Summer 2014 | Volume 1
TheSummer Edition
Mini ’Canes Camp in Session Once a ’Cane, Always a ’Cane 8 Questions with President Shalala Inside UHealth A Day in The Life Inspiring Our Future Workforce
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Mini ’Canes Camp in Session
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Once a ’Cane, Always a ’Cane
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8 Questions with President Shalala
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Inside UHealth
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A Day in The Life
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Inspiring Our Future Workforce
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ABOUT INSIDE UM InsideUM is a quarterly online publication brought to you by the University of Miami’s Department of Human Resources to provide news and information to faculty and staff written from the employee’s point of view. Content includes topics on all wellness dimensions—physical, psychological, financial, interpersonal, communal, and occupational. Every edition will feature employee profiles, upcoming events, benefits, wellness videos, and more. InsideUM Staff: Melissa Cabezas Communications Manager, Human Resources Geisha Garcia Communications Specialist, Human Resources Steve Pierre Communications Specialist, Human Resources
@Inside_UM 2
Mini
’C
anes
Camp in Session
Crazy hair day, pirate day, super hero day, and UM spirit day will once again don the weekly schedules at the Patti and Allan Herbert Wellness Center. That’s because the Mini ’Canes Recreational Sports Camp has returned to campus once again. “What’s unique about our camp is that we bring the field trips to the children, rather than taking the campers out to them,” explains camp director Tom Soria. The campers are treated to interactive visits from various organizations, including the Everglades Outpost, the Zoological Wildlife Foundation, and the Miami Science Museum. Campers also participate in daily indoor swimming lessons, diverse indoor and outdoor sports, arts and crafts, and wellness education through nutrition lessons and hands-on cooking classes. Campers also enjoy water slides and weekly theme days where they can express their creativity by dressing up for crazy hair day, pirate day, and UM spirit day.
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The camp’s small counselor-to-camper ratio allows for an age-appropriate curriculum and a safer experience overall. “Campers are assigned to co-educational groups according to age and counselors create games to help them advance their knowledge and skill sets,” says Soria, who also explained the importance of teaching campers the value of community involvement. “We have had the children participate in numerous pizza drives to benefit the United Way. They have also taken part in a project where they created a quilt and made tie-dyed shirts to donate to those affected by Hurricane Katrina at Loyola University in New Orleans.” In addition, campers have the opportunity to meet members of the University’s football team, and are sometimes lucky enough to have counselors who are UM football, soccer, or track and field athletes. On the last Friday of each twoweek session, Sebastian the Ibis visits the camp and leads the campers in a cheer. The camp operates in compliance with federal, state, and local standards of health. Camp counselors, which include qualified professionals and college students, must pass a drug test and a criminal background check, are finger printed, and many are certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It comes as no surprise that the camp has received numerous awards and has been named eight times as “Best Summer Day Camp in Dade County” by South Florida Parenting Magazine.
UM faculty, staff, and alumni receive priority registration for the summer camp. In addition, members of the wellness center receive camp discounts. Jennifer Cohen, Executive Director for HR-Benefits, found the camp to be a great experience for her daughter. “Sophie absolutely loved participating in the sports camp. The activities changed each week and her counselors were fun, yet nurturing, which is especially valuable for younger campers like Sophie.”
Best Summer Camp Eight times named Best Summer Day Camp in Dade County by South Florida Parenting Magazine.
The Mini ’Canes Recreational Sports Camp is open to children ages 6-12 and is held in four, 2-week sessions from June 9 through August 1.
Learn more!
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Once a ’Cane, Always a ’Cane Imagine being able to enjoy the fun and excitement of being in college for 14 years. This is what Tariq Syed, subject-matter expert with the University’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) team, has enjoyed since he first stepped onto the Coral Gables campus as a freshman in the Fall of 2000. “After 14 consecutive years at the University, I feel like I’m still in college. My undergraduate experience at the U was the best time of my life.”
