Aug. 20, 2020
News you need COVID-19 guidelines and FAQs To help protect our students, faculty, staff and visitors from COVID-19, the University has updated the Employee Guidelines and developed a robust and comprehensive program of testing, screening and contact tracing. These protocols apply to everyone on the UD campuses. Be sure to read Additional Testing FAQs for faculty/staff which have been updated in response to employee questions. Protect the flock! UD launched a new campaign, Protect the Flock, to encourage students, faculty and staff to help prevent the spread COVID-19 as the fall semester gets underway. The campaign will share reminders to protect yourself, your colleagues and family by adhering to guidelines for face coverings, social distancing and other healthy behaviors. Download a Protect the Flock poster and virtual Zoom background from your desktop computer. New time and attendance system Human Resources is pleased to be implementing a new time and attendance system called UD WorkForce, an upgrade over UDTime. UD WorkForce, set to launch Sept. 6, will significantly improve your experience with system enhancements and new features. Explore your role and access training information. Vacation leave accrual limits Effective July 1, 2020, the vacation accrual limits outlined in the Vacation Accrual and Use Policy have been temporarily suspended through Dec. 31, 2021. Eligible employees will be permitted to carry over vacation leave in excess of the limits outlined in the policy. Any excess vacation will not be forfeited until Jan. 1, 2022. Talent sharing The Talent Share Program provides a solution to campus staffing gaps by matching up college/department needs with available employees who’ve had a reduction in workload due to COVID-19. It also provides employees an opportunity to develop new skills and experience. To date, more than 100 UD employees have shared their talents. Learn more about the program. FYI TIAA counseling sessions Access virtual TIAA counseling by phone or on any device and learn about your retirement savings, managing debt and your investment strategy. Meetings are highly secure and private. Schedule a virtual counseling session. Featured jobs View this month’s featured UD jobs on the HR Careers site:
Professional development and continuing education A variety of education opportunities are available to UD employees through UD’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies, including many for which UD fee waivers or employee discounts are applicable. Learn more about our short-term programs, free virtual information sessions or contact us via email. Tuition Exchange Program applications open Faculty and staff applications for the Tuition Exchange Program’s (TEP) 2021-22 academic year scholarships are open. Those interested in applying should do so through the Educational Benefits web form by October 28, 2020. Learn more. Work-life New family support benefit program As the new school year approaches, many parents and caregivers are feeling uncertain about continued remote learning, particularly for children who need extra support. For a limited time, employees enrolled in an Aetna or Highmark Delaware health plan are eligible at no cost for Rethink, a care program for children with learning, social or behavioral challenges. Learn more. All-Access membership Wellbeing has never been more important, and we encourage you to take advantage of your $75 Wellness Dollars by participating in Employee Health and Wellbeing programs. This fall, family members are invited to join Walktober at no extra cost. Strengthen relationships while improving physical and emotional fitness. Renew your All-Access membership. Learn more. Supporting fellow Blue Hens The Employee Emergency Relief Fund, launched in May, is helping employees overcome challenges brought on by the pandemic and other unforeseen circumstances. One fund recipient shared, “Your pride as a provider takes a hit when you suddenly lose an income, but the generosity of the UD community is helping us to catch up on financial delinquencies.” Thanks to everyone who has provided support. Help a fellow Blue Hen. Take Action UD: building stronger community connections Employee Health and Wellbeing is coordinating an interactive social justice education series to support employees in their efforts to listen, learn and act for change. The series will run through December and will include employee interviews and discussions on social injustice and how it affects one’s wellbeing, plus weekly emails with calls to action for putting learning into practice. For more information, please complete the Take Action UD Interest Form. Fall diversity, equity & inclusion workshops The Office of Equity & Inclusion will be offering a full complement of regularly-scheduled virtual workshops on a range of social justice topics. Registration for the LEAD Ally Certificate Program is also available. Workshop descriptions are available on the OEI Education page, and registration is available directly through ConnectingU. Breaking Bread in Unity Employee Health & Wellbeing is starting a new cooking show called Breaking Bread in Unity, with the first episode set to air next month. In response to all that is happening in the world, the show will help to (virtually) bring the UD community together through food and sharing diverse cultures. Cook along with Chef Jen Muzzi, UD’s registered dietician and nutrition outreach coordinator. Employee Assistance Program Visit this month’s Health Advocate Member newsletter for helpful tips including planning for the unexpected, making the most of the rest of your summer, and countering quarantine fatigue
This email is approved by Jared Aupperle, Interim Vice President for Human Resources |
