Faculty and Staff: HR News

T​he Office of Human Resources is launching a “DePaul Loves SMART Goals” Challenge. All areas of the university that achieve a 100 percent rate of completion for entering and approving 2019-20 performance period goals into the ePerformance tool by Friday, Feb. 7, will receive a sweet surprise in February from the Office of Human Resources.

​As we enter into a new decade, it is a great time to make sure that you are making your DePaul benefits work for you.

​It is time to start entering your goals for the 2019-20 performance season. We encourage you to enter your goals into the ePerformance tool as soon as you can and no later than the end of January 2020.

Given the scope and complexities of converting DePaul's customized PeopleSoft system, the original Jan. 1, 2020, "go-live" date for the new Blue Sky project has changed. A revised "go-live" date will be announced in the near future.

​For many of us, November means planning Thanksgiving menus or booking flights to visit family and friends. Even if Thanksgiving is not a holiday that you celebrate, the reminder this holiday offers to give thanks is valuable for all of us. We encourage you to think about how you can express an "attitude of gratitude" in your workplace at DePaul.

​The annual benefits open enrollment period begins today, Oct. 28. Benefits open enrollment is a once-a-year opportunity for faculty and staff to evaluate their needs and enroll for benefits. New elections and changes must be made by Friday, Nov. 8.

​The 2019 St. Vincent’s Health F​air​ will take place from Oct. 21 – 24. It's a one-stop shop for many of your health and wellness needs, including flu shots and biometric screenings. Information also will be available at the fair, ranging from 403(b) retirement accounts to discounted gym memberships.

​​School is back in session. While Blue Demons return to the classroom and younger children once again hop on the bus, perhaps - as a DePaul employee - you should take advantage of the learning and development options available to you. The university offers a variety of courses and training.

​Eligible DePaul faculty and staff can take advantage of the summer months to earn points in the Healthy Vincent’s Wellness Program. The wellness program is part of an ongoing initiative to promote the health, safety and productivity of DePaul’s faculty and staff. All eligible employees can earn a $300 incentive for accumulating 100 points through participation in healthy activities through Oct. 31, 2019. ​

​Over the next few months, DePaul will transition its human resources and finance PeopleSoft applications to a cloud-based system called Oracle Cloud. Currently, PeopleSoft is the system for financial and human resources transactions for the university. ​

​While the process remains largely the same as last year, the Office of Human Resources made several changes to the performance appraisal form that employees should know about. Each of these updates are a result of employee feedback HR has received over the last several years.

The 2019 Healthy Vincent’s Wellness Program is designed to encourage good habits that promote overall health and well-being.  Let spring be the time to schedule appointments and plan for a year of healthy living.  Get your teeth cleaned.  Set up a DePaul 403(b) financial planning session.  Set up that annual checkup with your doctor.  ​DePaul Human Resources is committed to helping you achieve a healthy lifestyle.​ Read on to learn more about how to earn your wellness points.

​In honor of Valentine's Day, the Employee Engagement team asked various employees across the university to share why they love DePaul. Read on to see some of the team's favorite responses.

​Winter in Chicago often provides motivation for planning your next getaway. Each January, the Office of Human Resources likes to remind faculty and staff about the university's vacation policies in hopes of employees getting the most out of their vacation benefit. 

​As we approach the end of 2018, the Office of Human Resources would like to highlight some upcoming changes in benefits and compensation, including match increase and updates on the salary planning process.​

​As​ we approach the holiday season and look forward to spending time with loved ones, the Office of Human Resources would like to remind faculty and staff to enter their goals into the ePerformance system before leaving for the winter break.

​Over the last few months, the Office of Human Resources reviewed feedback from surveys and focus groups, and discussed strategies to increase efforts on non-monetary recognition at DePaul. Read one to learn some key takeaways and what HR has planned for the coming months.

​Are you thinking about the next steps in your career at DePaul? If so, the Office of Human Resources invites you to participate in the sixth Staff Career Development Workshop on Thursday, Dec. 13. 

​To ease holiday travel, the university will close early for the Thanksgiving break at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 21. Read on t​o learn more about time reporting for the holiday break.

​The Open Enrollment period for 2018 will take place from Oct. 29 - Nov. 9. Changes made during this time will become effective Jan. 1, 2019. Read on to learn about important updates to DePaul medical plans.

​It’s time again for the St. Vincent’s Health Benefit Fair. Taking place Monday, Oct. 22 through Thursday, Oct. 25, the fair is a one-stop shop for many of your health and wellness needs. Available at the fair will be everything from information regarding 403(b) retirement accounts to discounted gym memberships to flu shots. ​

​Performance Appraisals for all full- and part-time staff are due to HR by Monday, Oct. 1. ​Members of the Office of Human Resources are available to help with any questions and concerns staff may have about the process. 

​F​ollowing a recommendation from a recent organizational review, the university formed the Employee Engagement and Equal Employment Opportunity office, housed in the Office of Human Resources, on July 2, 2018.

​Wellness is a year-round activity, but warmer weather makes it easier to get outside and get active. As we approach the warmer months, plan some outdoor activities to earn points toward your wellness incentive. ​

​Although fluctuations in our work environment can be disconcerting, adjusting to change doesn't need to be daunting. As DePaul faculty and staff, our continued capacity to adapt to change will help to ensure the university's ongoing success in the coming years. ​

​Faculty and staff - the Healthy Vincent's Wellness Program is back again in 2018 and better than ever. There are more ways to earn points and more chances to be proactive about your health. Learn more about how to get on the fast track to earning your 100 points. ​

​The Office of Human Resources is working with fellow DePaul staff members to find the best ways to recognize good work. A non-monetary recognition survey will be distributed to all staff on Feb. 9.​

​As we settle into the winter quarter, it's a good time to start planning ahead for vacation. Perhaps 2018 is the year to escape to a far-off land or find relaxation somewhere close to home. The Office of Human Resources can help you make the most of your vacation benefit. ​

​The Office of Human Resources is holding a holiday photo contest. All DePaul faculty and staff are encouraged to submit holiday-themed photos through Jan. 4. The winner will receive a $25 gift card to the DePaul Barnes and Noble bookstore.​

​Internal applicants at DePaul have some distinct advantages, but it's important not to take your candidacy for granted. Read on to learn HR's tips on how to prepare for a new position or promotion at the university. ​

​In an effort to learn what types of recognition DePaul employees would appreciate most, the Office of Human Resources will host a focus group sessions for staff on Nov. 16 and 17, and Dec. 5 on DePaul's Loop Campus.​

​The Open Enrollment period for 2017 will take place from Oct. 30 – Nov. 10. Changes made during this time will become effective Jan. 1, 2018. Now is a great time to review your benefits prior to this year’s Open Enrollment period. ​

​From flu shots to earning points toward the Healthy Vin-cent$ Wellness Program incentive, the Office of Human Resources encourages employees to take full advantage of everything the fair offers.​

​A new academic year is a good time to consider taking a class or obtaining a certification. DePaul makes it easy for its faculty and staff to continue learning with a variety of affordable and convenient ways to prepare for an ever-changing professional landscape. ​