“I see my contributions as an investment in my home away from home. By giving back, I am doing my part to help future students enjoy the same, or better experiences, than I had.” 4
Syed, B.S. 2004, M.B.A 2012, whose mother works in Disbursements and younger sister also graduated from the University, began his career at the University as a work-study student in the Office of Payroll. Though his assigned duties were basic, he welcomed any opportunity to assist with projects that would provide him with a taste of the full-time University work experience. “The work I did during the implementation of Kronos introduced me to the University’s workforce. I was able to learn about the different offices and departments at the Gables and medical campuses.”
Upon graduation, Syed was offered a full-time position with Payroll that seamlessly transitioned him into a buyer with Purchasing. “As a student, I was provided with the handson experience I needed to understand the role I assumed as a full-time staff member. That opportunity helped me connect the dots and has assisted me tremendously throughout my career at the U.” Syed has participated in various on-campus activities as a staff member, including commencement and new student orientation, giving insight to those who are living the experiences he lived. In addition to sharing the wisdom acquired throughout his many years, Syed has shown his appreciation and love for alma mater by contributing to the Momentum2 campaign. “I see my contribution as an investment in my home away from home. By giving back, I am doing my part to help future students enjoy the same, if not better, experiences than I had.” Momentum2: The Breakthrough Campaign for the University of Miami was launched in 2012 to raise $1.6 billion by 2016 to fund new facilities and labs, scholarships for students, and faculty research. “Whenever I look around our campus, it amazes me how much the U has grown. Every contribution helps build our University and I want us to continue moving forward.”
“Whenever I look around our campus, it amazes me how much the U has grown. Every contribution helps build our University and I want us to continue moving forward.” Despite many wonderful memories as an employee, Syed continues to cherish his days as a student. “I made many friends that I stay in touch with to this day. We get together for every homecoming and football game. It has been a great networking opportunity and it’s interesting to see how far the University has advanced over 14 years.”
Tariq Syed B.S. 2004, M.B.A 2012
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8Questions eight ?
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What advice can you offer to employees looking to enhance their work-life balance?
What motivates you to come to work each day?
Some crossover between our work and personal lives has become normal and difficult to avoid. We need to be aware when one of these worlds is having a negative impact on the other as that’s a sure sign that your work-life balance is off and is hurting you and quite possibly your family, friends, and colleagues. Speak with your supervisor about the resources available to you through the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program and create a support network you can rely on. The University of Miami is your family, and asking for help is the first step in making sure you are well, productive, and successful—on the job and at home.
Every day at the University of Miami is a day committed to changing lives through education, health care, discovery, and innovation. It’s our students acquiring the knowledge and skills to succeed in future careers, and their service learning throughout our community and the world. It’s our faculty, researchers, and physicians who inspire our students and their peers through their passionate dedication to improving the human condition. It’s our devoted staff who believe in and drive the success of our mission through thousands of helpful and thoughtful gestures every day.
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resident Shalala
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The University is on a journey to transform its culture. What is your goal in this process? My ultimate goal is for this to be a holistic, University-wide commitment to make the University of Miami the best it can be. We want to make sure that we go above and beyond our core mission as a research University, a health care provider, and as an employer. We want to be a greater resource for our global U community.
What are the top 3 qualities you value most in a faculty or staff member?
The first is enthusiasm for your work—no matter the challenges, always be ready to jump in and make a difference. The second is a commitment to do the right thing—each of us is empowered to make decisions as part of our daily work. If something doesn’t seem right, you should speak up and work with your team to find a way to tackle the problem. The third quality is loyalty— to your coworkers, our clients and their families, our community, and above all else to our mission, which rests on everyone’s shoulders.
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How has your rescue dog, Sweetie, made an impact on your life?
There’s something so rewarding about sharing your life with a rescued pet. With their unconditional love, eternal enthusiasm, and boundless curiosity, all pets give us so much more than we give them. With a wag of a tail and the nudge of a wet nose, they let you know everything’s going to be fine. There are too many unwanted pets just waiting for a good, loving home, and I encourage everyone to make their next cat or dog a rescue pet.
