More information is available on the����to help answer any questions. If faculty and staff have any additional questions about Open Enrollment or benefits, please contact��HR Shared Services��at 315.443.4042.

For employees wishing to advance their careers in higher education administration, using the to pay for a School of Education is a great choice for professional development.

This program enables students to develop their skills in student affairs, while offering a broad understanding of higher education systems, policies, professional organizations, faculty and staff culture, and student learning and development. Typically, the program takes two years of full-time study, or it can be completed part time while the student continues to work on campus.

Shelby Bergen

But what is it like to both work full time and take this degree program? We interviewed three of the program’s recent graduates to ask how they juggled work and study, why they decided the program was right for them, and how it has benefited their higher education careers.

Shelby Bergen G’23 signed up for the program while an administrative assistant in the College of Law; currently, she is a career advisor in the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Like Bergen, Carly Signor ’14, G’21 was employed by the College of Law when she entered the master’s program, as program coordinator and communications manager of the New York State Science and Technology Law Center. Now working in the Office of Admissions, Signor recently was promoted to associate director of admissions.

Sarah Tomlinson G’23 began her University career as a temporary office coordinator before moving to the College of Professional Studies’ English Language Institute. After graduating from the Higher Education program, she joined ���ϲ����� Abroad in March, where she now works as senior international program advisor.

1. Why did you decide to take the Higher/Postsecondary Education master’s degree program, using your Remitted Tuition benefit?

Shelby Bergen (SB): I like to think I center equity and justice in what I do, so the Higher Education program seemed to be a culmination of all the things I’m passionate about.

Carly Signor

Carly Signor (CS): I have such a passion for learning and believe in the value of continued education. The opportunity to pursue this program for free was too good to pass up, especially as I was changing careers and seeking to gain knowledge that would help me succeed in the field of higher education.

Sarah Tomlinson (ST): I started my career at ���ϲ����� in 2018 and knew within a few months that higher education was the career I wanted. In my previous role at the College of Professional Studies, they emphasized the importance of continuing your education and encouraged employees to seek out opportunities through the Remitted Tuition benefit. When I found the Higher Education program, I knew it would be a perfect to continue to grow my knowledge and passion for the field.

2. How were you able to fit the degree’s coursework and practicum around your full-time work?

SB: If you want complete transparency, it was a bit stressful! Luckily, I had supervisors that valued professional development and this program valued the “non-traditional” student experience by offering flexible class arrangements.

CS: It was definitely challenging, I’m not going to lie, but a little hard work goes a long way. I dedicated time in the evenings and weekends to complete homework. My practicum—you only have to do one as a full-time staff member—was in Athletics, which provided many opportunities for night and weekend hours. My practicum supervisor—Michelle Giordano ’11, G’15, who is also a Higher Education master’s alumna—was incredibly understanding and supportive of the balance I needed to maintain.

Sarah Tomlinson

ST: Having a full-time job while being in a master’s program is not easy; however, the program really allows for flexibility for part-time students. Most courses are once a week, starting at 4 p.m. The professors work with students to ensure that their schedules meet their needs. Plus, my practicum was a perfect fit for me. At the Stevenson Educational Center for Student Athletes, I met with students outside work hours, and my supervisor allowed me to work on projects during weekends or evenings. Overall, the Higher Education program helps its students every step of the way.

3. What aspect of the program stood out to you?

SB: It sounds nerdy but the literature and classroom structure! We collaborated on assignments and projects a lot, so it was cool to unpack topics in so many unique ways.

CS: The practicum and other hands-on experience, plus research opportunities, mentorship and campus connections.

ST: The ease of being able to build my schedule around my full-time job. Professor worked with me to ensure that my course plan fit well with my job, including my practicum. Also, the program was very applicable to my career. Being able to take what I learned the night before and apply it next day to my responsibilities demonstrates the tangible knowledge that I acquired. I use what I learned every day in my job.

4. How did receiving the Higher Education master’s degree benefit your career?

SB: I started as a part-time temp and didn’t really know what path to take professionally. However, this degree not only built my community but afforded me many professional opportunities, including my current role!

CS: In a very literal sense, this degree program connected me with my current supervisor—I received a job offer on the very day I graduated. The campus connections I made were invaluable. Additionally, it turned me into a self-proclaimed “data nerd,” and I apply the research skills I learned in my everyday work, enabling me multiple opportunities to present at national conferences.

ST: I use the theories, models and presentation skills gained from the program in my work. Having an understanding of how universities work and run is deeply beneficial when developing new goals, procedures and processes. Also, the network I built through the program has been great.

5. What advice would you have for a University colleague thinking of taking the Higher Education master’s while continuing to work?

SB: If you’ve been out of the educational game for a while it can feel intimidating to go back. But know your life experiences are what make you valuable in a program like this. You are worthy of the spaces you’re in.

CS: Just do it! The time flies by, and the benefits are so worth it. As a University employee, you’ll find a supportive community and a sense of camaraderie with many Higher Education alums ready to help you along the way—including myself. Take advantage of this opportunity to advance your education and career!

ST: Do it! It may seem daunting at first to be able to juggle a job and a degree program, but it is truly built with part-time students in mind. It is a very supportive community and provides foundational knowledge about higher education. Time management is definitely important though!

The EBAC reports to the University’s Administrative Benefits Committee, in collaboration with the Human Resources leadership team. The council is chaired by Tom Dennison, professor of practice emeritus, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and is composed of faculty and staff, who are selected by or with direct consultation with the University Senate.

Over the past year, the EBAC focused on building its understanding of the University’s benefits program and was instrumental in providing feedback on and support of important issues, including the recommendation for a more equitable and transparent retirement plan fee model and the evaluation of the dental program for faculty and staff.

To support the review of the University’s dental program, which was led by Human Resources leadership and included an independent analysis by a nationally recognized employee benefits consulting firm, the council conducted a dental benefit survey sent to all benefits-eligible faculty and staff in the spring to gather meaningful feedback. With the council’s support, the University will offer a new plan for 2025 with the largest dental provider network in Central New York that offers lower costs for employees and expanded coverage, including orthodontia.

As the EBAC relies on input from faculty and staff, council members will hold during Open Enrollment to meet with faculty and staff to receive feedback on the University’s benefits program.

These are scheduled for the following dates:

• Thursday, Oct. 31, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Schine Student Center, Room 137
• Friday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 621 Skytop Office Building, Room 1051

The EBAC will continue to meet throughout the year to address benefit needs of faculty and staff. As part of its work, the council will reach out to the University community to identify and address concerns and issues.

Council members are the following:

• Tom Dennison, professor of practice emeritus, Maxwell School
• Darlene Carelli, executive assistant, College of Professional Studies
• Dan Cutler, director, Academic Programs
• Matt Huber, professor, Maxwell School
• Holly Kingdeski, administrative assistant, Enrollment Management
• Eric Kingson, professor emeritus, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics (concluded his tenure on the council this fall)
• Kofi Okyere, professor of practice, Whitman School of Management
• John O’Reilly, truck equipment operator, Campus Facilities
• Amanda Johnson Sanguiliano, associate director, Institutional Effectiveness
• Bram Stone, assistant director, Student Engagement
• Lynne Vincent, department chair and associate director, Whitman School
• Doug Yung, associate teaching professor, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Open Enrollment is the one time of year when eligible employees can reflect on their benefit options, connect with the variety of available resources to help make the best decisions to meet their needs and enroll for the coming year.

Visit the�� to learn more about the University’s benefits for 2025 and the resources available to help you make decisions for next year.

Questions about Open Enrollment, benefits or the enrollment process? Contact��HR Shared Services��at 315.443.4042.

All the relevant Open Enrollment information, including benefit plan details and various resources to learn more, are available on the��.

Questions About Benefits?

There are several ways for faculty and staff to connect with resources that will enable them to make the best decisions for themselves and their loved ones.

• HR Shared Services is available 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 315.443.4042 to answer your personal questions. Appointments are available upon request.
• Review an����to learn about your 2025 benefits.
• Meet with representatives from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) and Human Resources to discuss any personal medical, dental or other related questions. Members of the Employee Benefits Assessment Council will also be on hand to receive your input on the University’s benefits program for faculty and staff.
• Call our dedicated Excellus BCBS customer service center at 800.493.0318 (TTY: 800.662.1220) if you need additional assistance regarding your personal medical or dental plan questions. Excellus BCBS is available Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. With prescription drug questions, contact Optum Rx member services at 866.854.2945 (TTY: 711). They are available to assist you 24/7.
• TIAA offers personalized financial planning services to help you reach your retirement goals. To schedule a meeting with one of the University’s dedicated financial consultants, or for assistance with your account, contact TIAA at 855.842.CUSE (TTY: 800.842.2755) or��.

Faculty and staff can enroll online through MySlice from Oct. 28-Nov. 8. If access to a computer for Open Enrollment purposes is needed, the University has a number of����available across campus, or faculty or staff may contact��HR Shared Services��by phone or email during normal business hours for assistance.

The annual Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day occurs Sept. 7 when ���ϲ����� hosts Georgia Tech.

���ϲ����� will once again celebrate its faculty and staff with for the Saturday, Sept. 7, game at the JMA Wireless Dome when the Orange take on Atlantic Coast Conference rival Georgia Tech. Kickoff is set for noon.

Faculty and staff and their guests are invited to the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle prior to the game to enjoy a performance by the Pride of the Orange Marching Band, an appearance from our mascot, Otto the Orange and food and beverage concessions.

The first 400 full-time, part-time or temporary faculty and staff with a faculty or staff ���ϲ����� I.D. to visit the University’s pregame Faculty and Staff Appreciation tent on the Shaw Quad will receive a game day gift and a $5 concession coupon that can be redeemed in the JMA Wireless Dome. The pre-game tailgate begins at 9 a.m.

The week prior to the game, a drawing will be held to invite faculty and staff members to enjoy an enhanced game day experience. Those who have purchased tickets prior to Sept. 1 will be eligible for the drawing. Winners will be notified prior to game day.

Tickets

Discounted tickets are priced between $18.75 each (300-level seating), $34.88 each (predominantly 200-level seating) and $57.93 each (300-level seating near the 50-yard line) for University faculty and staff, their children and their guests (up to a limit of 10). Faculty and staff may . Tickets can be purchased until the day of the event.

Parking

University parking permits will be honored for free game day parking at the Skytop parking lot and the Comstock Avenue and University Avenue garages. For faculty and staff who do not already have University parking permits, a single one-time-use complimentary Skytop parking pass will be available for game day. These permits will be available for pickup on Thursday, Sept. 5, and Friday, Sept. 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Office of Human Resources, 621 Skytop Road, Suite 1001, with proof of a Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day game ticket and a ���ϲ����� I.D.

With questions about Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day, contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042 or email hrservice@syr.edu. With questions about football tickets, email athsales@syr.edu.

This year is the 51st anniversary of this program, organized by CNY Arts, and faculty and staff were invited to showcase their talents along with other employers and businesses in the region.

All active full-time and part-time faculty and staff were eligible to submit artwork for adjudication. Fine arts faculty and professional artists were eligible to submit works outside of their discipline.

Artists had the opportunity to submit up to three original creations completed within three years of entry in the following categories: painting (oil, acrylic, watercolor); metalwork; drawing (pen, pencil, ink, charcoal); jewelry; collage/assemblage; printmaking; computer art; photography (color or black-and-white); woodwork; glasswork; sculpture; mixed media; ceramics; and fiber art.

Dana Sovocool, senior business partner in the Office of Human Resources, led the team that coordinated the University’s participation in “On My Own Time.”

“On My Own Time has become a University tradition and it’s a wonderful way to build community on our campus. We saw about a 50% increase in artist participation this year over last year,” he says. “We moved the exhibition to Bird Library this year and we were grateful for the staff’s hospitality in accommodating this larger exhibition. The new location also facilitated greater visibility for the exhibition, so even more members of the campus community got to enjoy the amazing talents of our artists.”

