DAVIS, Calif. - As part of UC Davis' Ignite initiative, which was put into motion by UC Davis Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca, Senior Woman Administrator Heather Hunter, and Davis alum Joseph Castagnola ahead of the 2023-24 academic year a new onboarding process was created for new UC Davis athletic department employees with the goal of creating the transition into the Aggie athletic department smooth and welcoming.
 
Aggie HR Generalist Patrick Vaughn was placed in charge of forming the Onboarding Plan Committee, which consists of "12 ICA staff members across various units and job levels. Employees now have easier access to resources and supervisors have a proven framework that directs each stage of the onboarding process," according to Vaughn.
 
One key part of the onboarding process is the quarterly employee orientation, where staff new and old have the opportunity to meet with the Aggie senior administration, ask questions about their new roles, and make friends with their fellow employees.
 
Assistant Athletic Director, Engagement Kara Lewin, who serves on the Onboarding Plan Committee, talked about the importance of this new orientation, saying, "We want to give new employees a positive first impression and the resources they need to be successful in their new roles. While creating the onboarding process, we were sure to include staff that were new, as well as staff that has been around for many years to evaluate what has and has not worked in the past and establish best practices going forward."
 
During the last orientation back in September, incoming lacrosse assistant coaches Victoria Tucci and Anna Belenis had the opportunity to get a first-hand look at what it means to join the Aggie athletic department. "I enjoyed getting introduced to all the faces we see daily in EFAC (Edwards Family Athletics Center). It made me feel welcome into a new place where I didn't know who anyone was." Tucci said. Belenis added, "Everyone who spoke highlighted how special Davis is, and it made me excited to join the department. I grew up in Davis and went to school here, but I loved seeing how passionate the staff are about this place too."
 
This story is an example of UC Davis Athletics' commitment to the Ignite Strategic Plan Pillar of "Assess and Value Personal" by helping create a welcoming environment for incoming employees with the goal of creating an inclusive and warm introduction to Davis. Read more about our strategic plan here; IGNITE