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Ford's Focus
Between the snow and the cold, it's been a tough winter so far, but we're halfway through February and swiftly heading toward spring.
I wanted to take a minute here to share my thoughts on the results we recently received from the the employee and supervisor surveys that were conducted in the fall. Some of you have already met with your supervisors to learn more, while others may be hearing more in the coming weeks. The good news is that a majority of people like the work they're doing in OPP and believe we're doing some great things. However, there are some key issues identified that are critically important to address. These include working relations between divisions, effects of job stress, senior leader reaction to mistakes, health of work environment, rewards and recognition, and fear of retaliation. These, and other issues identified by the survey, are directly tied to employee satisfaction. I want to work with all of you to respond to these challenges. The first step will be some open discussion with your supervisors. We also have a growing team of volunteers from across OPP examining the survey results, particularly the areas of concern, that will solicit and recommend strategies for moving us forward. We will soon post the full set of questions/responses on a dedicated website, and we will provide several different ways for you to provide anonymous feedback on the survey, express any concerns or ask questions. The survey was the first step in a process to improve our work environment. We will need your voice if we are going to be successful in this endeavor.
Please be on the look out for information from your supervisor. In the meantime, stay warm!
Best,
Ford
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 Chad Alterio accepted the Carpenter A position. His first day was Feb. 9.
Hometown: Bellefonte, Pa.
Hobbies: Hunting, camping
 David Brookens accepted a Janitorial Worker position in District 41 and is transferring from Housing & Food Services. His first day was Feb. 9.
Hometown: Lock Haven, Pa.
Hobbies: Swimming, hunting, fishing
 Dan Frechen accepted a position as a Groundskeeping Horticulture Worker. Dan's first day was Feb. 2.
 Kyle Gallardy began a position as a Groundskeeper Horticulture Worker on Feb. 2.
Rick Lawrence accepted a Construction Services Representative position. His first day was Feb. 2.
Hometown: Hanover, Pa.
Hobbies: Spending time with family
Drew Leway accepted a position as a Planner/Estimator with Renovation Services. His first day was Feb. 2.
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Hobbies: Bicycling, running, playing bass guitar
 James Rumberger accepted a Electrician A position. His first day was Feb. 9.
Hometown: Tyrone, Pa.
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, sports
 Travis Scanlan began a position as a Construction Services Representative on Feb. 2.
Hometown: Lamar, Pa.
Hobbies: Spending time with family, slow-pitch softball, snowboarding, golf
 Crystal Shawley accepted a Janitorial Worker position in District 41 and is transferring from Housing & Food Services. Her first day was Feb. 9.
Hometown: Julian, Pa.
Hobbies: Farming
**If your picture was not included, we would be glad to include it in a future edition. Please contact Susan Bedsworth to set up a time to have your photo taken.
Farewells
Thomas Knode retired on Feb. 14 after 11 years. His last day was Feb. 13.
Penny Meyer, Compliance Specialist, has accepted another position at the University. Her last day is Feb. 20.
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Each edition we'll have a photograph of an item found in the attic. We hope you'll have fun guessing what it is. We'll include the answer in the next edition. Send your guesses to newsviews@psu.edu.
The item in the Feb. 3 issue of News & Views is a variable wire wound resistor that's missing the slider. Thanks for all your guesses!
Check out this edition's item below.
Happy Guessing!
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A new page focused on Shutdown Coordination was recently added to the OPP website. The page offers details on shutdowns, has a link to the Utility Interruption Notification form and provides emergency instructions and contact information. We hope you will find this page useful in preparing a well-coordinated shutdown or when dealing with an emergency.
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An OPP Events Committee, composed of various volunteers from throughout the Office of Physical Plant, was recently formed. The mission of the OPP Events Committee is to cultivate, support and strengthen our work life and by doing so foster a more hospitable and engaging environment. Our goal is to build a stronger community throughout the organization and to give back to the community in which we live.
Events Committee Members: Heather Ayers Shawn Ebeling Rebecca Perret Scott Sunday Debra Reeder Lori Jennings Jeanne Higgins Bruce Smith Ian Salada Mike Jackson Janice McMahon Janel Fitzgerald Angie Duckett Brett Traino Phumara Cox
Plans for 2015:
- Friday, Feb. 27 - Kick-off event in room 105A/B from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Habitat for Humanity project
- Food Bank
- Bus trip to a Pirates game
- OPP Intramural softball team
- Open House night at OPP
- Kick-off Tailgate
- OPP Cookbook
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It's that time of year again! Support Penn State Block and Bridle by purchasing meat from their semi-annual sale.
 Penn State Block and Bridle will be selling a variety of meet products from the Penn State Meats Lab. Products include a variety of sausage, ground beef, summer sausage and boneless ham.
Orders are due by March 19! Pick-up will be April 2-3. Order forms were sent via e-mail from Beth Clark. If you did not receive them, email newsviews@psu.edu.
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Dedicated to Diversity
Feb. 18, 2015
9-11 a.m.
431 James M. Elliott Building
Feb. 27, 2015
9-11 a.m.
431 James M. Elliott Building
March 19, 2015 9-11 a.m. 431 James M. Elliott Building
April 3, 2015
9-11 a.m.
431 James M. Elliott Building
May 5, 2014
2-4 p.m.
431 James M. Elliott Building
Unable to attend this session or looking for individual sessions for your unit? Please contact Charleon Jeffries (cxj164@psu.edu) or the Affirmative Action Office (814-863-0471) to discuss other programming opportunities. |
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We Are!
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In each edition, we are including information and links to retirement information found both on the web and from Penn State's Office of Human Resources. Remember, regardless of your age it's always important to plan ahead for retirement.
Did you know you could start a supplemental retirement plan?
According to the Office of Human Resources, all employees are eligible to make tax-deferred contributions to both a 403(b) tax-deferred annuity plan and/or a 457(b) deferred compensation plan. Contributions to these plans would be in addition to and separate from an employee's Penn State retirement plan. Participating is entirely voluntary and you can change or stop contributions to these plans at any time.
As a reminder, you can always reach out to TIAA-CREF (1-800-842-2242) with any questions you have regarding your current retirement plan or a supplemental plan. They also have a local office here in State College.
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Have something to sell? Let us know! E-mail Susan Bedsworth with your item(s), details, contact information
 and photos. We will include it in the next edition of News & Views.
And don't forget about OPP's Yammer Group "Up for Grabs." Just sign in with your University ID and password to post your item.
Lion Surplus
Lion Surplus handles the removal of University-owned equipment in environmentally responsible ways, such as sales, bids and auctions. Their store, located at the corner of Services Rd. and Big Hollow Rd., is open to students, faculty, staff and the public. The inventory changes daily, but the store routinely has gently used furniture, computers and other electronics, scientific equipment, and much more.
They're currently preparing for their bid farm sale on Feb. 26. Below is just a small sample of some of the items for sale. Check out the rest on Facebook.
Follow Lion Surplus on Facebook to keep up to date on inventory and special events. |
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Contact Us
If you have any comments or suggestions for News & Views, contact Susan Bedsworth by e-mail or at 863-9620.
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