Before You Start

Get to Know Carolina

You have just joined the ranks of UNC-Chapel Hill, which was not only the first state university, but is also a global higher education leader known for innovative teaching, research and public service. Learn more about UNC.

Background Checks

The University strives to create a welcoming and safe environment for all individuals. Consistent with this goal, the University will not employ individuals or appoint unpaid affiliates with prior criminal convictions or driving records (when applicable) who are determined to pose an unacceptable safety risk to the University or its employees, students and visitors.

The University’s background check process is intended to identify the presence of any such circumstances and to provide a basis for making good-faith and sound determinations as to whether such matters rise to the level barring appointment. A background check must be satisfactorily completed prior to employment or appointment.

Learn more about employee background checks at UNC-Chapel Hill

Review your Benefits Options

Before attending your New Employee Orientation, you may want to take some time and read through the benefits options that UNC-Chapel Hill offers, including health insurance, dental insurance, and retirement. Learn more about your benefits options.

Review Important University Policies

Before you begin working at Carolina, take time to learn about some important policies that govern your employment at the University. Learn more about these policies.

Complete W-4/NC-4 Forms in ConnectCarolina

W-4/NC-4 Forms are to be completed online after your first day via the ConnectCarolina portal’s SelfService tab.  Once you receive ConnectCarolina access, employees will go here to update or make changes to their W-4 and NC4 tax forms.

• Employees will be able to change W4 tax data, including the number of allowances claimed, additional monies to be held from paycheck (if any), marital status, and exempt status.
• Employees will also be able to update NC4 tax data, including the number of allowances claimed, additional monies to be held from paycheck (if any), and marital status. If you wish to claim exempt status on State taxes, you can complete an NC-4EZ employees Withholding Allowance Certificate and submit to payroll services.

Please note: if you are considered a Non-Resident Alien for tax purposes, you will not be able to update these forms online. Please contact Payroll Services at payroll@unc.edu.

Complete Federal Form I-9

All U.S. employers are responsible for completion and retention of Form I-9 – Employment Eligibility Verification for each individual hired for employment in the United States, including citizens and non-citizens.  As part of the University’s employment process, you are required to complete a Federal Form I-9 to establish your eligibility to work in the United States.

Following acceptance of an offer of employment, you will receive information about how to complete your Form I-9 and the acceptable documents that may be presented to demonstrate identification and eligibility to work.  For your convenience, the University utilizes a web-based system to complete your Form I-9.

New Employee Orientation

UNC-Chapel Hill offers the Welcome to Carolina Blue orientation for new permanent employees. The classroom-based orientation provides an overview of the programs, services, policies and benefits offered by the University. SHRA and EHRA Non-Faulty employees must attend a Welcome to Carolina New Employee Orientation session before beginning work. Typically, orientation sessions are held every Monday morning throughout the calendar year excluding holidays and/or adverse weather situations.