HR Faculty/Staff News Now - October 14, 2019, Vol. 1, Issue 20

Dr. Joseph Underwood Selected as Tyson Scholar

Assistant professor of Art History, Dr. Joseph Underwood, was selected through an international competition for the Tyson Scholars Program at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art for the spring of 2020. The award also comes with a monetary prize of $21,000.

Dr. Underwood’s research project, “Forging a New Contemporary: Art from Senegal and the Americas in Transnational Networks, 1962-1984,” will be conducted at the Crystal Bridges Museum over the course of several months. Tyson Scholars have access to the art and library collections of Crystal Bridges Museum, as well as the library at the University of Arkansas in nearby Fayetteville. Read more.


College of Podiatric Medicine's Jill Kawalec, Ph.D., Promoted to Professor

The College of Podiatric Medicine (CPM) is proud to congratulate Jill Kawalec, Ph.D., on her promotion to Professor this July. Dr. Kawalec has a Bachelor of Bioengineering degree from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as a master’s degree and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, both earned from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.

Originally hired with the former Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in 1996, Dr. Kawalec began her career with the college as an Assistant Professor and Director of Research. Following the acquisition of OCPM by Kent State University in 2012, she was promoted to Associate Professor and Division Head of Research. She now serves as Professor and Division Head for Pre-Clinical Sciences while maintaining her role as Director of Research.

Dr. Kawalec’s research expertise has been demonstrated not only through her home base at CPM but also at Kent State University’s Liquid Crystal Institute and the Fashion School through the development of a fabric that may provide an early warning sign to one of the biggest risks of diabetes. Thanks to Dr. Kawalec’s research and partnership with teams from the Liquid Crystal Institute and Fashion School, the unique fabric was constructed so that any infection, causing an increase in temperature, or poor circulation that causes a decrease in temperature, can be detected by a sock. Patients wear the socks in the morning and if they notice a change in color, most likely blue or green indicating heat, they would call the doctor. The team hopes to have the sock on the market in a few years.

At CPM, Dr. Kawalec oversees the daily operation of the Research Office. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she provides the administrative oversight for all the research performed at CPM and chairs its Institutional Review Board/Research Committee. Dr. Kawalec works closely with faculty and students every day, developing and conducting research in their areas of interest.

Please join CPM in congratulating Dr. Kawalec on her recent promotion and thanking her for her years of service to the community.


Morgan James Brings Powerhouse Voice to Tuscarawas Performing Arts Center

YouTube sensation and Broadway actress, Morgan James, is a soul singer that will take you to a different era at the Performing Arts Center at Kent State University - Tuscarawas on October 19 at 7:30 p.m. Learn more.


ETW Enhancements Go Live October 21, 2019

As a university focused on continuous innovation and development, we are pleased to announce the re-designed Employee Transaction Workflow effective Oct. 21, 2019.

Developing the new system’s architecture and technology took careful planning and execution, and allows Information Technology, Human Resources Records and Academic Affairs to move the workflow from dated technology to a sustainable new workflow platform. With this launch comes additional system capabilities.

There are many enhancements that will be helpful to ETW initiators and approvers. View the updated User Guide to check out FAQs and get a feel for the look of the enhanced workflow.


Safety Training Available to All Employees

The department of Environmental Health and Safety has new safety training available to the entire university. Classes are Wednesday and Thursday  from noon - 1 p.m. in Harbourt Hall, Room 331. Bring your lunch as we discuss Ergonomics, Defensive Driving, Weather Emergencies and more. You can use this knowledge at work and at home.

To schedule a class, go to https://flashtrain.kent.edu, or contact Don Head at extension 29565 or dehead@kent.edu. Space is limited, so register now.


41st Annual Varsity "K" Hall of Fame

Join Kent State Athletics for the 41st Annual Varsity “K” Hall of Fame ceremony on Sat., Oct. 26 in the KSU Student Center Ballroom. Athletics will celebrate the achievements of the 2019 Varsity “K” Hall of Fame class. The induction ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. with eight inductees and four honorees joining the Hall of Fame. Purchase Hall of Fame tickets for $25 per person. Price includes entry to the event and brunch.