You participated in the University’s second annual Week of Well-Being. Why should employees participate in the variety of programs we offer? Total well-being goes beyond our physical health—it also includes our emotional, social, and financial well-being. We should always be challenging ourselves to stretch a little extra and push ourselves a little further, both personally and professionally. New goals may include quitting smoking, saving for retirement, spending more time with our family, eating healthier, or learning new job skills. The Week of Well-Being focuses on the total “you” living a life in balance.
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Tell us a fun fact about you.
I have a twin sister, Diane, and we were born on Valentine’s Day.
What book is on your nightstand right now? “Duty” by Robert Gates.
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The $300Club
We asked employees participating in the Well ’Canes Incentives Program to tell us what benefits, besides the $300 cash reward, they have received from the program. “The incentives program helped me become more productive with my time and take a more proactive role with my health. By participating, I have already completed my annual physical, a mammogram, and colonoscopy this year. I have also logged my exercise and meals, which have resulted in feeling and looking healthier.” – Sharon Howard, Reimbursement Manager, Miller School of Medicine
and earn up to
Incentives Program
The benefits of including activity in your daily routine are many. Here are just a few facts:
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Muscle is times more efficient at burning calories than fat.
650
The approximate amount of muscles in the human body.
TAKE ACTION Well ’Canes
Know? Did
$300
Designed to help you learn about your personal health, motivate you to maintain or improve your overall well-being, and earn up to $300 by completing wellnessrelated activities. All faculty and staff enrolled in a UM/Aetna medical plan as primary policy holders are eligible to participate.
Download the HealthyNow
3500
The number of calories needed to burn a pound of body fat.
50
The number of calories you burn for every pound of muscle you gain.
5000
The number of extra miles of blood vessels through which your heart must pump blood if you are 25 pounds overweight.
It is scientifically suggested that walking
hours or more, at 3 least one time per week, can reduce your
mobile app and
at a fast pace for
manage your Well
risk for heart disease by up to
’Canes account anywhere you go.
300
65%
The amount of cash you can earn by participating in the Well ’Canes Incentives Program. So get started today!
Learn more about Well ’Canes Incentives Program
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inside
All-Weather
Helping You Stay in the Game Led by renowned orthopaedic surgeon Lee Kaplan, M.D. (pictured above), UHealth Sports Medicine is dedicated to nurturing the health, well-being, and performance of active individuals, from aspiring young athletes to weekend warriors. As the only academic based sports medicine program in South Florida that is part of a comprehensive orthopaedics department, UHealth Sports Medicine provides leading-edge therapies and multidisciplinary expertise. No surprise that it’s the official sports medicine provider of the UM Hurricanes, Miami Marlins, and the U.S. Olympic Sailing Team. For more information, call 305-243-3000 or click here.
CHAMPION
When University of Miami alumna Lauryn Williams, BBA ‘05 joined the U.S. bobsled team at the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, it was the acclaimed track-and field athlete’s first turn in a true team sport. “I came to Sochi to help Team USA,” says Williams, the first former Miami student-athlete to qualify for a Winter Olympics. “It wasn’t about history for me.” But history is exactly what Williams made. When, with teammate Elana Meyers, she won the silver medal in bobsledding, Williams became one of just five athletes in the world—and the first American woman—to medal in both the Summer and Winter Games. Among many other high-profile achievements, Williams is a two-time sprint medalist in the Summer Olympics. Amazingly, she first climbed into a bobsled just six months before the start of the Sochi Olympic Winter Games. Williams accomplished her historic feat with the support of another dedicated team: UHealth Sports Medicine. “When you compete on the world’s biggest stage, you have to seek out every legal competitive advantage you can,” she says. “As a former UM student-athlete, I have been working with Dr. Lee Kaplan and the UHealth Sports Medicine team for quite a while. They constantly got me back into tip-top shape and believed in me when no one else did.”
“Your support (and really warm hat) mean the world to me” - Online shout-out from Lauryn Williams to UHealth Sports Medicine during the Sochi Winter Olympics.
Amy Deem, director of track and field/crosscountry for the Hurricanes, has coached Williams since her time at the U. “For Lauryn to go there and accomplish what she did is a true testament to the type of person and competitor that she is,” Deem says.
