Your First 30 Days

If you are eligible for benefits, most employee’s benefits will become effective on the first day of the month following your start date. Your online benefit enrollment must be completed within 31 days of your hire date. 

1. WATCH the overview of university benefit plans to learn about the various options available to you. 

2. ATTEND a NUFlex Benefits Enrollment Overview webinar for new employees and newly benefits-eligible employees. You will learn more about the university's offerings and receive personal guidance to sign up for the plan best suited for you. Webinars are held every Thursday from 2:00 pm–3:00 pm on Zoom. (If this time does not fit your schedule, you can watch a recording of the information online.)

3. ENROLL in your chosen benefits plan(s) online through Firefly (firefly.nebraska.edu) within 31 days of your hire date.

New employees are invited to join us in person for coffee and pastries from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. on the second Wednesday of the month. View a schedule of upcoming sessions to attend. You’ll receive useful information as you transition to work life at the university. You will:

• Gain a sense of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's community and culture.
• Learn about UNL's strategic plan for the future and what it means to you.
• Meet and have conversations with other new employees from across campus.
• Find out how you can take advantage of all your benefits options.
• Discover many university resources available to you.

During part of the morning, you'll be able to talk with various areas on campus and learn what they have to offer. (Admissions, HealthierU Employee Wellness, Huskertech Computer & Phone Store, Nebraska University Credit Union, Print & Copy Services, Union Bank & Trust, University Dining Services, and UNL Sustainability)

Here are some of the comments from previous attendees:

"Great information for all new hires! Regardless if you're alumni or a Nebraska resident."

"The in-person experience in very engaging and a great balance of information without being overwhelming."

"It gives you a good overview of resources and expectations in addition to what your supervisor trains you on."

"It helps answer most of the questions I had as a new hire. If this isn't required training within your first week, I think it should!"

If unable to attend in person, you can take the online version in Bridge LMS. New faculty should also participate in the New Faculty Orientation.

All new employees are required to complete the University of Nebraska Report=Support! training and the NU Annual Information Security Fundamentals located in Bridge. You will receive an email invitation for both of these trainings.

There are also several recommended trainings for new employees, including how to use Firefly, the employee portal for benefits enrollment, leave balances, payroll and more. To access the online training, you will need to use your TrueYou credentials to login to Bridge.