Meghan Murphy, staff member in the Department of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences, won the People’s Choice Award for “Self Portrait in D Major.”

Faculty and staff visiting the exhibition from around campus cast ballots for the People’s Choice Award. The selected piece was “Self-Portrait in D Major” by Meghan Murphy of the Department of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Also, during the on-campus exhibition, a selection panel of adjudicators—including a CNY Arts representative—selected pieces for the “On My Own Time Grand Finale,” a five-week exhibition at the Everson Museum of Art from Oct. 5-Nov. 10. A reception for artists, University colleagues, family and friends will be held on Oct. 10. Tickets to the finale are available starting in September at .

��The judges selected the following pieces for exhibition at the Everson:

• “Matt,” a mixed media piece by Chris Madden from the Division of Marketing;
• “Two Inch Square,” a fiber art piece by Donna Movsovich from College of Law;
• “Eventide,” a photograph by Ronald Thiele from the Libraries;
• “The Weaver,” a photograph by Scott Samson from the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences;
• “On a Tight Leash,” a photograph by Joseph Stoll from the Department of Geography in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs|College of Arts and Sciences; and
• “Table Runner 2,” a fiber art piece by Elizabeth Lance of Research Development.

Chris Madden, staff member in the Division of Marketing, was one of six artists selected to exhibit their work at the Everson Museum of Art. He is pictured with his mixed media piece, “Matt.”

This year’s faculty and staff artists who participated in the exhibition were Richard Breyer, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications; Harriet Brown, Newhouse School; Robert Burkhart, Facilities Services; Shelly Collins, Newhouse School of Public Communications; Meghan Graham, Human Resources; Deanna Grannis, Division of Marketing; David Harris, Accounting; Dennis Kinsey, Newhouse School; Laura Knaflewski, Division of Marketing; Elizabeth Lance, Research Development; Marie Luther, Office of Budget and Operations, College of Visual and Performing Arts; Chris Madden, Division of Marketing; Olivia Melinski, Advancement; Donna Movsovich, College of Law; Meghan Murphy, Department of Physics, College of Arts and Sciences; Shikha Nangia, Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science; John Olson, Libraries; Christina Papaleo, Office of Diversity and Inclusion; Kelley Parker, Libraries; Scott Samson, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences; Joseph Stoll, Department of Geography, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs | College of Arts and Sciences; Ronald Thiele, Libraries; Margaret Voss, Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics; and Autumn Wallingford, Division of Marketing.

“I am by no means an expert on the topic of joy, but I do recognize that our personal and professional lives are intimately intertwined, and I do wonder about how to be joyful even in the midst of challenging circumstances,” says Hendricks Chapel , who leads the online session. “I suppose one of the reasons the workshop has become popular is that each participant is welcomed as an authority of their experience, together we discover how to perceive those experiences in different ways, and together we discern how professional achievement and personal joy can best grow together.”

When talking about how to find joy in professional life, Konkol begins with the image of an old-school thermostat.

Konkol uses a thermostat metaphor to teach about joy.

“I think it’s a powerful image and recognizes that each and every one of us—as leaders, as professionals—are thermostats,” he says. “A thermometer only takes the temperature, but a thermostat is about changing the conditions that offer an environment by which you and others can thrive. It’s about putting your hand on the dial and changing the temperature, to create the conditions that move a couple of degrees towards joy.”

Konkol offers one-hour virtual workshops for members of the campus community—from faculty and staff to alumni—on how to find joy in the work they do each day. He will offer the workshop again on from noon to 1 p.m. (in partnership with the Office of Human Resources) and in January (in partnership with the Office of Alumni Engagement).

Through the teachings of various leaders, such as the Dalai Lama and the late Desmond Tutu’s collaboration on “The Book of Joy,” Konkol shows the difference between happiness and joy, and how joy can be embraced and shared even during the storms of personal and professional life. When speaking to the specifics of a workplace environment, Konkol says, “Happiness is often temporary and based on something happening to you, while joy is about sustained purpose and meaning, including the meaning we can find during difficulties. I suppose happiness is a moment and joy is more of a movement.”

During his most recent workshop, Konkol offered participants five steps for finding professional joy:

1. Stop hoping for a better past. “So many of us, including me, have watched the ‘Back to the Future’ movies and ever since have been praying for the time machine to show up, take us back in time and undo that really stupid thing we did! Because, wow, we wish we could do that over. I have yet to receive that time machine and I have found that hoping for a better past has generally been a waste of time. We can learn from our past, but we can’t change it. We can receive insights from our past while not being trapped by our past.”

2. Choose to be kind, anyway. “I think the most important part is ‘comma, anyway.’ We cannot control how others act, but we can control how we respond, and if we are only kind to those who are kind to us, then we are thermometers and not thermostats. I have come to believe that kindness, while often seen as weakness, actually requires a great deal of strength, and I think that one of the ways that we experience joy in our lives is through the choice to be kind.”

Brian Konkol

Konkol tells the story of Steve Wilkinson, the legendary tennis coach at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. Wilkinson built a whole philosophy around tennis and developed a camp called Tennis and Life. “He wraps all these messages around the game, and one of them is ‘you can’t control what people serve to you, but you can control what you return,'” Konkol says. He also references the given by , professor of English in the College of Arts and Sciences, at ���ϲ�����’s 2013 Commencement, which attracted global attention. “Never underestimate the strength of kindness,” Konkol says.

3. Replace “but” with “and.” Here, Konkol envisions an old-school gumball machine. “I think about the colors of the different gumballs representing all the different things that we experience on a given day. Things that are happy, things that are sad, things that are wonderful, things that are terrible. People that are kind, that are cruel, communities that are divided, communities that are united. Every one of those colors on those gumballs represent life,” he says.

When he counsels people who are struggling, Konkol offers this advice: “There’s no ‘but,’ it’s ‘and.’�� We can experience a whole menu of emotions all at once. We can have joy when we stop apologizing for whatever it is that we’re feeling, and instead learn how to best embrace what we are feeling and explore how to use all we are feeling to create and sustain something good for us and for others,” he says.

“If you stand on the main stage of Hendricks Chapel and look toward the front door, you see text on the rim of the chapel’s ceiling. If you look immediately to your right, there is an ampersand, the symbol for ‘and.’ And if you look immediately to your left, there is also an ampersand. When you stand at the center of the stage looking outward, you literally physically stand in between the ‘ands,’” he says. “Paradox is quite remarkable. Instead of either/or, we can embrace both/and. Division and unity, happiness and sadness, joy and despair. We can exist with the fullness of our humanity,” he says.

4. Be a role model, not a role mirror. “How do we model the type of world we want to live in and not mirror the world that we do live in? Model, not mirror. Thermostat, not thermometer. I think it’s important for us to consider our habits and ask ourselves, how are they working for us? How are we impacting others? Part of the way we experience joy professionally is modeling, not mirroring, how to exist in community. I’m convinced in our professional lives when we’re role models and not role mirrors, when we’re thermostats and not thermometers, it creates positive change, not just for a moment but for a movement,” Konkol says.

5. Call people in instead of calling people out. “Instead of pointing a finger at someone, why not use those fingers to wave people in? One of the ways I think we experience joy is by welcoming people into the conversation, especially those with whom we disagree. Oftentimes we think about people we disagree with, kind of like we think about trash, and we just want to throw them out. What I appreciate about that metaphor is, you never actually throw anything out, we only throw it out of sight. It’s never actually gone. It’s the same with people. They’re there, so why not call people into a conversation, into a relationship? Empathy is important here. Where we can engage with curiosity rather than judgment, where we can listen to understand instead of respond,” Konkol says.

“I find that these five steps are in many ways like turning a dial of joy in our professional lives,” Konkol says. “So many people are dealing with so much in their lives. I am convinced that seeking joy is one of the ways we can actually make the world a far better place, especially for those who are struggling.”

At the conclusion of his presentation, Konkol suggests not writing out a “to-do” list, but a “to-be” list. “Write out five things that say ‘who must I be today?’ Perhaps I can say I’m going to be energetic, I’m going to be kind, I’m going to be strong, I’m going to be strategic,” he says. “A ‘to-be’ list allows us to live with a sense of intention and provides us with the opportunity to see that joy is not about waiting for the rain to stop, but it’s about learning to dance in the rain. It is saying ‘here’s who I’m called to be today.’ Regardless of what the temperature is, it’s saying ‘This is how I choose to show up in the world. This is who I choose to be.'”

“I’m convinced that each and every person, in their own way can turn that dial. You can be a thermostat and not a thermometer, and bring some joy to your life, bring some joy to your world,” Konkol says. “So that all those around you can change the dials of their professional lives and turn them just a couple degrees towards joy.”

Crucial Conversations Program

Crucial conversations take place in organizations every day. They include:

• Conversations where stakes are high, emotions are strong and opinions differ;
• Conversations around work quality, time management, productivity, performance, customer satisfaction, sensitive issues, conflict or a strained relationship; and
• Conversations that are often avoided and/or not handled well, leading to poor outcomes.

Workshop participants will learn how to spot when conversations become crucial, avoid repeating the same conversation, separate facts from stories and emotions, and make clearer decisions and commitments, among other skills.

Four-Week In-Person Crucial Conversations Program

• Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• May 31 to June 21
• North Campus location to be announced

Crucial Influence Program

Learn how to lead behavior change in your team or organization with hands-on instruction, practice and application.

In this course, supervisors, managers and leaders will learn how to:

• Influence other’s behavior to make big and small changes inevitable
• Identify the behaviors that will generate desired results
• Use the six sources of influence to diagnose problem behaviors and identify why people struggle to change
• Motivate by tapping into personal values
• Help others learn new skills
• Harness the power of social influence
• Correctly incentivize behaviors

Crucial Influence will also be offered in person for faculty and staff leaders this summer.

• Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-noon
• July 9-23
• North Campus location to be announced

Important Things to Note for Both Programs

• Participants must be available for all sessions as the skills taught each week build upon skills and concepts identified in previous sessions. If your schedule doesn’t allow for 100% participation, you can for a future offering.
• Managers and supervisors are highly encouraged to attend, as the program teaches skills that are especially applicable to those managing others.
• The program provides experiential learning through exercises, practice with real issues and group discussions.
• Because there is a cost of $350 per person to cover program materials, departmental approval is necessary. The fee will be charged to participants’ budget centers and approval from your supervisor and budget manager is required.
• Space is limited and registration is required.

Both programs have earned high praise from those who have participated in them.

“It is excellent training for managers and supervisors,” says one participant in the Crucial Conversations program. “Success happens when opportunities are met by preparations. Crucial Conversations are crucial to relationship preservation, built on a foundation where there’s healthy trust, conflict, commitment and accountability; the four main elements that produce results.”

A participant in the Crucial Influence program says “In a very short amount of time, I learned and espoused several ‘concrete’ methods for taking the guesswork out of what is motivating folks around me. In what is clearly a formulaic approach, I can now tailor my influence.”

Email Pam Gavenda, associate director of organizational development and training and Crucial Conversations/Crucial Influence certified trainer, if you have questions about either program.

This year is the 51st anniversary of this program, organized by CNY Arts, and faculty and staff are invited to showcase their talents along with other employers and businesses in the region.

All eligible artwork submitted will be displayed on campus at Bird Library in a special exhibition titled “On My Own Time–Celebrating the Artistic Talents of ���ϲ����� Faculty and Staff.” The exhibition will run from May 30-June 6 during library hours.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to support their colleagues by visiting the exhibition and casting a ballot for their favorite piece to win the People’s Choice Award. Also, during the on-campus exhibit, a selection panel of adjudicators—including a CNY Arts representative—will select pieces for an “On My Own Time Grand Finale” exhibition. The finale is a five-week exhibition at the Everson Museum of Art from Oct. 5-Nov. 10 and will include a reception for artists, University colleagues, family and friends on Oct. 10. Tickets to the finale are available starting in September at��.

Eligibility for Participation

All active full-time and part-time faculty and staff are eligible to submit artwork for adjudication. Fine arts faculty and professional artists are eligible to submit works outside of their discipline.

