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Office of Human Resources                                                           February 2015

 

HR REVIEW

Your Source for University Human Resources News and Information
Payroll/FASIS

W-2s for Tax Year 2014

 

If you opted into the Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) and consented to receive your W-2 online this year, your electronic W-2 is available to view and print in the FASIS Self Service Portal.  If you are a current regular employee, but did not opt in to MFA and electronic consent, a traditional paper W-2 was sent to your University check address on Wednesday, January 28, 2015.  Paper W-2s were sent to the home address listed in FASIS for all inactive (terminated) employees, temporary employees (including work-study) and for any graduate student who has not been paid in the last 30 days.

 

Need to reprint your W-2?  You may request a reprint on or after February 9, 2015.  Reprint requests should be directed to the Payroll Office in person or via email at [email protected].

 

To pick up your reprint in person:

  • Stop by the Evanston or Chicago Payroll office during normal business hours.
  • Bring a valid photo ID such as your WildCARD, passport, driver's license, or state ID.

To designate someone else to pick up your reprint:

  • Email your request to [email protected] and include your employee ID, full name, the name of the person who will be picking up your reprint, and at which payroll office it will be picked up (Chicago or Evanston Campus).
  • The email must be sent from a professional work or University email account that clearly identifies you.
  • The delegate must bring his/her proper identification.

To have a reprint sent to you:

  • For security purposes, reprints can only be sent to the current active address on file.
    • If you are an active employee, log in to the Self Service Portal and confirm or update your home mailing address ("My Personal Information" > "Update My Home Address").
    • If you are not an active employee, you may update your mailing address by submitting a new Personal Data Form to Payroll indicating "Address Change" at the top.
    • Email [email protected] with your reprint request, including your Employee ID and full name.
Please note that in order to allow sufficient time for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver original W-2 forms, requests for reprinted W-2s will be accepted on or after February 9, 2015.

 

Keep Your Contact Information Up-to-Date

 

Please keep your contact information in FASIS up to date to receive prompt communications from the University.

 

To review and edit your phone numbers, log in to the FASIS Self Service Portal at https://nupa.northwestern.edu, click "My Personal Information", and "Update My Phone Number."  You may add a Mobile, Home, and Off-Campus phone number in addition to two work phone numbers.  After saving your changes, close the window and select "Update My Online Directory."  You may also review which numbers will appear in the University's Online Directory.  For example, you should list a Mobile and/or Home phone for emergency contact purposes, but you may choose to show only your Office phone in the directory.

Inside This Issue
FASIS/Payroll
Conflict of Interest
Learning and Organization Development
Benefits
Work/Life Resources
Staffing
Employee Recognition
Consulting
Office of Equal Opportunity and Access
Quick Links
Conflict of Interest

2015 Annual Conflict of Interest (COI) Disclosure Available Now

 

Annual COI disclosure season has arrived. Annually, all staff and faculty are required to complete a COI disclosure. External activities and interests are assessed to determine whether or not they could potentially interfere with or detract from one's University obligations and responsibilities.

 

The annual disclosure is available in the Conflict of Interest section of the FASIS Self-Service PortalYou received an email on February 2nd  letting you know that the disclosure process is open with instructions and guidance for accessing and completing the disclosure.  Please complete your disclosure by March 1, 2015. 

 

Staff disclosures are reviewed by manager(s) and others only on a need-to-know basis.  Faculty disclosures are reviewed by the applicable School's Dean's Office and others only on a need-to-know basis.  For those responsible for reviewing and approving staff or faculty disclosures, please review our enhanced guidance here

 

Please note that if you registered for FASIS Multi-Factor Authentication, your smartphone (or NU phone) is needed to verify your identity when accessing the FASIS Self-Service Portal.  For more information on multi-factor authentication, please click here.

