HUMAN RESOURCES (HR) CONNECTION

FALL 2003

Table of Contents

• New Contribution Limits for Tax-Deferred Retirement Savings
• eRecruit Online Application Coming Soon!
• U Can Change the Future! Campaign for our Community
• Last Chance to Register for Fall ODS Workshops - November/December 2003
• 2003 Staff Service Awards
• Getting the Most From Your Exercise Program
• 2003 Holidays and Special Closings
• HR Directory
• UUSAC President's Message
• We Are All Needed in Creating Winning Teams
• Looking Forward After a Satisfying "U" Professional Life
• You Want A Pay Increase? Make Some Noise!
• Investing for Retirement
• Heart to Heart, Staff to Staff Holiday Sharing for Valentine's Day
• UUSAC Directory

NEW CONTRIBUTION LIMITS FOR TAX-DEFERRED RETIREMETN SAVINGS

By participating in the 403(b) and 457(b) salary deferral plans, employees receive favored tax treatment on income directed into retirement savings. For 2004, the maximum contribution to each plan will increase to $13,000 (or $16,000 if you are age 50 or older). If you participate in both plans, you can defer up to $32,000 towards your retirement with tax-free dollars! (You may also be eligible for other catch-up contributions – contact the Benefits Department at 581-7447 for more information.)

Even though the contribution limits change each year, your payroll withholdings increase only if you specifically advise us to adjust the amount on a Salary Reduction Agreement form. You can find the form online at www.hr.utah.edu/forms or by contacting the Benefits Department.

If you are not currently participating in one of these tax-deferred retirement plans, contact the Benefits Department to obtain enrollment information. It’s never too early or too late to start saving for your retirement!

The 2004 compensation limit allows employer-paid retirement contributions to be made on your earnings up to $205,000 (or $305,000 if you were hired before January 1, 1996) although the employers contribution amount cannot exceed $41,000 in 2004.

eRECRUIT ON-LINE APPLICATION COMING SOON!

Human Resources will be implementing a new and improved online employment application in early November 2003. This application is part of the eRecruit system provided by PeopleSoft.

NEW Features for Applicants
The application will feature a new job list that allows candidates to filter open positions by job category, location, or key word. Once candidates have applied through eRecruit, they will be able to update an existing application, create customized applications for different jobs on different dates, include resume or cover letter text, and view their application history online.

NEW Features for Departments
The eRecruit application will also streamline the recruiting process for hiring managers and Human Resources. The University’s current online application requires applications to be manually entered into PeopleSoft each time a candidate applies for a job. With eRecruit, this process will be eliminated, which will enable hiring managers to view qualified applications at least 1-2 days earlier.

Human Resources and ACS are also working together to implement an online position requisition that will enable hiring managers to enter position information online. This will replace the current system which requires managers to complete paper requisitions that must be manually entered by HR. The online position requisition will be launched after the online application. The eRecruit application and requisition will allow hiring managers to fill critical positions more quickly through expedited job postings and efficient delivery of qualified applicants.

As these systems are made available, HR Service Teams will be available to answer questions and provide training. Welcome to the future of recruiting at the U!

U CAN CHANGE THE FUTURE! Campaign for our Community

Do you want to lend a helping hand but don’t have the time? Then donate to the annual Campaign for Our Community (CFOC). This fundraiser is the University of Utah’s campus-wide effort to help families, friends and neighbors in need. Campaign materials have been sent to you via campus mail. Please take a moment to read the materials. A few minutes of your time and donating as little as $1.00 can help someone in need. Please visit CFOC’s web site at www.cfoc.utah.edu for more information

FALL 2003 ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (ODS) WORKSHOPS FOR NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

It's not too late to enhance your professional and leadership skills. Register on-line today at www.hr.utah.edu/ods/ or call 585-2300.

2003 STAFF SERVICE AWARDS

GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR EXERCISE PROGRAM
James E. Graves, Dean - College of Health

Most of us recognize that there are certain benefits from participating in physical activity on a regular basis. Exercise can reduce risk factors for health problems such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and osteoporosis as well as improve functional capacity that contributes to the ability to perform activities of daily living. The health benefits associated with physical activity can improve quality of life for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.