Criteria for Submission of Artists’ Work

• All artwork submitted must be��original creations. Copies of published work or craft kits will not be accepted.
• All artwork must have been��completed within three years of entry.
• Artwork must be��finished and display-ready, to include mounting hardware (if applicable). Please submit display instructions or materials as necessary.
• Each faculty or staff member may��submit up to three pieces for the exhibit.

Submission categories include:

• Painting (oil, acrylic, watercolor)
• Metalwork
• Drawing (pen, pencil, ink, charcoal)
• Jewelry
• Collage/assemblage
• Printmaking
• Computer art
• Photography (color or black-and-white)
• Woodwork
• Glasswork
• Sculpture
• Mixed media
• Ceramics
• Fiber art

Registration and Submission Instructions

All artists must register with their intent to participate by��May 17��by completing a��. Artwork submissions must be delivered to Bird Library on May 29. Additional details will be shared upon registration. Artists are responsible for delivering and collecting artwork on schedule.

If you have questions or would like to volunteer to assist with the exhibition at Bird Library, email OMOT@syr.edu.

offer tax savings on eligible health-related expenses for faculty, staff and their eligible dependents, while offer employees the opportunity to contribute pre-tax dollars to an account to help pay for daycare and related expenses for a dependent child or adult.

HealthEquity is the University’s flexible spending account vendor. Faculty and staff with questions about eligible expenses or the reimbursement process can contact the HealthEquity customer care team at 877.924.3967 (TTY: 866.353.8058). A searchable list of and is available on HealthEquity’s website.

Through this program, supervisors, managers and leaders will learn how to influence other’s behavior to make big and small changes; identify behaviors that will generate desired results; use the six sources of influence to diagnose problem behaviors and identify why people struggle to change; motivate by tapping into personal values; help others learn new skills; harness the power of social influence and correctly incentivize behaviors.

Previous Crucial Influence participants say the course has significantly added to their skillset. “In a very short amount of time, I learned and espoused several “concrete” methods for taking the guesswork out of what is motivating the folks around me,” one participant said. “In what is clearly a formulaic approach, I can now tailor my influence.”

Another participant added, “I found the course to be highly beneficial particularly for those of us who fill influence-heavy leadership roles and who partner on projects with a lot of different teams across the University. There are a lot of great tips that can be applied to teambuilding and other types of planning too, and I can see where it’s helpful to think of how sources of influence might impact future decision making too.”

The course will be held on three consecutive Wednesdays, March 27 and April 3 and 10, from 9 a.m. to noon and will be led by Crucial Conversations and Crucial Influence certified trainer Pam Gavenda. Skills learned each week build upon skills from the previous week, so participants must be able to attend all sessions.

The program cost is $350 per participant and includes the cost of course materials. .

The course is limited to 24 participants. Once full, , and you will be notified when the session is scheduled.

The next Crucial Conversations program is scheduled to run from Friday, May 31, through Friday, June 21. For more information on the University’s Crucial Learning programs, visit the Human Resources .

Crucial Conversations Program

Crucial conversations take place in organizations every day. They include:

• Conversations where stakes are high, emotions are strong and opinions differ;
• Conversations around work quality, time management, productivity, performance, customer satisfaction, sensitive issues, conflict or a strained relationship; and
• Conversations that are often avoided and/or not handled well, leading to poor outcomes.
• Workshop participants will learn how to spot when conversations become crucial, avoid repeating the same conversation, separate facts from stories and emotions, and make clearer decisions and commitments, among other skills.

2 Ways to Join

1. Seven-week virtual program for remote employees

• Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m. ET
• Jan. 23-March 5

2. Four-week in-person program

• Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Feb. 9-March 1
• North Campus location to be announced

Important Things to Note

• Whether attending virtually or in-person, participants must be available for all sessions as the skills taught each week build upon skills and concepts identified in previous sessions. If your schedule doesn’t allow for 100% participation, you can for a future offering.
• Managers and supervisors are highly encouraged to attend, as the program teaches skills that are especially applicable to those managing others.
• The program provides experiential learning through exercises, practice with real issues and group discussions.
• Because there is a cost of $350 per person to cover program materials, departmental approval is necessary. The fee will be charged to participants’ budget centers and approval from your supervisor and budget manager is required.
• Space is limited and registration is required, so sign up today!

Crucial Influence Program for Leaders

Another Crucial Learning program, Crucial Influence, will also be offered in person for faculty and staff leaders later this spring.

• Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon
• March 27-April 10
• North Campus location to be announced

As with Crucial Conversations, Crucial Influence participants must be able to attend all program sessions and there is a $350 cost to attend.

Please email Pam Gavenda, associate director of organizational development and training and Crucial Conversations/Crucial Influence certified trainer, if you have questions about either program.

Human Resources and ���ϲ����� Athletics are pleased to host Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night in the JMA Wireless Dome to celebrate faculty and staff members’ contributions. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy an evening out with your colleagues, friends and/or family while supporting the Orange and being celebrated for all you do for the University!

Come cheer on the men’s basketball team as they take on the Niagara University Purple Eagles on Thursday, Dec. 21, at 5 p.m. Discounted tickets are available in the lower bowl student section for just $15/each, plus taxes and fees. Faculty and staff can .

Valid University parking permits will be honored in the University Avenue or Comstock Avenue garages. If you have any ticket questions, please call the Dome Box Office at 888.Dome.Tix or email ���ϲ����� Athletics at athsales@syr.edu.

In addition to the regular University holidays of Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 and bonus days Dec. 26 and 29, the following days have been designated as paid Orange Appreciation Days: Dec. 27 and 28.

Units providing essential services that will remain fully operational during the Winter Break include the Department of Public Safety and Facilities Services.

From 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, through Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, all academic and administrative buildings will be locked or closed. Building temperatures will be lowered to 60 degrees unless prior arrangements have been made. Normal building occupancy schedules will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 2.

Request for Building Access:
If you require your building to be open over the Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break period, please submit a request to your building coordinator, noting the specific dates and times. Requests should be made by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14. Note that faculty and staff will be able to access the buildings you work in, as usual, by swiping their SU I.D. cards, even when the buildings are locked.

Request for Adjustments to Temperature and Lighting:
Deans, directors and department heads may submit a detailed request for adjustments to temperature and lighting during the Winter Break/Orange Appreciation Days period. Please review the University’s temperature guidelines. We ask that requests be made using the online form by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14. Requests will be reviewed and approved by either the vice president and chief facilities officer or the provost.

Important: Buildings Not Included in Winter Break Reduced Occupancy Schedule
The following buildings will be excluded from the temperature setback, and will remain on normal access, temperature and lighting settings:

• Heroy Geology Laboratory
• Bowne Hall – Fourth Floor
• Lyman Hall – Fourth Floor
• Sims Hall – Department of Public Safety
• Center for Science and Technology
• Bird Library – Operating hours are listed on the library website
• Life Sciences Complex
• Link Hall
• Physics Building
• Ensley Athletic Center
• South Campus Library Facility
• Lally Complex
• Carmelo Anthony Center
• Tennity Ice Rink
• Crouse Hinds Hall

Additional information regarding Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break services and resources may be found at:

• University services available during Orange Appreciation Days/Winter Break

Questions on building occupancy can be directed to the Department of Energy Systems and Sustainability Management at 315.443.1535 or energy@syr.edu.

Mary Graham, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Sport Management, has been named Falk College associate dean of faculty affairs.

“I am excited to appoint Dr. Graham to this new role for Falk College,” says Jeremy S. Jordan, dean of Falk College. “I am very confident that she will be able to further the support and development of our faculty based on her wealth of professional experiences and academic expertise.”

As Falk College associate dean of faculty affairs, Graham will work with department chairs to develop strategic hiring plans for faculty and oversee the successful execution of faculty searches. She will participate in faculty review processes, including recommendations for contract renewals and promotion and tenure, and manage operational aspects of faculty affairs. Together with Falk College leadership, Graham will steer the college toward enhanced faculty research and teaching excellence.

“Falk College has an exceptionally talented, diverse faculty with unparalleled dedication to the student experience and the creation of new knowledge,” says Graham. “I am honored to serve as associate dean of faculty affairs in service to my faculty colleagues and the linked missions of Falk College and ���ϲ�����. I look forward to collaborating with our visionary dean, Jeremy Jordan, and his leadership team on strategic and operational faculty matters.”

Graham joined the faculty in 2012 and is also affiliated faculty in the Whitman School of Management. She teaches applied courses in organizational behavior and strategic human resource management, as well as diversity in sport organizations at the undergraduate, graduate and executive levels. An expert in gender disparities in employment, she has conducted numerous American Association of University Women salary negotiations workshops for students since 2009.

In 2022, Graham was named ���ϲ�����’s faculty athletics representative (FAR) to the NCAA and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).�� In this capacity she serves as a key advisor to Chancellor Kent Syverud and Provost Gretchen Ritter on policy proposals and issues affecting student-athletes’ academic and overall wellbeing, working closely with Tommy Powell, assistant provost for student-athlete academic development; Athletic Director John Wildhack; and their teams of professionals. Graham chairs the Faculty Oversight Committee on Athletics, which reviews student-athlete academic data and conducts exit interviews of departing student-athletes.

She previously served as a ���ϲ����� Provost Faculty Fellow from 2018 to 2020, where she worked with the provost and University Senate to develop and implement campuswide shared competencies for undergraduate students. Graham has been a University senator since 2018, and she currently serves on the Senate Committee on Athletic Policy.

Prior to joining ���ϲ�����, Graham held faculty positions in business schools at Clarkson University, George Washington University and Georgia State University. She has served as a visiting scholar at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, National Central University in Taiwan and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. She also has prior work experience with several members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Graham has published extensively and has been widely cited in the areas of human resource management (HRM), public policy and employment discrimination, gender in employment and HRM in supply chains. She is currently studying the equal employment opportunity transparency among professional sport teams, and the impact of concussions on player misconduct.

Graham is on the Editorial Board of the journal Human Resource Management (Wiley), where she previously served as an associate editor. Her professional memberships include the Society for Human Resource Management and the Academy of Management, where she serves on the executive committee of the Research Methods Division.

A former CPA, Graham has a B.S. in accounting from Le Moyne College and work experience in public accounting and human resource management. Graham earned both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in industrial and labor relations from Cornell University, specializing in human resource management, organizational behavior and gender studies.

Thursday, Nov. 30

Come cheer on the Orange women’s basketball team as they take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in an exciting ACC/SEC matchup with tip-off at 7 p.m.

• Discounted tickets are available at just $5 per seat.
• .
• Parking is available at no charge in any west campus lot, including the Irving Avenue Garage.

Thursday, Dec. 21

Save the date for Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night at the Orange men’s basketball game vs. the Niagara University Purple Eagles on Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. Ticket information will be announced as it becomes available.

Enjoy an evening out with your colleagues, friends or family while supporting the Orange and being celebrated for all you do for ���ϲ�����!

If you have any ticket questions, please call the Dome Box Office at 888.Dome.Tix or email ���ϲ����� Athletics at athsales@syr.edu.

Reduced Health Plan Contributions

Faculty and staff are encouraged to carefully review the expanded eligibility guidelines for 2024 that outline how to apply for reduced payroll contributions for health coverage. Depending on an employee’s household income and size, reduced health plan contributions are available through Schedule B.��The application deadline is Dec. 1.��For more information and a copy of the application,��.

Dependent Care Subsidy

As part of ongoing efforts to support the changing needs of families, the University continues to offer subsidies to faculty and staff to assist with dependent care.��The application deadline is Dec. 1.��For more information and a copy of the application,��.

Supplemental Life Insurance and Long Term Disability Insurance

Faculty and staff who chose to newly elect or increase supplemental life insurance during this year’s annual Open Enrollment period must complete the����and return it to MetLife. Individuals who newly elected long term disability insurance through The Standard must complete a����and return it to The Standard.

Questions?

Visit the ��or contact HR Shared Services at��hrservice@syr.edu��or 315.443.4042.

