his/her first rotation but the buddy should also schedule a lunch with the resident. The end of the week or beginning of next week would be good so that the resident can make comments on his/her first week at work, what they are curious about, experiences that confused them, general questions that may have come up, etc..

Provide the new employee with information on policies, practices, work rules, norms, etc. associated with UNCG and the University Libraries.

Be available for questions.

The resident is likely to have a lot of non-work related questions and not know who to ask. An important role of the buddy is to help socialize the new employee not just to UNCG but to the area.  This does not mean that you have to give the resident a tour of Greensboro, but at least be available for questions covering topics such as:

                Recommendations for health care providers in the area

                How public transportation works in the area

                Restaurant recommendations

                Entertainment venues

                Shopping