Welcome to the June issue of Staff@Idaho, a monthly e-newsletter from your Staff Affairs committee. In this newsletter, we'll keep you tuned to the pulse on campus and around the state.

FROM THE CHAIR

June is a busy month for anyone on a fiscal schedule, including myself! It has also been busy for Staff Affairs. We held our first meeting of the 2008-09 term and welcomed our new representatives. Now our work begins.

Plans are in the works for the Appreciation Fair, which will be held Friday, Sept. 26 in the SUB Ballroom. The Appreciation Fair subcommittee is one of our busiest committees, and it takes many people and a lot of time to prepare for the event. Be sure to mark this event in your honor on your calendar!

As we progress into the busy fiscal months of June and July, please remember to take the time to relax, unwind and take it easy. I encourage all staff to find some time to take a vacation. I have even re-scheduled our normal July meeting from July 3 to July 10 to support and encourage Staff Affairs representatives to take a break. It's important to "recharge your batteries," and make sure that the stress doesn't get to you. Remember that you can always join a Wellness Class at the Student Recreation Center. I highly recommend attending Yoga during this hectic time! Working out is an excellent way to burn off both physical and mental stress of the fiscal year.

I'll try to attend all of the Noontime Concert Series at the Commons on campus this summer. Please feel free to stop by and say hi. It would also be a good time to give me any feedback about Staff Affairs.

Go Vandals!

Dan Noble
Chair, Staff Affairs

STAFF AFFAIRS ANNOUNCES 2008-09 LEADERSHIP

Elections for Staff Affairs officers were held in late April, and subcommittee members now have been assigned for 2008-09! Subcommittees are as follows:

Benefits and Compensation: Mark Miller, Chair

Cornelia Sawatzky, Cody Williams, Dan Noble, Lourana Swayne, Diana Musick Renfro, Teresa Million, Kerry Russell, Rick Wilkins

By-Laws: Mark Miller, Chair

Jesse Martinez, Jo Lacher, vacant (Service Maintenance)

Elections: Don Parks, Chair

Jesse Martinez, Joni Kirk, Michele Vachon, Lourana Swayne

Officer Nominations: Joni Kirk, Chair

Jo Lacher

Appreciation Fair: Leah Andrews and Kari Zagelow, Co-Chairs

Linda Williams, Cornelia Sawatzky, Angela Helmke, Morgan Wilson, Michele Vachon, Dan Noble, Karee Head, Lourana Swayne, JoAnn Rattey, Diana Musick Renfro, Krysta Ficca, Kerry Russell, Rick Wilkins, vacant (Service Maintenance)

Staff Forum: Dan Noble, Chair

JoAnn Rattey

Communication: Joni Kirk, Chair

Leah Andrews, Angela Helmke, Barb Wooten, Krysta Ficca

Staff Awards: Diana Musick Renfro and Linda Williams, co-chairs

Mark Miller, Charity Buchert, Tim Helmke, Don Parks, Cody Williams, Dan Noble, Alisa Goolsby, Barb Wooten, Dan LaHann, Teresa Million, Lisa Washburn, Kari Zagelow, vacant (Service Maintenance)

Vandal Pride (Ad-Hoc): Tim Helmke, Chair

Karee Head, Jo Lacher, Alisa Goolsby, Dan LaHann, vacant (Service Maintenance) EVERYONE ELSE! GO VANDALS!!!

On-Off Campus Communication (Ad-Hoc): Charity Buchert, Chair

Clarence Robison, Barb McDonald, Dan Noble, vacant (Boise, Idaho Falls, At Large)

Learning and Development (Ad-Hoc): Dan Noble, Chair

Charity Buchert, Morgan Wilson, Don Parks, Michele Vachon, Dan LaHann (Treasurer), Krysta Ficca, Lisa Washburn

STAFF AFFAIRS NEEDS YOU!

While Staff Affairs has a great group of people to represent all staff, the committee still has vacancies in the Service / Maintenance classification, as well as positions for three-off campus representatives (Idaho Falls/Aberdeen, Boise and "At Large"). If you work in one of these areas and are interested in representing your peers on Staff Affairs, contact Don Parks at (208) 885-7761 or donparks@uidaho.edu.