More information is available on the����to help answer any questions. If faculty and staff have any additional questions about Open Enrollment or benefits, please contact��HR Shared Services��at 315.443.4042.

Open Enrollment is the one time of year when eligible employees can reflect on their benefit options, connect with the variety of available resources to help make the best decisions to meet their needs and enroll for the coming year.

Visit the����to learn more about your benefits and the resources available to help you make decisions for next year.

Questions about Open Enrollment, benefits or the enrollment process? Contact��HR Shared Services��at 315.443.4042.

Next Monday, Oct. 30, we will begin the annual Open Enrollment process for employee benefit selections for 2024. Ahead of that, I am writing today to provide an update on how the University plans to address rising health care costs, and what you can expect with regard to employee contributions (the amount deducted from your paycheck for health coverage) for 2024. In addition, there will be no significant plan design changes for 2024 benefit plans.

Each year, ���ϲ����� reviews its benefits program and makes revisions based on a thorough evaluation, which includes consideration of the impact on our employees and comparisons to the programs of other employers.

This year, the University, like other employers across the state and country, is seeing rising health care costs. We are taking action to limit the impact of these rising trends on our employees’ costs, especially for our lowest paid employees who need assistance the most. The University will increase its subsidy of the lower contributions under Schedule B and expand eligibility for the program so more employees can qualify. Additionally, the University will not increase deductibles, copays or coinsurance for any employee benefit plan and will hold the increases for employee contributions to below local and national trends. These actions are further detailed below:

• Schedule B Expansion and Rates:
  • Eligibility Expansion: The University will expand eligibility for Schedule B, which has lower employee contribution rates, to allow even more employees to qualify. For 2024, those eligible for Schedule B rates will include:
    • Households of one with incomes under $53,250;
    • Households of two with incomes under $74,550;
    • Households of three with incomes under $95,850;
    • Households of four with incomes under $117,150;
    • Households of five with incomes under $138,450; and
    • Households of six or more with incomes under $159,750
  • Reduced Rates: The University will also increase its subsidy of employee contribution rates under Schedule B to keep costs as low as possible for our lower income employees. The increase for Schedule B rates will be 4.5% for all coverage tiers. The monthly employee contribution increase will range from $6 to $19, depending on plan selection.
• Schedule A Rates: Employee contributions toward health care benefits under Schedule A will increase by 6.5% for employee-only coverage and increase by 8.5% for family coverage, which is below state and national trends. This equates to a monthly increase between $10 and $48, depending on plan selection.
• No Benefit Design Changes: For 2024, there will be no increases in deductibles, copays and coinsurance for any benefit plan.
• Contributions for other benefit plans will either decrease or remain flat for 2024, including a 20% decrease in long term disability rates and no increases in dental, vision and life insurance rates.

Please stay tuned for future communications about and do not hesitate to contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042 or hrservice@syr.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Andrew R. Gordon
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer

All the relevant Open Enrollment information, including benefit plan details and various resources to learn more, are available on the��.

Questions About Benefits? Connect With Human Resources (HR)

There are several ways for faculty and staff to connect with resources that will enable them to make the best decisions for themselves and their loved ones.

• HR Shared Services is available 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 315.443.4042 to answer your personal questions. Appointments are available upon request.
• Attend a����to learn about your 2024 benefits.
• Call our dedicated Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) customer service center at 800.493.0318 (TTY: 800.662.1220) if you need additional assistance regarding your personal medical plan questions. Excellus BCBS has expanded hours of operation Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. With prescription drug questions, contact Optum Rx member services at 866.854.2945 (TTY: 711). They are available to assist you 24/7.
• TIAA offers personalized financial planning services to help you reach your retirement goals. To schedule a meeting with one of the University’s dedicated financial consultants, or for assistance with your account, contact TIAA at 855.842.CUSE (TTY: 800.842.2755) or��.

Faculty and staff can enroll online through MySlice from Oct. 30-Nov. 10. If access to a computer for Open Enrollment purposes is needed, the University has a number of����available across campus, or faculty or staff may contact��HR Shared Services��by phone or email during normal business hours for assistance.

Building on the success of the popular Crucial Conversations program, the new Crucial Influence program will be introduced to faculty and staff leaders, managers and supervisors by Crucial Influence Certified Trainer Pam Gavenda. The program will be held on campus from Oct. 31-Nov. 14. Crucial Influence teaches leadership skills for behavior change through hands-on instruction, practice and application.

In this course, participants will learn how to:

• influence other’s behavior to make big and small changes inevitable;
• identify the behaviors that will generate desired results;
• use the six sources of influence to diagnose problem behaviors and identify why people struggle to change;
• motivate by tapping into personal values;
• help others learn new skills;
• harness the power of social influence; and
• correctly incentivize behaviors.

Crucial Influence will be held on three consecutive Tuesdays (Oct. 31, Nov. 7 and Nov. 14) from 9 a.m. to noon at a North Campus location to be determined. Although not a prerequisite for enrollment, previous participation in a Crucial Conversations session is recommended. Interested? .

Important to know:

• Skills learned each week build upon concepts from prior lessons, so it is critical participants are able to attend and be present for all three sessions.
• Because there is a cost of $350 per person for program materials, departmental approval is necessary. The fee will be charged to participants’ budget centers and approval from your supervisor and budget manager is required.
• Space is limited to 24 participants.
• With questions, email Pam Gavenda, associate director of organizational development and training and Crucial Conversations/Crucial Influence certified trainer at pegavend@syr.edu.

Elevate your leadership skills to the next level; sign up for Crucial Influence today!

Note: The next installment of will be offered early in 2024. Those interested in that program can to learn more.

Later in the fall, Crucial Influence, a new program from the creators of Crucial Conversations, will be offered on campus for the first time. To participate in Crucial Influence, you must attend the upcoming Crucial Conversations session (or have attended the series previously). Further details are as follows.

Crucial Conversations

Crucial conversations take place in organizations every day. They include:

• conversations where stakes are high, emotions are strong and opinions differ;
• conversations around work quality, time management, productivity, performance, customer satisfaction, sensitive issues, conflict or a strained relationship; and
• conversations that are often avoided and/or not handled well, leading to poor outcomes.

Workshop participants will learn how to spot when conversations become crucial, avoid repeating the same conversation, separate facts from stories and emotions, and make clearer decisions and commitments, among other skills.

The Crucial Conversations is available to faculty and staff. Those in a leadership position—supervisors, managers, directors and above—are encouraged to attend.

Dates: Fridays, Sept. 8-Oct. 20

Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Location: In-person, North Campus location TBA

.

Crucial Influence

Crucial Influence teaches leadership skills for behavior change through hands-on instruction, practice and application. In this course, leaders will learn how to:

• influence other’s behavior to make big and small changes inevitable;
• identify the behaviors that will generate desired results;
• use six sources of influence to diagnose problem behaviors and identify why people struggle to change;
• motivate by tapping into personal values;
• help others learn new skills;
• harness the power of social influence; and
• correctly incentivize behaviors.

Crucial Influence will be held in the mid-to-late fall semester and more details are to come. Faculty and staff in a leadership position who have previously participated in Crucial Conversations or are enrolled in the September/October course will be eligible to enroll. Those interested can and you will be notified once the dates are finalized.

For both programs:

• Skills learned each week build upon concepts from prior lessons, so it is critical participants are able to attend and be present for all sessions.
• Because there is a cost of $350 per person for program materials, departmental approval is necessary. The fee will be charged to participants’ budget centers and approval from your supervisor and budget manager is required.
• The programs provide experiential learning through exercises, practice with real issues and group discussions.
• With questions, email Pam Gavenda, associate director of organizational development and training, at pegavend@syr.edu.

Faculty and staff and their guests are invited to the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle prior to the game to enjoy a performance by the Pride of the Orange Marching Band and food and beverage concessions.

The first 400 full-time, part-time or temporary faculty and staff with a faculty/staff ���ϲ����� I.D. to visit the pregame Faculty and Staff Appreciation tent on Shaw Quad will receive a game day gift and a $5 concession coupon that can be redeemed at the JMA Dome.

The week prior to the game, a drawing will be held to invite faculty and staff members to enjoy an enhanced game day experience, either via seat upgrades or an upgraded concessions voucher. Those who have purchased tickets prior to Sept. 4 will be eligible for the drawing. Winners will be notified prior to game day.

Tickets

Discounted tickets are priced at $10 each (300-level seating) or $15 each (200-level seating) for University faculty and staff, their children and their guests (up to a limit of 10). Faculty and staff may . Tickets can be purchased until the day of the event.

Food Drive to Benefit the Salvation Army

The Office of Community Engagement will host a food drive to benefit the Salvation Army at the game. Food collection barrels, as well as red kettles for those who prefer to make a monetary donation, will be placed at locations around campus as you approach the JMA Dome. There will be a drop-off barrel located at the Faculty and Staff Appreciation tent, so be sure to bring a non-perishable item with you to help the cause!

Parking

University parking permits will be honored for free game day parking at Skytop parking lot and the Comstock Avenue garage. For faculty and staff who do not already have University parking permits, a single one-time-use complimentary Skytop parking pass will be available for game day. These permits will be available for pickup on Tuesday, Sept. 5; Wednesday, Sept. 6; and Thursday, Sept. 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Office of Human Resources, 621 Skytop Road, Suite 1001, with proof of a Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day game ticket and a ���ϲ����� I.D.

With questions about Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day, contact the HR Service Center at 315.443.4042 or email hrservice@syr.edu. With questions about football tickets, call the JMA Wireless Dome Box Office at 315.443.2121.

The Remitted Tuition Benefit Information Session will be held Monday, Sept. 18, from noon to 1 p.m. via videoconference. Interested individuals should and a link will be sent in advance of the session.

This information session will provide an overview of the University’s remitted tuition benefit program. Please and the for details regarding eligibility.

Benefits-eligible employees with children approaching college age can learn more about the University’s dependent tuition benefit through a videoconference on Thursday, Sept. 14, from noon to 1:30 p.m. The presentation will be repeated on Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Register for the or session. A link will be sent to those who register a few days before the session.

The presentation will provide an overview of the University’s three (SU Tuition Waiver, Cash Grant and Tuition Exchange), as well as an opportunity for questions and answers. Those attending are encouraged to review the and the prior to the session.

If you require any accommodation in order to fully participate in these sessions, please contact Pam Gavenda at pegavend@syr.edu. Closed captioning will be available.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact the HR Service Center at 315.443.4042 or hrservice@syr.edu.

���ϲ����� has participated in “On My Own Time” ever year it has been offered since 1982. Over the years, it’s estimated that more than 1,800 faculty and staff have exhibited.

This year’s on-campus exhibition, which was displayed in Hendricks Chapel throughout late May and early June, comprised 34 pieces of art from 17 faculty/staff artists representing 14 schools, colleges and departments across the University. The diverse range of artwork submitted this year included drawing, photography, painting, sculpture, glasswork, jewelry making, printmaking, fiber art, computer art and collage/assemblage.

Of the 17 artists, six were selected to display their art at the “On My Own Time” finale exhibition at the Everson Museum of Art from Oct. 11-Nov. 7. Five artists were selected by CNY Arts judges and a sixth individual received the People’s Choice Award, nominated by folks on campus who visited this year’s exhibition.

From left: Margaret Voss, Margaret Butler, Jenny Saluti, Austine Emifoniye and Marie Luther at the artists reception and awards ceremony June 8. Congratulations to this year’s winners, including Shikha Nangia (not pictured). (Photo by Angela Ryan)

The artwork and artists selected to exhibit at the Everson are the following:

• “Birds in Winter” by Margaret Butler, administrative specialist, College of Arts and Sciences (People’s Choice Award winner)
• “Royal Procession” by Austine Emifoniye, graduate assistant, School of Design, College of Visual and Performing Arts
• “Two Water Lilies” by Marie Luther, accounting clerk, College of Visual and Performing Arts
• “See How Brain Protects Itself from Intruders” by Shikha Nangia, professor of biomedical and chemical engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
• “Westie Holiday Surface Design” by Jenny Saluti, director of recruitment and admissions, College of Visual and Performing Arts
• “A Rococo Homage” by Margaret Voss, associate professor of nutrition and food studies, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics

All of the winning artwork can be viewed below.

