New Employees

Welcome to the University of Tennessee System, the state’s oldest higher education institution and preeminent public university! As a new employee, you are joining a team professionals dedicated to UT System’s delivery of education, discovery, outreach and public service, contributing to the economic, social and environmental well-being of all Tennesseans.

Brian Dickens headshot
Brian Dickens, CHRO

On behalf of the UT System Human Resources team, I’m absolutely thrilled to extend a warm welcome to you as a new member of the UTSA family! The Human Resources team is wholeheartedly dedicated to supporting you throughout your journey here, ensuring that UT remains an employer of choice. We strive to create an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to do meaningful work that makes a real difference. 

Thank you for choosing UT. We’re excited to have you with us and eagerly anticipate all the wonderful contributions you will bring to our community. 

— Brian Dickens, Chief Human Resources Officer

Onboarding Action Plan

New employee onboarding activities begin two weeks prior to your official start date, initiated via email and are delivered via a series of guided journeys designed to help you prepare for your first day. These journeys provide timely information, tasks, and resources to complete before you join us. The content on this page serves as a companion site to those journeys—offering additional context, quick references, and easy access to key information to support you as you move through each step of the onboarding experience.

Before Your First Day

I-9 

Please complete page one of your I-9 on or before your first day of work through the Equifax website. 

  • Please select UT System as the location you will be working, even if your work location is not in Knoxville. We recommend that you keep a copy of the confirmation of completing page one of your I-9 through this website.  
  • Please note that for the I-9, you will need to bring appropriate documents for proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States to this in-person appointment. 
  • For more information about appropriate documents, see the I-9 form and instructions. 

Failure to present required I-9 documents on or before your first day of employment will delay your ability to begin work. 

Forms

First Day

Complete following items in DASH:

  • W-4 
  • Designation of Beneficiary 
  • Direct Deposit 
  • Outside Interest Disclosure 

First Week

Within Your First 30 Days (Insurance & Retirement)

Please be aware of and note the deadlines for completion and return of insurance and retirement information. Any required materials need to be completed and submitted within 30 days of the start date of your employment.  Below are tools to educate and familiarize yourself with the options for Insurance coverage and retirement benefits.  

Questions about insurance and retirement should be directed to utinsurance@tennessee.edu or retirement@tennessee.edu. 

Insurance 

2026 Benefits (effective 1/1/26) and Premiums 

Informational Materials:  

Two mandatory enrollment forms:   

Optional Forms: DUE WITHIN 30 Days of Hire Date  

  • Flexible Spending (FSA) 
    • Make changes in DASH:  ESS > Me > Benefits > Continue through beneficiary > Flexible Spending Account  
  • Health Savings (HSA) 
    • Make changes in DASH. ESS > ME > Benefits > Continue through beneficiary > Health Savings Account 
  • 2026 Securian Life Handbook - Voluntary Term Life (if interested, an Edison ID is required. Please contact your Insurance Coordinator for your ID) 
  • Insurance Zoom sessions are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month from 9-10 a.m. EST, except during scheduled holiday closures. These sessions provide a more in-depth review of our insurance plans and an opportunity for Q&A’s. Click to join the Zoom session with meeting ID: 962 8749 3993 and password: 442565. 

All enrollment forms and dependent verification documents must be submitted together to utinsurance@tennessee.edu. If sending from a UT email address, the email may be encrypted by typing ‘ENCRYPT’ in the subject line. 

Retirement 

Return completed forms to retirement@tennessee.edu  

  • Additional Resources: 
    • Retirement Presentations can be found on the Retirement Service page 
      • Exempt (Monthly) 
      • Non-Exempt (Biweekly) 
    • Retirement will offer Zoom sessions for: 
      • Non-Exempt employees on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 11 a.m. to Noon 
        Click here to join using meeting ID: 826 3663 6875 and password: 882993 
      • Exempt employees on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 11 a.m. to Noon 
        Click here to join using meeting ID: 826 3663 6875 and password: 882993 

Working in UT Tower

The UT Tower’s central Downtown Knoxville location puts employees steps from Market Square, World’s Fair Park, the Sunsphere, and the riverfront, offering dining, entertainment, and outdoor relaxation. Plus, the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, and Dollywood are all within 30 minutes, blending work life with easy access to adventure.

UTSA staff members walking through the UT Tower office building.

Benefits That Support Your Success

Recognized as a Great Place to Work®, UT provides competitive benefits, growth opportunities, and well-being support so you can thrive.