A role model for youth who is as dedicated as she is inspiring, Williams recently shared her story and tips for success with Miami-area youth at UHealth Sports Medicine’s fourth annual Student Ambassador Seminar. See more of Lauryn as she stars in a current TV commercial for UHealth Sports Medicine and go behind the scenes at the making of the commercial.
UHealth at Your Fingertips
Find a UHealth doctor, request appointments, obtain maps and parking information, and more. The free UHealth mobile app is available for both Apple and Android devices. Download it today!
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of Marine Biology Professor Dr. Chris Langd
8 a.m.
From sunrise to sunset, Dr. Chris Langdon comes in to work daily and plays a vital role in the protection of coral species and reefs – only a few steps from his own desk. For this biological oceanographer and professor of Marine Biology and Fisheries at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS), days at the “office” are exciting and full of new discoveries. From his early exposure to fresh water science at his Wisconsin high school, Dr. Langdon would find himself coming down to Miami for its proximity to coral reefs.
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Throughout the year, aside from teaching an undergraduate course at the Coral Gables campus and a graduate course at RSMAS, Dr. Langdon leads the charge on researching the response of several South Florida coral species to the combined effects of elevated temperature and carbon dioxide levels. He and his team of high school, undergraduate, and Ph.D. students begin their day by collecting corals off the Florida Keys’ reefs, with approval from governing agencies. The collected samples are brought to their running seawater aquaria and outdoor greenhouse, where they are grown in a setting similar to their natural environment. “From then, we begin to continuously observe the corals and their health in a closely replicated natural setting, taking photos and physiological measurements to see how they respond to the conditions of today,” Langdon said. They then challenge the corals with temperature and pH changes to observe their responses and determine which species may fare better to future climate changes.
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1 p.m.
5 p.m.
With the recent addition of the Marine Technology and Life Sciences Seawater Complex, featuring new state-of-the-art labs that house running water tubs for researching the climate’s change effect on corals, Dr. Langdon is enthusiastic about what lies ahead, saying “I’m really excited about the discoveries ahead from working on controlled experiments, and the new lab is making that easier than ever,” Langdon said. “We’ll be able to do much more in a more comfortable environment and we hope to, for the first time, witness coral breeding in a lab setting.”
Langdon, who holds a Ph.D. in biological oceanography from the University of Rhode Island and completed post-graduate work at Columbia University, reiterates that his students’ shared passion has been the most gratifying aspect of his time at UM. “At Columbia, I conducted research but did not teach. My favorite time of the day is meeting with my students and discussing our findings. Mentoring them is one of the main reasons I chose to join The U.” 11
VERONICA MARISTANY Director, Human Resources
“It’s the dynamic, personal interactions that keep things interesting!” says Veronica Maristany when asked about her favorite aspect of her role as Director of Human Resources for the University’s IT Department. Veronica has worked in HR for more than 19 years and joined UM in 2012. Her top priorities within IT include leadership development, employee engagement, and understanding the workforce needs of her unit.
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“It’s a great time to be part of UM IT and HR. Both areas are restructuring to better serve the UM community and I’m excited to be involved in creating positive changes that will be part of the University for years to come. Today’s changes are helping create a better tomorrow,” says Veronica. She takes pride in her ability to be open and genuine with others because, as an HR employee, she is usually involved in delivering both good and not so good news. “What you see is what you get,” she explains, “Regardless of the topic, I need to be objective when listening to others. I am respectful of their views, but I must always uphold established policies.” And while she works within the parameters of University policies and procedures, she adds that she must always remain flexible, as no two circumstances are exactly alike. “You have to be ready for the unexpected,” she states with a smile. Veronica’s passion for community service prompted her to join UM’s Big Brothers Big Sisters School to Work Mentoring Program, which helps prepare high school students for successful, professional futures. She currently serves as a mentor to Keyansa Mackey, an 11th grade high school student, who she meets with monthly and guides professionally. Her passion extends outside of the University and is something she shares with her two young sons, through involvement in charitable organizations such as Sacred Heart Outreach Center and the Miami Rescue Mission. In her spare time, Veronica enjoys cooking and traveling. She was born in Spain and as a child she often dreamt of becoming a Flamenco dancer. She currently resides in Miami with her husband, two boys, and their five-year-old Goldendoodle.
