MyLU Insider

Rochelle Blindauer

Author: Rochelle Blindauer

New hires and job changes: Jan. 11

The following colleagues have been hired, rehired or have a new position within the last two weeks. If you see them on campus, please welcome them to Lawrence or congratulate them on their new position!

  • Brandon Sumnicht, custodian (Campus Services)
  • Gabrielle Heather Hass, Academy intern (Academy of Music)
  • Kylie Fischer, health and wellness intern (Health and Wellness)
  • Janet Wagner, associate director of major and planned giving (Development)
  • Lukas Watson, assistant baseball coach (Athletics)
  • Marcella O’Malley, associate director of admissions, director
    of alumni admissions engagement (Development)
  • Patrick Randerson, custodian (Warch Campus Center)

Careers at Lawrence

Take a look at our current openings and share with those you think may be a great addition to the Lawrence community!

Despite all the cold and snow, we are excited to be thinking about summer employment for 2017!

Please check out the timeline of events—opportunities will be posted on LUworks by Jan. 23.

If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please apply directly or send your resume and cover letter to human resources at humanresources@lawrence.edu.

Receive your W-2 electronically

All staff and faculty,

We highly encourage you to consider receiving your W-2 electronically and 1095-C electronically. Below are some of the benefits of doing so:

  • You will receive your W-2 faster, approximately one week earlier than traditional mail.
  • You avoid the possibility of having your paper statement getting lost, misdirected or delayed during delivery.
  • You avoid having a document that has your Social Security number and other personal information on it that could leave you vulnerable to identity theft.
  • It’s convenient. You can access your W-2 anywhere at any time that is convenient for you, the same easy way you access your pay information and paid time off accruals.
  • It’s green! You will help save paper, your time and resources for Lawrence University.

Log in to Voyager. Go to Employee Services > Tax Forms > Electronic W-2 Consent and 1095-C Consent. Select My Choice next to Consent to receive W-2 electronically and Consent to receive 1095-C electronically and submit. If you chose this option last year, it is still valid.

Please contact the payroll office at payroll@lawrence.edu or 920-832-6539 with any questions.

 

PHA results and planning for improvement

Those of you (and spouse/domestic partner) who participated in the Personal Health Assessment (PHA) may be getting contacted from our RN Educator, Laurie Ehlers. She is reaching out to individuals to discuss results and a plan for improvement, specifically elevated blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels. Laurie is here to help—please embrace this opportunity to work with her.

Laurie Ehlers, RN, CDE
RN Educator
Room 102, Memorial Hall
920-832-7498
laurie.ehlers@lawrence.edu

January WELLU update

New Class at the Wellness Center—Cuong Nhu Martial Arts
Starting Jan. 10 in the Wellness Center we are proud to offer Cuong Nhu Martial Arts. Classes will be on Tuesdays and Fridays from noon to 12:45 p.m. Classes are open to everyone and all skill levels. Anyone can become a good member in Cuong Nhu as long as they have the desire and determination to do so.

Cuong Nhu means “hard-soft” in Vietnamese. Cuong Nhu offers a wide variety of techniques that are the result of blending seven styles of martial arts. Cuong Nhu is excellent for self-defense. The wide variety of techniques enable one to apply techniques accordingly when faced with various situations.

Mark Your Calendar—Weight Loss & You: New Exercise & Nutrition Strategies to Reach Your Goals
Join us Friday, Jan. 13 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Warch Campus Center (Kraemer Room) for the Weight Loss & You presentation. This presentation will discuss successfully setting weight-loss goals and achieving them. We will also discuss what is new in the weight-loss world and learn more about the research coming from the National Weight Loss Control Registry.

WELLU Massage Sign-up
One-hour massages for $20?!? You read the right! Reserve your spot for a one-hour massage at the YMCA for only $20. Massage appointments can be made for any date during the second term. There is a limit of one massage per person per term. Contact Erin Buenzli to schedule your appointment.

Health Smart Class—Boot Camp
In partnership with the city of Appleton, we are excited to offer boot camp classes right here in downtown Appleton. Achieve your fitness goals with this high-energy, drill-based, interval session! Take charge of your day with this balanced workout combining cardio and strength exercises. We will use functional movements to improve the cardiovascular and muscular systems. Your agility, strength, cardiovascular fitness and core stabilization will be challenged through body-weight and equipment-based drills. Classes are held at the City Center Plaza. Please see this flier for registration information.