“���ϲ�����’s steadfast history of participation in ‘On My Own Time’ highlights our commitment to community partnerships, connecting our campus community with the broader Central New York community,” said Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer Andrew R. Gordon at the artists reception and awards ceremony, held June 8. “The program is a symbol of our SU employer culture—a culture where we engage our team and celebrate the unique gifts they bring to the organization to make it such a wonderful place.”

Creating art can be both a relaxing and rewarding endeavor, even for those who don’t do it professionally.

“Creating a piece is a journey of many decisions. When I hold a finished piece that means I have persevered through each decision and met every challenge. That is the reward!” says Luther. “To find a message important enough to express in a piece of art involves looking inward and outward with depth. It is an honor to have something that I created displayed in the Everson.”

Voss says this recognition is extra special, as she made the piece of jewelry she entered in “On My Own Time” for a friend of her daughter to wear to her junior prom.

“Usually I paint in my free time, but this year I tried my hand at designing jewelry,” Voss says. “Not only was she beautifully adorned for what can be an awkward adolescent milestone, but she now owns a unique piece of art that will reside briefly in the Everson Museum. I hope it gives her great joy, and a few bragging rights, in the future.”

For Emifoniye, creating art on his own time adds value to his routine outside the pace and routine of his normal work. “It gives a form of relaxation as I channel creative energies and inspiration from the SU environment into producing art,” he says. “Exhibiting the resulting art at the prestigious Everson Museum is quite fulfilling.”

Additional participating faculty and staff artists include Molly Cavanaugh, Jesse Darling, Christian Day, Lisa Kennedy, John Olson, Christina Papaleo, Scott Samson, Christine Signy, Joseph Stoll, Ronald Thiele and Lynn Wilcox.

This year’s participants in “On My Own Time” (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Thank you to all who entered this year’s “On My Own Time” exhibition. The entire campus community is invited to visit the Everson this fall to see the artwork of the University’s winners and other local organizations on display. More information can be found on the .

Butler with her piece “Birds in Winter” (glasswork), People’s Choice Award winner (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Luther with her piece, “Two Water Lilies” (glasswork) (Photo by Angela Ryan)

“See how brain protects itself from intruders” by Shikha Nangia (mixed media) (Photo by Randy Pellis)

Emifoniye with his piece, “Royal Procession”(metalwork) (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Voss with her piece, “A Rococo Homage” (jewelry) (Photo by Angela Ryan)

Saluti with her piece, “Westie Holiday Surface Design” (computer art) (Photo by Angela Ryan)

• COVID-19 vaccines (including boosters) will be covered in full with no cost share if received from an in-network provider or pharmacy. Vaccines that are received from an out-of-network provider will be subject to a cost share in the form of deductible, coinsurance and/or copay.
• COVID-19 lab-based tests, treatment and related services will be covered under the plan, subject to the same cost share provisions that apply to other services.
• COVID-19 at-home tests will not be covered under the plan. Faculty and staff who contribute to a Health Care Flexible Spending Account may be reimbursed from their account for the purchase of a test kit.

For specific questions about coverage through Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS), contact the University’s dedicated customer care team at Excellus BCBS at��800.493.0318 (TTY: 800.662.1220)��Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET and Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET or by email to��cc.select.dedicated@excellus.com. Inquiries about faculty/staff prescription drug coverage through Optum Rx should be directed to Optum Rx at��866.854.2945 (TTY:711).

Employees with other concerns may contact Human Resources (HR) Shared Services at 315.443.4042 or hrservice@syr.edu, or visit HR’s for the most up-to-date information about health plan coverage through the University.

“I believe all leadership should be required to take this course … the content is relevant to all levels of management/supervision.”

“This subject matter is so critical—the learning environment was very well-constructed and made for a safe and fun experience.”

These are just some examples of what faculty and staff members are saying about Crucial Conversations, a popular professional development workshop series offered by the learning and development team in the Office of Human Resources. The next installment, coming in June, is offered to individuals in leadership positions, so supervisors, managers, directors and above are encouraged to sign up.

What Is a Crucial Conversation?

Crucial conversations take place in organizations every day. They include:

• conversations where stakes are high, emotions are strong and opinions differ;
• conversations around work quality, time management, productivity, performance, customer satisfaction, sensitive issues, conflict or a strained relationship; and
• conversations that are often avoided and/or not handled well, leading to poor outcomes.

Workshop participants will learn how to spot when conversations become crucial, avoid repeating the same conversation, separate facts from stories and emotions, and make clearer decisions and commitments, among other skills.

Note: Skills learned each week build upon concepts from prior lessons, so it is critical that participants are able to attend and be present for all four weekly sessions.

I’m Interested! How Do I Join?

• Next series runs June 2-23
• Meet in person on Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location on North Campus to be announced
• Registration is required

The program provides experiential learning through exercises, practice with real issues and group discussions. Because there is a cost of $350 per person to cover program materials, departmental approval is necessary. The fee will be charged to participants’ budget centers and approval from your supervisor and budget manager is required.

Space is limited to 24 participants; ! With questions, email Pam Gavenda, associate director of organizational development and training, at pegavend@syr.edu.

Next month, University faculty and staff members will have the opportunity to reclaim that title and enjoy an evening of camaraderie, networking, food, fun and movement. Participants of all abilities and fitness levels are encouraged to join the ���ϲ����� team, captained for the second year by J. Cole Smith, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

In 2022, ���ϲ����� won the Largest Company Team award. (Photo by EstherAlice Lopez)

“Last year, Team ���ϲ����� was over 100 people deep. We enjoyed some beautiful weather and had a blast hanging out with coworkers from across the University before and after the race,” says Smith, pictured at right accepting the award for Largest Company Team. “Whether you’re an avid runner looking for a personal best time or just want to take a leisurely walk on the course with colleagues, I encourage you to join our team!”

New this year, everyone’s favorite mascot, Otto, will also be there to cheer on the ���ϲ����� team—so if you’ve ever wanted to give them a high-five as you cross the finish line, here is your chance!

Interested? Here’s What You Need to Know

• This year’s race begins at 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20, at Onondaga Lake Parkway in Liverpool.
• The distance is 5K (3.1 miles) and a map of the course is .
• A has been created for participants to stay up-to-date on the event and connect with other participants.
• There is a $39 registration fee, half of which is paid by the University. Participants will need to make a $19.50 credit card payment when they .
• The deadline to register is Friday, May 19.
• The registration fee includes a ���ϲ����� team T-shirt to wear during the event, an official race T-shirt and a complimentary buffet-style dinner (vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available).
• Packet and T-shirt pickup will be held on campus the day of the event.
• Parking is available at NBT Bank Stadium and complimentary shuttle bus service is provided. Detailed parking information and answers to frequently asked questions are available on the .

The ���ϲ����� WorkForce Run is for of the University; however friends and family are welcome to join by registering as an individual participant, paying the full race fee of $39 and picking up their own race packet. Email wellness@syr.edu with any questions about the event. We hope to see you there!

Members of the ���ϲ����� team pose at least year’s event (Photo by EstherAlice Lopez)

TIAA’s financial consultants are able to help participants answer these questions and more:

• Am I saving enough?
• Am I properly invested based on my retirement goals?
• How do I receive income in retirement?

Registration is required. Visit to make an appointment and watch a to help prepare for your meeting.

For questions or accommodations, contact Human Resources at 315.443.4042 or��hrservice@syr.edu.

offer tax savings on eligible health-related expenses for faculty/staff and their eligible dependents, while offer employees the opportunity to contribute pre-tax dollars to an account to help pay for day care and related expenses for a dependent child or adult.

HealthEquity is the University’s flexible spending account vendor. Faculty and staff with questions about eligible expenses or the reimbursement process can contact the HealthEquity customer care team at 877.924.3967 (TTY: 866.353.8058). Searchable lists of and are available on HealthEquity’s website.

Luckily, for ���ϲ����� employees, it’s not too late to take advantage of two free upcoming informational sessions that will answer any questions you might have about purchasing a home in the City of ���ϲ�����.

The��, in collaboration with the��, the����and��, is pleased to invite all University employees to attend one of the following sessions:

• .

“This is a great opportunity for employees. The City of ���ϲ����� is vibrant and diverse and a great place to live,” says , vice president for community engagement and government relations.

Two free upcoming informational sessions will answer questions about purchasing a home in the City of ���ϲ�����.

Attendees will have their homebuying questions answered by industry experts, and learn how they can benefit from the at ���ϲ�����.

The program, open to all full-time and part-time University employees, including faculty and staff members, enables employees to finance up to 100% of the price of the home and receive the bank’s best interest rate.

“This program allows for more employees to find homes in both the east and south sectors of our city to purchase and live in great neighborhoods. The ability to purchase and renovate homes with support is so positive to helping increase home ownership and living in off-campus areas,” Johnson says.

All sessions are in Community Room 016 of the Nancy Cantor Warehouse (350 W. Fayette St.). Sign-up is required.

The , in collaboration with the , the and , is pleased to invite all University employees to attend one of the following sessions:

• Jan. 28 from 9 a.m.-noon
• Feb. 25 from 9 a.m.-noon
• March 29 from 5-8 p.m.

Besides having homebuying questions answered by industry experts, attendees will also learn how they can benefit from the at ���ϲ����� and hear about open positions available with the University.

“This is a great opportunity for employees. The City of ���ϲ����� is vibrant and diverse and a great place to live,” says Cydney Johnson ’77, G’96, vice president for community engagement and government relations.

The enhanced mortgage program is open to all full-time and part-time University faculty and staff members. It enables employees to finance up to 100% of the price of the home and receive the bank’s best interest rate.

“This program allows for more employees to find homes in both the east and south sectors of our city to purchase and live in great neighborhoods. The ability to purchase and renovate homes with support is so positive in helping increase home ownership and living in off-campus areas,” Johnson says.

All sessions will occur in Community Room 016 of the Nancy Cantor Warehouse (350 W. Fayette St.). .

What Is a Crucial Conversation?

Crucial conversations take place in organizations every day. They include:

• Conversations where stakes are high, emotions are strong and opinions differ;
• Conversations around work quality, time management, productivity, performance, customer satisfaction, sensitive issues, conflict or a strained relationship; and
• Conversations that are often avoided and/or not handled well, leading to poor outcomes.

Workshop participants will learn how to spot when conversations become crucial, avoid repeating the same conversation, separate facts from stories and emotions, and make clearer decisions and commitments, among other skills.

I Need This! How Do I Join?

• Next series runs Jan. 20-March 10
• Meet in person on Friday mornings, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
• Location on North Campus to be announced

Important

• Participants must be available for all eight weeks of the program (there will be seven sessions total; an extra week is built into the schedule).
• Managers and supervisors are highly encouraged to attend, as the program teaches skills that are especially applicable to those managing others.

The program provides experiential learning through exercises, practice with real issues and group discussions. Because there is a cost of $350 per person to cover program materials, departmental approval is necessary. The fee will be charged to participants’ budget centers and approval from your supervisor and budget manager is required.

Pam Gavenda, associate director of organizational development and training and Crucial Conversations Certified Trainer, facilitates a prior Crucial Conversations session in partnership with the Women in Leadership Initiative.

Past participants speak highly of the program, saying:

• “I learned so much about how to have more effective conversations overall in addition to crucial conversations—[this course] made me think of how I can communicate better.”
• “Everyone from the highest-level executive on campus on down could learn something from this course. It explored real-life situations, the videos were great and the learning materials are perfectly designed to reference when applying these new communication strategies.”
• “Crucial Conversations provides an extraordinary value considering the lifelong applications with which you walk away. I think the aspect I like the most is that the skills developed can be used in every avenue of your day-to-day life.”
• “This subject matter is so critical—the learning environment was very well-constructed and made for a safe and fun learning experience.”

