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Auburn University thrives because of its people—and people thrive when they feel connected, welcomed, and valued. University Human Resources is committed to creating an environment where employees experience a genuine sense of belonging from their first day on campus and throughout their careers.
Through intentional onboarding, meaningful appreciation efforts, and expanded outreach across campus and beyond, UHR helps cultivate a workplace where relationships flourish and every employee feels part of the Auburn family.
Onboarding and New Employee Orientation
A strong sense of belonging begins on and even before day one. UHR’s onboarding experience is designed to help new employees feel informed, supported, and connected to the university community. From pre‑hire communication to New Employee Orientation, the process introduces employees to Auburn’s mission, values, and culture while giving them the tools they need to succeed in their roles.
Orientation sessions provide essential information about benefits, policies, and campus resources, but they also emphasize connection—introducing new hires to colleagues, support teams, and the broader Auburn network. By creating a welcoming and structured start, onboarding helps employees feel grounded and confident as they begin their Auburn journey.
Employee Appreciation Week
Employee Appreciation Week is a campuswide celebration of the individuals who make Auburn exceptional. Throughout the week, UHR partners with departments across the university to host events, share messages of gratitude, and highlight the contributions of employees in every role.
The celebration reinforces the idea that appreciation is a core part of Auburn’s culture. Whether through special events, recognition activities, or simple moments of thanks, Employee Appreciation Week helps strengthen relationships and reminds employees that their work is valued and seen.
Employee Appreciation Week events for 2025 included:
- Departmental Appreciation Day – Departments across campus acknowledged their employees with their own unique events.
- Yoga Class – Campus Recreation hosted a yoga class for employees at the MAC Gym (Recreation and Wellness Center).
- Departmental Showcase (pictured) – Over 40 departments showcased their programs, services, and resources.
- Walk @ Lunch – Employees were able to join one of the 30-minute campus walks at seven different locations.
- ‘Drop In’ and Spring Fling at the Museum – The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art offered activities including guided tours, the Kate Medley exhibition, lawn games, free treats, music, and more.
- Employee Recognition Program – Honorees included Spirit of Excellence recipients (Employees of the Year were also announced), Years of Service honorees, recent Auburn University graduates, and Supervisor Pathways/Aspire Auburn graduates.
- Campus Recreation, Tiger Dining, and the AU Bookstore offered special employee discounts during the week.
- Employees were also encouraged to donate items to the Campus Kitchen at Auburn University. This program combats food waste and hunger by repurposing food from dining halls and restaurants into meals for those in need.
UHR Outreach
As Auburn’s workforce grows and becomes more geographically dispersed, UHR has expanded its outreach efforts to ensure employees feel supported no matter where they work. This includes visiting off‑campus sites such as Fort Benning, where employees may not have regular access to on‑campus resources. These visits allow UHR to answer questions, provide guidance, and build personal connections with employees who serve in unique and essential roles.
During Open Enrollment, the Benefits team meets directly with individual units to provide tailored support. These in‑person conversations help employees understand their options, ask questions, and make informed decisions about their benefits. This personalized approach reflects UHR’s commitment to accessibility and care.
Similarly, the Payroll and Records departments offer customized training sessions for units across campus. These sessions help employees navigate processes, understand requirements, and feel confident in their responsibilities. By bringing training directly to departments, UHR strengthens relationships and ensures employees have the support they need to succeed.
Employee Communications
Employee communications help Auburn employees stay informed and connected by sharing information in ways that are clear, accessible, and easy to engage with. Through channels like email updates, AU News articles, websites, digital signage across campus, and social media, employees receive timely information from UHR.
These communications also help employees understand how their work fits into the broader mission of the university. When updates explain the purpose behind new initiatives or highlight progress toward strategic goals, employees can see the connection between their roles and Auburn’s direction. That context strengthens trust and reinforces a shared sense of purpose, helping people feel grounded in the work they do.
Together, these communication efforts create a more informed and connected campus. By meeting employees where they are—whether in their inbox, on campus screens, or through the platforms they use every day—Auburn fosters a workplace where people feel included, supported, and part of something meaningful.
