HR Connect – Page 365 – News and Announcements from the Office of Human Resources

Welcome Laura Nolan!

Outreach and Extension welcomed Laura Nolan as the Continuing Professional Education and State Registry Project Specialist on September 19, 2016.

Laura served as the Director of Operations for 15 and a half years at Harmony Living Centers (assisted living). She is actively involved with Junior Achievement, Brown County Dementia Friendly Communities, Purple Angels, and Awana.

Laura earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Western Washington University. She is originally from Oak Harbor, Washington, but now calls Green Bay her home. She has been married to her husband Dave for 21 years and has two boys: Josh (14) – Freshman at Preble and Ryan (11) – 6th grade at Red Smith.

In Laura’s free time, she enjoys reading, quilting, jewelry making, and photography.

Welcome, Laura!

Assistant Professor – Psychology

The Department of Human Development at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay invites applications for a tenure-track appointment in Psychology.

Applicants with the ability to teach multiple courses in the topic areas of Sport Psychology, Counseling and Psychotherapy, Personality Psychology, Psychological Testing, and/or courses related to the candidate’s specific expertise and interests are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates with the willingness to develop new classes, teach in person and online, and those who have interest in future graduate teaching and/or graduate program development are also strongly encouraged to apply.

This position includes the following responsibilities:

Teach courses at the undergraduate level in Psychology.
Supervise independent studies and internships.
Conduct research focused on counseling or clinical psychology, with preference given to sport psychology-related areas.
Advise students.
Perform scholarly activities consistent with rank.
Contribute to ongoing curriculum review and expansion.
Perform institutional service and contribute to the ongoing development of the Human Development and Psychology departments.

In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to display a demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching and scholarship and a commitment to undergraduate education. The candidate should also possess communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to work effectively with a diverse array of students and colleagues.

For more information and position responsibilities, please see the full position announcement.

To ensure consideration, please submit application materials by Monday, December 12, 2016.

Assistant Professor – Spanish

The Department of Humanistic Studies and the Spanish and Latin American Studies program of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay invite applications for a tenure-track appointment in Spanish. Candidates with a specialization in Sociolinguistics or Applied Linguistics, demonstrated interest and experience in translation studies, and proficiency in both the English and Spanish languages are strongly encouraged to apply.

In addition to teaching all levels of Spanish language courses and upper-division courses such as Spanish Phonetics and Advanced Grammar, the ideal candidate will teach translation and interpretation (Spanish/English; English/Spanish) classes and help develop new courses in both the traditional or on-line formats.

This position includes the following responsibilities:

Teach courses at the undergraduate level in Spanish and as well as other courses depending on the expertise and interests of the successful candidate and the needs of the Humanistic Studies department.
Contribute to ongoing curriculum review and expansion.
Advise students.
Perform scholarly activities consistent with rank.
Perform institutional, community, and professional service.
Contribute to the ongoing development of the department.

For more information and position responsibilities, please see the full position announcement.

To ensure consideration, please submit application materials by Friday, December 9, 2016.

November Payroll Processing Change for Employees Paid Bi-Weekly

The November A payroll period (10/30/16 to 11/12/16) has been moved ahead of its regular processing schedule, so we are requesting that employees paid on a bi-weekly basis submit their timesheets and absence requests by Friday, November 11th at 4:30 p.m. Supervisors should review and approve timesheets and absence requests by Monday, November 14th at 11:00 a.m. Please e-mail payrollandbenefits@uwgb.edu if you have any questions or concerns about the adjustment to this deadline. Thank you for your help!

Employee Spotlight: Elaina Koltz

Name: Elaina Koltz

Position at UWGB: Financial Aid Senior Advisor, Veteran Services

Summary of what you do: Assist students with their financial aid and Veteran benefits.

How long have you been employed: Since February 22, 1999

Brief history of employment with UWGB: Started in Admissions in 1999, moved to Registrar’s office in 2002, moved to Academic Staff and Financial Aid Office in 2009; At the same time – a non-commissioned officer with the WI Army National Guard and activated in 2002-03 for Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom with the 1157 Transportation Company in Oshkosh. Retired from the NG in 2004.