Space is limited to 24 participants;��!

During the Winter Break/Orange Appreciation Days period:

• All academic and administrative buildings will be locked or closed.
• Building temperatures will be lowered to 60 degrees unless prior arrangements have been made.

Request for Building Access:

If you require your building to be open over the Winter Break/Orange Appreciation Days period, please submit a request to your building coordinator, noting the specific dates and times. Requests should be made by 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15. (Note that faculty and staff will be able to access the buildings you work in, as usual, by swiping their SU ID cards, even when the buildings are locked.)

Request for Adjustments to Temperature and Lighting:

Deans, directors and department heads may submit a detailed request for adjustments to temperature and lighting during the Winter Break/Orange Appreciation Days period. Please review the University’s temperature guidelines.�� We ask that requests be made using the by 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15. Requests will be reviewed and approved by either the vice president and chief facilities officer or the provost.

Important: Buildings Not Included in Winter Break Reduced Occupancy Schedule

The following buildings will be excluded from the temperature setback, and will remain on normal access, temperature and lighting settings:

• Heroy Geology Laboratory
• Bowne Hall – Fourth Floor
• Lyman Hall – Fourth Floor
• Sims Hall – Department of Public Safety
• Center for Science and Technology
• Bird Library — Operating hours are listed on the
• Life Sciences Complex
• Link Hall
• Physics Building
• Ensley Athletic Center
• South Campus Library Facility
• Lally Complex
• Carmelo Anthony Center
• Tennity Ice Rink
• Crouse Hinds Hall

Additional information regarding Winter Break/Orange Appreciation Days services and resources may be found at:

• University services available during Winter Break/Orange Appreciation Days

Questions on building occupancy can be directed to the Department of Energy Systems and Sustainability Management, 315.443.1535 or energy@syr.edu.

Thank you for your continued support of the University’s sustainability initiatives.

The bowl game pits the Orange against the University of Minnesota on Saturday, Dec. 29, at 2 p.m. at Yankee Stadium in New York City. Round-trip motorcoach transportation between ���ϲ����� and Yankee Stadium departs the morning of Dec. 29 and returns postgame.

To enter the drawing, you must be an active faculty member or regular staff member and complete by Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. The drawing will be held that day, with multiple winners notified by email by the Office of Human Resources (HR). Only one entry per person is allowed and winning packages are not eligible for resale or transfer.

With questions, contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042 or hrservice@syr.edu.

Thank you, ���ϲ����� faculty and staff, and let’s go Orange!

Effective Jan. 1, 2023, coverage will no longer be available through the University. Those employees who had previously enrolled will have the option to continue their coverage on an individual basis, paying IdentityForce directly based on the rates listed below. If you are currently enrolled in coverage, you will receive an email directly from IdentityForce with instructions to continue and pay for your coverage going forward if you choose.

Monthly Cost for Continuing Coverage Through IdentityForce for Calendar Year 2023:

Individual Only*

• $5.33/month (UltraSecure Plus)
• $9.70/month (UltraSecure Premium)

Individual + One Adult*

• $10.20/month (UltraSecure Plus)
• $17.45/month (UltraSecure Premium)

*Includes ChildWatch protection services for eligible dependents under the age of 26

For more information, contact IdentityForce Member Services at 877.694.3367 or HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042.

�Ѳ����ٱ��’s-���𱹱��

• (30 credits)
  • Sample courses: Project Management Fundamentals, Organizational Behavior and Leadership, Opportunity and Risk Management.
  • Project managers do not operate in a single domain—their skill sets are invaluable in all types of organizations and roles, large and small. The project management master’s degree satisfies the education/training requirement for project management professional (PMP) and certified associate in project management (CAPM) credentials.

�����������ǰ�’s-���𱹱��

• (120 credits)
  • Sample courses: Data in Society, Informational Visualization, Data-Driven Inquiry.
  • Tying together the fields of computer science, management and business intelligence, the program prepares budding analysts to derive insights from complex data and teaches students how to interpret and translate data into market-ready, actionable information.
• (120 credits)
  • Sample courses: Global Leadership, Essentials of Marketing, Digital and Business Communications for Professional Studies.
  • Today’s businesses face unprecedented turbulence and disruption. Rapid changes in technology and the impact of globalization yield uncertainty, and companies need leaders with the skills to nimbly adapt to this changing landscape. Powered by the Whitman School of Management, this degree prepares students to be a leader in their careers.
• (120 credits)
  • Sample courses include those in writing, the humanities and critical reflections on ethical and social issues.
  • Develop a comprehensive and informed worldview through a powerful academic foundation. Students will gain critical thinking skills and knowledge that will open doors to advancement in their careers, new career opportunities or as a requirement for pursuing graduate-level study.

Certificate-Level

• (15 credits)
  • Sample courses: Foundations of Project Management, Project Organization and Leadership, Project Communications and Stakeholder Management.
  • Explore the foundations of organization, leadership, methodologies and the communication techniques of project management. The project management certificate satisfies the education/training requirement for Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) credentials.

To learn more about these and other degree and certificate offerings, . Find out more about using remitted tuition by or the .

Reduced Health Plan Contributions

Faculty and staff are encouraged to carefully review the expanded eligibility guidelines for 2023 that outline how to apply for reduced payroll contributions for health coverage. Depending on an employee’s household income and size, reduced health plan contributions are available through Schedule B. The application deadline is Dec. 2. For more information and a copy of the application, .

Dependent Care Subsidy

As part of ���ϲ�����’s ongoing efforts to support the changing needs of families, the University continues to offer subsidies to faculty and staff to assist with dependent care. The application deadline is Dec. 2. For more information and a copy of the application, .

Supplemental Life Insurance and Long Term Disability Insurance

Faculty and staff who chose to newly elect or increase supplemental life insurance during this year’s annual Open Enrollment period must complete the and return it to MetLife. Individuals who newly elected long term disability insurance through The Standard must complete a ��and return it to The Standard.

Questions? Visit the or contact HR Shared Services at hrservice@syr.edu��or 315.443.4042.

• Reflect on how they can make the most of benefits offered by the University.
• Connect with benefit professionals and resources to get their questions answered.
• Enroll and make decisions that best meet their needs.

The Office of Human Resources encourages eligible individuals to review their benefits on MySlice to ensure their choices are in place for Jan. 1, 2023. This is the one time of year to elect or change coverage for many benefits, unless one experiences a��.

More information is available on the to help answer any questions. If faculty and staff have any additional questions about Open Enrollment or benefits, please contact HR Shared Services��at 315.443.4042.

There are a variety of resources to support faculty and staff during Open Enrollment:

• HR Shared Services is available 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 315.443.4042 to answer your personal questions. Appointments are available upon request.
• Attend a to learn about your 2023 benefits.
• Call our dedicated Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) customer service center at 800.493.0318 (TTY: 800.662.1220) if you need additional assistance regarding your personal medical plan questions. Excellus BCBS has expanded hours of operation Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For prescription drug questions, contact Optum Rx member services at 866.854.2945 (TTY: 711). They are available to assist you 24/7.

TIAA offers personalized financial planning services to help you reach your retirement goals. To schedule a meeting with one of the University’s dedicated financial consultants, or for assistance with your account, contact TIAA at 855.842.CUSE (TTY: 800.842.2755) or .

Faculty and staff must complete their enrollment by Nov. 11 by logging in to MySlice. If access to a computer for Open Enrollment purposes is needed, the University has a number of available across campus, or faculty and staff may contact HR Shared Services by phone or email during normal business hours for assistance.

With questions about Open Enrollment or benefits, please contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042. Virtual appointments are available upon request.

Open Enrollment is the one time of year when eligible employees can reflect on their benefit options, connect with the variety of available resources to help make the best decisions to meet their needs and enroll for the coming year.

Visit the to learn more about your 2023 benefits and the resources available to help you make decisions for next year.

Questions about Open Enrollment, benefits or the enrollment process? Contact HR Shared Services��at 315.443.4042.

Next Monday, we will begin the annual open enrollment process for employee benefit selections for 2023. Ahead of that, I am writing today to provide an update on how the University plans to address rising health care costs, and what you can expect with regard to employee contribution rates (the amount deducted from your paycheck for health coverage) for 2023.

The University is especially mindful of the difficult economic climate right now, and how household budgets are being challenged by inflation’s effect on everyday living, particularly as it relates to housing, food and gas. That is why the University is taking action to limit the impact of health care cost increases on our community members.

Based on the annual algorithm that determines employee contributions, rates were expected to increase this year for some employees well into the double digits. However, after conferring with a selection of deans, faculty, staff and our budget office, the University has made the decision to invest an additional $1 million to offset these rising costs for this year. This action will result in the following:

• Schedule A: Employee contributions toward health care benefits under Schedule A will increase by 4.9% for employee-only coverage and increase by 7.7% for family coverage. This equates to a monthly increase between $7 and $40, depending on plan selection.
• Schedule B:
  • Eligibility Expansion: The University will significantly expand employee eligibility for Schedule B which has lower employee contribution rates. Moving forward for 2023, those eligible for Schedule B rates will include:
    • Households of one with incomes under $50,000;
    • Households of two with incomes under $70,000;
    • Households of three with incomes under $90,000;
    • Households of four or more with incomes under $110,000.
  • Reduced Rates: The University will also increase its subsidy of employee contribution rates under Schedule B to keep costs as low as possible for our lower income employees. The increase for Schedule B rates will be 3.9% for all plan selections. The monthly employee contribution increase will range from $5 to $16, depending on plan selection.
• For 2023, there will be no increases in deductibles, co-pays and coinsurance for any benefit plan.

In addition to this investment to combat increasing health care costs, the University will take the following actions:

• Part-Time Instructors: Under the leadership of Provost Gretchen Ritter, the University will work with Human Resources (HR) and others to explore ways in the future to support and expand health care coverage for our part-time instructors.
• Faculty and Staff Consultation: At the direction of Chancellor Syverud, beginning in the Spring 2023 semester, HR will work with faculty and staff, and through shared governance structures, including the University Senate, to refine how health care benefits are determined in the future.

I recognize this is a challenging time for many members of our community. We will continue to explore ways to expand and strengthen our benefits in the future, while providing immediate support and relief to our faculty and staff. Please stay tuned for future communications about and do not hesitate to contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042 or hrservice@syr.edu if you have any urgent questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Andrew R. Gordon
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer

All the relevant Open Enrollment information, including benefit plan details and various resources to learn more are available on the .

Questions About Benefits? Connect With Human Resources.

There are several ways for faculty and staff to connect with resources that will enable them to make the best decisions for themselves and their loved ones.

• HR Shared Services is available 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 315.443.4042 to answer your personal questions. Appointments are available upon request.
• Attend a to learn about your 2023 benefits.
• Call our dedicated Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) customer service center at 800.493.0318 (TTY: 800.662.1220) if you need additional assistance regarding your personal medical plan questions. Excellus BCBS has expanded hours of operation Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For prescription drug questions, contact Optum Rx member services at 866.854.2945 (TTY: 711). They are available to assist you 24/7.
• TIAA offers personalized financial planning services to help you reach your retirement goals. To schedule a meeting with one of the University’s dedicated financial consultants, or for assistance with your account, contact TIAA at 855.842.CUSE (TTY: 800.842.2755) or .

Faculty and staff can enroll online through MySlice from Oct. 31-Nov. 11. If access to a computer for Open Enrollment purposes is needed, the University has a number of available across campus, or faculty or staff may contact HR Shared Services by phone or email during normal business hours for assistance.

Appointments are required and . Clinics will be held on the following dates:

Thursday, Oct. 6
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Schine Student Center, 304 ABC

Wednesday, Oct. 26
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Kimmel Dining Hall
311 Waverly Ave.
North Campus

Step-by-step instructions to make an appointment are available on the Wellness Initiative’s .

Faculty and staff should bring a valid ���ϲ����� I.D. to their appointment; temporary employees may show an alternate picture ID. Short-term parking is available at the Comstock Avenue Garage for both clinics by letting the attendant know that you are getting your flu vaccine.

