SCSU Office of Human Resources Fall, 2016

1 The Employee Connection scsu Office of Human Resources Inside this issue New Training Portal .. 1 HR Contacts/Upcoming Events .. 2 Important Reminders .. 3 Helpful Information .. 4 Featured Policy .. 5 New Training Portal The Office of Human Resources announced the rollout of the new FirstNet training portal this past summer. The Board of Regents for Higher Education recently contracted with FirstNet. The online training is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and may be accessed by visiting or em-ployees may click the training portal link from the Office of Human Resources website. Employees will log into the system by entering their user name which is CS_ followed by their 6 digit CORE-CT number (Example: CS_000000). The 6 digit CORE-CT number can be found on employees paystubs or by contacting the Payroll Depart-ment. Upon logging into the system, all employees will use a tem-porary password of training. Employees will then select a security question to retrieve their password in the future if needed.

2 Once logged in the system, employees will have the option of changing their password. Once employees are logged into the system all assignments to be completed will be listed. To complete an assignment, an employ-ee will simply click on the course or policy name. Please keep in mind most courses include audio and will require speakers. If a course is stopped before the end, the employee may sign back into the system in the future and start the course from the point where it was stopped and then complete it. A record of all training will be kept in the portal and there is no need for employees to print hard copies certificates for HR files. FirstNet offers a helpdesk designated for the State of Connecticut employees. If an employee is having any issue with the training portal they may contact the FirstNet helpdesk by calling 1-888-948-4949 and select option #1. Employees may also contact Kim Mas-sores in the Office of Human Resources at 203-392-6962 or Fall, 2016 ** Office of Human Resources Staff** Diane Mazza Chief HR Officer x25405 (Unclassified/Classified Labor Relations and Contract Administration; FOI Officer) Marlene Cordero HR Administrator x25537 (Unclassified services & Retire-ments) Darci Carson HR Associate x25075 (Unclassified services & Dual employ-ment) Francesca Poole HR Associate x25059 (Benefits & Worker s Compensation) Kim Massores HR Associate x26962 (Lecturers & Training) Sharon Demers HR Assistant x25063 (Student Workers & University Assis-tants) LaKecia Anderson Administrative Assistant x25567 (Administrative sup-port & HR Website management) The Office of Human Resources has relo-cated back to the Wintergreen building.

3 The entrance to the Office of Human Re-sources is located in the back of the Win-tergreen building. Parking is available for those who are vis-iting the Office . The Office is open from 7:30 through 5:00 Monday through Friday. Follow us on Twitter! @SCSUH umanResources Keep up with the latest information. We Have Moved! 2 Upcoming Events: 9/21/16: Giancarlo DiRoma, Prudential Retirement Counselor will be on campus from 10:00 3:00 in Buley 241. He will be available to answer your retirement planning questions. 9/22/16: David Pepper from Colonial Life (Short Term Disability Insurance provider) will be on campus from 10:00 :00 in the Engelman Rotunda. 10/1/16: MedFlex Dependent Care enrollment will begin on October 1, 2016 and will conclude on October 31, 2016. These changes will be effective January 1, 2017. For additional information on this benefit please contact Francesca Poole at ext. 25059. 10/3/16: Liz Austin from Voya Universal Life (Supplemental Life Insurance) will be on campus from 1:00 4:00 in the Engleman Rotunda.

4 11/17/16: Back by popular demand, Mr. Robert Rodriguez from the Social Security Administration will be on campus conducting a Social Security Workshop from 1:00 3:00 (Information will be forthcoming for this event during the next month). 3 The Office of Human Resources extends a warm welcome back to all stu-dents and employees for the fall semester. At this time please note the fol-lowing important reminders which will help us serve faculty, staff and stu-dents in the most efficient manner. Be sure to visit the HR website for the latest version of all forms. Many forms we use on a regular basis have been and continue to be updated. Examples in-clude; background authorization form, Worker s Compensation forms and Uni-versity Assistant appointment form. The best way to avoid delays is to use the most current version of all forms. All employees are encouraged to check the CORE-CT self-service system to be sure there is accurate address, phone number and emergency contact infor-mation on file.