Three words that describe you: patriotic, stubborn, dependable,

Personal interests: riding horse, dogsledding, reading, wine tasting, gardening, binge-watching Game of Thrones

Random facts/interests: Am blessed with a career I love. I missed being a part of something great after retiring from the military in 2004. It is nice to have the opportunity to continue working with America’s heroes here at UWGB.

Any favorite line from a movie? Jake fell off his horse??!

Are you messy or organized? Organized

Best vacation you’ve been to? Aruba with my sisters and mom

Describe what you were like at age 10. Living in Dedham, MA, third to the youngest of nine children, learning to love reading, living in my swim suit all “summa.”

Do you have a favorite newspaper, blog? Wall Street Journal, In the Market with Janet Parshall

Do you have a favorite quote? “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” ~Albert Einstein

Do you have an office nickname? What is it? Not that I know of

Do you recall any embarrassing moment at work? One time I wore two similar but different color shoes to work.

Favorite travel spot? Athens Greece

If given a chance, who would you like to be for a day? Mary when Jesus was a boy.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you? Drew Barrymore

If you could be anyone from any time period who would it be and why? St. Joan of Arc, I admire her bravery

If you could change one thing about working here, what would it be? It would be great to work 4-10 hour days!!

If you could interview one person (dead or alive) who would it be? My father in law. I would love to get his thoughts about this year’s elections.

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see? Benghazi on 9/11/12 (with a few of my sharpshooter friends – to be the help they didn’t receive).

If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pizza with lots of veggies and cheese

If you were an animal what would you be? Dolphin

If you were to write a book about yourself, what would you name it? I really was a soldier.

If you were to write a self-help book, what would the topic be? How to get what you need from the VA.

If your house was burning down, what’s the one non-living thing you would save? My purse

Least favorite Food? Squash

Motto or personal mantra? No weapon forged against you shall prevail. ~Isaiah 54:17

People would be surprised if they knew: My dad was in a movie with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow. He had a Model T Ford they needed and they asked him to drive it in the film The Great Gatsby.

Tell us a little about yourself. I pretty much take on any opportunity thrown my way. This has made my life very interesting. My husband and I are proud we have children who are very independent but wish they lived closer. I miss my grandsons every day.

Tell us a little bit about your family. I met and married my husband in Germany. He is second oldest of 11 children. My children, Jenna and Jordan, were born in Heidelberg, Germany. They grew up to love the military life also. My daughter and son are my heroes. My daughter for her time as a soldier in Iraq and my son for going to Kuwait without training or support to be a civilian contractor for the Air Force. I call my daughter “the mother of dragons.” She has four little boys!

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us? I am learning sign language on line to help my grandson who has a learning disability.

Tell us three things most people don’t know about you. Met my favorite author, Stephen King, in HS (he was a college friend of my English teacher). I was living in Germany when the wall came down. I love Celtic music.

Top 3 life highlights? My daughter and son coming back safely from a war zone. The birth of my grandkids, travelling the world/working with General Otis

What advice would you give to recent new hires? Network on campus. Get out and meet your co-workers. You can’t have fun without them. There are opportunities every day to do so. It is the people that make the place.

What are three career lessons you’ve learned thus far? Don’t be afraid to speak your thoughts. Learning how to listen is a skill. Guide – don’t control.

What are your hopes for our industry/school? Work more as a stepping stone with NWTC and UW 2 year schools. Childcare on Campus!! We are one of the few UW Schools who do not have childcare or offer childcare subsidies. Our non-traditional students need it.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most? Seeing the students succeed – it is why I volunteer at graduation.

What book did you read last? Tricky 22 by Janet Evanovich. She combines my favorites – mystery and comedy!

What books are at your bedside? Bible, Darien

What celebrity do people think you look like? Sorry have no idea.

What children’s character can you relate with most? Why? Nancy Drew – love mysteries!