STAFF AFFAIRS’ ROLE IN POLICY CHANGES

Staff Affairs works hard on behalf of all university staff to shape University of Idaho policy. Staff Affairs will continue to work collaboratively with the various departments across campus (General Counsel, Ombuds, Internal Audit, Human Resources) to review these policies, provide input and be proactive about suggesting policies that are in the best interests of staff at the University of Idaho.

The Benefits Advisory Group has started to meet to review the benefits issues and has begun working on a plan for next year, Calendar Year 2009.

As additional policy information is available, we'll keep you informed.

STAFF AFFAIRS MEETING SUMMARY

Following is a summary of the June 5 Staff Affairs meeting.

New members for the 2008-2011 term were seated. Those new members are:

• Angela Helmke, New Student Services
• Morgan Wilson, Jazz Festival
• Karee Head, Admissions
• Jo Lacher, Academic Advising Center
• Lourana Swayne, Conservation Social Sciences
• Alisa Goolsby, Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
• Barb Wooten, Gift Planning Services
• Krysta Ficca, Theatre and Film
• Lisa Washburn, Plant, Soil and Entomological Sciences
• Kari Zagelow, Family and Consumer Sciences
• Robert Sproul, Creative Services and Print Management

New officers were announced:

• Dan Noble, Chair
• Mark Miller, Vice-Chair
• Dan LaHann, Treasurer
• Teresa Million, Secretary
• Joni Kirk, Media Coordinator
• Charity Buchert, On/Off Campus Representative
• JoAnn Rattey, Webmaster

Several goals for the coming year were highlighted, including an expansion of Vandal Pride activities, increased communication with off-campus sites, more staff recognition in media, and improved resources for new employees, to name a few. The dedicated members of Staff Affairs are working hard to meet these important goals.

Staff is being made aware of the option to select a compressed work week. This has been available for years, but in light of rising gas prices, Human Resources is reminding us of this possible solution. Paul Michaud explained some of the details, and potential advantages, of this benefit. Contact Human Resources, benefits@uidaho.edu, for further information.

The Planned Retirement Program is now in place, allowing faculty and staff 53+ years of age with 10+ years of service to reduce their FTE without impacting their benefits. This phase-out program would lower an individual’s FTE to 75% or lower in the first year, and to 50% in the second year.

Human Resources is working to standardize the use of bonuses throughout campus. There are specified categories of bonuses to be used in certain cases; however, historically the use of these has been inconsistent.

Complete minutes will be available at www.uidaho.edu/staffaffairs soon.

COMPRESSED WORK WEEK OPTION

Higher fuel costs are having an impact on everybody’s pocketbook. In an attempt to reduce the cost of commuting for employees, the University of Idaho is encouraging a compressed, four-day work week in any office where university business allows.

In general, the university will retain its 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. summer schedule, and expects all offices to be staffed during those normal business hours. However, managers are encouraged to consider creative ways in which to implement a four-day work schedule. For example, employees could be divided into “teams” that work four, ten-hour days. “Team A” could work Monday through Thursday, and “Team B” could work Tuesday through Friday. This example ensures that university business hours are covered and offers employees greater flexibility and reduces the cost of commuting. A department might consider rotating the two groups every two to three weeks. The compressed work week option will remain in effect until further notice. If you are interested in requesting a compressed work schedule, http://www.hr.uidaho.edu/documents/flex%20time.pdf&pid=107683&doc=1 to download the Flexible Work Arrangement Form. The completed form must be reviewed and approved before an employee could start this alternate work arrangement.

For answers to some frequently asked questions, visit http://www.hr.uidaho.edu/documents/Q%20and%20A.pdf&pid=107690&doc=1.

Please note: Not all faculty and staff will be able to alter their schedules in this manner. All scheduling changes must be approved by unit managers.

