Please refer to these departmental and university resources as part of your transition to Steward Observatory in Tucson, Arizona.
For additional information, please visit the Faculty Affairs website and the New Faculty Resources Guide.
Start the hiring process
After accepting the employment offer as outlined in your offer letter, please contact our Steward Observatory Human Resources team at so-humanresources@list.arizona.edu as soon as possible to inquire about actions you need to take to start the hiring process.
Notify us of your Visa Status
If you are not a US Citizen or Permanent Resident, inform Katie Owles at katieowles@arizona.edu immediately of your immigration status so we can be proactive in assisting you with a visa application.
International faculty are encouraged to visit the International Resources website and the International Faculty and Scholars website.
For questions, or contact the Office of International Faculty & Scholars Office at (520) 626-6289, or email them at uaifs@email.arizona.edu.
Provide Information for the department’s online directory and email lists
- Email a head and shoulder photograph to Tiffany Deyoe and Josephine Tolsa Santillan. Please include a brief biography and a list of your Areas of Interest to be added to the Steward Observatory website and Postdoc Directory.
- Provide Kelly Merrill and Josephine Tolsa Santillan with your UA email address as soon as it is set up in order to have it added to the department’s Postdoc and AllSteward email distribution lists. These lists are the primary method of communicating important updates and news department-wide.
Obtain Designated Campus Colleague (DCC) Status
- The department can submit a request for DCC pre-hire status for faculty who have accepted a new position providing they have a current work visa or US citizen/permanent resident status. DCCs are provided with a UA NetID and email address before their actual start date which allows incoming faculty to submit proposals/grant applications before they officially start.
- You will receive a DCC Worksheet from the SO Director’s office; please send the completed form back to katieowles@arizona.edu along with a copy of your CV (and immigration documents if applicable).
- If you have trouble setting up your NetID and password, contact UITS 24/7 IT Support
Information about Parking on Campus/Commuting
Visit the Postdoctoral Affairs Transportation and Parking site for detailed information about parking and other services such as the free on-campus CatTran, Sunlink Streetcar, campus bicycle services, and more.
If you are interested in parking your vehicle on campus, it is best to contact UArizona Parking and Transportation Services before your arrive to inquire about availability and prices of parking permits for the academic year.
Steward Observatory has a locked bicycle cage that is accessed with a code. You can request a bike cage application form from Josephine Tolsa Santillan or visiting the Director's Office in-person in room N205.
Buying and Setting up Computer Equipment/Information Technology
The Research Infrastructure Support Group located in room 203, can provide technical advice as well as assistance and support for your information technology needs both at Steward and University-wide. Please contact the RISG Helpdesk for assistance in your transition at jira@as-arizona.atlassian.net
Relocating to Tucson
- The UArizona Financial Policies website has information regarding policies on moving cost allowances, and moving agreements with Educational and Institutional (E&I) Contracted Vendors with highly discounted rates to new employees relocating to the University.
- Effective January 1, 2018, household moving allowances are taxable under Public Law, PL 115-97. If your offer includes a moving allowance, payment will be provided to you through your paycheck and will have taxes withheld based on your Federal and State Withholding form selections (Federal W-4 and State A-4).
- You are encouraged to seek competitive estimates of your relocation costs. A list of vendors with existing UA contracts is available.
- The University is contracted with Above and Beyond Relocation Services - a great resource to help assist out-of-town candidates with their transition with information on house-hunting, rental resources, schools, and general information about Tucson.
Arrival Date at Steward Observatory
- Notify Kelly Merrill of your arrival date at SO as soon as you have finalized your moving plans so we can ensure that your office is ready.
- Schedule an appointment to meet with our Steward Observatory Human Resources team at so-humanresources@list.arizona.edu as soon as possible and preferably before your start date to present required hiring documentation for completing the I-9 process.
Obtain a CatCard
- Your CatCard is your key to room/building access and other privileges on campus. CatCards are picked up from the CatCard Office located in the lower level of the University Bookstore. You will need to provide your employee ID number to verify your official status at the UA.
- You can also obtain a CatCard online and pick it up in the cat card office upon your arrival. Please review the instructions here prior to starting the process. The CatCard online service portal requires a digital photo and proof of ID.
- CatCard Fees
- Cost to employees: None
- Cost to DCCs: $25
- Replacement card: $25.
Time Reporting
- Timesheets are filled out bi-weekly. Note: Because you are categorized as an “exempt” employee, you do not have to complete a timesheet, except when you take vacation and/or sick time. UA holidays are pre-populated.
- To complete your timesheet, go to: https://beebole-apps.com and log in with your UA NetID email and Password.
- If you have questions or have trouble filling out your timesheet, contact Jennifer Lundin or so-payrollaccounting@list.arizona.edu in SOBO.
Meet with the Department Head/Director
Department Head, Buell Jannuzi, is interested in learning more about you and your research. As soon as you are settled in, contact Kelly Merrill to schedule a meeting.
Please click the link below for a list of people to contact in the department and additional resources to support your work.
Resources for Settling in Tucson
Copying, Printing and Design Services
- Fast Copy, or call (520) 621-5306 or email fastcopy@arizona.edu
- Fast Design, (520) 621-5305
Diversity & Inclusion
Information Technology
IT services are available through UITS including HPC, database hosting & administration and many more.
UA Health and Wellness Services
UA offers resources and support available to employees, including the confidential Employee Assistance Counseling, which are free to benefits-eligible employees, dependents, and household members.
Counseling and Psych Services (CAPS)
CAPS provides individualized care and mental health resources to all enrolled UA students. Services include counseling sessions, assistance with connecting to off-campus resources, confidential crisis support, and more. Some major health insurance plans are accepted, but insurance is not required to use CAPS. Call or visit online to schedule a Zoom appointment.
Life & Work Connections
In addition to health, educational and financial benefits, the University is committed to providing family- friendly benefits to support employees’ family needs, e.g. dependent- and child care, employee assistance and wellness, and work/life support. Below are some links for a few of these services.
Ombuds Program
The Ombuds Program is a confidential, informal, impartial, and independent resource for effective communication, collaboration, and conflict management.
Onboarding & Orientation
Helping new faculty settle in is a priority for the department and the university. For information about onboarding and orientation, please visit the Employee Onboarding and Benefits page. Contact the Faculty Affairs Office at (520) 626-0202 for more information regarding faculty orientation.
Performance Reviews
UA Vitae is the University's online system for faculty annual reviews. Detailed information about the performance review process, UA Vitae How-To Guides, etc. is available at the Faculty Affairs Annual Performance Review Page.
(Note: Information about the department’s annual performance review process is provided to faculty by the Steward Observatory Director’s Office on an annual basis)
Promotion & Tenure/Continuing Status Information
Proposal Development Resources
Research Resources
Teaching Programs & Resources
Title IX
The University wants all members of its community to know where to turn to if they have a concern, need assistance or support, or would like to file a complaint against any form of discrimination or harassment. For more information visit the Title IX page.
Writing Groups
Writing accountability groups can help improve publication rates and promote work-life balance. For more information, contact Jenna Coalson