A-to-Z Index


December Update

New Wage 1500-Hour Information for Employees and Supervisors - Now Available!

As of December 9, 2010 wage employees and direct supervisors of wage employees can access
1500-hour information via J-Ess and Manager Self Service respectively. Wage employees have access to a link in J-Ess titled 1500-Hour Tracking where they can view their anniversary date, total hours worked in their anniversary year and total hours remaining in the anniversary year. Direct supervisors of wage employees can view the same information for their wage employees via a link available in Manager Self Service titled 1500-Hour Tracking.

Please see the 1500-Hour FAQs for J-Ess or the 1500-Hour FAQs for Manager Self Service for more information.


Benefits Reminders as We Near the Holidays

  • Beginning January 1, 2011, due to the Healthcare Reform Act, over the counter medications will no longer be a reimbursable expense for Medical Flexible Reimbursement Accounts. Stock up on eligible OTC items by December 31, 2010.
  • All classified employees should review their current vacation leave balance with their supervisor and plan to use hours that will exceed their maximum carry-over limit. Excess vacation hours must be used before January 10, 2011.
  • Detailed information about unscheduled campus closings is found in JMU Policy 1309  University Closings, Class Cancellations and Exam Postponements Due to Inclement Weather or Emergencies.
  • In order to be paid for JMU holidays, a classified employee must either work or be on paid leave the workday before and the workday after the holiday per Department of Human Resource Management Holiday Policy 4.25. Taking unpaid leave the day before or the day after a holiday will result in unpaid holiday time. If you have questions regarding the holiday policy, contact Krystal Smith, HR benefits representative, at 8-3974 or smithkf@jmu.edu.

 
Understanding the Virginia Sickness & Disability Program (VSDP)

Information about the Virginia Sickness & Disability Program (VSDP) will be presented by Diane Ricketson, Disability Services Coordinator, on Tuesday, January 18, 2011. There will be a review of the leave received through this program, along with an understanding of the usage of this leave. In addition, there will be discussion about what constitutes a short-term disability, the affect on benefits and pay during short-term disability and the process to begin a disability claim. The transition from short-term disability to long-term disability will also be reviewed, along with affects on benefits.

Register to attend this training (course #TD1204) through J-Ess. 
 
Test Your Waiver of Tuition Program Knowledge

I am a wage employee thinking about taking classes this spring. Does JMU offer benefits related to classes to wage employees?

Yes, JMU wage employees meeting the criteria outlined in the following policies may request waiver of tuition.

Non-student wage employees are eligible for a non-degree-seeking tuition waiver after 1000 hours of employment and may apply for another tuition waiver after each subsequent 1000 hours.

JMU Policy 1402 Faculty-Staff Waiver of Tuition Program for Non Degree-Seeking Coursework at JMU

Non-student wage employees are eligible for a degree-seeking tuition waiver after 2000 hours of employment and may apply for another tuition waiver after each subsequent 1000 hours.

JMU Policy 1405 Faculty-Staff Waiver of Tuition Program for Degree-Seeking Coursework at JMU

Your HR contact for the Faculty-Staff Waiver of Tuition Program is Michelle Chase, 8-3825, chasepm@jmu.edu.

 
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away, all!

A few tips before leaving the building for the holidays…

  • Clean out the office refrigerator
  • Configure voice mail and email with “out of office” replies
  • Discard trash and place clean recyclables in appropriate containers
  • Power off computers and printers
  • Prepare 2011 calendar
  • Remove and store holiday decorations
  • Remove personal items of value from your work space
  • Unplug coffee makers, lamps, microwaves, toasters, etc.
  • Water and place office plants in a sunlit location


Popular/New Training and Development Opportunities Beginning January 2011

EveryOne Makes a Difference Customer Service Series: Customer Service Basics

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People Workshop Series

Congratulations! You’re the Supervisor, Now What?

For additional information or to arrange customized sessions for your department, contact Suzanne Vance, Training Coordinator, at 8-4101 or vancesn@jmu.edu.