National Transfer Student Week Comes to Kent State University

Student Success Programs is collaborating with a number of colleges, departments and student organizations to take part in the third annual observation of National Transfer Student Week, Oct. 21 - 25, 2019. This multifaceted program includes celebrating transfer students, helping them get connected to university resources, faculty and staff, as well as educating university stakeholders about this population of students. This year’s theme is “Celebrate Your Transfer Story.”


New Hire Diversity Luncheon, Nov. 6

The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, in collaboration with the Division of Human Resources, will host the annual New Hire Diversity Luncheon on Wed., Nov. 6, at noon in the Kent Student Center.

The invitation-only luncheon welcomes and honors new diverse faculty and staff hires from all Kent State campuses, and provides attendees with an opportunity to network and receive valuable resources to facilitate their success at Kent State University.


Sign up for a Faculty and Staff Meal Plan

Dining Services has meal plans that fit your life and your schedule. Faculty and Staff can use payroll deduction to pay for a meal plan. Sign up in FlashLine, under Additional Employee Resources. For more details, please visit our Meal Plans web page. Bon Appetit!


It’s Annual Open Enrollment & Wellness Fair Time – We Can’t Wait to See You

The annual Open Enrollment and Wellness Fairs have been kicked off!  Make sure you mark the date that we will be on your campus and stop by and see your Employee Wellness Team. We will have new information on what’s coming in 2020, table giveaways and more!  Our wellness partners will also be present at each fair, including IMPACT Solutions and Be Well. In addition, there will be breakout sessions to learn more. You can review the 2020 Benefits Open Enrollment and Wellness video recording for a preview of the planned breakout discussion. 

Below is a schedule of upcoming fairs. We can’t wait to see you!

KSU CAMPUS

DATE

TIME

BREAKOUT SESSION

Twinsburg Campus

Tues., Oct. 15

9 am-12 pm

10:30-11:30 - Room 120

Trumbull Campus

Wed., Oct. 16

9 am-12 pm

10:30-11:30 - Room 176-T

Tuscarawas Campus

Thur., Oct. 17

9 am-12 pm

10:30-11:30 - Business Conf. Rm. A (Founders Hall)

Geauga Campus

Tues., Oct. 22

9 am-12 pm

10:30-11:30 - Room 105A

Kent Campus

Wed., Oct. 23

9 am-3 pm

10:30 - 11:30 am and 1:30 - 2:30 pm
KSC Room 304

CPM Campus

Thur., Oct. 24

9 am-12 pm

10:30-11:30 - POD Med Classroom 2

E. Liverpool Campus

Tues., Oct. 29

9 am-12 pm

10:30 - 11:30 - Room 118 - Purinton Hall

Salem Campus

Wed., Oct. 30

9 am-12 pm

10:30 - 11:30 - Room 152

Stark Campus

Thur., Oct. 31

9 am-12 pm

10:30-11:30 - Main Hall Room 317

For questions, please contact University Benefits at ext. 2-3107, or email benefits@kent.edu; or contact the Employee Wellness Office at ext. 20392 or wellness@kent.edu.


Register Today - Fall On-site Health Screenings and Flu Clinics

As part of the employee Wellness Your Way incentive program, all full-time, benefits-eligible employees are invited to attend a "Know Your Numbers" on-site health screening. We will also offer flu vaccines to all full and part-time employees, family members and KSU students. Don't miss out on your chance to take advantage of these onsite services.

What Happens at the "Know Your Numbers" Screening?
Our wellness partner, Be Well Solutions, will be on site to take your "finger-prick blood sample", blood pressure and weight. Within a few short minutes, Be Well will provide you with your personalized profile with the following information: total cholesterol (HDL and LDL), triglycerides, blood pressure, glucose, and body mass index. This service has been provided to full-time, benefits eligible employees for nearly 6 years with excellent service ratings from our employees. 

For your convenience, we have arranged flu vaccine clinics to align with all upcoming health screening dates through November 2019 for all campuses.  

The following on-site dates are now available to schedule your "Know Your Numbers" health screening and/or flu vaccine. Follow the "How to Schedule" instructions below as registration is required for these services. Please attend at the time you have registered for.

Date

Location

Time

Oct. 16

Trumbull, Classroom/Admin Bldg. Rms. 233/236

7:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 22

Geauga, Gallery

7:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 23

Kent, Student Center Balcony (health screenings)

Kent, Ballroom (Flu vaccine clinic)

7:30 - 10:30 a.m.