 

Resources

Disclosure requirements and the procedures for handling potential conflicts of interest are outlined in the University's Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Commitment policy. For additional guidance regarding this annual disclosure and review process, please refer to Training and Resources. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact NUCOI at [email protected] or 847.467.4515. For technical issues, please contact the FASIS Help Desk at 847.467.4800 or [email protected]

Learning & Organization Development

The Northwestern University Learning & Organization Development (L&OD) team collaborates with faculty and staff who want to develop their talent and advance their workplace outcomes, processes and engagement. L&OD provides consulting, coaching, workshops, retreats and tools for individuals, groups and organizations.

 

New Workshop for Emerging Leaders - Stay tuned!

 

Leadership Fundamentals, an intensive, two-day workshop developed and facilitated by the Center for Creative Leadership will be offered in April on the Northwestern Evanston campus.  Participation is offered through a nomination (self, peer and manager) and selection process for employees without supervisory responsibility who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and collaboration. This program is an initiative developed to support the priorities of professional development and engagement to further the NorthWEstern WILL Strategic plan. Watch for upcoming announcements and additional detailed information.  Feel free to call the L&OD team. 

 

Registration Open for Spring Workshops

 

Registration is now open for workshops offered in March, April and May. Check your mailbox for our spring catalog or look online to see what's coming up.

 

Spring workshop highlights include:

  • Mastering Your Presentations on May 6 & 7 - Learn More.
  • Positioning Yourself for a Leadership Role on March 10 - Learn More.
  • Office 2013 for Power Users on May 11 - Learn More.
     

Access to lynda.com continues!

 

The Office of Human Resources, NUIT, and Purchasing Resource Services are pleased to announce the renewal of the University's contract for another year.  Check out the more than 3,000 on-demand video tutorials with unlimited access through the University's lynda.com web page.

  

L&OD offers a variety of workshops and additional opportunities to help improve workplace performance. Check them outFollow our Twitter feed to get L&OD's best picks of upcoming events and learning resources. Questions? Comments? Contact the L&OD team at [email protected] or 847-467-5081.

Benefits

2015 Retirement Plan Limits

 

The 2015 IRS limits for the Northwestern University Retirement and Voluntary Savings Plans are:

            

403(b) Elective Deferral  

 $18,000 ($17,500 in 2014)

Age 50 Catch-Up
$6,000 ($5,500 in 2014)
Compensation Limit
$265,000 ($260,000 in 2014)
Annual Addition Limit
$53,000 ($52,000 in 2014)

 

If you wish to make any changes to your 2015 contributions in order to maximize employer and employee contributions, please use the FASIS Self Service portal https://nupa.northwestern.edu

Please contact the Benefits Division at 847-491-7513 or [email protected] with any questions.

 

Northwestern Medicine

 

The Northwestern Medicine (NM) enhanced benefit became effective January 1, 2015.  Faculty and staff enrolled in the BCBS PPO plans will pay lower copayments and coinsurance when they visit an NM physician.  Your current BCBS ID card does not reflect this enhanced benefit.  Please ask the NM physician's office to call the BCBS Customer Service Line (800-327-8497), which is located on the back of your BCBS ID card, to verify this benefit. 

 

If you want more information about this exciting benefit, please visit http://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/health-plans/employee-plans/northwestern-medicine.html or contact the Benefits Division at 847-491-7513 or [email protected]

Work/Life Resources
WorldatWork Alliance for Work-Life Progress Seal of Distinction Winner 2015
  
Northwestern University is proud to be named a 2015 WorldatWork Alliance for Work-Life Progress (AWLP) Seal of Distinction winner.

Founded in 1996, the Alliance for Work-Life Progress is the professional association for work-life practitioners, researchers and thought leaders dedicated to advancing the work-life portfolio as a core business and total rewards strategy.

This year, AWLP honors 77 employers with the Seal of Distinction. These organizations have created innovative work-life programs that allow employees to achieve success both at work and at home through effective workplace strategies and practices. The Seal of Distinction is awarded to organizations that meet a defined threshold of workplace policies, programs and practices that are part of a best-in-class work-life portfolio. For a complete list of 2015 Seal of Distinction winners visit http://ow.ly/HYNQ0

Congratulations to all the winners.