Please note, on-campus flu vaccine opportunities for students will be announced at a later date.

Appointments are required and . Clinics will be held on the following dates:

Wednesday, Sept. 14
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
(tented, outdoors)

Tuesday, Sept. 20
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Kimmel Dining Hall
311 Waverly Ave.
North Campus

Friday, Sept. 30
9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Skybarn
151 Farm Acre Rd.
South Campus

Step-by-step instructions to make an appointment are available on the Wellness Initiative’s .

Faculty and staff should bring a valid ���ϲ����� I.D. to their appointment; temporary employees may show an alternate picture ID. Short-term parking is available at the Irving Avenue Garage or Comstock Avenue Garage for the Sept. 20 clinic by letting the attendant know that you are getting your flu vaccine. For the Sept. 30 clinic, parking is available at or near Skybarn.

Please note, on-campus flu vaccine opportunities for students will be announced at a later date. Additional on-campus faculty and staff clinics are planned for October.

The first 500 full-time, part-time or temporary faculty and staff with a faculty or staff ���ϲ����� I.D. to visit the University’s pregame Faculty and Staff Appreciation tent on the Shaw Quad will receive a game day gift and a $5 concession coupon.

A few days prior to the game, a drawing will be held to invite faculty and staff members to enjoy an enhanced game day experience. Those who have purchased tickets prior to Sept. 12 will be eligible for the drawing. Winners will be notified prior to game day.

Tickets

Tickets cost $10 apiece for University faculty and staff, their children and their guests (up to a limit of 10). Faculty and staff may , and tickets can be purchased until the day of the event.

Team Competition on the Quad

Join with other schools, colleges and administrative units for some friendly competition during ’Cuse on the Quad! Teams of three to five members are being recruited to join a short, bracket-style game against colleagues before kickoff at noon. To register a team, email Abby Lozon at aclozon@syr.edu with the following information:

• One team representative
• The school/college/administrative unit you’re representing
• Names of all team members

Teams will try to guess the most popular answers to a series of ’Cuse-themed questions, with winners receiving bragging rights and a prize.

Food Drive to Benefit the Salvation Army

On game day, the University’s Office of Community Engagement will collect non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army of ���ϲ�����’s emergency pantry as part of its Food Insecurity Awareness Week. Drop-off barrels will be placed at 11 locations approaching the JMA Dome that morning, including at the faculty and staff appreciation tent on the Quad. Volunteers for the Salvation Army will also collect monetary donations at various red kettles stationed around the JMA Dome.

Currently, the pantry’s most-needed items include:

• Pasta sauce (no glass jars, please)
• Rice
• Canned beans
• Canned fruit
• Juice (shelf-stable cartons or plastic)
• Oatmeal

Faculty and staff are encouraged to contribute to this cause. The Salvation Army’s food pantry has served more than 1,100 individuals in ���ϲ����� over the last month, providing families and individuals with enough food for three meals per day for five days.

Parking

University parking permits will be honored for free game day parking at the Skytop parking lot. For faculty and staff who do not already have University parking permits, a single, complimentary, one-time-use Skytop parking pass will be available for game day. These permits will be available for pickup on Thursday, Sept. 15, and Friday, Sept. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Office of Human Resources, Skytop Office Building, with proof of a Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day game ticket and a ���ϲ����� I.D.

Questions about Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day? Contact the HR Service Center at 315.443.4042 or send them an email. Questions about football tickets? Call the JMA Wireless Dome Box Office at 315.443.2121.

Remitted Tuition Benefit—For Eligible Employees/Retirees and Spouses/Same Sex Domestic Partners

The remitted tuition benefit information session will be held Tuesday, Sept. 20, from noon to 1 p.m. via videoconference. . A link will be sent in advance of the session.

This information session will provide an overview of the University’s Remitted Tuition Benefit Program. Please visit the and the for details regarding eligibility.

Dependent Tuition Benefit—For Dependents of Eligible Employees

Benefits-eligible employees with children approaching college age can learn more about the University’s dependent tuition benefit through a videoconference on Thursday, Sept. 22, from noon to 1:30 p.m. The presentation will be repeated on Wednesday, Sept. 28, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Register for the or sessions. A link will be sent to those who register a few days before the session.

The presentation will provide an overview of the University’s three Dependent Tuition Programs (SU Tuition Waiver, Cash Grant and Tuition Exchange), as well as an opportunity for questions and answers. Those attending are encouraged to review the ��and the .

If you require an accommodation in order to fully participate in any of the sessions, please contact Pam Gavenda at pegavend@syr.edu.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact the HR Service Center at 315.443.4042 or hrservice@syr.edu.

The seven-week, in-person series will begin on Sept. 16 and wrap up on Oct. 28. Sessions will be held each Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at a North Campus location yet to be determined. Participants must plan to attend all seven sessions and can . Managers and supervisors are encouraged to attend, as the program teaches skills that are especially applicable to those managing others.

Crucial Conversations teaches skills for creating alignment and agreement by fostering open dialogue around high-stakes, emotional or risky topics at all levels of an organization. These conversations can include topics focused on work quality, time management, productivity, performance, sensitive issues, conflict or a strained relationship, for example.

By learning how to speak and be heard (and encouraging others to do the same), you will begin to surface the best ideas, make the highest-quality decisions and act on those decisions with unity and commitment in a respectful way.

Throughout the program, participants will have the opportunity to engage in experiential learning through exercises, practice with real issues and group discussions.

Because there is a cost of $350 per person to cover program materials, departmental approval is necessary. The fee will be charged to participants’ budget centers and approval from your supervisor and budget manager is required.

Past participants speak highly of the program, anonymously sharing the following feedback during post-program evaluations:

• “Everyone from the highest-level executive on campus on down could learn something from this course. It explored real-life situations, the videos were great and the learning materials are perfectly designed to reference when applying these new communication strategies.”
• “Crucial Conversations provides an extraordinary value considering the lifelong applications with which you walk away. I think the aspect I like the most is that the skills developed can be used in every avenue of your day-to-day life.”
• “I feel the information in this program should be required for anyone in a supervisory role.”
• “An amazing course—one of the best professional development courses I’ve taken.”
• “The entire book/subject matter is so critical—the learning environment was very well-constructed and made for a safe and fun learning experience.”

Space is limited to 24 participants; !

“The University is constantly evaluating how we can improve the experience for every member of our community, including as it relates to their safety and well-being,” says Allen Groves, senior vice president and chief student experience officer. “Based on feedback from students, faculty and staff, the University is better aligning its services and resources, strengthening its support of our community and working to streamline Title IX processes.”

Department of Public Safety

As part of this effort, the Department of Public Safety will now reside in the Division of the Student Experience with Chief Craig Stone reporting directly to Groves, who chaired the search committee that recommended Chief Stone for his post.

“Bringing public safety, Title IX, Community Standards and Student Living together in one division will allow ���ϲ����� to make our processes and procedures more efficient while supporting our students in a holistic, integrated and collaborative manner,” says Groves. “Together, our teams will be well positioned to apply our experience and ��align our resources to ensure the most effective prevention and response strategies to these complex situations.”

Changes to Title IX

Key to the efficacy of the University’s Title IX resources is ensuring all involved parties receive tailored support, swift investigations and equitable and timely resolutions. To achieve these goals, there will be two Title IX teams: one dedicated to addressing complaints in which a student is alleged to have violated University policy, and the other in which a faculty or staff member is alleged to have violated University policy.

• Student Title IX Team: The Title IX team handling allegations against students will now reside within the Division of the Student Experience. This team will be led by a Title IX coordinator, for whom a search will commence this summer, and supported by three Title IX investigators and one case manager. Recruitment for the case manager position is also in progress. The Student Experience team focuses on supporting students inside and outside the classroom, from the time they arrive on campus until they graduate. Situations in which sexual harassment, sexual assault or intimate partner violence are alleged to have occurred are among the most difficult experiences any student may face. Student Experience staff are well positioned to support students through the reporting and investigation process, working to bring all reports to a prompt and equitable resolution.
• Faculty/Staff Title IX Team: The Title IX team dedicated to investigating faculty and staff complaints will remain reporting to Sheila Johnson-Willis, associate vice president and chief equal opportunity and Title IX officer, who will also continue to report to Andrew Gordon, senior vice president and chief human resource officer. In addition to Title IX, the team will continue to support faculty and staff with training and direction for the broad range of equal opportunity matters. In addition to Johnson-Willis, the team will be staffed by two Title IX investigators, a Title IX employee coordinator and one training specialist.
• Continued Collaboration: While the two teams will have dedicated focus areas, they will continue to collaborate on several matters, including the completion of the yearly audit and compliance certifications as governed by New York State’s Enough Is Enough New York State Education Department Education Law. Both teams will also be represented on the Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence and the University Advisory Committee on Campus Security. The two teams will remain co-located in the existing EOIRS offices in Steele Hall through the remainder of the summer. The faculty/staff Title IX team will then move to South Campus to join the full Human Resources team; the student Title IX team will remain on North Campus.

“Students and faculty and staff have distinct needs and face different issues,” says Gordon. “These changes will strengthen our services to these unique constituency groups by providing access to professional staff who are best positioned to support them through the investigation and resolution processes. Not only does this realignment allow us to better support our community, it also means increased resources will be dedicated to this critically important and sensitive work.”

Brian Nick, CAIA, chief investment strategist with Nuveen, was joined by TIAA’s Dan Keady, CFP (chief financial planning strategist); John Canally, CFA (chief portfolio strategist); and host Shelly Eweka, CFP, to share their insights on what is currently driving market volatility, how to weather market swings and how smart planning can help plan participants stay on track with their retirement plan, no matter the market environment.

Here are four takeaways from the webinar:

1. There’s hope for a soft landing. While summarizing the near-term market outlook, Nick emphasized that the U.S. economy may be headed for a “soft landing”—meaning that actions taken by the Federal Reserve and other central banks could slowly cool global growth and curb inflation, while strong private sector balance sheets may help prevent a slide into a minor or major recession.

“We do think there is still a narrow path to get out of this without even a mild recession. I think a severe recession is even less likely,” Nick said. If there is a minor recession, Nick says most investors should be able to weather the storm, noting, “The difference for most investors between a soft landing where we don’t have a recession, but things slow down, and a mild recession, is probably not going to be too great.”

2. We’ve been here before. Nick pointed out that current market concerns are relatively short term in nature, and history has taught us that market valuations generally do go up over time. He points to the 2007-08 financial crisis and data from the decade that followed, in which the S&P 500 was up about 15% per year during the 2010s and investors saw a remarkable rate in returns.

“If you’ve just retired or are planning to retire, you probably have a longer timeline that you’re working from than just the next couple of months [to see notable returns],” Nick said. “And that’s a good thing—because we think that things have improved from a valuation perspective and over long periods of time, valuation is destiny for market returns.”

Nick explained, “If you’re buying in at very expensive levels today, your returns over the next five or 10 years probably aren’t going to be as good. The flip side is, if you got in right after the financial crisis of 2009 or even 2010, your next 10 years, as we now know, were extremely profitable. …We can be a bit more optimistic about the forward-looking returns over the balance of this decade for the equity markets, fixed-income markets and the hybrid markets like credit that we invest in. I think we are going to see a broad-based appreciation in asset values that takes us beyond whatever this difficult period is going to end up being—whether it’s a soft landing or a recession, and into a new fresh expansion and a new bull market. So that leaves us somewhat more optimistic.”

3. Stay the course with your investment strategy. Canally shared that while it can be emotionally difficult to do the right thing—stay the course—with the market’s current volatility, investors should avoid making hasty emotional decisions with their investments during times of uncertainty to avoid negative consequences down the line.

According to Canally, “An important question to ask yourself is: ‘Am I making a decision based on material changes in my life? Or am I making those decisions based on prevailing trends in the investment markets?’”

