SEPTEMBER 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS FROM THE OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
OVERVIEW
From the Office of HR
Pg 2-4, Important Updates
Performance Evaluation
Educational Assistant for Dependents
Covid-19 Guidelines
Dining Hours
Fitness Center
Pg 5 -8, Health & Well-Being Initiative
National Suicide Prevention Month
Counseling Benefits
Free Counseling Hotline for Employees
National Women’s Health & Fitness Day
Magellan Health Webinars
TIAA Financial Webinars
HNE Health Webinars
Free Hybrid Yoga Classes
Pg 9, Core Values
Core Value of the Month
TED talk Video
Golden Compass Nominations are open
Pg 10 -11, Community Happenings
Campus Day BBQ
Campus Day
Puerto Rico parade
PG 12 -13, HR & PAYROLL TEAMS, & CONTACT US
September is here! It was wonderful to see colleagues coming together - in person and virtually - at the Community Summit! The start of the new semester brings a sense of anticipation, growth and opportunity for our students and our forming community.
We hope to see those of you who can attend the next Campus Day BBQ at Leary Circle on September 10th. Come support our learners at the Puerto Rican parade in Springfield on Sunday, September 15th!
With the semester back in session, operating hours for valuable employee resources, such as the Dining Services, Fitness Center, and fall Yoga are enclosed We also want our community to stay healthy and safe this season and have included tips and resources in the continued presence of Covid-19. September webinars for your professional and financial health include “Planning for College” and “Coaching Employees for Performance” among many others!
The employee performance evaluation cycle begins this month and runs through November. It is a process designed to foster reflection, development, goal-setting and spark meaningful supervisor conversations. Dates are included, with more details coming.
Do you have dependents planning for college under the age of 22? Check out BPU’s tuition scholarship opportunities! Stay tuned for more information from HR in early September!
As always, we welcome your feedback and ideas to HR to support your work and well-being
SAVE THE DATE! Campus Day BBQ September 10th, 2024 11:30 AM -1:30 PM
SEPTEMBER
IMPORTANT UPDATES
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION COMING SOON!
2024 Staff Performance Evaluations Important Dates to Know
September 23rd: Performance Evaluations Begin.
September 23rd-October 11th: Employees complete and submit Self-Evaluations.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
October 14th-November 15th: Managers Complete Evaluations. Manager & Employees Meet to Discuss Evaluation & Employees Sign Off on Evaluations.
November 15th: All Evaluations Signed and Completed in Hirezon.
IMPORTANT:
All staff hired prior to July 1, 2024 should receive a 90 day evaluation and an annual evaluation. All staff hired July 1st or later should complete a 90 evaluation in the appropriate time frame.
More information will be coming soon from HR@baypath.edu. You can also visit https://one.baypath.edu/pages/performance-evaluation-forms for more information.
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR DEPENDENTS
Did you know that Bay Path University offers two fantastic programs to help full-time employees provide educational assistance for their dependents? Through the Tuition Exchange (TE) and the Council on Independent Colleges (CIC) Tuition Exchange Program, your dependents have access to scholarship opportunities at hundreds of colleges and universities nationwide.
Both programs provide reciprocal scholarship opportunities that can significantly reduce the cost of undergraduate education. Eligible employees are encouraged to apply for both programs to increase the chances of securing a scholarship. Information on how to apply for the Tuition Exchange program will be available in early September, while details for the CIC program will be released in late September or early fall
Stay tuned for more information on how your dependents can participate in these incredible programs! Tuition Exchange (TE) program: Learn about the TE program Participating TE schools Council on Independent Colleges (CIC) program Learn about the CIC program (note: CIC website is undergoing maintenance and will become available later in September)
IMPORTANT UPDATES
COVID-19 GUIDELINES
As we start the fall semester across all in person and remote locations we urge everyone to stay vigilant about COVID-19. With rising infection rates, it’s crucial to get the latest vaccine to reduce severe illness.
Health, Safety & Care:
Masking: Optional but recommended if exposed to COVID-19, experiencing symptoms, or testing positive.
Testing: Important for preventing spread. Test if exposed or symptomatic. Free tests are no longer provided at Bay Path, but are available at local pharmacies or testing centers See COVID-19 resources below and testing centers.