SUMMER EVENTS FOR ALL

Looking for something to do this summer? Summer barbeques, viewing a theater production and checking out ice caves are just a few of the events you may want to check out from around the state.

COEUR D'ALENE SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

• We are planning our first of the season University of Idaho summer barbeque with date to be announced soon!
• The Coeur d'Alene Visitor’s Bureau [link to http://www.coeurdalene.org/] has many ideas for things going on in our area while you are here.
• If you come to Coeur d’Alene, stop in and pay your fellow staff a visit! We are located on Northwest Boulevard in Coeur d’Alene at the Harbor Center.

BOISE SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

• Idaho Shakespeare Festival begins June 6 and runs through Sept. 27. This is outdoor theater at its finest. Bring your picnic dinner or a bottle of your favorite wine and enjoy Shakespeare under the stars. For more information and tickets call 429-9908, or visit www.idahoshakespeare.org.
• Jazz at the Winery: Mid-June through early October; Ste. Chappelle Winery, Sunday afternoons. For more information, call 453-7843, or visit www.stechapelle.com.
• Boise Hawks: Baseball season is mid-June through early September; Home games are played at Memorial Stadium. For more information, call 322-5000, or visit www.boisehawks.com.
• Experience all the fun of Boise Downtown; visit www.downtownboise.org for more information. While in downtown, stop by the Idaho Water Center at 322 Front Street and say hello.

IDAHO FALLS SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

• June 28: To Bone and Back Relay.
• July 3-6: Teton Valley Festival hosts many activities including the spectacular sunrise launch of hot air balloons and an arts and crafts fair.
• July 4: Parade and Freedom Celebration in Idaho Falls.
• July 26-27: 54^th Annual Greenbelt Festival featuring the Rotary Duck Race.
• July 26-August 1 International Folk Dance Festival, Rexburg

KIMBERLY SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

• The Kimberly Research and Extension Center will hold its bi-annual twilight tour on Thursday, July 24 from 5:30-8:30 pm. Food, information, hay rides, and fun! Festivities will include staff from Twin Falls, too!

MOSCOW SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

• Looking for good food, live music and enjoyable company this summer? Campus Recreation continues its tradition of Tuesday Summer Barbeques offers a series of great tasting barbecues. Ticket sales began May 14 in the Campus Rec office. Tickets are limited and not sold at the barbecue. Serving begins at 6 p.m. in the Shattuck Amphitheater.
  
• June 24: Steak — $8
• July 1: Sausage — $7.50
• July 8: Chicken — $8
• July 15: Baron of Beef— $8
• July 22: Salmon — $9
• July 29: Roast Pork — $8

• The Noontime Concert Series is put on by the Idaho Commons and the Student Union Building. Concerts are held each Wednesday from noon to1 p.m. on the Commons Green, which is between the Commons and Art and Architecture Building (in inclement weather, concerts will take place in the Commons food court). Join others for lunch, grab a bite to eat from the Sodexho BBQ menu, and enjoy some music. The summer lineup includes: 

• June 25: Chiroto Marimba Ensemble
• July 9^: Trevor Davis (Rock, Soul, Indie)
• July 16: John West (Soul, Acoustic, Jazz)
• July 23^: John Rush (Indie, Progressive, Acoustic)

• June 26: Ratatouille
• July 10: The Sandlot
• July 17: National Treasure: Book of Secrets
• July 24: Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium
• July 31 (SUB Borah Theatre): Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo

• If you are looking to get out of the sun after a hot day, visit East City Park each Thursday through the end of July for the Concerts & Family Entertainment in the Park series.

• June 26, 6 p.m.: Jenks Music Animals A to Z
• June 26, 7 p.m.: MAC Band “The Classics”
• July 3, 6 p.m.: Americana Crafts, “Fly a Flag”, a reading by Denali Struble, “Wren’s Surprise”
• July 3, 7 p.m.: MAC Band “Marches and Americana”.
• July 10, 7 p.m.: Hog Heaven Band
• July 17, 7 p.m.: Rendezvous in the Park
• July 21, 7 p.m.: Audio MoonShine
• July 31, 7 p.m.: Bare Wires

• Rendezvous in the Park is an event you will not want to miss! July 17-20 at East City Park. For band and ticket info, visit www.moscowmusic.com.

