29 August 2023

Now the new academic year is about to start, many new colleagues will be joining our faculty. The HR department is currently working on improving our onboarding policy.

Onboarding module

All new employees are invited to an online introduction to the university. In addition, a university onboarding module is available for all new colleagues. We’re currently finalising a faculty supplement to the onboarding module.

On their first working day, our new employees receive an e-mail with the most important practical information to get them off to a good start. Every two months, the HR department organises a tour of the Kamerlingh Onnes Building for new staff.

International staff

The staff monitor revealed that international staff sometimes have trouble finding their way around. For instance, they sometimes encounter problems finding accommodation, with the language and building a network. HR will pay extra attention to this in the coming period.

Service Centre International Staff

Leiden University offers international staff various kinds of advice and support, for example via the Service Centre International Staff (SCIS). The SCIS can help you, among other things, with;

• Immigration procedures (VISA and residence documents);
• Accommodation;
• Questions about social security and tax;
• Settling in with your family: Dual career programme, questions about schools and childcare centres, language courses etc.;
• Finding your way in the Netherlands;
• Help with building a network/social activities.

For more information, check out the SCIS website, or contact them via scis@leidenuniv.nl or + 31(0) 71 527 7300. You can also read the FAQs on the website.

What can you do yourself?

Do you have a new international colleague? Point him or her then to the above information. Realise that it can be difficult for them to find their way around if they don't speak the language. For example, some departments work with a buddy system for new international employees. What’s the working language at your department? Think about what language you use to communicate at department meetings, in e-mails, or during conversations at the coffee machine if you have international colleagues. Agree on this together.

Leiden/The Hague International Centre

In next week’s staff newsletter, we’ll highlight the Leiden International Centre (formerly known as the Expat Centre Leiden). They offer all kinds of services for internationals in relation to living and working in the Leiden region. Staff in The Hague can go to The Hague International Centre.