MyLU Insider

Andy Robinson

Author: Andy Robinson

New Employees

If you see them on campus, please welcome them to Lawrence!

New Employees:

Carla Molder – Executive Assistant to the Provost and Dean of the Faculty

Chris Clarke – Dean of Students

Ma Cismeros -Custodian

Jennifer Freienmuth – Assistant Director of Annual Giving

Samara Morris – Teacher of Clarinet

Megan Lyons – Staff Psychologist

Mary Guzman – Custodian

Benjamin Gumz – Technology Specialist I

Drew Giese – Systems Administrator II

Allison Vetter – Director of Equal Opportunity Compliance and Title IX Coordinator

New Employees/Promotions

If you see them on campus, please welcome them to Lawrence!

New Employees:

Miki Aoki – Lecturer of Music

Timothy Bean – Trevor-Sage Hall Director

Omar Ward Jr. – Healthy Viking Intern

Aaron Wojciechowski – Assistant Director of the Diversity and Intercultural Center

Brittany Worden – Student Account Specialist

Claire Schmidt – Allegretto Girl Choir Manager

Promotion:

Jacklyn Fischer – Interim Dean of the Career Center

Mike O’Connor – Special Assistant to the President

Megan Scott – Vice President for Communications and Marketing

Free Webinars and Monthly Live Talks Provided by ERC

Did you know our Employee Assistance Program, ERC, provides free webinars and live talks on various topics? Here is what’s coming up this month:

  • Resiliency Today: Mindfulness Meditation – February 3rd from 12:00 – 1:00pm
    • In this talk participants will explore what mindful meditation is and isn’t, identify the benefits, discuss data that supports mindful meditation and have an opportunity to experience it.
  • Parenting Your Child with Special Needs/Disabilities: The Importance of Nutrition and Exercise  – February 8th from 12:00 – 1:00pm
    • Overall wellness plays a significant role in maximizing your child’s potential. In this talk, participants will look at how to incorporate special diets, such as gluten intolerance and nut allergies, into family meals; provide healthy snacks that support medical therapies and get help with picky eaters. You will also get creative ways to fit in exercise for parents and children
  • Financial Wellness: Tax Tips– February 9th from 12:00 – 1:00pm
    • This talk will help you understand the secrets of reducing taxable income, how to break down the federal tax reporting system and remove the mystery of the tax return. You will learn to use deductions, exemptions and strategies to save tax dollars.
  • Caregiver’s Network: Sleep and Relaxation to Calm Caregivers  –February 16th from 12:00 – 1:00pm
    • Sleep is vitally important to caregivers and their overall health. This talk reviews sleep debt and good sleep hygiene habits but also how to calm the mind and body, avoid Monkey Mind Syndrome and find relaxation techniques that work.
  • Succeed at Work: Concentration– February 17th from 12:00 – 1:00pm
    • This month’s talk is specifically designed to assist parents in advancing their capacities to further equip children with valuable life skills as they continue securing the strong foundation for their lives. Planning, preparing and pursuing life dreams alongside your children is a journey well worth investing in with long lasting benefits for all.
  • Strong Parents, Strong Families: Managing Fear & Anxiety in Children – February 23rd from 12:00 – 1:00pm
    • In this talk participants will discuss important tactics to help children of all age groups deal with anxiety and fear and how their own fears and anxieties must be handled in order to provide proper support to children.
  • Your Healthy Lifestyle: Sleep Basics– February 24th from 12:00 – 1:00pm
    • In this talk you will learn the physical and mental benefits of a good night’s sleep, how to establish daily habits that promote sleep and ways to improve your sleep environment. Participants will discuss techniques for relaxation and dealing with insomnia.

Click here to register for any of the upcoming monthly talks. To login to their website and view more resources, use the following credentials:

  • Username: ERC
  • Password: ERC

Important Holiday Payroll Deadlines

We want to provide helpful information for you to complete your time sheet for the pay period of December 19, 2021 – January 1, 2022.  Please review the timesheet submission directions and approval dates noted below:

  • Sunday, December 19, 2021 – Timesheets will be available in Voyager
  • Monday, January 3, 2022 by 9:30 am – Deadline for employees to submit timesheets to their supervisor for approval.
  • Monday, January 3, 2022 by noon – Deadline for supervisors to approve all timesheets.