Care: Stay home if symptomatic. If you test positive seek medical attention and isolate.
Communication: Notify your supervisor if you are sick and keep them up to date on your expected return Please see below for required documentation if your absence exceeds three (3) days.
Medical Documentation Required for Extended Absences:
Documentation is required from a healthcare provider if you are absent from work for three (3) consecutive days or more. Before returning to work, you must also obtain medical clearance documentation from your doctor Medical documentation should be submitted to Brenda Fletcher, Benefits Specialist at bfletcher@baypath.edu.
Using Sick Leave During Extended Absences
For any absence related to illness, you must use your available sick time. If you are absent for five (5) days or more, you may be eligible to use your accrued long-term sick time with HR approval.
Community Values:
Respect individual masking choices, maintain privacy regarding COVID-19 status, and avoid spreading misinformation.
Wishing you a safe and successful semester!
Click below for COVID-19 Resources:
COVID-19 Vaccine
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Guidance
CDC Isolation Guidance for Massachusetts
HEALTH & WELL-BEING INITIATIVE
FREE COUNSELING HOTLINES FOR EMPLOYEES!
Crisis Textline
Text ‘HOME’ to 741-741
Free, 24/7 support via text message Get help with anxiety, depression, suicide, school, crises, and more
Suicide Prevention
Call or Text 988
Free, private, 24/7 help for people in crisis or thinking about suicide. Access crisis support and prevention tools for you and your loved ones. Support is available in multiple languages.
Domestic Violence
1-800-799-7233 or Text ‘START’ to 887-88
Free, private, 24/7 help for people experiencing domestic violence or abuse. Access crisis support and tools to help you find safety and live free of abuse.
LGBTQ+ Support
1-866-488-7386 or Text ‘START’ to 678-678
Free, private, 24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth and their loved ones.
Trans Support
1-877-565-8860 or Text ‘START’ to 678-678
Free, private, 24/7 peer support for trans people, even if you’re not in crisis or if you’re not sure you’re trans. Support is provided by trans or nonbinary peers.
Postpartum Support
1-800-944-4773 or Text ‘HELP’ to 1-800-944-4773
Free, private, 24/7 support for grief, loss, depression, or crisis related to pregnancy, birth, and parenting. last Wednesday in September
NATIONAL WOMEN'S HEALTH & FITNESS DAY
HEALTH & WELL-BEING INITIATIVE
MAGELLAN WELLNESS WEBINARS
Planning for College 101
Tuesday, September 10th, 2024 - 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM
Financing a college education is a big task. This webinar explores things you may need to know about funding education including how to apply for federal and state financial aid, scholarships and grants, and other effective funding options like 529 plans. The class will also touch on budgeting for college expenses. Whether you’re supporting a loved one or you’re a student yourself, this event can help.
Social Drinking versus Problem Drinking: What's the Difference?
Wednesday, September 11th, 2024 - 2:00 PM
1. Explain low-risk and high-risk alcohol use.
2. Describe healthy coping strategies to avoid the negative impacts of alcohol use.
3. Discuss when and where to get assistance for alcohol use issues.
Coaching Employees to Improve Performance and Engagement
Wednesday, September 25th, 2024 - 2:00 PM
1. Develop an understanding of coaching as a management tool that can drive peak performance.
2. Learn effective coaching techniques to increase or improve employee performance.
3. Develop and create more opportunities for engagement in the workplace.
Employee Benefits: Smart Choices, Brighter Future
Thursday, September 26th, 2024 - 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM
Choosing employee benefits is an important part of building a financial action plan. This event will look at different types of employee benefits and review the pros and cons of available options. Get tips on maximizing your benefits like tax-advantaged accounts and matching contributions. Whether you’re starting a new job or reevaluating your current benefits, this event can help you make informed decisions.
TIAA FINANCIAL WEBINARS
Charting your course: A financial guide for women
Wednesday, September 11th, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Learn how to evaluate your financial health, set financial goals and how to put it all together to create your financial plan. Click here to register!
Attention to detail: Financial finishing touches for women
Tuesday, September 17th, 2:00PM - 3:00PM
Financial success can often complicate your life, and we’d like to help. You’ll learn some ways to stay in control of the portfolio you’ve accumulated. Click here to register!
