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HR
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YOUR SOURCE FOR HR NEWS AND INFORMATION
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HR REVIEW monthly electronic newsletter provides University faculty
and staff news and information about Human Resources programs. Please
forward any questions or comments about HR Review to human
resources.
The HR Review Newsletter is now available via RSS.
http://www.northwestern.edu/hr/feed/hrnews.xml
January 2009
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
BENEFITS BRIEFS
HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES
NU LEARNING & ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT
WORK/LIFE RESOURCES
PAYROLL
SCHOOL OF CONTINUING STUDIES
Save the Date: May 18, 2009
Department of Athletics and Recreation
BENEFITS
What to Expect in 2009
Benefits Open Enrollment and Retirement Enrollment have both successfully come to a close! Employee elections are finalized, vendor enrollments are being processed, and accounts are being established as necessary. We appreciate the patience everyone has shown during this very busy period.
Here is what you can expect in 2009:
Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance :
If you changed your health and/or dental insurance you should have received new insurance cards. Please remember to let your health care providers know that you have new and/or different insurance. This is especially important so that claims are paid correctly and in a timely manner.
Flexible Spending Accounts:
If you enrolled in a Flexible Spending Account (except Dependent Care FSA) for the first time, you will receive a debit card in the mail from PayFlex, our FSA claims Administrator. Once you receive this information, it is important to set up your PayFlex account by going to www.mypayflex.com . You will need your employee ID number to set up your account. Your ID can be found on your Wildcard. If you already have an FSA debit card from 2008, this same card can be used in 2009 if you elected to participate in a health FSA in 2009.
Health Savings Account:
If you enrolled in the Value PPO and a Health Savings Account for the first time, you will receive a welcome kit from Mellon Bank, our HSA Account Administrator. It is important to sign and return the signature cards to open the account. If you do not open your account, your contributions and the University's matching contributions cannot be posted to your account, and you cannot access those funds. You can expect to see the University's matching portion early in 2009.
Supplemental and Spouse Life Insurance:
If you enrolled or increased your supplemental and/or spouse life insurance, your policy may require underwriting prior to approval. You may have already been contacted by the insurance company to submit blood work. It is beneficial to get this done as soon as possible to avoid delays in your approval. Upon insurance company approval, the Benefits Division will update your life insurance record. If your life insurance is denied, you will default back to the plan you originally had. If you were not enrolled in any plan, that will remain in effect.
Retirement Enrollment Changes:
All changes made during the Retirement Enrollment Period are effective January 1, 2009. If you missed this opportunity, you may complete paper enrollment change forms found on the HR website. Changes made via paper enrollment will become effective the first of the month following receipt in the Benefits Division.
Final Confirmation Statements will soon be delivered to your home address. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the final confirmation statements, please call the Benefits Division at 847-491-7513 or email benefits@northwestern.edu
HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES
FAQ's
Q : “What is the Illinois School Visitation Act?”
A : The law provides an employee unpaid leave of up to a total of 8 hours during any school year and no more than 4 hours of which may be taken on any given day, to attend school conferences or classroom activities related to the employee's child if the conference or classroom activities cannot be scheduled during non-work hours. No leave may be taken unless the employee has exhausted all accrued vacation and personal leave days and any other leave that may be granted to the employee except sick leave and disability. Before arranging attendance at the conference or activity, the employee shall provide the employer with a written request for leave at least 7 days in advance of the time the employee is required to utilize the visitation. In emergency situations, no more than 24 hours notice shall be required.
Q. Can employees use their sick time for doctor's or dentist's appointments?
A. Yes. Visits to certified caregivers for check-ups or treatment qualify for use of sick time. These appointments should be scheduled at times least disruptive to the school or department, and requires supervisory approval. If the situation permits, advance notice to the supervisor is necessary.
LEARNING & ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT
The Learning & Organization Development (L&OD) division helps NU staff and faculty perform their work effectively, efficiently and with engagement. L&OD provides consulting, coaching, workshops, retreats and tools for individuals, groups and organizations. Examples include: strategic planning meetings, process improvement recommendations and leadership coaching. Now is a particularly good time to consider these services. Budget planning and resource limitations provide an opportunity to creatively re-think priorities/goals.
New Leader as Coach Workshop
Managers and supervisors . . .consider our new workshop, Leader as Coach , which will help you turn your team's strengths and improvement opportunities into excellent workplace performance through the power of effective coaching. Your staff members likely have untapped potential and you have the opportunity to bring it to the surface. A Master Certified Coach will offer practical tools and tips that you can begin using immediately. For dates, details and registration visit http://www.northwestern.edu/hr/training/leadership.html .