Additionally, below are helpful reminders when completing your timesheet:

  • If you are a salaried employee you will not need to complete a timesheet as all time during this period is paid.
  • If you are an hourly, benefits eligible employee, please log your time as follows:
    • December 19, 2021 – Enter any hours that you worked on this day under ‘Regular’ time.
    • December 20, 2021 – If you are not working, enter the amount of your regular scheduled shift (up to 8.0 hours) under “Add’l Paid Time Off”.  Any hours that you worked on this day would be entered as ‘Regular’ time.
    • December 21, 2021 – If you are not working, enter the amount of your regular scheduled shift (up to 8.0 hours) under “Add’l Paid Time Off”.  Any hours that you worked on this day would be entered as ‘Regular’ time.
    • December 22, 2021 – If you are not working, enter the amount of your regular scheduled shift (up to 8.0 hours) under “Add’l Paid Time Off”.  Any hours that you worked on this day would be entered as ‘Regular’ time.
    • December 23, 2021 – If you are not working, enter the amount of your regular scheduled shift (up to 8.0 hours) under “Add’l Paid Time Off”.  Any hours that you worked on this day would be entered as ‘Regular’ time.
    • December 24, 2021 – The Christmas Day Holiday is observed on this day. Enter the amount of your regular scheduled shift (up to 8.0 hours) under “Holiday Pay”.  Any hours that you worked on this day would be entered as ‘Regular’ time.
    • December 25, 2021 – Any hours that you worked on this day would be entered as ‘Holiday Worked’ time.
    • December 26, 2021 – Any hours that you worked on this day would be logged as ‘Regular’ time.
    • December 27, 2021 – If you are not working, enter the amount of your regular scheduled shift (up to 8.0 hours) under “Add’l Paid Time Off”.  Any hours that you worked on this day would be entered as ‘Regular’ time.
    • December 28, 2021 – If you are not working, enter the amount of your regular scheduled shift (up to 8.0 hours) under “Add’l Paid Time Off”.  Any hours that you worked on this day would be entered as ‘Regular’ time.
    • December 29, 2021 – If you are not working, enter the amount of your regular scheduled shift (up to 8.0 hours) under “Add’l Paid Time Off”.  Any hours that you worked on this day would be entered as ‘Regular’ time.
    • December 30, 2021 – If you are not working, enter the amount of your regular scheduled shift (up to 8.0 hours) under “Add’l Paid Time Off”.  Any hours that you worked on this day would be entered as ‘Regular’ time.
    • December 31, 2021 – The New Year’s Day 2022 Holiday is observed on this day. If you are not working, enter the amount of your regular scheduled shift (up to 8.0 hours) under “Holiday Pay”.  Any hours that you worked on this day would be entered as ‘Regular’ time.
    • January 1, 2022 – Any hours that you worked on this day would be entered as ‘Holiday Worked’ time.

If you plan to or will be working over the winter break, please review the following items:

  • Employees working over the winter break should discuss this with supervisors prior to break, unless an urgent situation arises and a planned, prior discussion is not feasible.
  • If you work on an “Add’l Paid Time Off” day you can choose to take that day off at some point in the future. The deadline to use these days in the future is February 28, 2022.
  • If you work on an “Add’l Paid Time Off” day, please enter a brief comment indicating that you worked over break to accommodate the needs of campus.

Please contact us if you have any questions.  Wishing you a very Happy New Year.

Warm regards,

Anne & Kreisha

Payroll Office

President’s Award of Excellence – Nominations Welcome

It is with great pleasure that I announce the 2021 President’s Award of Excellence to recognize staff members who continually go above and beyond for the betterment of Lawrence.

The President’s Award of Excellence (PAE) recognizes exemplary University staff members for their exceptional support and performance for their Department and the University. Nominations will be vetted by the PAE Committee and the President will select up to two individuals annually for this award. 

Criteria:

The nominations will be carefully deliberated taking into consideration the following criteria:

  • Innovation and Enhancement: Drives innovation, initiative and leadership in the workplace through creative ideas, which positively impact the University and/or the surrounding community.
  • Support of Individuals: Demonstrates an above and beyond commitment to provide timely service and support to the students, staff or faculty.
  • Stewardship of Campus Facilities & Resources: Demonstrates a high level of care and responsible management for the well-being of the University and its resources for the benefit of our students, staff, and faculty.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Cultivates trust, respect, and actively includes different perspectives while working in partnership with others to create an environment of comradery and collaboration. 
  • Fosters a Diverse & Welcoming Community: Individual is committed to fostering a community that embraces all members and provides equal access, opportunity, and outcome to cultivate inclusion and dialogue across differences. 

Nominee Criteria:

  • Nominees must be an active, regular full or part-time staff member with a minimum of one year of service.  Cabinet members, faculty, student workers/students and staff with less than one year of service, casual, temporary, leased/contracted employees are not eligible for nomination.
  • Nominees consistently demonstrate the criteria listed above
  • Nominees demonstrate and maintain consistent job performance that exceeds expectations while displaying high levels of commitment, stewardship, and respect

On behalf of President Carter and the PAE Advisory Committee, we strongly encourage you to nominate a deserving colleague for the 2021 President’s Award of Excellence.  You may nominate a staff member from your own department or another department.

