Human Resources

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

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.

As we look ahead to the holidays, the payroll office wanted to remind you that the Lawrence campus will be closed the week of Dec. 26 and, since payroll falls during that week, adjustments to the time sheet submission/approval process will need to happen.

Below is a timeline of important dates to ensure the Dec. 30 payroll processes smoothly:

• Thursday, Dec. 22: submit timesheet for approval to supervisor by 4 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 23: supervisors approve time sheets by 8 a.m.
• Monday, Dec. 26–Friday, Dec. 30: campus closed for holiday
• Friday, Dec. 30: payroll date

Also, the payroll on Dec. 30 will not have any benefits withheld, as this fiscal year we have 27 pay periods (instead of 26) and we chose this payroll to be the one to not withhold benefits—Happy New Year!

To meet the needs of campus during the week of Dec. 26, a small number of employees will need to work (e.g., grounds, security). Those who work during this week should have been notified by their managers to establish their work schedules and discuss paid time off alternatives.

We wish you all a safe and happy holiday season.

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

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.

Join you faculty and staff colleagues for a special winter edition of Griff’s Grill tomorrow at the Warch Campus Center.

And double your fun with a one-day Lawrence apparel and gifts sale. All clothing items* are 20 percent off! (*excludes sale items)

Thank you to everyone who attended the staff and faculty appreciation event on Monday. It was wonderful to talk to colleagues you might not see on a regular basis over food, drinks and music. A big thank you to those who helped plan this event—it was great!

We appreciate the hard work everyone does for Lawrence throughout the year. Enjoy the winter break!

Late yesterday, Nov. 22, a U.S. District Court judge from Texas issued a preliminary injunction postponing the effective date of the FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) changes to overtime rules. The judge issued the injunction in response to a legal challenge brought by a coalition of more than 50 business groups and 21 state attorneys general. It is expected the Department of Labor will appeal this ruling quickly, however it is uncertain how long the appeal may take.

Lawrence has already made the changes necessary to comply with the new overtime rules. At this time, we will proceed with the changes as they are put in place. We will continue to monitor the progress of court actions and communicate as we have new information.

If you have any questions, please contact your human resources representative.