Publication: 
The Laurel Leaf
Issue: 
December 13, 2012

Performance Management Training for Supervisors of Staff

(repeat sessions from April/June)

Repeat sessions have been arranged for Monday, December 17th in Room 1203 (Old ICN Room) in the Old Glove Factory. If you were not able to attend the sessions in April and May this year or if you are a new supervisor, please register on the HR website. These training sessions will not be offered again. Thank you!

Driving and Reinforcing Performance

Monday, December 17, 2012
12:00 – 1:15 p.m.
Room 1203, Old Glove Factory

During this session, supervisors will identify how to manage the performance management process to improve the effectiveness of the workforce. Supervisors will identify how to collaboratively discuss and establish aligned objectives with employees, providing focus and a sense of employee ownership within a SMART Goal environment. Also covered is how to conduct effective on-going performance discussions, both formal (year-end appraisals) and informal (feedback), designed to ensure success.

Coaching for Success – Preparing for and Holding Great Coaching Conversations

Monday, December 17, 2012
1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Room 1203, Old Glove Factory

During this session, supervisors will better understand and apply the concepts of effective coaching in their role as managers/leaders. Using a Coaching for Success model as the framework, individuals will learn how to identify coaching opportunities, effectively use listening, questioning, and acknowledgment skills when coaching others, and build confidence when preparing for and coaching through difficult situations.

TASC FlexSystem

Access Your TASC FlexSystem account(s) while on the go! Get the MyTASC Mobile App today for faster and easier access to your remaining FSA funds before the end of the Plan Year! Download the free app from Apple iStore and Android Market for your smart phone or tablet. Read more at www.tasconline/mobile.
The features of the new app are:

  • Securely Log-In with MyTASC user information (username and password)
  • Quickly view your Account Balances in real time
  • Request a Reimbursement from your mobile phone
  • Upload Receipts using your phone camera
  • Review your Contributions & Elections
  • Review Plan Information & Eligibility Dates

Staff and Faculty are invited to attend BALANCING FAMILY & WORK

Wednesday, December 19, 2012
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
JRC 101
Presenter: Jul Bruns, CEAP, LMHC

The demands of work and family share importance in our lives and we must learn to budget our time accordingly. Individuals lead healthy and productive lives when they are able to balance duties and relationships more effectively. This involves a concentrated effort to determine priorities and maintain assertiveness.

The facilitator uses lecture, group discussion and skill building tools to guide participants.

Course Objectives

  • Learn how effective life skills help individuals make informed decisions and manage their reactions to stress
  • Develop a blueprint for time management to help sort out what is and isn't important
  • Use the Wheel of Life as a tool to restore balance in everyday living
  • Know how to be assertive with others who place demands on your time

About the Trainer: As a Workplace Services Consultant, Jul provides EAP companies with coaching, consultation, training and crisis response services. In her role as a trainer, Jul has presented on a number of wellness topics including: stress management, resiliency, conflict and communication, personality differences and team building. Jul also has specialized training in mediation, motivational interviewing and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. Her previous experience includes working as a therapist in private practice with a specialty in solution-focused brief therapy. Jul earned a Master of Science degree in Educational Psychology, specializing in Counseling from Northern Illinois University.

Please register on the HR website.

Support local charities through Payroll Deduction – 2013 Forms Now Available

As a small rural town, the health and vitality of Grinnell depends heavily upon the time and charitable contributions of its citizens. Giving to local organizations through payroll deduct is one way you can make a difference to causes you feel strongly about. Support local non-profit organizations by making your charitable gift now for 2013 through the Payroll Deduction Program. To learn more about how you can take advantage of this opportunity, visit the office of Community Enhancement & Engagement's webpage:

http://www.grinnell.edu/offices/communityenhance/employeeengagement/payrolldeduction.

Please direct any questions to the office of Community Enhancement and Engagement at 269-3900 or e-mail: strovers@grinnell.edu.

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One employee's experience:

"I'm surprised more faculty and staff don't take advantage of payroll deductions for their contributions to local causes. At the end of each year, I determine how much I want to give to organizations and charities here in Grinnell, divide it by 12, and send in my payroll deduction form for monthly contributions. The College does the rest. I know my gifts are made regularly and I don't have to budget for them in a lump sum throughout the year. Try it! I think you'll like it. It's a win for everyone." -- Lesley Wright, Director of Faulconer Gallery; Lecturer in Art.

Standard Mileage Reimbursement Rate for 2013

Effective 1/1/2013 the mileage reimbursement rate for Grinnell College business use of a personal vehicle will be 56.5 cents per mile.

EMPLOYEES ON THE MOVE

Arrivals

  • Jim Howard, Director of Major and Planned Giving, Development and Alumni Relations, November 1
  • Sarah Anderson (Eagan) '98, Director of Internal Communications, November 5
  • Helen Morgan, Bookstore Assistant, Pioneer Bookshop, November 6
  • