HR Update; June 20, 2008

In this Edition

Nurses Receive Specialty Certification Differential Pay

California Nurses Association (CNA)-represented employees are eligible to receive Special Certification Differential pay. Article 40 - Compensation, Section B, provides for the following:

1. Full-time, part-time career, and special per diem nurses will receive Specialty Certification Differential when:

The certification is from a University-recognized professional organization board or agency;
The nurse is in a position in the specialty in which s/he is certified; and
The nurse maintains current certification.

Qualifying, full-time career nurses will receive $100 per month (or $92.31 per quadri-weekly cycle), and qualifying part-time nurses will receive a prorated amount on the basis of the appointment rate.

2. Qualifying per diem nurses who have worked at least 1,000 hours in the previous contract year shall receive a one-time, non-base building lump sum payment of $600. Review of qualifying hours shall be accomplished in the first month of the new contract year and shall be paid as soon as practicable thereafter.

To help insure that nurses offered a position with UCSF are informed of these benefits, the UCSF Offer Letter Generator has been amended to include language informing a new UCSF nurse that s/he may be eligible for Specialty Certification Differential pay.

While a nurse may not currently possess a specialty certification, a nurse may receive a certification in his/her specialty during the course of the year. So it’s a good practice to ask the employee as part of his/her annual performance evaluation review if s/he has received a certification during the preceding year.

If you have any questions, please contact your Labor and Employee Relations Analyst.

UCSF Supplement to Military Pay Extended Two Years

The Policy on the Supplement to Military Pay, which was set to expire on June 30, 2008, has been extended through June 30, 2010. The University of California will continue to provide reasonable assistance to the University academic and staff personnel who are serving on active military duty in the Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Noble Eagle, and Operation Iraqi Freedom campaigns, and any other campaigns in connection with the national state of emergency declared in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Employees who serve in such campaigns are eligible for benefits under the Policy on Supplement to Military Pay.

The Policy on the Supplement to Military Pay provides eligible employees with supplemental payments equal to the difference between the employees’ University base pay and their military pay and allowances, and continues the University contribution to health plan premiums (collectively, “benefits"). Some employees are not eligible for the supplemental pay benefit because their military pay exceeds their University wages. For the individuals who do not receive supplemental pay, the University will provide the employer-paid portion of the health plan premium when the employee continues to make the employee contribution.

Employees who are called to active military duty after July 1, 2008 will receive benefits under the policy until the end of the employee’s active military commitment or until June 30, 2010, whichever comes first. If an employee is not eligible for the supplemental payments because the military pay exceeds their University wages, the University will pay the UC contribution for those employees who continue to make the employee contribution to health plan coverage. All employees receiving either or both the supplemental pay benefit and the employer health plan contribution are subject to a two-year lifetime limit on benefits, retroactive to December 14, 2001 (the policy’s original implementation date).

The implementation guidelines have been revised to reflect the extension of the policy.

Keeping UCSF a Smoke-Free Workplace

On July 1, 2005, UCSF became smoke-free when the Smoke-Free Workplace policy was updated to prohibit smoking on UCSF campus grounds. This change followed an announcement by Chancellor Bishop stating that UCSF would amend its smoking policy to provide that, with the exception of designated areas for patients and family members, all University-owned or leased property will be smoke-free.

The University has made various efforts to increase awareness and education with respect to the no-smoking policy including but not limited to: installing and strategically positioning signage at campus locations with areas of heavy traffic or high visibility; communications to staff and faculty on the responsibilities associated with the policy as well as information on smoking cessation programs; and removal of any chairs and/or smoking bins that enable smoking in certain areas on campus. The University has recently decided to eliminate the previously designated smoking areas effective November 20, 2008. The University will continue to review current educational efforts and, as needed, will implement additional efforts in order to continue to increase awareness. Communication regarding these additional policy enhancements will be forthcoming as details emerge.

Despite these efforts, repeated violations continue to be observed, often by the same persons at the same locations, and even after being reminded that the University has a smoke-free policy. Supervisors are responsible for enforcing the no-smoking policy, just as they are responsible for enforcement of all other University policies. All members of the UCSF community are encouraged to approach individuals observed violating the policy and educate them of the policy.

UCSF is committed to the health of all staff and visitors by reducing their exposure to secondhand smoke, and the support of the community is required to ensure that the policy is adhered to and administered in a consistent manner. Resources for smokers who would like to quit are available on campus at the Mt. Zion UCSF Tobacco Education Center (call 885-7895 or on the web). Questions regarding this policy can be directed to Mark Gottas, Labor and Employee Relations Coordinator, at

Upcoming Development and Training Classes

Click on the course name below to learn more and register. For a complete listing of all upcoming Development and Training classes, go to the course catalog.

