HR Update; June 26, 2009

In this Edition

UCSF Voluntary Separation Program & Frequently Asked Questions

With the recent news about the University’s budget, many options to reduce costs are being considered. One option that may be appropriate in some situations is a newly approved Voluntary Separation Program.

The UCSF Voluntary Separation Program (VSP) provides an opportunity for non-probationary career staff to apply for consideration. Under the guidelines of the program, if your application is accepted, you will receive a severance payment based on your classification and length of your service at UC.

If you separate from UCSF under this program, you will agree not to seek re-employment at any University of California location for at least three years. If you return to any University location within the three year period, you will be required to repay some portion of the severance payment.

The Executive Vice Chancellor/Provost, Dean or Vice Chancellor will make the final decision about whether to accept an application, based on the business needs of the school or department.

You will probably have a number of questions as you consider this opportunity. The program guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions at the website listed above include detailed information to answer those questions, including which positions are eligible to apply.

The application period begins on July 1 and ends on September 30, 2009, and the effective date of separation under the program will be no later than October 31, 2009.

We are pleased to offer this program as a way for employees to help the campus reduce staffing costs in the current difficult budget climate.

Please print and share this information with those who do not have access to a computer.

July Development & Training Classes

The performance management series begins in July. In this four-part series, you’ll learn to manage employee commitment and performance by improving the quality and frequency of your interactions. Please take the series in the following sequence:

Setting Performance Expectations
July 16, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., $35
Coaching for Improved Performance
July 23, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., $35
Conducting Performance Appraisals
August 6, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., $35
Delegating for Success and Accountability
August 13, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., $35

More July Classes:

Business of Listening
Improve your active listening skills, identify your own listening style, and help others listen to you
Tuesday, July 21, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., $35
Effective Communication Skills
Build skills needed to communicate successfully at work
(Elective in Supervisory Certificate Program and in Curriculum in Administrative Support Excellence)
Wednesday July 29, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., $35
Information Security Policy and Privacy Practices
Helps IT professionals understand security regulations and policies along with their UCSF roles and responsibilities.
Tuesday, July 7, 1:00 – 3:00, $0
Working with Integrity: Ethics for the UCSF Community
Provides tools and processes for effective ethical decision making
Tuesday, July 28, 9 – 11 a.m., $35

Learn more go to the Development & Training website Course Catalog and Enrollment. For more information, contact Development & Training at 476-4032.

Serving You: Compensation & Strategic Rewards

Our “serving you” series reminds you and your staff about the comprehensive selection of services the Human Resources department provides to the University community. We want to keep you informed about the services we provide, as well as reacquaint you with the people who administer them. We encourage collaboration with your department and our office, and welcome the opportunity to meet with you and your staff at any time.

Featured this week:

Compensation & Strategic Rewards: The UCSF Strategic Plan speaks directly to our critical need to “provide a supportive work environment to recruit and retain the best people and position UCSF for the future.” Effective strategies and systems for employee compensation and rewards are important components in our efforts to maintain UCSF as an “employer of choice” as we compete for the well prepared and highly skilled talent that will support our organizational strategies.

The Compensation and Strategic Rewards unit partners with campus clients to deliver compensation and rewards programs tailored to the unique programs and business strategies at UCSF. We design salary structures and rewards programs that incorporate an assessment of both internal and market equity; provide consultation and tools to assist campus clients with effective salary administration and job evaluation; and deliver training and guidance that support effective and equitable compensation decisions.

Read more about Compensation & Strategic Rewards services and the people who provide them.

Monitoring Worldwide Outbreak of H1N1 Flu

As everyone knows, H1N1 Flu is being closely monitored. Please refer to the UCSF Today website for the latest information on UCSF’s response to this public health situation.

The San Francisco Department of Public Health website is an excellent source of information about the flu and what to do prevent exposure.

In addition, read about general guidance that has been prepared to address common HR questions and answers in the event of pandemic flu or other hazard that might cause disruption at work.

Updates and Options in the Event of a BART Strike

BART is currently negotiating labor contracts. There’s no indication that a service disruption will definitely occur, but if a settlement isn’t reached it’s possible that BART service may be affected as early as Wednesday, July 1. Sign up for official BART news updates, or follow a BART RSS feed to receive the latest on BART service status.

Managers are advised to discuss the possibility of a BART strike with staff who may be affected and consider if there will be appropriate alternatives to the normal work hours and approved location. One link with options is on the Bay Area Rapid Transit website.

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