Human Resource Services

January 2008 > HR Forum > HR Pro > HRS Home

HR Forum - January 9, 2008

Also available as a downloadable PDF file: Presentation [PDF: 845 KB]

Welcome - Julien Carter, Associate Vice President, Human Resource Services, 232-9161

Employee Discount Program

  • We're up to over 100 vendors!
  • You can help by asking your faves to participate.
  • Get some cards on your way out.
  • View the EDP website.

RPM Enhancements - Kirsha Torres, HRS Manager Staffing & Career Management Services

Funding Section

Added language to encourage use of non-published maximum salary; "Please note final candidate cannot be offered salary higher than maximum posted."

Recruiting Section

Removed "college transcript" as an option for additional paperwork.

Recruiting Section

Rephrased statement to read: ask for "work references" Added option to select either mailing address and/or e-mail address for applicants to send additional materials; if depts want materials via "e-mail only" they won't be required to fill in a mailing address. Included options to 1) Send materials via email to: and/or 2) Send materials via U.S. Mail to:

Document Review Section / Applicant Instructions Section

Under applicant instructions link added language "Please include Job Posting Number with your additional materials." when additional materials are requested in the Recruiting Section.

Have an idea to make a suggestion for an improvement or new functionality? Contact Kirsha Torres

UTemps - Temporary Staffing Solutions, Rich Burns, Director, Staffing and Career Management Services

What is UTemps?

UTemps is the university's contingent staffing service that provides qualified employees to university departments to meet your staffing needs.

What positions can UTemps fill?

  • Clerical and office support
  • Accounting
  • Laboratory assistance
  • General labor and skilled crafts
  • Surveyors
  • Web designers
  • Other IT positions

Why UTemps?

Simple

Counselors manage the selection process and new employee processing—I-9, compliance, etc

Secure

Criminal background check completed prior to assignment

Performance guarantee

Flexible

Assignments can end at any time based on your business needs

Cost

Using UTemps costs less than using private employment agencies

Functional

UTemps handles all timekeeping, payroll, and employment documents

Using UTemps

  • Filling a new or vacant position
    • Hire a UTemp to bridge until the recruiting process is complete
    • Often times, UTemp is hired to fill the open position
  • Cover a contingent staffing need: vacation, or other extended absence
  • Peak or surge times—events, new semester, projects, etc

Request a UTemp today!

Visit the UTemps website for more information or to submit your UTemps request online

Remember UTemps is your staffing solution partner!
Phone: 232-TEMP (8367)
E-mail

Hiring Talent for a Diverse Work Environment, Recruiting Training Initiative, Rich Burns, Director, Staffing and Career Management Services

Background

  • Originated from Employee and Campus Services (ECS) Multicultural Excellence Team
  • Recommendation coming out of a study of recruiting practices:
    Many managers did not have access to tools to recruit effectively in the developing workforce
  • Accepted by Vice President Clubb and assigned to Human Resource Services and Equal Opportunity Services
  • Training content has been developed with a focus on best practices.
  • Next Steps:

    • Focus group review
    • Pilot training within ECS
    • Make available on the training calendar if appropriate

New Conflict of Interest Law / New University Policy and State Statute, Luther Johnson, Assistant Director, Employee and Management Services

New Conflict of Interest Law

On December 21, Patti Ohlendorf sent a campus-wide email to all staff concerning a new state law governing conflict of interest. This new law requires the university to distribute the policy and state law to:

  • Each employee by January 1, 2008.
  • Each new employee and officer not later than the third business day after the date the person begins employment
  • Revised New Employee Checklist

HRSC Updates, Jim McElroy, Director, Human Resource Service Center

2008 Staff Recognition and President’s Reception

  • Date: Thursday, May 1, 2008
  • Time: 2:00 p.m. –4:00 p.m.
  • Location: Texas Union Ballroom
  • Parking: Lot 108 (Frank Erwin Center) Shuttle Service provided
  • List of names available next week on the Web site.

2008 Staff Excellence Award Nominations

  • Nomination period is closed
  • 450 nominations for staff
  • 138 nominations for supervisor
  • January –February –Selection Committee meets
  • Mid-March –Deans and Directors notified of winners
  • May 1 –Winners honored at Staff Recognition Program

New Look for Social Security Cards

IMPORTANT: All prior versions of the SSN card are still valid and may continue to be used.

New look:

  • A unique non-repeating spiral design
  • Color shifting inks added to the face of the card; very recognizable since it is used in currency
  • A latent image on the face of the card, visible only when the document is viewed at specific angles
  • Holder's name on two lines, with the last name centered on the card directly below the first and middle names
  • Cards issued after April 2007, date the card is issued will be printed directly below the signature line

ORP Matching Contribution Rate Increase

  • Effective 1/1/08 for participants enrolled in ORP on or after 9/1/95
  • Rate increases from 7% to 7.5%
  • Subject to Board of Regents approval, rate will increase .5%each year until it reaches 8.5%
  • Participants enrolled in ORP as of 8/31/95 will remain at 8.5% matching
  • On 1/14/08, communication will be sent directly to participants affected by increase
  • The employee contribution for both groups (pre and post 91/1/95) is 6.65%

Payroll Services Update, Leslie Saucedo, Director, Payroll Services

New Annual Purchase Limits For Savings Bonds

  • The annual purchase limit applying to Series EE and I Savings Bonds is $5000 (issue price) starting January 1, 2008 for each series and employee
  • The limit for bonds issued in co-owner form applies to the first named co-owner
  • University employees who may be impacted by this change were notified in December
  • Additional information regarding the new savings bond limits is available on the Treasury Direct Web site
  • To start or change a Savings Bond Deduction, please review information on the Payroll Services Web site

2007 W-2 Forms Available on the Web

Claim yours today!!

Work/Life Services and EAP Update, Christopher Solis, Administrative Assistant, Work/Life Services and EAP

Upcoming Work/Life and EAP Events

Work/Life & EAP & Child Development Center Lunch Box Series: Parenting and Infant Attachment

Wednesday, January 9
Noon to 1p.m.
Texas Union, Eastwood Room
UNB 2.102

Wednesday, January 16
Noon to 1p.m.
PRC Commons Room 1.106

Guest Speaker:
Kathy Scherer, Ph.D. Specializing in Parent-Child Relationship

  • GLACIER – online system to replace Payment Request Form (PRF)
  • Collects information directly from employee
  • Determines tax status and eligibility for exemptions
  • Provides completed forms to be printed, signed and forwarded to Payroll
  • Departments no longer prepare PRF

Work/Life & EAP Brown Bag Series Relaxation Through Gentle Movement using the Trager® Method

Tuesday, February 5, Noon to 1p.m.
Texas Union Eastwood Room (TU 2.102)

Guest Speaker:
Bill Scholl, Austin-based International Trainer in this method

For this particular event, please refrain from eating during the interactive program

The End!

Next HR Forum:

February 13, 2008
10:00 a.m.
Have a great month!