Human Resources

February 2005

HR Advisory Group - Meeting Minutes

Attended: S. Thorp; J. Welsh; L. Mackenzie-Crane; L. Payne; J. Nichols; B. Carr; L. McIlyar

Absent: B. Rusch; C. Green

Scribe: Jim Ables, Office of Human Resources

Date: February 14, 2005

SUBJ: HR Advisory Group Meeting Minutes - February 2005

CC: Seth Patton; Bill Acklin

New Items

1.Service Award BanquetReview - Jim reported that the SOS Service Awards Banquet was a success. The theme was A Night in the Tropics. Everyone enjoyed tropical food and drinks and the music of the Tangibles. Over 30 staff members were recognized for years of service and four retirees were also honored. Denise Teesdale won the grand prize of a night's stay at Cherry Valley Lodge or the Hilton at Easton. Additionally, three days off with pay and twelve $25 gift certificates were awarded as door prizes.

2.Retirees & Courses at Denison - The question of whether or not Denison retirees can take courses at Denison free of tuition costs was asked. Jim will review and get back to the group.

Updates

1.HR Newsletter - Human Resources is working on the first newsletter which will be sent out this month. The group discussed whether or not personal announcements ought to be in the newsletter, such as marriages, births and similar items. The group felt that it may be too difficult to try to get these notices for the newsletter and that not everyone would automatically want a personal announcement to be in the newsletter. The group's opinion was to leave this type of information out. Other ongoing items of interest to include in the letter might be discount programs offered through Denison, new hires, transfers, wellness, other HR events, and benefits.

2.Wellness Challenge Update- The wellness challenge is off and running. A total of 95 faculty and staff are participating. There are many teams as well competing against one another. The competition is fierce!

3.Performance Reviews- Jim gave the group an update on the review of the support staff performance review system. Human Resources met with senior staff individually to get feedback regarding how the reviews can be improved, including the forms used, process, and getting them completed. A number of changes in the forms used and the process will be implemented shortly. As part of the changes, Human Resources will be following up with supervisors monthly to remind them to complete the reviews. Changes will be communicated when they are finalized.

4.Physical Plant Staff Email Update - Computing Services implemented an automated procedure that assigns all staff with Denison email. This was completed with the last three to five months. So, all physical plant employees have been assigned an active email account. Employees should contact the help desk for instructions on how to use the email account. An information session may be coordinated with computing services for physical plant employees. A message will be sent to physical plant staff if this is arranged.