Nominations will be accepted now through Thursday, January 13, 2022 and forms are available on the President’s Award of Excellence webpage. Nominations should describe how the employee encompasses the above-mentioned criteria. A persuasive nomination will consist of heartfelt examples that illustrate the merit of the candidate, along with real-life anecdotes. The nomination form can be submitted by one of the following methods:

Email:  HumanResources@lawrence.edu
Interoffice Mail: Human Resources, Brokaw Hall
Web Form: President’s Award of Excellence

Thank you in advance for assisting us to identify and honor outstanding members of our Lawrence University staff!

New Employees/Promotions

If you see them on campus, please welcome them to Lawrence!

New Employees:

Elizandro Garcia Montoya – Lecturer of Music (Conservatory of Music)

Eric Mayes – Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion (Office of Diversity and Inclusion)

Lee Sterling – Administrative Coordinator in the Of f ice of
Spiritual & Religious Life

Jeff Simon – Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach

Evan Wick – Assistant Baseball Coach

Jessica Quintana – Assistant Director of the Diversity and
Intercultural Center (Diversity and Intercultural Center).

Robyn Bowers – Dean of Admissions

Dr. Ashley Lewis – Associate Vice President for Enrollment

Patrick Ploen – Custodian

Lee White – London Centre Resident Director

Christina Powers – Senior Systems Analyst (IT)

Lauren Vanderlinden – Assistant Director of the Visual & Performing
Arts and Education and Non-Prof it Careers (Career Center)

Sasha Higgins – Teacher of Clarinet (LCMS)

Promotion:

Brittany Bell – Associate Dean for Diversity, Engagement and Student Leadership (Diversity and Intercultural Center)

Free Webinars and Monthly Live Talks Provided by ERC

Did you know our Employee Assistance Program, ERC, provides free webinars and live talks on various topics? Here is what’s coming up this month:

  • Resiliency Today: Gratitude  – December 2nd from 12:00 – 1:00pm
    • This month’s talk will explore the science behind gratitude and how it can help to increase meaningful relationships in all areas of your life. The newest research empowers individuals to incorporate gratitude both at work and home and participants will learn tips to help them do that.
  • Financial Wellness: Overcoming Debt  – December 8th from 12:00 – 1:00pm
    • This month’s talk will address the different types of debt and how participants can work towards living a debt free life.
  • Parenting Your Teen: Sibling Rivalry/Relationships – December 9th from 12:00 – 1:00pm
    • Many parents suffer from sibling rivalry in their households. In this talk, participants will discuss how to reduce tension between siblings and even between parents. They will also examine which habits may encourage rivalry.
  • Your Healthy Lifestyle: Stress Busters –December 13th from 12:00 – 1:00pm
    • In this month’s talk, participants will explore the newest research, learn what experts are saying about the impact of stress on the body and the newest techniques to manage stress.
  • Parenting a Child with Special Needs/Disabilities: Positioning for the Future– December 14th from 12:00 – 1:00pm
    • This month’s talk is specifically designed to assist parents in advancing their capacities to further equip children with valuable life skills as they continue securing the strong foundation for their lives. Planning, preparing and pursuing life dreams alongside your children is a journey well worth investing in with long lasting benefits for all.
  • Caregivers Network: Holiday Gift Guide – December 15th from 12:00 – 1:00pm
    • This month’s talk is the annual Caregiving Tech Guide. Participants will explore the latest gadgets, apps, and age-tech using AI, Voice First, VR and more to support your older loved ones and you on the caregiving journey.
  • Succeed at Work: Understanding Personality Types– December 16th from 12:00 – 1:00pm
    • This month’s talk discusses different personality types and how they can impact behavior. Participants will learn to use type preference to enhance interpersonal communication.
  • Strong Parents, Strong Families: Keeping Children Safe in an Uncertain World – December 22nd from 12:00 – 1:00pm
    • This month’s talk offers parents and guardians information on keeping children safe from violence. The discussion will cover the prevalence of violence, talking to children about violence (e.g., media, war, terrorism, school violence, bullying, gangs, peer pressure, etc.), safety strategies and preventive skills, and recognizing reactions to violence. 

Click here to register for any of the upcoming monthly talks. To login to their website and view more resources, use the following credentials:

  • Username: ERC
  • Password: ERC

Timesheet Deadlines for Thanksgiving Holiday

As a reminder, campus will be closed November 25th and November 26th. Payroll will continue to process paychecks for the November 26th payday. In order for payroll to process timely, please try to adhere to the below deadlines for timesheet submission and approval schedule. 

Timesheet Deadlines

Monday Nov. 22nd   – submit timesheet for approval to supervisor by 8 a.m.

Monday Nov. 22nd    – supervisors approve timesheets by 10 a.m.

We understand to meet the needs of campus during campus closure, a small number of employees may be working (e.g., grounds, safety). Those who work during that time will be notified by their manager to establish their work schedules.

Have a great holiday!

Human Resources & Payroll Office