Caregiving Corner -Information for Parents and Caregivers

 

School's Out: Exploring Summer Options 

While summer is eagerly awaited by children, it presents challenges for parents in terms of finding the right mix of care and supervision, plus activities that will keep children happy and engaged. There are many issues to be considered, including hours, location, affordability, appropriateness of activities and setting, as well as safety and overall quality.

The first step in the selection of a summer program is to review the types of summer camps and programs available for children and teenagers. Read more (login: northwestern, password: eap)

 

For a list of local summer camps, visit Work/Life Summer Camp webpage.

 

Child Care Fee Assistance  As a reminder, the child care fee assistance applications for the 2015-16 school year are now being accepted. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and are determined on a first come, first served basis. Fee assistance applications for McGaw YMCA and Bright Horizons in Evanston may be submitted to the respective centers. Applications for the University Children's Center can be submitted to the Office of Work/Life Resources. Please apply early. Visit the Fee Assistance page for eligibility requirements and further information. 

 

 
NU Senior Care Connections February Tip of the Month

 

"Discerning if it's Dementia" by Jennifer Gibbons, LCSW, Adult & Senior Care Advisor

 

One in three seniors will be diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia. Sometimes it's hard to determine if your loved one is experiencing typical symptoms of aging or a form of dementia. The following information may help to discern whether or not to pursue a dementia evaluation with a qualified medical professional. Read more 

 

Upcoming Workshops

 
Chicago Campus
Wednesday, March 4
12 noon - 1:00 pm
Rubloff 9th
Fl Lakeshore Room  Register
Evanston Campus
Thursday, March 12
12 noon - 1:00 pm
Norris Center, Arch Rm 
Register

Lunch and Learn with McGaw YMCA

Evanston Campus 

Tuesday, March 24

12 noon - 1:00 pm
Norris Center, Wildcat Rm
Register

 

Updates from Work/Life & Partners

 

NU Life Matters - Life Made Easier

Monthly Feature: "Dealing With Your Finance Phobia"

 

Dealing with finances can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to. January's feature focuses on learning to feel more comfortable with financial planning, including resources on:

  • The psychological and emotional roots of finance phobia.
  • Steps toward getting control of your finances.
  • Developing a financial plan.

Click here to access the monthly packet and the monthly webinar.

 

Center for Talent Development

Tech Beginnings: How to Introduce Young Students to Coding, Animation & Robotics

Professional Development for Early Childhood Educators

 

Tech experts tell us "coding is the new literacy" but at what age should children begin learning about computer programming? In this workshop we will examine the growing role of technology in early childhood education and identify the tech concepts that are most meaningful to young children, ages 4 - 9. The presenters will demonstrate developmentally appropriate activities, which introduce coding skills, such as creating animated stories and building robots. We will also preview the new curriculum for Center For Talent Development (CTD) Leapfrog technology courses to be piloted in summer 2015. One of the core ideas behind these courses is that tech concepts can be taught using a rich variety of classroom materials - electronic devices such as tablets and robots, as well as traditional learning materials such as storybooks, paints and clay, unit blocks, and board games.

 

This workshop will be offered twice:

  • In Evanston at Roycemore School, February 18, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.
  • In Lake Forest at Lake Forest Country Day School, February 25, 6:30 pm -  8:30 pm.

Although free of charge, there is limited space available for both sessions and RSVP is required for attendance. Anyone interested in attending should contact Ann Gadzikowski, CTD's Early Childhood Coordinator, via email at [email protected].

 

Weight Watchers @ Work is Here! 

Help us keep Weight Watchers @ Northwestern. We need to increase our membership to ensure the future of an on-site group. Let Weight Watchers help you achieve your weight loss goals!  What do you have to lose?  For more information, contact Tammy Rosner at [email protected] or 1-2210. To find out what a WW meeting is like, click here for a brief video.

