Division of Human Resources Hires Compliance Investigator
Richantae Johnson recently joined the Division of Human Resources as the new Compliance Investigator and Deputy Title IX Coordinator.
She comes to Kent State from the Office of the Public Defender Ninth Judicial Circuit in Orlando, Fla., where she served as Assistant Public Defender primarily responsible for managing cases on domestic and dating violence and sexual assault.
“Richantae’s experience in the public defender’s office handling gender-related cases makes her a strong fit for this position,” said Jack Witt, vice president of Human Resources. “She will work closely with both Tiffany Murray, director for Gender Equity and Title IX Coordinator, and Pamela Fitzgerald, director of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action.”
Richantae also spent two years at the University of Florida as a Hall Director overseeing hundreds of residents and resident assistants. In this role, she conducted investigations and hearings that determined sanctions for students in violation of codes of conduct. Additional experience includes positions in the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida in Gainesville and the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs in Nassau, Bahamas.
She holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida Gulf Coast University. Richantae served as vice president of the pre-law Black Law Students Association, was previously an Eagle International Ambassador and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
A native of The Bahamas, Richantae currently resides in Kent. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, binge watching her favorite tv shows and obsessing over new music.
Student Engagement and Services: A Pillar of the Division of Student Affairs
Note: This is part two of a four-day series highlighting the pillars within the Division of Student Affairs and how they benefit the students at Kent State University. Today we are focusing on the Student Engagement and Services pillar, which includes Residence Services, University Dining Services, Kent Student Center and Involvement, University Bookstores, and Flashcard.
As students settle into their college journey at Kent State University, many variables play a role in ensuring a smooth process each day.
The Student Engagement and Services pillar within the Division of Student Affairs aims to make that process much more manageable.
One of the more critical parts is that of Dining Services, and the program is currently undergoing a significant transformation.
“While all areas [in this pillar] are important, this is getting the most attention this spring and summer as we go live July 1 and are positioning ourselves for a smooth start for the fall semester,” said Assistant Vice President for Student Services, Gary Goldberg. “A well-orchestrated, self-operated dining program provides for innovation, authenticity, student involvement, and student development.”
Goldberg also pointed out that each entity within the pillar is of utmost importance and is up to the task of supporting it. Read the full story.
Campus Kitchen's Next Food Distribution Set for Wednesday
Help the Campus Kitchen at Kent State spread the word about this week’s food distribution. The May food distribution in collaboration with the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank will take place Wednesday, May 19, from 1 - 3 p.m. at Dix Stadium.
Resources are free and open to anyone. Each household will receive two boxes of groceries. There is no proof of residency or income required. Visitors can expect to take home protein as well as shelf-stable food items. As a reminder, the last food distribution is scheduled for Wednesday, June 16, thanks to a food bank grant from Feeding America.
In addition to this monthly distribution, we continue holding food pantries in Tri-Towers three times per week. More information can be found for these resources at our website: www.kent.edu/community/campus-kitchen or by emailing campuskitchen@kent.edu.
Explore Free LinkedIn Learning Resources
Updating or expanding your office skills is just a few clicks away. Training and Development, in conjunction with LinkedIn Learning, encourages faculty and staff to take advantage of the May 2021 LinkedIn Learning Resource Kit.
There you will find information related to Learning at Work Week 2021, which features five LinkedIn Learning courses demonstrating the value of your natural-born instinct to learn in the new world of work.
Other assets include information related to Mental Health Awareness month and the LinkedIn Learning Hub that has all the capabilities of a traditional learning experience platform as well as seasonal promotional materials. For questions related to health and wellness offerings for faculty and staff, please contact Employee Wellness at wellness@kent.edu or 330-672-0392.
Contact Training and Development with questions about LinkedIn Learning at hrd@kent.edu.
Resources for Plant-Based Living
Adopting a diet rich in natural plant-based foods has an array of benefits for your health as well as the environment. For assistance on your plant-based journey, consider scheduling a nutrition counseling session, joining a support community like WW, or simply exploring more plant-based recipes.
Complimentary Nutrition Counseling
Not sure how to start adopting a plant-based diet? Need help with meal planning? Want to make sure you are reaching your protein and nutrient needs? Receive expert advice from a registered dietitian and earn wellness rewards points while you're at it! Full-time, benefits-eligible faculty and staff can schedule a nutrition counseling session by logging into the Be Well portal and clicking on the link for nutrition counseling under "My Appointments." Part-time employees and family members can access nutrition counseling through Impact Solutions, Kent State's Employee Assistance Program, by calling 800-227-6007.
WW (formerly Weight Watchers)
If you find it easier to stick with your health goals when you have the support of others, then you may consider joining the WW community. Through Kent State's partnership with Medical Mutual, employees and their dependents aged 18+ who are covered under the university-sponsored health care plan can join WW and save nearly 50 percent on the membership. Eligible employees can enroll in WW by emailing ww@medmutual.com or calling 800-251-2583. For more information on the different types of memberships and how to enroll, visit the Employee Wellness WW web page.
Plant-Based Recipes
Discover nutritious plant-based recipes to add to your culinary repertoire from the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, the Meatless Monday Campaign, and the Plant-Based Life Foundation.
For questions related to health and wellness offerings for faculty and staff, please contact Employee Wellness at wellness@kent.edu or 330-672-0392.
Deadline to Submit Tier 1 Wellness Rewards Documents is May 21
Full-time, benefits-eligible employees who practice healthy behaviors can earn $300 each year for participating in the Wellness Your Way Rewards Program. The program consists of two tiers. Tier 1 focuses on building awareness of your personal health by completing three Tier 1 activities: Know Your Numbers health screening, Health Risk Assessment, and Employee Wellness Waiver.
Completing Tier 1 is worth $100, and there is a Tier 1 qualifying period for the 2021 rewards program cycle from Sept. 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021. Please note that there is a grace period for submitting Tier 1 paperwork. All outstanding Tier 1 paperwork should be submitted to Be Well Solutions no later than May 21, 2021.
As a reminder, you can work on both tiers simultaneously but may not receive a Tier 2 payout until and unless Tier 1 activities are complete.
Full-time, benefits-eligible employees hired between April 1, 2021 and June 30, 2021 will be permitted an extension period through July 31, 2021 to complete Tier 1 requirements. If you were hired during that time period and have questions about the extension, please contact the Employee Wellness office.
For questions related to the wellness rewards program or other health offerings for faculty and staff, contact Employee Wellness at wellness@kent.edu or 330-672-0392.