June 17, 2020
A call to action Amidst the current national and international reckoning with racism and oppression, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. With this in mind, we will be providing resources to assist you in focusing your thoughts and actions. Over the coming weeks, we will be rolling out opportunities to reflect, educate and act in response to these important local and national conversations. We as a community have a responsibility to care for one another. Silence is not an option. It’s time that we pay attention, learn, speak out and take action. We must commit ourselves to diversity and inclusion and to speaking out against racism and discrimination. We must do better. Below are opportunities for employees to get involved in their own way. We encourage you to further the dialogue and to reach out with questions, comments or concerns. We are stronger together when we grow together, and we are proud and humbled to help play a small role in that growth. This month Engaging in Courageous Social Justice Conversations: This workshop on June 19 and 23 will prepare attendees to engage in individual and collective dialogue around social justice topics with others in their communities and understand and take action against systemic racism and white supremacy. If you are thinking of facilitating further dialogue in your teams, units, friend circles, and beyond, this is a great place to start! Register for the workshop that works best for your schedule. Addressing Racism: Advancing Justice in Times of Crisis: This webinar on June 19 is hosted by the Women’s Leadership Initiative and Lerner Diversity Council and features a panel of women from a range of industries. Learn more and register for the event. Social Justice Action-Planning: This workshop on June 18 and 22 is designed to introduce participants to the ideas of race, racism, and oppression. We will explore tangible means of taking action for social justice goals. Register for the workshop that works best for your schedule. Podcasts: The following workshops are available online and discuss many basic ideas around diversity, equity and inclusion. Customized Training/Facilitation: If your office or department has specific multicultural programming and training needs, or you would like to have someone facilitate team discussions, we would be happy to discuss them with you. Submit a Request or email Adam Foley. LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn is offering free courses to help you become a stronger ally and have inclusive conversations. Learn more. News you need Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC) tuition waiver exchange Human Resources is now accepting applications for the DTCC waiver exchange lottery. This program waives the fall and spring tuition for one dependent that is enrolled on a full-time basis in a degree-granting program at DTCC. The deadline is Aug. 5. Learn more. COVID-19 UD is planning to welcome all students on campus this fall, with alternative scenarios for the semester that may need to be considered. This will be done in alignment with state government and public health authorities to ensure responsible resumption of regular operations. University officials continue to monitor the COVID-19 virus situation and are providing updates on the website about the impact on the UD community. Learn more. COVID-19 relief fund In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many UD faculty and staff members are experiencing temporary hardships. The COVID-19 Employee Emergency Relief Fund was established to help alleviate these burdens through grants of up to $1,000. Make a donation or review the application criteria and apply. Coming in August: new time and attendance system UD WorkForce will replace UDTime, providing employees with an enhanced time and attendance program. One key new feature is the introduction of a simplified process for Time-Off Requests (TORs). TORs will replace the existing Request for Leave form and provide the ability for approval via email. Learn more. 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. Work-life Virtual resources for the Blue Hen community The Office of Development and Alumni Relations invites you to explore virtual resources for the Blue Hen community: Henrichment from Home, featuring helpful tips, virtual concerts and UD art exhibitions; the Blue Hen Brain Break, a page filled with good reads from Blue Hen authors, alumni Spotify lists and activities; and Blue Hen Minds, featuring UD thought-leader talks. Share your 'why' More than 160 UD employees have declared their purpose in the Blue and Gold Purpose Challenge. Read their inspiring statements. Take on the challenge and participate in our quest to collect 500+ statements. Employee Assistance Program Visit this month’s Health Advocate Member newsletter for helpful tips including keeping kids safe online, working out safely outdoors and overcoming burnout.
This email is approved by Jared Aupperle, Interim Vice President for Human Resources |