5 Employees interested in submitting requests for retirement are encouraged to do so 60 days prior to their desired retirement date. This will help avoid de-lays in the process. Employees who are not authorized by the Office of Human Resources should not begin working. This includes faculty, staff, lecturers, university assistants and student workers. Departments please be mindful of the below Lecturer Appointment due dates: Semester Department to Dean Dean to Academic Affairs Academic Affairs to Human Resources Intersession 9/23/16 10/6/16 10/14/16 Spring 2017 10/21/16 11/3/16 11/11/16 Spring Break 11/28/16 12/1/16 12/9/16 Summer Session 3/10/17 3/23/17 3/31/17 Tobacco Free Campus Please keep in mind, as of August 25, 2015, the univer-sity implemented a tobacco-free policy. Therefore, smoking and tobacco use is prohibited in all areas of the campus. Time Sheet Reminder Please be sure all time-sheets are submitted to payroll by the due date at the end of each pay period.

6 Tuition Waivers Tuition waiver forms are available on the HR website in the benefits section. Forms may be signed by any employee in the Office of Human Resources . Proof of dependency must be on file for approval. Social Security Workshop Giancarlo DiRoma, Prudential retirement counselor is available to answer your retirement planning questions. Contact him to learn more about saving for retirement, learn how to take ad-vantage of plan features, and choose investments that meet your needs. He may be reached by calling 860-819-6972 or by email to schedule your one on one meeting. His next scheduled visit to the campus is on September 21, 2016. On February 25, 2016, the Office of Human Resources sponsored a Social Security Workshop for Fac-ulty and Staff. Due to the over-whelming popularity of the pro-gram which was facilitated by Robert Rodriguez, Public Affairs Specialist from the Social Security Administration, the Office of Hu-man Resources is planning to offer another workshop.

7 Topics of dis-cussion included answers to Social Security benefits questions re-lating to retirement, survivors, disability, spouse, divorced spouse and Medicare. The spe-cialist also demonstrated how to register for benefits by creating an online account. Please consider attending the next session on No-vember 17, 2016 4 Employee Assistance Program State of Connecticut Defined Contribution Plans The Lexington Group, Inc. provides dedicated confidential ser-vices to employees. They offer caring and personalized services to help resolve personal problems including issues such as: sub-stance abuse, childcare, gambling, handling stress and anxiety, financial difficulties, caring for aging parents. Employees may call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1-800-676-4357 Southern Connecticut State University RULES OF CONDUCT To assure orderly operations and provide the best possible work environment, Southern Connecticut State University expects its employees to follow Rules of Conduct that will protect the interests and safety of all.

8 It is not possible to list all forms of behavior that are considered acceptable or unacceptable in the workplace, but the following are examples: Acceptable Conduct * Comply with all federal and state laws, regulations and/or statutes, department directives and lawful instructions/orders. * Meet all your responsibilities for dependability. * Enforce all rules, regulations and policies of the department and the University. * Maintain a safe, secure and sanitary work environment. * Report any arrest and subsequent disposition, including conviction, to your supervisor on or by the next scheduled workday following the arrest, but no later than 48 hours after the incident. When on extended leave, you must report any arrest and subsequent disposition, including con-viction, to your supervisor within 48 hours. * Inform your supervisor and the Human Resources Office in writing of any change of address and/or telephone number within 48 hours.

9 * Immediately report to your supervisor any medical condition or use of medication which may affect job performance or judgment. * Maintain appropriate demeanor and professional manner at all times, showing respect for other employees, students and the public. * Maintain good stewardship of all state property and equipment. * Be courteous and accommodating in all your dealings with the public, including telephone con-versations. * Cooperate fully and truthfully in any inquiry or investigation conducted by the University and any other law enforcement or regulatory agency. * Appropriately file forms as required by the Ethics Commission or Hatch Act. Unacceptable Conduct The following are examples of infractions of Rules of Conduct that may result in disciplinary ac-tion, including suspension or termination of employment: * Any act that jeopardizes the health, safety, or welfare of the staff and the public. * Sleeping or inattentiveness while on duty.

10 * Engaging in abusive or obscene language, threats or intimidating behavior. * Engaging in unprofessional or illegal behavior while on or off duty, that could in any manner re-flect negatively on the department. 5 Featured Policy The Office of Human Resources will continue to feature policies in each edition of the newsletter as a reminder to all employees. Please visit the Office of Human Resources website to familiarize yourself with all policies . RULES OF CONDUCT (Continued) *Engaging in any activity that would impair your independence of judgment or otherwiseconflict with the proper discharge of your responsibilities. *Releasing any confidential information or unauthorized or inaccurate information, rec-ords, or documents. *Using your official position to gain any personal advantage or an advantage for another inany improper or unauthorized manner. *Refusing to do assigned work or to work overtime if directed, or failing to carry out thereasonable directive of a manager, supervisor or department head.