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September Update

Please take a moment to read through the information below for important HR news and information. As always, you may contact your HR Service Center Representative with questions. You may also contact your Employee Ombudsperson, Cathy Thomas, at 8-3967 or thomasce@jmu.edu.

2009 - 2010 Annual Performance Cycle Ending Soon

The process for evaluating non-probationary, classified employees is quickly coming to a close with the evaluation deadline to HR being Thursday, September 30 at 5:00 p.m.

As an important reminder, please include the employee’s Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP), along with the completed performance evaluation.

Your HR Service Center Representative is available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have regarding performance management and the evaluation process.

Campus Directory is Now Electronic

A little over a year ago, Dr. Rose announced that the paper JMU Directory would be eliminated. Since that time, team members from Information Technology, Human Resources and University Marketing have worked to develop the new online JMU Campus Directory. The new directory launched September 1. 

Publishing an electronic version of the directory has saved over 1,770,000 printed pages which positively impacts our commitment to environmental stewardship. It also provides a convenient, interactive process for finding the contact information you need.

Since the ‘go-live’ date, we have received valuable feedback from faculty, staff and students. We greatly appreciate your help as we enact continuous improvements. We’ll keep you up to date as work continues to make it even more useful.

Campus Directory

Benefits Highlights

September 21: Optional Retirement Participants – What to Expect When You Retire
Presented by Julie Byers, Assistant Benefits Manager

October is open enrollment month for optional retirement plans. Faculty wishing to change ORP companies (Fidelity or TIAA-CREF) may do so during this open enrollment period. Plan changes become effective January 1, 2011.

Test Your Knowledge

My primary job on campus is selling tickets to university events, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The ticket office is expecting me to volunteer for a special university fundraiser by selling tickets on campus Saturday afternoon for a performance at the Forbes Center. Is this appropriate?

  1. Absolutely
  2. No
  3. Yes, under certain conditions

Answer: 2  Although the Fair labor Standards Act (FLSA) provides specific exemption for individuals who volunteer services to public agencies, the worker will be considered a volunteer only if the following requirements are met:

  • The services must be offered freely and without pressure or coercion.
  • The volunteer must not receive, or expect to receive, any compensation other than being paid for expenses or reasonable benefits.
  • The service MUST BE DIFFERENT from ANY service that the individual is employed to perform for the employer.

In the question above, since the employee sells tickets as his/her primary job, he/she must be compensated for the work performed on Saturday, including any overtime worked beyond the 40 hour work week.

Contact your HR Service Center Workforce Representative for answers to your FLSA, classification and compensation questions.

Promoting Positivity

You’ve been told that a coworker is ill. Some thoughtful ways to express your concern without fear of prying:

  • I just heard you are ill, and I wanted to check in with you to see how you are feeling.
  • I am so sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with _________.  How much information would you like me to share with others?
  • I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable, but I just heard you are ill and wanted to express my concern and offer my support.
  • My intent is not to pry. I heard you are ill and want you to know I care about you.
  • I hope that you have a swift recovery. ____________ told me about your diagnosis.

Free Staff/Faculty Training Sessions Offered by Training and Development Department

September 17: Slips, Trips and Falls

September 22: 4th Annual Safety Conference - Safety & You @ JMU

September 27: 2010 Professional Etiquette Series begins

September 30: New Diversity workshop - Ouch! That Hurts: Speaking up or Staying Silent, the Choice is Yours

October 21 Developing Team Leaders Series begins

A complete list of training opportunities can be found at JMU’s Training and Development Department’s web site.

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