** Supervisory Training **

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
June 25, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, $0

** Customer Service **

Working with Integrity: Ethics for the UCSF Community
Jul 9, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, $35

** Business and Administrative Processes Courses **

General Ledger / Fund Accounting Using OLFS Weblinks – Part II
July 10, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., $35

OLPPS Inquiry & Entry/Update Training (a three-day course)
Jul 28 – Aug 1, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., $0

** Technical Support Partnership **

Information Security Fundamentals
Jul 9, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., $0

** Computer based Training – eLearning ‘Live on Line’ **

Excel Techniques (Live on Line)
Jul 15, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m., $49

Managing and Organizing your Inbox in Outlook (Live on Line)
Jul 8, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m., $49

Microsoft Word Techniques (Live on Line)
Jul 29, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., $49

PowerPoint Techniques (Live on Line)
June 26, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m., $49

Total Organization (Live on Line)
Jul 22, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. $49

** Computer Software Training at Laurel Heights Campus **

Filemaker 8 Introduction NEW
Aug 4, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., $135

Access 2
Jul 24 – 25, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., $255

Excel 1
Jul 8, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., $135

Excel 2
Jul 11, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., $135

Excel 3
Jul 14, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., $135

Microsoft Project 1
Jul 17, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., $135

Microsoft Project 2
Jul 18, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., $135

PowerPoint 1
Jul 21, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., $135

** Computer Software Training at AcademyX in Downtown SF **

In addition to courses on the UCSF Campus, we offer a full range of computer training (Microsoft, Adobe, web, and programming) in downtown San Francisco. To learn more go to http://training.ucsf.edu. Then use ‘Search Class Catalog’ or click on the big green button, ‘Choose Classes and Enroll Online’.

Fanni Munoz Goes to Washington

When Fanni Munoz immigrated to the United States in 1998, she brought with her a Master’s degree in psychology and roughly 10 years of counseling experience in her native country of Peru. Yet Fanni experienced a number of challenges translating her well-earned education and talent to an administrative career in her new home. Fanni recognized that the path toward her desired career required overcoming the obstacle of mastering English as a second language and establishing a solid background of work experience. Fanni approached these challenges enthusiastically and received some valuable help along the way.

Always self-motivated and determined, Fanni sought out a wide array of educational programs and services to support her goals and objectives. One of the programs, Lifelong Learning Accounts (better known as LiLA), is a federal program that offers funding, in partnership with employers and state agencies, to provide better access to vocational-related educational programs for individuals seeking career growth opportunities. Fanni joined our staff at UCSF in July of 2000 as an Administrative Assistant I through Temporary Employment (TEP) and has applied principles of hard work and continuous learning that earned her the Client Services Analyst position that she holds today.

Next week, Fanni will travel to Washington DC to provide testimony before Congress on how valuable the LiLA program has been in supporting her career growth objectives. Fanni was selected to testify before Congress from a lottery of individuals who have benefitted from participation in the LiLa program.

“With the financial assistance provided by LiLa, I was able to take English as a second language courses at City College and a Human Resources Certification Program at SFSU,” Fanni describes. “I plan to share with Congress how valuable the LiLA program has been to me and also how much I appreciate the opportunities that UCSF has provided for my continuous learning and career growth.”

Fanni looks forward to providing testimony in support of the LiLA program with the hope that Congress will continue to value and fund such important programs that offer a positive impact on people’s lives. We wish Fanni all the best on her exciting Washington adventure.

Every Step Counts: UCSF’s Walking Program and Free Gait Analysis

Everyone can benefit from increased physical activity, including walking. Take your first steps towards a healthier lifestyle and sign up for the UCSF Walking Program today. Free pedometers are still available to faculty, staff, students, residents, and post-docs who sign up. For more information about the program and to register, visit http://ucsf.pyrasports.com.

If you’re already registered for the Walking Program, now is the time to integrate walking into your daily schedule. To get you started, Sarah Delaney, Millberry Fitness Center Personal Trainer, will be leading a walk at four different campus locations. Each walk begins at 12:30 p.m. and lasts for 30 minutes. Individuals of all abilities and fitness levels are encouraged to participate. No advanced registration is required. Just show up at the designated location with your walking shoes!

Mission Bay - Monday, June 30 - Meet at the Owen Street entrance of the Mission Bay Community Center Building

MCB - Tuesday, July 1 - Meet at the entrance of MCB (near the shuttle stop)

Laurel Heights - Wednesday, July 2 - Meet in front of the entrance at 3333 California Street (by the fountain)

Parnassus - Thursday July 3 - Meet in front of Central Desk, located on the J level of Millberry Union

Receive a Free Gait Analysis on June 25

The UCSF Walking Program is partnering with Sports Basement to offer a free Gait Analysis Clinic for all UCSF faculty, staff, students, residents, and post-docs. Athletic shoes are designed to absorb shock and control excessive movement of the joints in your foot whether you’re walking or running. To best perform these tasks, shoes need to match the anatomical characteristics of your foot. The closer the match, the lower the rate and risk of injury. The gait evaluation takes only a few minutes. Come learn about what types of running and/or walking shoes are best for your feet on June 25 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Millberry Union fitness center, 500 Parnassus.

UC Retirement Readiness Education Programs

Are you ready for retirement? Are your ducks all in a row? Start to plan now-it’s never too early.

Please pass this on to your colleagues, circulate invitations, post the actual schedules, or otherwise re-broadcast these weekly reminders about our valuable (free) education programs for faculty and staff. Bring your lunch, your questions, your spouse/partner…

Come to a noontime presentation to learn about the University of California Retirement System.

The features of the UC Retirement Plan (UCRP)—UC’s Defined Benefit Plan

Attend a workshop at a UCSF location near you

Scheduled Workshops (PDF)
Presented by UCSF HR/Benefits

Slide Show (PDF)
The Future of UCRP

UC Retirement Savings Plans—the 403(b), 457(b) and DC Plans

A Fidelity Professional is available to facilitate the following Retirement Readiness Workshops for your department (how to schedule a workshop):

Enrolling in Your UC Retirement Savings Program
Determining Your Right Investment Strategy
Achieving a Sound Retirement
Understand the How-to’s of Fidelity’s NetBenefits Website

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