What did you want to be when growing up? Detective

What do you always want to try and never did? Parachuting

What do you like most about your job? The students and the opportunity to help them.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Read, drink wine with friends, work outside,

What do you like to do on your days off? Get as many family members/friends together to ride horse, clean house, run errands, drink coffee at the ranch with my mother in law

What does a typical day look like for you? Help students figure out what their benefits are; plan functions to help our student Veterans; answer lots of email; update reports

What else do you do for fun? Play with the dogs, horses and Tim the cat. Ride horse with my husband. Listen to music and poetry around a campfire after riding all day,

What is an ability you wish you had? Time travel

What is the first concert you attended? John Cougar (before he admitted to being a Mellencamp) and Heart

What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery? Pay off bills, buy a Friesian Horse for my husband

What is the most important thing you have learned in the last five years? Being a Grandma is the best feeling in the world!

What is your biggest pet peeve? Disrespecting the flag and those who gave their lives for it (all colors) by kneeling during the National Anthem

What is your family like? Huge, loud, loving, close, dependable

What is your favorite meal? Anything Italian

What is your favorite movie and book? Movie: The Illusionist and From the Hip Musical: Oliver Twist Book: The Stand by Stephen King

What is your favorite sport? Soccer

Hidden talent? Skijoring with my dogs

What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work? Wayside Rough Rider Horse Club, Member of American Legion Post 539, Brown County Fair Volunteer, Member of History on the Move/Wagon Train, Secretary for the Friends of Brown County Veteran Memorial

What one food do you wish had zero calories? Cheesecake

What phobias do you have? Wasn’t afraid of spiders until I read the book It by Stephen King

What places have you lived in? Massachusetts, Maine, Germany, Colorado, Wisconsin

What tv show/movie are you ashamed to admit you love? The Christmas Kiss – watch it every year

What was your favorite book, toy, or outfit as a child? Island of the Blue Dolphin

What would people never guess you do in your role? Answer Veteran benefit questions from all over the state.

What would you like to be famous for? Being kind

What’s on your bucket list? What isn’t? Zip lining, learn to play guitar, visit Israel – walk in holy footsteps, teaching my grandkids important things along with fun, annoying habits

What’s the one thing, you can’t live without? Laughter

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten? Food in Nicaragua (not sure what was in some of it). Steamed clams – love them.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Green Bay? Work with other Veteran groups with their projects.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Retired (wishful thinking)

Where is your favorite place to eat? Flippers Cove in Greenleaf

Where is your home town? Gray, Maine growing up, Greenleaf, WI since 1992

Where would you like to go on a dream vacation? Alaska or Australia

Policy on Paid Leave Bank and Vacation Cash Payouts

As communicated recently, UW Green Bay has developed a policy on Paid Leave Bank and Vacation Cash Payouts. This policy has been developed based upon recently implemented changed by UW System to the accounting process for ALRA & Sabbatical leave payouts. In an effort to reduce the fiscal and operational impact to departments while establishing a consistent administration of accumulated paid leave bank and vacation payouts.

Please review the full policy and notable highlights below:

Upon Hire
Employees hired to UW-Green Bay from other agencies shall have all accrued leave paid out by the prior employer.

Movement
Internal: UW-Green Bay employees moving from a leave eligible position to another leave eligible position will retain all accrued leave and transfer this to the new appointment.

External: UW-Green Bay employees moving to another agency of the state or UW System employer shall transfer all leave accrued to the new leave-eligible appointment at the approval of the new employer. If not accepted by the new employer, any accrued/banked leave shall be paid out as a lump sum on the final payroll with UW-Green Bay.

Resignation/Retirement
Effective November 1, 2016, employees who resign or retire from UW-Green Bay will end their employment on the last day physically worked. Any remaining accrued/banked leave will be paid out as a lump sum on the final payroll.

Current employees who submit a resignation notice no later than December 31, 2016 will be eligible for limited continuation of the current practice regarding payroll extension through the use of banked leave (ALRA/sabbatical), vacation and vacation carryover so long as the requesting employee’s last day on payroll is not later than June 30, 2017.

Please contact Human Resources with any questions on this updated policy.