TWIN FALLS SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

• July 12-13: Annual Lavender Festival. Valley View Lavender Farm, Buhl. Collect lavender bouquets or enjoy pony rides through aromatic fields. Contact (208) 543-4283.
• July 26-27: 49^th Annual Art in the Park. Sponsored by the Art Guild of Magic Valley, Inc. For information contact, Janie Mack, (208) 734-4431 or Lillie Brown, (208) 734-4237.
• July 26-27: Navy Blue Angels Jet Team gracefully exhibit choreographed aerobatic maneuvers including the popular four-plane Diamond Formation. Also includes a large collection of Warbirds and static display planes for you to get close to and enjoy. Gates open at 9 a.m., show starts at 11:30 a.m. and the Blue Angels fly at 3 p.m.

Have a summer event you'd like to share? Submit it to sa-communications@uidaho.edu.

SKILLSOFT REMINDER

Want to learn about Publisher, cascading style sheets, business crisis management, health and safety in the workplace, or interpersonal communications? SkillSoft is a great resource for all staff and provides many professional development opportunities. Visit http://uidaho.skillport.com to get started!

To login, use your Novell username; the initial password is welcome, all lower-case. Once you log in, you will need to change your password to something other than your Novell password and more complex than welcome. To do so, click on the "customize" button at the top of the page. Click on "Update User Profile" and follow the directions. Any issues with logging in to the site can be referred to Dan Noble, chair of Staff Affairs, at sa-chair@uidaho.edu or 885-6841, or Derek Johnson, information systems manager for Human Resources, at derekj@uidaho.edu or 885-3860.

Note for Off Campus Employees:

For new employees, your username information is slightly different because many do not have Novell accounts. For all off campus employees, Human Resources will create user id’s that are composed of the first name, middle initial and first letter of last name. For example, Derek V Johnson would have a SkillSoft user id of derekvj. For questions on what the login will be, please contact Derek Johnson, information systems manager for Human Resources, at derekj@uidaho.edu or 885-3860.

When you log in, it will take you to the main screen. Some noteworthy features include:

User Guide: This will help you gain an understanding of how to navigate through the system, including how to add courses to “My Plan,” which always will be shown when you login. It also will provide you with information about how to use the “SEARCH-and-LEARN” feature.

Catalog Link: The catalog link at the top of the page will take you into the course curricula. You will see the following sections: Business Skills, Business Certifications, IT courses, Knowledge Centers, Test Prep, Legal and Workplace Compliance, and Environmental Safety and Health.

TOOT YOUR HORN (or someone else's)!

• Paul Michaud, assistant vice president for HR at the University of Idaho, was chosen to receive the 2008 Excellence in Human Resource Management Award for the Northwest Region of the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources. It stems from his implementation of a benefit program to meet the needs of a diverse workforce. He received the award at the CUPA-HR NW Region Conference in Boise in May.

Everyone has a special story to tell. Been to a conference? Participated in a study abroad program? Won an award? Send your personal and professional accomplishments to sa-communications@uidaho.edu.

KUDOS KORNER!

Kudos to Becky Byers, recruitment and advising coordinator, Coeur d’Alene, for sharing Harbor Center news tips with University Communications staff while safeguarding student confidentiality.

Kudos to Karla Shelton, executive assistant to the president, for navigating and finessing the transition between presidents.

Kudos to Wendi Secrist, program director for the university's Boise Center for Higher Education, honored by Idaho Business Review in its 2008 "Accomplished Under 40" award. The award recognizes professional accomplishments, leadership, community involvement and long-term goals.

Kudos to Katie Dahlinger, student and young alumni program coordinator, in Alumni Relations, for all the alumni events that she continually promotes. She always seems excited about every event and she uses all avenues to get the word out.

To share your appreciation for a fellow staff member, send your kudos to sa-communications@uidaho.edu.