VP for Human Resources search narrows to three candidates
Three finalists have been selected in the search for UF’s newly created position of vice president for human resources. The finalists are Paul Michaud, director of human resources at Florida International University; Kyle Cavanaugh, human resources director at the University of Texas-Austin; and Loretta Harper, vice president of human resources at the University of Utah.

The VP for human resources will carry out UF President Bernie Machen’s vision for reorganizing and streamlining the human resources functions at the university. Final interviews are currently underway, and President Machen is expected to announce the new vice president finalist later this month.

The Small Business Conference and Trade Fair scheduled for March
The 14th annual Small Business Conference and Trade Fair is scheduled for March 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Hilton Conference Center.

Participants may register on line for conference workshops and trade fair or registration forms may be obtained by contacting the Division of Small Business and Vendor Diversity Relations at (352) 392-1331, ext. 308 or via e-mail at bmills@ufl.edu.

Vendor spaces are still available and can be purchased for $125 for small/minority businesses, $150 for government agencies, and $300 for corporations.

Group Benefits Enrollment now available on a biweekly basis
In an effort to help new employees sign up for their benefits packages, University Benefits and Retirement is now offering Group Benefits Enrollment on a bi-weekly basis. New employees may enroll in the various insurance options provided by the university—including health, life, and supplemental insurance plans; flexible spending accounts; and a variety of other options.

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Experiencing a work or life-event status change?
UF employees experiencing or expecting to experience a “qualifying status change” should contact University Benefits and Retirement as soon as possible to ensure they receive the appropriate benefits. Employees have only 31 days after a qualifying event occurs to make coverage changes.

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Announcing open enrollment for term life insurance
The annual open enrollment for term life insurance will be held from March 1 to 31 for all eligible employees with an FTE of .50 or greater. Current participants will have an opportunity to increase or decrease coverage levels, and non-participants will have an opportunity to enroll.

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Added dependents to any plans lately?
If you added dependents to any of your state-sponsored benefits plans during last fall’s benefits open enrollment period as a new hire or due to a qualifying status event, the People First Service Center—UF’s new state-sponsored benefits administrator—is requiring dependent documentation.

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Double deductions begin for 9- and 10-month Academic Personnel
To ensure continued coverage for health, state life, optional and supplemental insurances during the summer, 9- and 10-month academic personnel will have double deductions taken from their paychecks beginning with the February 4 paycheck and continuing through May 13.

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Don’t allow others to create an online resume using your sign-on
As a UF employee, you should use the portal to apply for other TEAMS/USPS positions. To view current job postings go to My Self Service > Jobs at UF > View Job Postings.

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Develop your project management or communications skills
Training and Development will present several week-long series of programs designed to improve the performance of UF faculty and staff. All Training and Development sessions are provided as a benefit of employment and are, therefore, free to UF employees.

Now What? A Series on Project Management includes courses on project management principles, teamwork, priorities and delegation, problem solving, and relationship strategies. Sessions in this series will be held February 8 to 10.

According to Ruth Hernandez, a project management instructor, “employees can have a more positive work experience by understanding project functions and understanding how relationships, decision making, and priorities play a vital role in project management.”

Can We Talk? Improving Workplace Relationships Through Effective Communications is scheduled for February 22 to 24. Attendees can expect to learn about many facets of communication from communicating more confidently and assertively to managing conflict and relationships.

Just as the name suggests, Be Your Best Week gives employees the foundation to “be their best.” By transforming attitudes and understanding how to overcome change, employees are better equipped to handle life and work struggles. This series includes the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) course that identifies preferences for taking in information, making decisions, and communicating with others.

“A positive experience in the workplace is an essential part of being productive and successful in life,” said Jodi Gentry, associate director for the Division of Human Resources.

Employees may attend part or all of any series offered by Training and Development while space is available. To register, visit www.hr.ufl.edu/training.

Training Interest Group (TIG) will meet February 11
Kim Raymond, assistant director for the Career Resource Center, will discuss the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) and discuss how both organizations can provide a resource for networking and professional development.

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