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Speziani’s Little, Northwestern Senior High School Sophomore Emmanuel Riles, credits his recent personal and professional growth to his experience with the program. “It was a chance to get out of my community and experience something more. This program has allowed me to understand that I have to plan for my future, and it has shown me how to conduct myself in a working environment around professionals.”
Inspiring Our Future Workforce The UM Big Brothers Big Sisters School to Work Mentoring Program
The work you do at the University has the power to influence futures. Imagine how rewarding it would be if you could actually meet someone whose life and career was directly influenced by you. That opportunity is possible for University faculty and staff participating in the UM Big Brothers Big Sisters School to Work Mentoring Program. The program is designed to expose high school students to a professional environment with positive adult role models. As a mentor, or Big, participating employees commit to a one-onone mentoring relationship with a high school student, or Little, for a period of two years. During that time, Bigs meet with their Littles on a monthly basis for four hours and share ideas, give advice, and familiarize them with their working environment. For first-time mentor Humberto Speziani, Assistant Vice President for Financial Operations, it has been an enjoyable and gratifying experience. “It has been great to be able to get to know a student as a young adult in high school and share ideas and thoughts that will ultimately influence their goals. It has been an opportunity to serve the community and ensure we are guiding our young adults into responsible adults.”
The monthly visits expose the students to University experts and professionals in a variety of areas. Each visit begins with a presentation led by guests that have included Brian Blake, Dean of the Graduate School; Ricardo Hall, Dean of Students; Erroll Douglas, Executive Director of the University of Miami Hospitals; and David Zambrana, COO and Interim CEO of the University of Miami Hospital. The Big Brothers Big Sisters School to Work Mentoring Program was launched last summer by the Office of Workforce Engagement and Development with 19 high school students from Miami Northwestern and Booker T. Washington high schools. The next mentoring opportunity will begin in October 2014. If you are interested in helping to plan the next kick-off event or to serve as a “Big,” please contact: @ Sophia Galvin Director of Inclusion Programs
PLAY
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Mindful
living
The Faculty and Staff Assistance Program offers monthly Mindful Living seminars. The month of July will focus on Mindful Movement, the practice of using gentle stretching and movement exercises to reduce mental, physical, and emotional stress. This seminar will be facilitated by guest presenter Carol Kaminsky MA, BC-DMT, NCC, a board-certified dance movement therapist and faculty member in the University of Miami dance program, who has taught Mindful Movement and
Write to InsideUM! If you would like to submit a story idea or photo for consideration in an upcoming issue, please submit to:
humanresources@miami.edu
meditation for stress reduction for more than 20 years. JULY 22–24, 2014 | 12-1:00 p.m. Visit the FSAP website to register and view schedule.
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Workday HR, the first phase of the Workday Project, launches January 2015. 14
Learn more at: miami.edu/workday-hr
HealthyBITES Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
By Ashley Falcon, UM Wellness Center
Have a snack and learn how saving a little more today can significantly improve your future retirement savings at an interactive lunchtime workshop. As an added bonus, you will receive a complimentary two-week pass to the UM Wellness Center if you enroll in or increase your voluntary contribution to the UM Retirement Savings Plan after the workshop.
Miller
July 11, July 16, July 30
Gables
July 17
Rosenstiel
July 28, July 29
Ingredients: 2 cups low sodium chicken stock 2 peeled and smashed garlic cloves 1 cup uncooked quinoa 1 chopped, medium red onion 1 diced, large green pepper 1/2 cup chopped, pitted kalamata olives 1/2 cup crumbled Feta cheese 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chives, lemon juice 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Bring stock and garlic to boil in a saucepan. Stir in quinoa. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer about 15-20 minutes or until quinoa is tender and liquid has been absorbed. Mix in onion, bell pepper, olives, parsley, and chives. Add Feta cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk together vinegar, lemon juice, and olive oil. Drizzle dressing over quinoa and serve. Serves 4.
Click on a Date to Register for a workshop today!
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