Write your next chapter:
5 steps to setting your retirement date
Wednesday, August 21st, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Understand when you can retire by forming a strategy fo meeting your retirement expenses. Starting right away l you approach the future with confidence. Click here to register!
HEALTH & WELL-BEING INITIATIVE
HEALTH NEW ENGLAND WEBINARS
Where Your Health Matters Webinar:
Discuss why balance and fall prevention are important for longevity and identify how to prevent falls and balance issues. This webinar will provide exercises to incorporate daily to help with balance and injury prevention.
Date: Thursdays in September
Time: 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. EST
Register:
September 5: Becoming Physically Resilient
September 12: The Power of Mindfulness and Positivity
September 19: Rethinking Your Outlook
September 26: Finding the Key to Connections
Earn: 50 Healthy Choices points (for HNE members) and a raffle entry for a 1 in 5 chance to win a $50 Target gift card*
Click here to learn more about each webinar this year and to register. Employees can also watch on their own time and fill out the webinar completion form to earn 50 Healthy Choices points.
FREE YOGA WITH ANDREA!
Click here for the Zoom link
CORE VALUE OF THE MONTH
Our Learners Come First
When our learners succeed, we succeed. Being student-centered is our mission, our passion. So we champion them to achieve extraordinary things. The decisions we make, the data we analyze, the priorities we follow…we must always ask “how does this further our vision for learner success?”
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH STUDENTS
Rita F. Pierson, Ed.D, an educator since 1972 and licensed counselor has conducted professional development workshops and seminars for thousands of educators Dr Pierson advocates for educators to cultivate student relationships and believes that through nurturing relationships, effective learning can take place. Click here for Video
GOLDEN COMPASS AWARD CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
Bay Path Golden Compass Award highlights a small but mighty act of how our colleagues are working to bring our Core Values to life. All community members are encouraged to nominate a peer they want to commend for being intentional when applying the Bay Path Core Values to their work and relationships.
Submit your nomination for next month HERE.
If you ' re new to the University, consider reviewing the Core Values section on the BPU Community Page. Here you'll find....
The Core Values Resource Hub
History of the Golden Compass Award
Previous Recipients of the Golden Compass
Interested in serving as a Core Values Ambassador? Email us at corevalues@baypath.edu.
LINK TO REGISTER
Ashley Pereira AVP for People & Culture
Responsible for: Strategy Operations
Total Rewards Payroll Budget Employee Relations
Megan Pierson HR Generalist
Responsible for:
Employee Engagement
Professional Development
Educational Assistance Operations Manual
Offboarding
HUMAN RESOURCES TEAM
Meghan Rosenberger HR Business Partner
Responsible for: Talent Management Recruitment Onboarding Performance Evaluations
Colby Cabral HRIS Specialist
Responsible for: HR Information Systems Reporting Data requests
HR Metrics Assistance
Lidon Weatherly Senior HR Manager
Responsible for: Operations
Employee Relations & Compliance
Employee Development Benefits & Wellness
Christine Fager HR Coordinator
Responsible for: Job Postings Onboarding New Hires New Adjunct Faculty Background Checks I-9 Compliance
Brenda Fletcher Benefits Specialist
Responsible for: Benefits & Retirement
PFML/FMLA
Short & Long Term Disability Workers Compensation
Jeannette Mojica HR Support Specialist
Responsible for: General Assistance
HR Communications
HR Newsletter
HR Events Special Projects
PAYROLL DEPARTMENT
Lori Moccio Payroll Supervisor (BPU)
Responsible for:
Payroll Procedures and Process Updates
Adjunct Contracts Payroll
Management
Direct Deposit Requests & Changes
Paid Time Off (PTO)
The Human Resources Newsletter is a great way to get reminders as well as to advertise your own news to the rest of your colleagues.
If you have something you would like to have included in next month’s newsletter, be sure to send an email to hr@baypath.edu so that we can add your information to the issue.
Shih Chi Chang Payroll Accountant (CC)
Responsible for: Payroll Procedures and Process Updates
Adjunct Contracts Payroll Management
Direct Deposit Requests & Changes
Paid Time Off (PTO)