7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Oct. 24

CPM, Pod Med Classroom 1

7:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 29

E. Liverpool, Purinton Hall, Slak Shak

7:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 30

Salem, Main Bld., Rms 189/191

7:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 31

Stark, Recreation and Wellness Center

7:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 13

Kent Campus, Student Center Balcony

7:30 - 10:30 a.m.

There are walk-in flu vaccine hours at University Health Services, 1500 Eastway Drive
Kent Campus every Tuesday from 3 – 5 pm.

We will only be hosting one health screening and flu vaccine clinic date per regional campus. Employees are welcome to attend any clinic that best fits their schedule. Don't delay, register today!

How to Schedule Your Appointment

  • Once you are logged in, select "My Appointments," then "Worksite Screening." Choose the date and location that best meets your schedule. Please keep in mind that you will need to fast for 8 to 10 hours prior to your health screening and blood draw via a finger prick. You can also schedule your flu vaccine appointment should you desire.
  • To complete your online health risk assessment while logged into Be Well, select "My Wellness" and then select "Health Risk Assessment." 
     
  • Results of your screening remain confidential at all times.

An information page for all "Know Your Numbers" and Flu Vaccine Clinics is available here. If you wish to register your spouse, partner or student for the flu clinic, you must do so by calling Be Well directly at 1-888-WEL-SERV (935-7378). For all other questions, you may contact the Employee Wellness Office at 330-672-0392 or wellness@kent.edu.


Wellness Your Way 2019 Deadline is Here – Oct. 30

Jumpstart Your 2020 Wellness for Tier 1

As part of Kent State's Employee Wellness Program, all full-time, benefits-eligible employees may earn up to $300 annually in wellness dollars by simply participating in healthy lifestyle activities.

Nearly 1,400 employees have taken advantage of earning their first $100 by completing their Tier 1 activities by April 30, 2019. To earn an additional $200 reward, employees have through October 15, 2019, to complete action items of their choice from the "Wellness Your Way" program menu. 

Final Verification Deadline
Tier Two activities must be completed between Jan. 1, 2019, through Oct. 15, 2019. Final paperwork must be completed and submitted to Be Well no later than Oct. 30, 2019, for the 2019 incentive period.

Need a Few Extra Points to Reach 350 Points for 2019?
There are a host of sessions (more than 150 points) available on Blackboard Learn under the "Wellness Your Way" channel. Simply complete the session(s) of your choice, take the short quiz, and earn Wellness Your Way points towards Tier 2.

Get a Jump Start on Wellness Your Way 2020
As of Sept. 1, 2019, full-time, benefits-eligible faculty and staff can get started on their Tier 1 by points but will have until April 30, 2020 to complete Tier 1, which includes a “Know Your Numbers” health screen, completion of the Be Well health risk assessment, and the Wellness Your Way release form.  If you have not already signed up for one of the complimentary “Know Your Numbers” onsite screenings, you may do so by visiting the Health Screenings webpage and following the link to register. Appointments are filling quickly so reserve your spot today!

For questions regarding the Wellness Your Way employee wellness program, please feel free to contact the Employee Wellness Office at 2-0392 or wellness@kent.edu. Or you can visit our information page.


Lunch & Learn: You Never Outgrow Vaccines

The vaccines you may need as an adult depend on everything from your age and lifestyle to high-risk medical conditions, travel plans, and which shots you have had (or not) in the past.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that throughout your adult life, you need immunizations to get and maintain protection against viruses.

As part of our ongoing employee wellness programming, we invite Dr. Lisa Dannemiller to present on this very important topic, Mon., Oct. 28 from noon - 1 p.m. in the Kent Student Center room 310. Dr Dannemiller is the interim chief university physician for Kent State University Health Services.

During this session, Dr. Dannemiller will provide an overview of vaccines for seasonal influenza, DPT, shingles, pneumococcal disease, hepatitis B, MMR and more. She will also discuss and take questions on how to be proactive in combating these diseases.

A light lunch will be provided to participants attending the session. Registration is required

For questions related to health and wellness offerings for Kent State University faculty and staff, please contact Kim Hauge, director, Employee Wellness, at 330-672-7505 or wellness@kent.edu.

 

 

POSTED: Monday, October 14, 2019 09:51 AM
Updated: Friday, July 26, 2024 09:35 AM