Patterned Background

UBegin

Begin your journey with our comprehensive onboarding and employee welcome program. Learn to navigate the university environment with ease and quickly access the information you need to get started.

UBegin is your gateway to exploring the wide range of programs and resources available to you as you begin your journey here. Through UBegin, you can customize your onboarding program experience, select from available options, and enroll in classes tailored to your needs. We encourage you to take full advantage of this program and to build connections with those you meet along the way.

UBegin is best suited for employees new to the University of Calgary

How to Get Started

Registering for UBegin programs is quick and easy!  

Determine Which Courses To Take

Review the courses below and determine which courses you will take as part of your UBegin program.  

Sign-Up for Your Courses

Sign up for each course using the links below.  Ensure you block appropriate time on your calendar to ensure you're able to attend any in-person courses and have the time needed to complete self-study courses.  

Track Your Progress

Ensure all of your courses are marked as complete in PeopleSoft once done.  If a course is not marking as complete, contact support below for assistance.  

Welcome to the University of Calgary. We are grateful you chose to begin your career here and want to support your journey every step of the way. Our UBegin program has valuable onboarding resources to ensure a smooth and successful start. I encourage you to take time to discover and make the most of all the resources available to you.

Sumana Dasgupta

Associate Vice-President (Human Resources)

Required Courses

These courses are mandatory and required for all new employees to complete. 

The listed Environment, Health and Safety courses are required by all university employees, supervisors, and managers to complete.

  • Occupational Health & Safety Orientation (required for all employees)
  • Hazard Assessment Training (required for all employees)
  • Harassment and Violence Awareness Training (required for all employees)
  • Incident Reporting & Investigation Training (required for all university supervisors and managers, as well as employees who participate in conducting incident investigations)

This training includes two courses for all faculty and staff:  

  1. Introduction to Cybersecurity 
  2. Privacy Awareness 

The cybersecurity course aims to inform faculty and staff about good cybersecurity practises, cyberthreats they may face at work, and how to report concerning cybersecurity activity. In the Privacy Awareness course, they will learn about our obligations under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act and be reminded about their responsibilities when collecting and using personal information as part of their work at UCalgary. 

All faculty and staff who perform and/or support research will be required to complete an additional two courses, both created by the Government of Canada:  

  1. Introduction to Research Security   
  2. Cybersecurity for Researchers   

The research security courses are intended to provide foundational knowledge of the importance of research security and practical steps that researchers can take to safeguard their work from unwanted access, theft and misuse. Completing these courses is a component of new research security requirements for certain Tri-Agency and Canada Foundation for Innovation grant applications. 

Strongly Recommended Courses

These courses developed specifically for new employees will help you become an informed, engaged, and efficient UCalgary employee as quickly as possible. 

Welcome to the University of Calgary! As part of UBegin, this half-day session is recommended for all new Support Staff (AUPE), Management & Professional Staff (MaPS)' and Academic Staff. In this session, you will be introduced to the organization, environment and strategic vision of the university. The presentation will also provide an overview of the university's culture and strategic initiatives. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to meet and network with other new colleagues during the session.
For staff that are members of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE), a short presentation will welcome you to the union, provide you with further information, and provide an opportunity to answer any questions you may have.

Intended Audience: New UCalgary Employees

Delivery Mode: In-person or Virtual Synchronous 

Time Commitment: 3 hours

This course will introduce learners to the history and content of our Indigenous Strategy, ii' taa'poh'to'p, guiding our way forward 'in a good way' on the path towards reconciliation in response to the 2015 Final Report on Truth and Reconciliation. This course includes the following topics: Territorial Acknowledgement, What Is Reconciliation?, Our Journey, Guiding Principles, Conceptual and Cultural Models, Looking to the Future, and Resources.

Intended audience: All UCalgary Employees

Delivery Mode: Asynchronous 

Time Commitment: 1 hour

Respectful conduct is a critical component of developing a healthy, energetic and productive campus community. This workshop focuses on competencies and strategies to enhance the personal and leadership effectiveness of employees and workplace culture. This session is very interactive, practical and supportive.

Intended audience: All UCalgary Employees

Delivery Mode: In-person or Virtual Synchronous 

Time Commitment: 3 hours

The introductory level session provides an overview of the diversity of Indigenous people in Canada. The topics covered in this session provide information on terminology related to Indigenous peoples and the concept of reconciliation, explore common misconceptions, and offer an opportunity for participants to learn more about and consider the effects of colonization and the impact of residential schools.

Intended audience: All UCalgary Employees

Delivery Mode: Asynchronous 

Time Commitment: 1 hour

This eLearning course offers an introduction to the foundational concepts used at the university that support the administration of HR and Financial processes. The course in an introduction to the foundational concepts of HR and Financial processes including transactions within PeopleSoft. Learn about approval authority, delegation, roles, position management, etc.

Intended audience: Applicable UCalgary employees

Delivery Mode: Asynchronous 

Time Commitment: 1 hour

Jump start or enhance your use of the My UCalgary Portal; this course explores the many ways you can use the portal to streamline your work activities.This workshop is best suited for newer employees or for those who would like to learn some tips and tricks on the navigation of the portal.

Intended audience: All UCalgary Employees

Delivery Mode: Asynchronous 

Time Commitment: 20 minutes

Managerial Offerings and Resources

In addition to the UBegin courses available for all employees, these offerings are designed to enhance skills, foster growth, and support leadership development.

Explore our leadership development programs and resources to refine your skills, build confidence, and deepen your knowledge. From manager toolkits to cohort learning, we’ve got you covered.

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about ULearn? 

Reference Guides

Learn more about how to enroll in classes and track your learning through the Enterprise Learning Management (ELM) System.

Onboarding Checklists

Start off on the right path by completing your onboarding checklists.

Questions? Three ways to access HR Support

Self-Service

Find resources and tools in your Self-Service portal

Learn more

UService

UService can resolve the majority of 'how to' questions. More complex issues will be escalated to the right HR team. 

Call 403.210.9300

Email UService

HR Teams

Our HR experts will assist you with more complex questions.

Learn more