December 1, 2005

News briefs

KinderCare fee assistance available

The University allocates $65,000 annually for need-based fee assistance for full-time faculty and staff children who attend the KinderCare facility on the Chicago campus. A limited amount of 2005-06 need-based fee assistance is available for childcare tuition for eligible families and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

The center is located at 446 E. Ontario, just two blocks south of Abbott Hall, and serves children six weeks to five years. Interested families can contact the center director at (312) 867-7056 to arrange a tour. Northwestern families receive priority enrollment in the center.

Contact (312) 503-6631 or k-krauch@northwestern.edu for more information.

HR opens Chicago payroll office

Human Resources' Payroll Division has opened a permanent office on the Chicago campus. The new payroll office is located in 850 Abbott Hall and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The new office is staffed to answer payroll questions in all areas including I9 employment verification, direct deposit participation, tax forms, nonresident alien tax forms and employment eligibility, pretax transit (CTA/RTA), the Electronic Time Entry System, and other general payroll information.

Perspectives now online

Northwestern’s Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) provider, Perspectives, Ltd., is now online.

The site provides thousands of articles and self assessment tools on a variety of work/life topics including emotional well being, family and care giving, health and wellness, daily living, and working well. Go to www.perspectivesltd.com/ddmNewLogin.php?uid=NOR501&pwd=perspectives

The FSAP also provides faculty, staff and family members free and confidential professional support for working through personal challenges that can upset the work and life balance. These personal challenges might include time management difficulties, emotional problems, family issues, financial and legal troubles, stress management, work-related concerns, and substance abuse. Evaluation, counseling and referral services are provided at no charge. Call (800) 456-6327 to speak to a counselor.

First Bank offers mortgage assistance

First Bank & Trust is available to provide banking and mortgage assistance to Northwestern faculty and staff, including preferred mortgage interest rates, no application fee, and guaranteed second mortgages for faculty and for new staff employees who move to the Evanston area. Bridge loans are also available to those who qualify.

With questions, call Janie Savage, Office of the Senior Vice President and Finance, at (847) 491-5534.

For mortgage assistance, contact Lynda Ancell, vice president, First Bank & Trust, at (847) 733-7400.

Free workshop on mortgages

Employees interested in exploring options for home ownership can attend workshops on how to choose the right lender and understand costs and prices for obtaining a mortgage. The workshops will cover the types of mortgage products on the market today. Lunch will be provided. Call (847) 491-7513 to reserve a space:

• Evanston – Dec. 15 from noon to 1:30 p.m., Norris Center, Ohio State Room

• Chicago – Dec. 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m., Wieboldt Hall, Room 203

The Real Estate workshop series will continue in February with a “First Time Home Buyers” workshop, which will outline steps in the home buying, and “Buying Up, Selling and Property Investments” for the more experience buyer and seller.

For more information, go to www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/news/fall-2005-worklife.pdf

Shuttle leaves Chicago later

The last northbound shuttle that departs from the Ward Building on the Chicago campus at 9:10 p.m. has been changed to depart at 9:25 p.m. due to customer feedback.

New arrival/departure times are 9:43 p.m. (Sheridan/Loyola); 9:53 p.m. (Chicago/Main); 9:54 p.m. (Chicago/Davis); 9:55 p.m. (Arch, Chicago/Sheridan); 9:57 p.m. (Anderson Hall); 9:58 p.m. (Tech); 9:59 p.m. (Patten Gym); 10:01 (Central L); and 10:05 p.m. (Ryan Field).

All other trips remain unchanged.

See complete schedules at www.univsvcs.northwestern.edu/shuttles/index.htm

Fencing team holds public clinics

The public is invited to learn fencing fundamentals in a fun atmosphere at the 2006 fencing clinics. The program is designed for people of all ages who would like to try the sport, as well as for experienced fencers.

A typical session includes a warm-up, stretching, footwork, light conditioning, one-on-one lessons and bouting. Coaches include North-western’s head fencing coach Laurie Schiller; assistant coach Ed Kaihatsu; and members of the men’s and women's fencing teams.

Clinics are scheduled each Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. from Jan. 11 to March 1 in Patten Gymnasium. Fencing equipment will be provided.

For more information, or to register, contact Ed Kaihatsu at (847) 491-2900 or e-kaihatsu@northwestern.edu.

SCS holds info sessions

The School of Continuing Studies will host two information sessions for full-time staff on Dec. 2 in Evanston and Dec. 5 in Chicago.

Interested individuals are invited to learn how to take advantage of tuition benefits through part-time, evening and weekend study.

Representatives from SCS and Human Resources will be on hand to answer questions.

Make a reservation by calling (847) 491-5612.