He cited the importance of sticking to a well-planned, long-term investment strategy, including recommendations for investors to:

• Have a sound financial plan and revisit/adjust it based on life changes;
• Diversify investments to match your risk tolerance;
• Rebalance investment assets to stay well-positioned and in step with your appetite for risk despite market fluctuations;
• Take advantage of market downturns to manage your investment-related taxes; and
• Stick with your investment strategy and don’t try to time the market.

4. Take advantage of TIAA resources, available to plan participants at no additional cost. To help navigate all of these strategic recommendations, Keady highlighted some of the resources available to TIAA plan participants. One of the most valuable offerings for ���ϲ����� employees is the option to to receive personalized advice and education. An advisor can help investors rebalance and diversify their portfolio in accordance with their risk appetite, as mentioned above. Visiting gives plan participants access to retirement calculators, an asset allocation evaluator and debt/budgeting workshops, all of which can help them meet their retirement savings goals in any market environment.

Eligible employees can learn more about the ���ϲ����� retirement plan on the or by visiting . A is also available.

The seven-week, in-person series, which is particularly well-suited for managers and supervisors, will begin on May 17 and wrap up on June 28. Sessions will be held each Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m. at a North Campus location yet to be determined. Participants must plan to attend all seven sessions and can .

Pam Gavenda, associate director of organizational development and training and Crucial Conversations Certified Trainer, facilitates a prior session, offered in partnership with the Women in Leadership Initiative.

Crucial Conversations teaches skills for creating alignment and agreement by fostering open dialogue around high-stakes, emotional or risky topics at all levels of an organization. These conversations can include topics focused on work quality, time management, productivity, performance, sensitive issues, conflict or a strained relationship, for example.

By learning how to speak and be heard (and encouraging others to do the same), you will begin to surface the best ideas, make the highest-quality decisions and act on those decisions with unity and commitment in a respectful way.

Throughout the program, participants will have the opportunity to engage in experiential learning through exercises, practice with real issues and group discussions.

Because there is a cost of $350 per person to cover program materials, departmental approval is necessary. The fee will be charged to participants’ budget centers and approval from your supervisor and budget manager is required.

Past participants speak highly of the program, anonymously sharing the following feedback during post-program evaluations:

• “I cannot overstate the value of this program and the content that was covered. What we learned is applicable to most situations and conversations. Relationship stress is so real across all of our lives and learning how to compassionately and directly communicate is making me a better person, better wife, better supervisor and better employee.”
• “The steps, resources in the book and facilitator all complement each other every step of the way.”
• “The entire book/subject matter is so critical—the learning environment was very well-constructed and made for a safe and fun learning experience.”
• “I thought that the Crucial Conversations series was a great program! It gave very helpful and realistic strategies to promote getting through tough conversations.”

Space is limited to 24 participants; !

Local business owners can meet with University purchasing managers to identify opportunities to see how their goods and services can supply the needs of the University. Individuals can attend to check out and apply for one of the hundreds of job openings at the University.

Those interested are asked to .

Go Local is ���ϲ�����’s commitment to leverage the economic power of the institution to improve regional economic inclusion through four key areas: building, hiring, buying and community connections.

The initiative seeks to broaden participation of local, minority, women and veteran-owned businesses in construction and service contracting opportunities; expand hiring of local residents, with a focus on neighborhoods in need of job opportunities; and increase economic growth and employment in ���ϲ����� through the University’s purchasing activities.

The key areas are overseen by team leaders: Pete Sala, vice president and chief facilities officer (build); Karen Morrissey, associate vice president, Office of Human Resources (hire); Jean Gallipeau, comptroller (buy); and Cydney Johnson, vice president, community engagement and government relations (community).

The team leads invite the Central New York community to visit the Career and Vendor Fair to find out more about the many opportunities to partner with the University through providing goods and services and the variety of jobs available. The goal is to create more connections between the University and the community to further strengthen our local economy, increase employment and create more opportunities for local residents.

The event is also a great way for the campus community to meet local and diverse businesses and discuss opportunities in their units that they may have.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to reach out to their community networks to promote the April 28 event.

For more information on Go Local and how to get involved, visit the or call 315.443.2281.

The seven-week, in-person class will begin on Friday, Feb. 25, and run through April 8. Participants must attend for all seven weeks. .

Participants will gain skills for creating alignment and agreement by fostering open dialogue around high-stakes, emotional or risky topics at all levels of an organization. These are conversations around work quality, time management, productivity, performance, sensitive issues, conflict or a strained relationship, for example. By learning how to speak and be heard (and encouraging others to do the same), you will begin to surface the best ideas, make the highest-quality decisions and then act on the decisions with unity and commitment in a respectful way.

Throughout the program, participants will have the opportunity to engage in experiential learning through exercises, practice with real issues and group discussions.

Past participants speak highly of the benefits of the program. “I developed confidence in approaching a difficult conversation and how to move it to a win-win conclusion,” says one participant.

“I enjoyed meeting and interacting with peers that we do not get to spend quality time with on a daily basis,” says another participant. “We can all learn from each other’s challenges when managing people.”

Another participant says the program is excellent training for managers and supervisors. “Success happens when opportunities are met by preparations,” the participant says. “These conversations are crucial to relationship preservations, built on a foundation where there’s healthy conflict, trust, commitment and accountability—the four main elements that produce results.”

An additional Crucial Conversations session, outside of the WiL initiative, may be offered this spring/summer depending on interest and availability. To be added to the waitlist for that program, .

The University will offer trolley service from Waverly Avenue outside Schine Student Center to the fairgrounds and back to campus at regular intervals from 9 a.m. until early afternoon.

A Vaccine Documentation Drop-in Center will also be available tomorrow at the Goldstein Auditorium in Schine Student Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Human resources and information technology specialists will be available to assist faculty and staff with any questions or uploading their vaccine documentation.

Important: The deadline for all faculty and staff to complete their COVID vaccine series and the flu vaccine is Monday, Jan. 31. Flu vaccines are widely available in the community; faculty and staff still in need of a flu shot should visit .

For more information, visit the .

Over these last two years, there has been a significant shift in the workplace. Many organizations, including ���ϲ�����, have responded to the pandemic in creative and innovative ways to meet the evolving needs of the workforce while sustaining and advancing core business functions. We have learned a lot. As a result, we are excited to announce that the University will begin a pilot program this semester to expand flexible work arrangements (FWA) for staff.

Flexible Work for Existing Staff in Non-Student Facing Positions

As part of the pilot program, the University will support flexible work for non-student facing positions with the following criteria:

• All FWAs must have the written approval of the dean or senior vice president prior to submitting the request.
• The supervisor and employee requesting the arrangement must ensure that the arrangement will not impact the employee’s day-to-day job duties and expectations.
• If the flexible work arrangement involves a hybrid workweek arrangement, it must not exceed more than two days away from the campus or work location in any week.
• The employee’s supervisor and leader will monitor work and performance through establishing clear goals, regular communications (e.g., weekly 1:1 meetings), and will ensure the employee’s full participation in all group or team meetings and events.
• The employee seeking a flexible work arrangement must have a current Performance Partnership on file with Human Resources supporting satisfactory performance.
• A new flexible work arrangement must be submitted and approved before the flexible work may begin.

Hiring for Fully Remote Work

The University will begin hiring staff who may be located outside the ���ϲ����� area for certain functions, including information technology, advancement and marketing.

The hiring of staff for remote work must have prior approval of the dean or senior vice president at the time the position is submitted for approval. This will require careful review and consultation between the dean or senior vice president, chief human resources officer and your senior human resources business partner.

The University guidelines for the spring 2022 pilot program are on the . In addition, we have streamlined the online FWA form for supervisors or dean or senior vice president’s designee to submit to Human Resources their request for flexible work.

We encourage leaders to consult with your deans and senior vice presidents to explore and implement opportunities for expanding flexible work for your schools, colleges and units. The pilot program will be evaluated as to whether to extend or modify the program following the spring semester with input from faculty and staff.

Please do not hesitate to contact your senior human resources business partner directly for assistance as you make these changes.

Regards,

Andrew R. Gordon
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer

With the vast majority of our students now off campus for the winter break, the University is encouraging supervisors to extend flexibility to work remotely to their teams, as appropriate to their duties and departments. This will remain in place until Jan. 18, 2022—the start of the Spring 2022 semester. This action will allow eligible employees flexibility with their work, especially at a time when new COVID infections are rising.

Here’s what this guidance means:

• Team members who can perform their work remotely are encouraged to do so.
• Deans, senior vice presidents and other leaders will encourage faculty and staff whose job functions do not require a physical presence on campus to conduct their business remotely.
• Individuals who must be on campus to perform their duties, including but not limited to student-facing roles, food services, facilities management, public safety, parking, etc., as determined by their departments, should continue reporting per their regular schedule. If you are uncertain if your position requires you to be on campus, please contact your supervisor directly to discuss.
• Research that requires faculty, staff and graduate students to be on campus, in the field or in a laboratory may continue. Similarly, studio space and work that cannot be replicated outside the studio may continue.

We are grateful to our faculty and staff, together whom played such a critical role in maintaining a robust academic and student experience this year.

I wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy and restful holiday season.

Sincerely,

Andrew R. Gordon
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer

$10 Men’s Basketball Tickets

• Saturday, Jan. 1, at 8 p.m. vs. Virginia
• Tuesday, Jan. 11, at 7 p.m. vs. Pittsburgh

$5 Women’s Basketball Tickets

• Sunday, Jan. 2, at 2 p.m. vs. Florida State (game postponed)

Tickets

Faculty and staff are invited to purchase up to eight tickets for each game at the identified price with their SU I.D. Tickets for the games may be purchased using an @syr.edu email address.

Share Your Orange Spirit

Wear your favorite ���ϲ����� gear and share game day photos on social media for a chance to appear on the stadium videoboard using the hashtag #CuseSuperfan.

Parking

A University parking permit will be honored for free game day parking at the University Avenue Garage, Comstock Avenue Garage and Manley Field House North parking lot. For employees who do not already have a University parking permit, a limited number of parking passes for the Manley Field House North lot will be available for the men’s basketball games. They may be picked up at the Office of Human Resources in the Skytop Office Building on South Campus on Dec. 21, Dec. 22, Jan. 7 or Jan. 10 during business hours with an SU I.D. and proof of ticket for the game. Parking is free in the lots west of the stadium for the women’s basketball game.

For game day COVID-19 protocols, including masking and vaccination/testing requirements, please review .

Questions?

Call HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042 or email hrservice@syr.edu. For questions about basketball tickets, call the Dome Box Office at 315.443.2121.

I am writing today to address some questions I have received about ���ϲ�����’s retirement benefits, specifically how future employees will be encouraged to contribute to their retirement accounts.

First, and most importantly, the forthcoming retirement changes ONLY apply to employees hired on or after Jan. 1, 2022. No one currently employed at ���ϲ����� will be impacted by this prospective change. Here’s what the change means:

• Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, new employees will be encouraged to contribute to their retirement.
• This change provides an incentive for all faculty and staff to save more for a secure retirement.
• Employees hired on or after Jan. 1, 2022, will have the ability to receive a 10% contribution from the University.
• Employees hired on or after Jan. 1, 2022, will receive an automatic 5% contribution to their retirement plan after one year of service. This does not require any employee contribution.
• These employees can receive a dollar-for-dollar match from the University up to an additional 5% of their salary. This match enables employees to save at least 15% of their salary toward their retirement each year, subject to the IRS contribution limits.

This change is consistent with how retirement plans are administered at more than two-thirds of our peer institutions. Nevertheless, based on extensive conversations with academic leaders, faculty and staff, we made the very intentional decision not to apply this change to current employees and we have no intention to apply it to current employees in the future.

I want to extend my gratitude to the members of the Benefits Advisory Council and the Senate Committee on Services to Faculty and Staff, both of which provided invaluable feedback during the benefits planning process. Together, their input strongly informed and influenced the final design of this year’s benefits package.

If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me, your senior HR business partner or HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042.

Sincerely,

Andrew R. Gordon
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer