May 20, 2020
News you need Benefits open enrollment ends today The 2020 flexible benefits open enrollment period ends today. Benefit-eligible employees may review or change their benefits online before the end of the work day. Learn more about open enrollment. In addition, if you cover your spouse under a medical plan, you are required to complete a Spousal Coordination of Benefits form each year during open enrollment. COVID-19 University officials continue to monitor the COVID-19 virus situation and are providing updates on the website about the impact on the UD community. UD is extending its remote work plan until May 31 to align with the state’s guidance. The University is targeting June 1 to begin re-activating campus operations on a phased-in basis, starting with our research facilities. Learn more. Talent share program A new talent share program gives UD’s workforce the opportunity to help address staffing needs that cannot be filled due to the pandemic-related hiring freeze. It allows able employees to assist in needed areas and to exemplify UD’s collaborative culture. Learn more. Employee recognition Human Resources launched the Hen High Five as an addition to the Employee Recognition Program, giving faculty and staff an opportunity to recognize a colleague or team for exemplary work. Hen High Five recipients are entered into a drawing for a monthly prize. Review the criteria and submission form. Coming Soon: new time and attendance system Set for launch on Aug. 9, 2020, UD WorkForce will provide University employees with an enhanced time and attendance program. Look for more information and training opportunities in July. 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. Supporting the UD community The Blue Hen family rallied to show their love for the University on I Heart UD Giving Day, May 6. This year, with many in the UD community facing financial hardships and other challenges due to the pandemic, the University launched two new funds: the Blue Hen Strong Fund for students, and the COVID-19 Employee Emergency Relief Fund. There is still time to lend support. Summer programs involving minors The Office of Equity and Inclusion requires any programs for minors—whether offered in-person or virtually—to register in order to remain compliant with the Protection of Minors Policy. Learn more. Work-life Employee Health and Wellbeing May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Employee Health & Wellbeing has been offering online sessions to introduce the UD community to mental health information and resources. View the latest resources. Learn about the interesting things UD faculty and staff are working on through a virtual series created to spark some joy-inducing curiosity during Mental Health Awareness Month. All sessions are recorded and available on the website. Virtual fitness Employee Health and Wellbeing is offering 15+ virtual fitness classes via Zoom to all staff, faculty, spouses and retirees. Register for class by accessing the class schedule. For schedule updates, visit the website. Can’t attend a live class? View all recordings on UD Capture. Employee Assistance Program Visit this month’s Health Advocate Member newsletter for helpful tips including ways to organize a healthy at-home workspace; being financially stable during the pandemic; and ways to practice mindfulness.
This email is approved by Jared Aupperle, Interim Vice President for Human Resources |