Managing Stress as a Working Parent
Many parents hold full- or part-time jobs. However, being a parent on its own is one of the hardest jobs anyone could take on. Couple that with the stress of a career and it can be too much for anyone. It’s not uncommon to experience guilt and frustration trying to balance both work and family obligations and end up focusing on the things you can’t do or what you’re missing out on. The key to managing both worlds is focusing on the things that you can accomplish and making the most of the time you have at work, with your family and on your own. Read this article from Hays Companies.

It’s not too late to get your flu shot at the Health Center

Flu cases are on the rise, and health officials are urging people to take precautions. Simple steps, including getting a flu shot, help protect against the flu.

There have been 161 influenza cases to date in Wisconsin this flu season and 95 influenza-associated hospitalizations, including eight children and 78 adults ages 50 and older. Of those hospitalized with influenza, 63 percent were ages 65 years and older.

“Getting a flu shot is still one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family and friends against the flu and potential complications,” said State Health Officer Karen McKeown. “There are also many simple steps people can take now to avoid spreading the flu to family and friends, and to keep from getting it themselves, including practicing good hand washing hygiene, covering your cough, and not sharing drinking cups and straws.”

Influenza can range from mild to severe and in some cases can cause life-threatening complications. Symptoms can come on quickly and include fever, headache, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, body aches and tiredness. If someone does get the flu after getting vaccinated, it is more likely to be a milder case.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone aged six months and older should be vaccinated annually. To schedule a flu shot, contact your health care provider, pharmacy, local public health department or tribal health clinic, or go to the CDC website to find a flu vaccination center near you.

Health officials encourage you to remember these steps for protecting against the flu:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with your upper sleeve and try to avoid touching your face with your hand. If you use a tissue, throw it away after one use.
  • Use your own drinking cups and straws.
  • Avoid being exposed to people who are sick with flu-like symptoms.
  • Eat nutritious meals, get plenty of rest and do not smoke.
  • Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, refrigerator handle, telephone, faucets).
  • If you think you have the flu, call your doctor. Stay home, rest, drink plenty of liquids and avoid using alcohol and tobacco.

*Department of Health Services

Contact Jill Drier, director of health services, for more information and to schedule your flu shot today!

Remember: Snow and ice safety

Snow and ice storms often include dangerous sheets of ice and banks of snow, transforming parking lots, steps and sidewalks into precarious situations for faculty, staff and students to navigate. Major contributing factors causing slips and falls include: improper footwear for winter conditions, walking too fast for conditions or carrying laptops or other materials. The following information will help reduce the chance of a slip and fall injury. 

When walking over snow and ice, remember to:

  • Choose the right type of footwear
    • Wear slip-resistant shoes or boots and dry off your shoes as soon as possible after entering a building.
    • High heels: Office staff should wear shoes or boots with good traction and then change into dress shoes after arriving.
    • Avoid wearing high heels outdoors.
  • Go slow on ice and snow
    • Take shorter steps, keeping feet shoulder-width apart.
    • Walk slowly and deliberately so you can react to traction changes.
    • Change your gait when walking on a slippery area—walk with your feet slightly turned out for better balance and make wide turns.
    • Use caution when entering buildings and use rugs and mats to remove tracked-in snow (wet shoes on dry floors are almost as dangerous as dry shoes on wet floors).
  • Take the best route
    • Look for slip hazards and scan the path of travel.
    • Follow the clearest route to your entrance, even if it’s not the most direct.
    • Avoid areas that have not been cleared.
  • Avoid carrying items
    • Keep your hands empty so that your arms are free to move for stabilization—use bags or backpacks if needed.
    • Don’t carry packages that block your view.
    • Drop off heavier loads near the door to avoid carrying them a long distance.
    • If you must carry something, use a rolling cart and keep loads small and balanced.
  • Safe falling techniques
    • When you feel yourself start to fall, let your body go limp. This will allow your body to naturally roll into the fall.
    • Keep your wrist, elbows and knees bent. Don’t try to break your fall.
    • Tuck your chin in and throw your arms up to protect your head.