Feature Story: Have Some Holiday Shopping?
Sydney Wood, employee relations specialist
The holidays are approaching quickly, and I, for one, am trying to avoid the inevitable panic buying of last-minute holiday gifts this year. Not only am I procrastinator when it comes to gift buying, I am also a self-accepted awful gift-giver. With the internet at my fingertips and a tight timeline, I get quickly overwhelmed and usually end up buying . . .
Get-to-Know a Broncho
Sydney Richardson, engagement and outreach coordinator, Office for Advancement
What is your background?
I grew up in Edmond, and after high school, I attended UCO where I earned my B.B.A in Marketing and a Minor in Leadership. My time on campus was never boring! Between leadership organizations, my sorority and the many internships I was lucky enough to have, I learned a lot about myself and my passions. This eventually led me back to campus in an . . .
Planned Giving Matters
Kandace Taylor, marketing and public relations director, Office for Advancement
A simple question often asked is, “What is it?” Throughout the day, the question can easily arise and lead to any number of simple responses. That same question to a chemist, however, can be much more complex. Chemists turn to science and trusted instruments in order to identify exactly what something is – or what it could become.
Throughout . . .
Retirement Planning Seminars
Oklahoma Teachers’ Retirement System
The Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) of Oklahoma is happy to begin its Fall 2021 Retirement Planning Seminar series. TRS encourages members within 5 years of retirement to attend this FREE seminar to help them understand their retirement benefits and plan for the future.
These seminars will be held virtually via Zoom Webinars. Participants will . . .
Refresher Course Alert: Governance at UCO
Jill Lynch Silva, talent development specialist
You may or may not know that there are several groups that help keep our university thriving: the Oklahoma State Regents for Education and Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) are strong examples. Equally important are the voices of our Staff and Faculty members through our Staff and Faculty Senates and of course, UCOSA (University of Central . . .
Holiday Thoughts on Safety
Jeff Mlekush, coordinator safety operations
The holidays are coming around again, and we’d like to bring safe practices to the forefront of your thoughts during this most exciting time of year. The season brings joy and cheer, but fatigue, frustration, and added responsibilities can also fall upon us. We tend to ignore warning signs, act unsafely around hazards, or rush around. . . .
October Policy Changes
Mary Deter-Billings, manager of employee relations
Employee Relations conducts a review of current UCO policies and updates as necessary in partnership with those who manage the policy. In October, the following policy changes have been made:
- Anti-Nepotism in the Employment of Relatives policy was updated to clarify the current process in requesting exceptions.
- Transfers and Promotions policy was discontinued as the policy has no actual steps or requirements.
- Unpaid Intern policy was updated to include links to training plan example and template documents. References to Volunteer Employee policy was removed.
- Volunteer Employee policy was discontinued as the policy did not reflect actual practice. Volunteers at events sign a Participant Waiver and are not limited to faculty/staff members.
Visit the Policy Changes page on The Hub to see a full list . . .
Screening Committee Training Updates
Jill Lynch Silva, talent development specialist
Do you have an open position in your department? Are you planning to hire a new team member in the near future? If so, you may need to review the updated UCO Screening Committee online training. This version is bursting full of new knowledge, resources and updated procedures that will help you separate the best from the rest.
In this new iteration . . .
Understanding Equity
Cristi Moore, Inclusion Strategist
A primary function of the Office of Inclusive Community is to promote the use of equity-mindedness throughout all facets of higher education and workplace policies, practices, procedures, curriculum, norms, etc. We want all of our faculty and staff to view their work through an equity-mindset in order to advance diversity and inclusion.
As we work . . .