What many of us do not recognize is the need to engage in a variety of physical activities to maximize the benefits we enjoy. Aerobic activities such as running, swimming, hiking, and cycling are required to develop cardiorespiratory capacity or endurance. Resistance exercises like weight lifting and calisthenics (push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, etc.) are required to develop muscular strength, and flexibility exercises such as stretching, yoga, or pilates are required to develop and maintain flexibility. Participation in only one kind of physical activity will result in only one kind of benefit.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that people participate in a well-rounded exercise program that consists of a variety of activities. Exercises to develop cardiorespiratory (aerobic) fitness should be completed three to five times per week for twenty to sixty minutes during each exercise session. The length of the aerobic activity depends on the exercise intensity. More strenuous aerobic activity can be performed over a shorter period of time to obtain the same benefit as longer exercise performed at a lower intensity. Muscle strengthening exercises should be completed two to three times a week. One set of eight to ten different exercises should be performed to condition all of the major muscle groups. The number of repetitions completed per exercise ranges from 8 to 12 for young and middle-aged individuals to 10 to 15 repetitions for older adults or individuals who are deconditioned. Flexibility exercises should be incorporated into the over all fitness program and performed a minimum of two to three times a week. Stretching exercises are a good way to warm up and cool down from either aerobic exercise or resistance exercise.

People often ask whether these different kinds of activities must be performed in a certain order, or during a specific time of day, or during the same or separate exercise sessions. The answer to this question is there is no one routine or schedule that is necessarily better than another. Things to consider are convenience and availability of facilities. A schedule that works well for you will be easiest to stick with over time. It is important to recognize that at least one days rest between exercise sessions is important when participating in strenuous physical activity. One can certainly engage in aerobic activity, however, during the recovery period from a strenuous weight work out. Seeking ways to increase the overall level of physical activity such as walking short distances and taking stairs instead of elevators can contribute significantly to the overall benefits of a structural exercise program.

Faculty and staff at the University of Utah, UU Hospitals and Clinics, and Primary Children’s Medical Center and Clinics who are interested in beginning an exercise program may contact the PEAK (Performance Enhancement through Applied Knowledge) Academy at 585-7325. The PEAK Academy offers a variety of fitness classes and cholesterol screening. Remember, it is always a good idea to consult with your primary physician before engaging in a new exercise program.

UUSAC PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

UUSAC Welcomes You and Needs Your Participation: We never cut corners in addressing your concerns or withhold our joy in celebrating “your” success!
Aaron White, President, UUSAC

We want to hear from you:
The University of Utah Staff Advisory Council (UUSAC) strives to serve you! Please contact me or one of our Executive Board Members to talk about any aspect of university life that you feel might be improved, praised or further developed. We work on your behalf and are always interested in hearing from you.

Here’s our website: www.utah.edu/uusac/

Here’s what we do for you:

• We set aside one-half hour in every UUSAC Board Meeting for any incoming concerns or questions. We take action.
• We work with other organizations on campus on your behalf. These groups include: Human Resources, the President’s Office, the Board of Trustees when necessary and any and all policy making entities at the University of Utah (e.g. Academic Senate, Curricular Councils, Institutional Policy and Procedures Offices).
• We will schedule a personal meeting with you or your department, if you request such a meeting.

We need you to work with us! We need you to take a minute to let us know how things are going.

UUSAC DIRECTORY

If you have story ideas or comments regarding information in this publication, please contact Sheri Gordon or Kathy Marlock. Visit UUSAC’s web site at www.utah.edu/uusac/

WE ARE ALL NEEDED IN CREATING WINNING TEAMS
Mark Stevens, Chair - Salaries, Wages and Benefits

The week before the Oregon game I noticed that USA Today listed the University of Utah football team as a 21/2 point underdog. Given it was a long day, and I didn’t have time to catch it all, I was looking forward to learning more about the outcome. When I woke up the next morning and caught the score: Oregon 13, Utah 17, I thought of the predicted point spread and the part of the game that I did catch. Not being on the field, it seems to me that the team repeatedly plays their hearts out for Urban Meyer. As far as I know, the football team is one of the most diverse groups on campus. The way that Coach Meyer brings everyone together and inspires them to perform with the feeling of esprit de corps absolutely amazes me.

It reminds me of the time that I was in high school and played football for Coach Bob Halgren. Coach Halgren retired the year that I graduated. When he first came to Charlo he was blessed with a bunch of big farm boys that could literally run over anyone. As the years went on, his teams kept getting smaller. Coach Halgren was a real innovator on the high school football field and his teams went eight years without losing a game.

While I don’t know Coach Meyer, I’m familiar with successful coaching. When I reflect on what makes a great team I think first, everyone knows their job on the field. Second, great teams tend to have successful coaches who know how to listen to team member’s concerns and suggestions. Third, good coaches always help their team members with life issues - on or off the field. Fourth, great teams are characterized by people who know how to reach out to each other, on or off the field. All this results in great teams scoring! Sometimes, in an awesome way!