 

Twitter     

Follow the Office of Work/Life Resources on Twitter @NUWorkLife for the latest in work/life news, workshops and more!

Staffing

Making It Easy to Hire a Temporary Employee

 

Have you heard that Northwestern University has its own internal temporary pool?  The Temporary Center, which manages this pool of temporary employees, provides the same services that an outside staffing firm would provide, but also offers several additional benefits.  The additional benefits of using the Temporary Center include the following:

  • The Temporary Center costs less than using outside staffing firms.
  • The Temporary Center is managed by internal Northwestern University employees who are familiar with our departments and the types of temporary positions we have.
  • Temporary employees provided by the Temporary Center have already been screened, interviewed, and tested for proficiency on Microsoft Office programs.
  • The Temporary Center conducts reference checks, education and credential checks, and background checks on all temporary employees in the pool, at no cost to your department.
  • The Temporary Center will facilitate the temporary new hire paperwork for you, including the I-9 e-Verify process, so that your department does not have to manage this.

Whether you have a short-term project or need longer-term coverage in your department, we encourage you to give the Temporary Center a try. 

 

For more information about the Temporary Center, please contact 847-467-1048 (Evanston) or 312-503-1234 (Chicago), or visit the Office of Human Resource's web site.

Employee Recognition 
Each year, Northwestern University recognizes employees for exceptional performance through the Northwestern University Employee of the Year awards. The Office of Human Resources is now accepting nominations for the 2015 NU Employee of the Year awards, which will recognize seven staff members across the University, including Qatar, as finalists for their outstanding contributions. From the seven finalists, one will be announced as the Employee of the Year winner at the annual Staff Service Recognition Luncheon on Tuesday, May 19, 2015.

 

All staff members who have been employed at least three years, are in good standing, and have not been previously named Employee of the Year are eligible. Finalists from past years are eligible.

 

Nominations are due Friday, February 20, 2015.

 

 

Consulting

Sending Resignation Letters to Your HR Consultant

 

As a reminder, when staff members resign from the University, it is important for Administrators to notify their HR Consultant and forward a copy of the resignation letter to the appropriate HR Consultant. Once the HR Consultant becomes aware that a staff member is leaving, he or she can begin the exit interview process with that individual to ensure it is completed prior to the employee's departure. If you have any questions, please contact your HR Consultant.

Office of Equal Opportunity and Access

Black History Month   

 

Northwestern University celebrates diversity and inclusion all-year round. The month of February, however, gives us the opportunity to connect with the peoples of Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom to celebrate Black History Month internationally. We reflect on the immeasurable contributions African-Americans and other people of color have made to enrich our world.  Here at Northwestern, we treasure our diversity in all its forms. 

 

In January, Northwestern hosted several events celebrating the life and works of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  This month student organizations, departments, and programs will commemorate Black History Month.  Claude Steele, author of the One Book One Northwestern selection, "Whistling Vivaldi", will be speaking on February 4, at 4:30 pm in Harris Hall, Rm. 107 (1881 Sheridan Rd., Evanston).  A book signing will follow his presentation.  The Office of Equal Opportunity & Access encourages you to attend this event and to visit http://issuu.com/samarketing/docs/bhm_program_2015_pages_/0 for a list of additional Northwestern events offered during Black History Month. 

 

For a list of Black History Month events and activities outside of Northwestern, we encourage you to visit http://www.dusablemuseum.org/ for events in Chicago offered by The DuSable Museum of African American History and, http://www.cityofevanston.org/festivals-concerts/black-history-month/ for events offered in Evanston.

 

Learn more about this rich history by exploring the African-American historical timeline: http://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history-timeline-home-page

 

Office of Equal Opportunity and Access ● www.northwestern.edu/hr/eeo ● 847.491.7458