Institute for Excellence: Now Seeking Applications for 2012 Class
The Institute for Excellence (IE) is seeking applications for its second class. Submissions will be accepted through Nov. 15 for the university leadership program that gives eligible faculty and staff a unique opportunity to develop their skills in this area.
A 10-month program designed to create and promote a culture of excellence, the IE was introduced last year by the Training and Development unit in the Division of Human Resources. There are two tracks: the Administrator, for faculty or staff who manage or chair a department or unit, and/or supervise others; and the Individual Contributor, for employees not currently in a managerial role, but who have the desire to lead change.
The IE will begin in January, with the both tracks meeting monthly for either a full- or half-day session. The two tracks will meet separately, with some opportunities for joint sessions. There are eligibility requirements and an application process for each track. The IE website includes a complete list of criteria, program dates, video testimonials and the online application.
For more information, contact Bob Hall at 330-672-0894 or rhall4@kent.edu.
Webinar to Review Independent Contractor Process
This 60-minute webinar, sponsored by the Office of the General Counsel and the Divisions of Business and Finance and Human Resources, will be held on Monday, Nov. 7, at 1 p.m. The session will address changes in tax law and updates on how to determine status and utilize independent contractors in your work area for 2012. Even if you attended the initial independent contractor webinar earlier this year, it’s a good idea to attend this session to make sure you are aware of the updates.
You can reserve your seat for the webinar online at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/515897690. For questions, contact Sandy Taylor at 330-672-0771 or staylor4@kent.edu.
New Benefit Just in Time for Holiday Shopping
Please let faculty and staff know that they will be receiving information mailed to their home address in the coming weeks regarding a new service for Kent State employees. Purchasing Power offers eligible employees the opportunity to purchase name brand products via payroll deduction.
Items available for purchase include computers, electronics and home appliances. There are a wide variety of brands offered including Craftsman, Dell, Kenmore, Microsoft, Panasonic and Sony. There is no finance charge or fee. When an employee makes a purchase, he/she will see the total amount that must be paid over a 12-month period; the amount will be automatically deducted from your Kent State paycheck.
Kent State employees who are benefits-eligible, have been employed by the university for at least six months and earn a minimum of $16,000 a year are eligible to make purchases through Purchasing Power.
Please note that while the university is offering this program, it has no control over the type or quality of merchandise offered. Concerns or questions about items should be addressed directly to Purchasing Power at 866-305-3385.
Honoring Our Veterans
Kent State will hold its annual Veterans Day observance on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 11 a.m. on Risman Plaza. The outdoor program will include a flag-raising ceremony conducted by a joint color guard from the Army and Air Force ROTC programs, remarks from President Lester A. Lefton and the president of the Student Veterans Club. A reception in the Kiva lobby will follow the brief program.
All are invited, and a special invitation is extended to Kent State faculty, staff, students and community members who are veterans, active service members or who have family members in the armed forces.
Managers and supervisors are asked to arrange departmental coverage during that time so employees who wish to attend may do so. You can also print a copy of the flier and post it in your area. Reservations are requested and can be made by contacting Joshua Rider at 330-672-0510 or jrider@kent.edu by Nov. 8. The rain location is Room 204 in the Kent Student Center.
Holiday Planning
Just a reminder that all campuses will operate on a holiday schedule from Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011 through Monday, Jan. 2, 2012. During that time all nonessential operations will be closed at all Kent State campuses. Regular university operations will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012.
This year the Christmas and New Year's holidays fall on a Sunday. Classified and unclassified employees will receive paid leave for three days, Dec. 28, 29 and 30. The paid leave is in addition to the paid holidays of Dec. 26, 27 and Jan. 2.
The holiday schedule applies to classified and unclassified employees who normally accrue vacation throughout the year. Employees not eligible for the paid leave include student employees, classified temporary staff, temporary agency staff, unclassified nine and 10-month term appointments, short-term unclassified assignments and employees in a lay-off status. The impact of the holiday schedule for 12-month faculty who accrue vacation is the same as for unclassified employees who accrue vacation.
In December, Human Resources will publish a list of departments that will be open during the holiday schedule.
Minimum Wage to Rise in 2012
The Ohio Department of Commerce has announced that Ohio’s minimum wage will increase on Jan.1, 2012 from $7.40 to $7.70 per hour. With this increase, the Student Employment Pay Plan will be adjusted accordingly.
Please keep in mind that departments do not need to take action on the minimum wage increase. Career Services will adjust the hourly wage for all students who are below the minimum for each of the three pay levels, beginning Jan. 1. However, the hourly rate for students who are at or above the new minimums will not be adjusted. If you wish to increase the hourly wage for your student employees who are currently at or above the new minimums, you must submit a Pay Raise Request form.
Contact Ami Hollis at 330-672-8380 or ahollis@kent.edu for more information.
New Location for Architect’s Office
Make a note that as of Oct. 19, the Office of the University Architect (OUA) has moved from Lowry Hall to the newly renovated Harbourt Hall on Loop Road. The new mailing address is Suite 101 Harbourt Hall, 615 Loop Road. Telephone numbers to the office and OUA staff remain the same.
Political Dos and Don’ts
With a general election in Ohio next week and a presidential election a little more than a year away, there will be many opportunities for Kent State University to participate in election-related activities. This could take the form of class assignments, debates, candidate appearances and political ads.
While university-sponsored political activities are permitted on any Kent State campus, there are guidelines that must be followed. The guidelines are posted in the Oct. 17 issue of eInside. Please take some time to review the guidelines. If you are not sure about whether a proposed activity is permitted, contact the Office of General Counsel at 330-672-2982 or legal@kent.edu.
Volunteers Needed for Tax Season
The offices of Tax and Treasury Services, Payroll and Global Education at Kent State are partnering to participate in the IRS volunteer tax assistance program. The program offers qualified individuals, including students and members of the community, free assistance in preparing their tax returns.
Please let your staff know that volunteers are needed to help prepare tax returns for this assistance program. Training will be provided, and the time commitment is minimal. Interested volunteers can call 330-672-8622 or send an email totax@kent.edu with name and contact information.
Dates to Remember:
National American Indian Heritage Month
Nov. 3-4 The Hajj - Islamic Observance
Nov. 5-6 Eid al-Adha - Islamic Observance
Nov. 6 Daylight Savings Time ends (turn clocks back one hour)
Nov. 8 Ohio General Elections
Nov. 10 Kent State Veterans Day Observance, 11 a.m., Risman Plaza
Nov. 11 Veterans Day (university closed)
Nov. 24 Thanksgiving (classes end at noon on Nov. 23; offices open normal hours. University closed Nov. 24 and 25)
Nov. 25-26 Islamic New Year
Nov. 27 Advent begins
Tell Us What You Think
This e-newsletter is designed to keep you, the managers and supervisors, informed. Please take a few minutes to let us know what you think of it, along with any comments or suggestions. You may contact us atmanagersfeedback@kent.edu. We look forward to hearing from you.
For information about events and programs for university employees, please check out the Faculty and Staff calendar and share the information with your staff.