I hope our U of U supervisors think of themselves, now and then, as coaches. I hope they think about how well everyone is performing. I like to ask if my team is winning and if I can contribute to the achievement of success. In the same way that it’s a good feeling to walk off the field from a successful game; I think it’s a great feeling to go home at the end of the day with the feeling you are part of a team that contributes to the overall success of the university. This is my hope for all staff members at the “U.” Afterall, we’re all needed if we’re going to create a winning team called the University of Utah.

LOOKING FORWARD AFTER A SATISFYING "U" PROFESSIONAL LIFE

It is with mixed emotions that I retire from the University of Utah. It has been a wonderful 15 years for me as the Assistant Director for Resident Life at Student Apartments. Working with the Resident Assistants, Community Safety Patrol, and Resident Council as well as all of the residents and families is probably the greatest work the University can offer.

Being able to further my education has also been a great opportunity. I am always impressed with the staff members who attend classes. I would encourage everyone to take at least one class while working here. It is a great experience!

In my position, I have had many opportunities to serve the university in volunteer positions. As Chair for the Campaign for our Community, I was able to work with the charitable organizations and other staff members toward serving those less fortunate in our community. It was a great year of success!

As a member of an international university housing organization, I was able to hold many Leadership positions. This would never have happened had I not been here at the University of Utah.

And last but not least, being a member of UUSAC has been a highlight. The work this group does is so vital in promoting important issues for the benefit of staff members of the university. Those who serve their fellow staff colleagues deserve a huge thank you. Getting involved in volunteer work makes a world of difference in the quality of your career.

I am sure my time spent at the University has been exceptional because of the exceptional staff members employed at University Student Apartments and the University at-large. I will miss all of this and all of you as I go on into another phase of my life.

Thanks for being part of a great time!

Sincerely yours,

Katherine Carr

YOU WANT A PAY INCREASE? MAKE SOME NOISE!
Christi Neal, Chair of UUSAC Legislative Issues Committee

Whether or not you are interested in what happens on Utah’s Capitol Hill, “How do you feel about Arnold the Terminator as Governor?” It might be time to think more about the issues, values and personalities in Utah politics that affect our lives. As a higher education staff member, probably you know this already. We see it in our paychecks. Where have the cost-of-living increases been for the last three years? The powers that be at the University of Utah have not been holding out on us, I can assure you. So where is the money? Well, that’s a good question. Someone has it and we want it. Let’s face it: we need it. The time is now. I am concerned that many employees at the “U” don’t feel valued especially by our state representatives. I am concerned that given the reduced funding which has occurred over time, the lack of pay raises is taking a toll on employee morale.

The University of Utah receives money from the state. That money is controlled by the legislature, which is comprised of our very own elected officials. It is far-fetched to say that “we control them”, but we can be influential in their decision making process. However, when we remain silent we are only hurting ourselves.

So what are we supposed to do? Go to the state capitol and demand money for the U? For ourselves? Well, yes! Times are tough, and like it or not, we need to be our own best advocates. We need to make some noise!

There are two simple steps I would like for each staff member to take. To gain the support of the state legislature, we have to ensure that our higher education concerns are heard. The best part of this is that is it easy to do. Here are two ways you can help yourself and all U staff:

1. Find out who on The Hill is representing you. Call your county clerk’s office or log on to www.utah.gov.
2. Call your elected officials and let them know that you are a higher education staff member and a voter. Feel free to voice your concerns and ask questions. They will listen.

Also, the Legislative Issues Committee is planning a Staff Day at the Capitol, which will likely take place in early February 2004 (details will follow in future publications). To have an impact, we must go to the capitol and ensure we are seen and heard. Imagine a large number of higher education advocates converging on the Capitol and speaking with legislators about higher education issues. They will take notice!

I have this vision of all of the U’s staff getting involved to make a positive change for ourselves. By communicating with our state representatives we have the chance to influence their perception of who we are and to make ourselves a priority on their agendas. As Chair of the Legislative Issues Committee for UUSAC, I see the employees at the U as some of the most dedicated and diligent people I have ever known - and we deserve better. We can make those who hold the purse strings see that, too, but we have to make our voices heard.

• Almost everyone knows that you largely get what you pay for in the marketplace. To continue providing a high quality product – aka a university education – the University of Utah needs more funding to ensure that high quality staff, faculty and administrators work at the “U.”

For those who may not be aware of the positive contributions the U makes to the state, as well as the challenges facing this organization, take a moment to consider the following:

The value of higher education in Utah:

• In Utah’s nine public institutions of higher education, there are 43,296* employees.
• The University of Utah employs more than 18,000** persons who support the state through tax dollar contributions; we do our part in helping to sustain Utah’s economic base and we take pride in the contributions of our organization.