Financial Fitness Challenge

The Financial Fitness Challenge (October 25 to December 31, 2016) is a free financial education and awareness program designed to help you take control of your financial future and improve your financial well-being. Offered to Wisconsin state and local government employees and their friends and families, it consists of a confidential and secure online survey to assess and benchmark financial aptitude, habits, and confidence. After completing the survey you’ll receive a financial fitness score and, based on your results, recommendations for selecting among hundreds of online tools and tutorials (the Financial Fitness ACADEMY), and the option of using a financial advisor from Ameriprise Financial for up to 30 days at no cost. You learn at your own pace in as little as 10 minutes a day.

Step 1. Get centered: Take the free Financial Fitness CHECKUP. It’s a confidential, and secure online assessment of your financial well-being. Receive instant feedback – your personal financial fitness score.

Step 2. Sharpen focus: Enroll in free online Financial Fitness ACADEMY courses. They’re easy-to-follow tutorials designed to help you improve your financial well-being.

Step 3. Zoom in on a bright future: Access an exclusive offer for free financial coaching for 30 days.

Click here to get started, and for more information.

Assistant Professor – Education

The Professional Program in Education at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay seeks applicants for a tenure-track position in Education.

The Professional Program in Education seeks to prepare candidates for the teaching profession through a high-quality, standards-based teacher education program. Furthermore, we prepare candidates to serve effectively the educational needs of the region within the context of the larger society.

Applicants with knowledge of teacher preparation processes, previous experience in higher education working with student teachers and establishing partnerships with PK-12 districts, and proficiency with educational technology and/or online course instruction are highly encouraged to apply.

This position includes the following responsibilities:

* Teach courses in teacher education related to reading, writing, and literacy methods, along with possibly teaching other undergraduate or graduate courses in areas consistent with expertise and program needs.
* Demonstrate effective understanding of, and experience with, teacher preparation processes.
* Advise students.
* Perform scholarly activities consistent with rank.
* Perform institutional and community service.
* Contribute to the ongoing development of the Professional Program in Education.
* Establish professional relationships with PK-12 schools and other community organizations.

In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to display a demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching and scholarship and a commitment to undergraduate and graduate education. The candidate should also possess communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to work effectively with a diverse array of students and colleagues.

For more information and position responsibilities, please see the full position announcement.

To ensure consideration, please submit application materials by Monday, December 5, 2016.

Stress Management Lunch ‘n Learn

Almost 30 employees attended the Stress Management Lunch ‘n Learn on Thursday, November 3rd and learned about positive and negative stress, three types of stress (physical, chemical and emotional), and the ‘snowball’ effect of changing one behavior for the better. For example, eating healthier can lead to having more energy, which can lead to exercising more and sleeping better at night, which can lead to a healthier body which can handle stress better and has less dependence on prescription drugs.

The doctor also promoted the benefits of drinking plenty of water. Did you know that we should drink half our body weight in ounces? So, if your body weight is 160 pounds, you should drink 80 ounces of water per day. Assuming you have 16 waking hours per day, that is just 5 ounces per hour. If we only drink when our body tells us it is thirsty, our body would be in a persistent state of near dehydration, which doesn’t lead to a healthy body.

We also learned that drinking one alcoholic drink per day can be beneficial, and our emotional stress depends on how we percieve a situation and respond to it. Everyone has a go-to destressor, such as relaxing with a glass of wine or a beer, going for a run, reading a book, watching a movie, browsing Pinterest, etc. It is important that we know what our destressor is, and use it when our body is maxed out.

Thank you to Dr. Logan Andera, D.C. of Cornerstone Chiropractic and Kendall Howard of Wellness Champions for the interesting, helpful and funny presentation, as well as buying us lunch!

Wellness Webinar – Healthy Eating for Effective Weight Loss

Maintaining or losing weight is not an easy task, especially as we age and your metabolism slows down. While there are no “silver bullet” remedies for effective weight management, understanding how your metabolism works, balancing a healthful diet with exercise and establishing realistic goals can provide you with a foundation roadmap for sustainable success.

Learning Objectives:

Understanding BMI and waist circumference
Finding the balance: food and exercise
Explore how your metabolism works
Healthy eating tips and strategies
Avoiding holiday pitfalls

When: Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Time: 12:00 to 12:45 p.m.

Location: CL 735

No need to RSVP – feel free to join us and bring your lunch! 🙂