On-going Offerings
On-going Learning & Organization Development offerings include:
• Computer Applications Training: learn about a wide variety of software
• New Employee Orientation: accelerate your on-boarding with workshops & tools
Descriptions, schedules and registration instructions are available at www.northwestern.edu/hr/training . Questions or comments, please contact us at training@northwestern.edu or 847-467-8051.
New Employee of the Year Nominations Sought
Have you worked with a staff member at Northwestern who blew you away with outstanding service? Nominate him or her for Employee of the Year! Every year one employee from each campus (including Doha programs) is recognized. This honor is bestowed upon members of our community who truly go above and beyond for Northwestern on a consistent basis. Staff members who have been working at NU for at least three years and did not win the previous year's award are eligible. Check out former winners at http://www.northwestern.edu/nusac/reward_rec/eoy.html . Nominate someone exceptional here http://www.northwestern.edu/hr/training/servrec.html#year .
WORK/LIFE RESOURCES
FAQ
Q : “This has been a stressful time for my family. My husband lost his job and we are struggling financially. I have found myself increasingly concerned about how we will manage going forward, and I am beginning to notice that it is taking a toll on my health. As a result I am now missing some work. What can I do?”
A: First of all, you are not alone. Many people are struggling under the current economic conditions. Northwestern University provides several alternatives for assistance:
- FSAP-the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program is available to provide assistance for a variety of personal concerns. Their locations are convenient to both campuses. All contacts are confidential, as required by law. To access the FSAP, contact #800-456-6327. You may also visit Perspectives Online at their newly enhanced site: www.perspectivesltd.com . User Id: NOR501 Password: perspectives.
- For assistance with work-related concerns, you may contact your human resources consultant. The general numbers for the HR Services Team are 847-491-7507 for Evanston and 312-503-8481 for Chicago.
- Financial Aid: childcare scholarships for the McGaw YMCA and KinderCare can be submitted. Applications are based on need and processed on a first come first serve basis. To access an application, you may download it from: http://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/childcare/solutions/solutions.htm
For additional information, contact the Work/Life Resources Office. Lori Anne Henderson at 847-491-3612 or la-henderson@northwestern.edu.
Summer Camp Information
Despite the weather, it is time to think about summer camp enrollment.
EVANSTON:
For a guide to accredited camps: see the American camping association website at www.acacamps.org
For assistance with Summer Camp/Summer Care options: Contact Kanella Maniatis at Action for Children at 312-823-1275.
Save the Date... Money Matters and How to Manage It
This workshop will be presented by John Capelli, Managing Director of Investments for Northwestern. He will begin with a review of current economic and market environments with consideration of what has happened in the market during the last 18 months. You will learn about how to invest for your goals with diversification, avoiding risk and minimizing cost. Time will be provided for questions about the stress of home foreclosures and general money concerns.
Evanston Campus :
Monday, January 26, 2009 – Norris Center, room Wildcat A
12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Chicago Campus:
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 – Lurie Research, Hughes Auditorium
12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Register with Phyllis Ellis: p-ellis@northwestern.edu or, by phone: 847-467-1460
PAYROLL
W2 FAQs
Q : When will I receive my W-2?
A. You will receive your W-2 by January 31, 2009. A letter containing detailed information regarding the W-2 Form has already been sent out via e-mail.
Q : Which address will my W-2 be sent to?
A. The W-2 Form will be mailed to your department address.
NU School of Continuing Studies
Tuition Benefits Information Sessions
NU School of Continuing Studies (SCS) is hosting two information sessions for NU Employees in January that will explain NU employee tuition benefits and discuss degree and course offerings provided through SCS.
The information sessions are on the Evanston campus on Thursday, January 22, 12:30-1:30 pm, and on the Chicago campus on Tuesday, January 27, noon-1 pm.
Lunch will be provided. RSVP's are required ( rsvpscs@northwestern.edu ) .
For more information visit SCS at http://scs.northwestern.edu/ .
Save the Date: May 18, 2009
“Motherhood & Success in Science”, Panel Discussion. A set of panel discussions about balancing a career in science and motherhood . Panelists will include contributors from the book, “ Motherhood: The Elephant in the Laboratory”. The panel discussions will be held at Northwestern University's Evanston Campus 12:00-2:00 PM and The University of Chicago 4:00-6:00 PM. The event will be co-sponsored by Northwestern University and the University of Chicago.
Department of Athletics and Recreation
Fitness and Recreation Winter Warm-up: January 19-25
Featuring:
- FREE group exercise classes ALL WEEK
- FREE healthy food
- FREE posture and spinal screenings
- FREE injury and flexibility screenings
- FREE lunchtime presentation on "Exercise in Disguise"
- FREE samples
- FREE fitness assessments (blood pressure and body composition)
- FREE Pilates Reformer demos and more!
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