• Almost everyone knows that you largely get what you pay for. To continue providing a first-rate product – a university education, top-notch medical facilities, and cutting edge research – the University of Utah needs more funding to ensure that high quality staff, faculty, and administrators work here.
• The cost of employee benefits continually increases thereby challenging the institution to sustain strong service.
• Therefore, legislative monies are needed to function in the manner befitting the state’s flagship institution, the University of Utah.

Imagine, if 18,000 employees called their legislators and took a trip to the state Capitol to try to build a bridge between “us” and “them” – what a difference we could make!

*Source: Utah System of Higher Education, Data Book 2003-2004, Table 1, USHE Employee FTE Count for Fall, 2002.

**Source: Working for Utah

INVESTING FOR RETIREMENT

What’s the biggest factor in long-term investment performance?
It’s easy to think that a sound strategy for strong long-term investment success depends on making the right picks at the right time. But such an approach would rely on luck more than it would on skill. Studies of long-term investment success have found that careful, consistent asset allocation – not individual stock-picking or market timing – was responsible for most of the gains in an investment portfolio. Experts claim that over 90 percent of your long-term return depends on asset allocation.

What is asset allocation?
An asset class approach to investing means dividing your funds among different asset classes: equities (stocks), fixed-income (bonds and money market), real estate and guaranteed investments. Depending on economic and market conditions, you should apportion a percentage of your investment money into different asset classes. To get the best result for the long-term, financial experts recommend that you use a broadly diversified investment strategy.

How can diversification make a difference?
Diversifying or spreading your investment funds among different asset classes rather than specific securities in one class—e.g., different types of individual stocks—may provide stronger overall returns over time. That’s because different asset classes are affected differently by changes in economic and market conditions. In other words, the upward movement of the asset class of stocks may offset the downward movement of another class like bonds or real estate. Of course this depends on what’s happening in the economy at a given time.

How do you choose the best asset allocation strategy?
Finding the right allocation mix depends on your tolerance for risk and how long you need to be invested. You need to determine how much investment volatility (potential for loss) you can tolerate, given your age, and your goals. Based on these factors, you should choose a mix of investments that represents a combination of asset classes best suited to your needs. It’s also important to evaluate your portfolio from time to time, to see if your allocation strategy is appropriate for you. Keep in mind, that diversification does not guarantee against loss.

Where can I find examples of asset allocation models?
You can find sample portfolio models by logging onto www.tiaa-cref.org at the TIAA-CREF Web Center, where you have secure access to an Asset Allocation calculator. Professional Consultants at TIAA-CREF (800 842-2776) are also available to help you with any questions you might have regarding your asset allocation decisions.

TIAA-CREF is one of the five investment companies the University contracts with to administer our supplemental retirement plans. Our other investment companies include: Fidelity, Valic, Zurich-Kemper, and Met Life. All our investment companies provide these planning services by internet, phone or individual counseling sessions for your convenience. For more information about the plans or to obtain an enrollment packet, please contact the University Benefits Department at 581-7447.

HEART-TO-HEART, STAFF-TO-STAFF HOLIDAY SHARING FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

Starting January 5 through February 9, 2004 UUSAC will be collecting canned goods and grocery store gift certificates to put into gift baskets for our own U of U staff members as a way to say, “you are appreciated!” All program and department names will go into a hat for a random drawing; the baskets will be delivered to the staff in those areas, just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Please watch for the donation boxes in your work areas and around the campus! If you wish to contribute, financially, or send a grocery store gift certificate feel free to send them either to: Sheri Gordon, in the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) at 615 Arapeen Drive, Room 110, (Phone 7-9619), OR to Kathy Marlock, Office of Undergraduate Studies 130 Sill Center, (Phone 5-9876).

What better way to say, we are all part of the same campus family, and thank you, we care about you!

2003 HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL CLOSINGS

Thursday, November 27 - Thanksgiving Day (PPH)
Friday, November 28 - Day after Thanksgiving
Thursday, December 25 - Christmas Day (PPH)

If employed by January 1, 2003, two personal preference days must be taken before December 31, 2003.

PPH: Premium Pay Holidays for University Hospital Staff.

OTHER ADDITIONAL CLOSINGS
Wednesday, December 24 Christmas Eve*
Friday, December 26 Day after Christmas*

*The additional closings do not apply to employees of University Hospitals and Clinics and identified employees in Health Sciences departments, and other departments providing critical services.

HR DIRECTORY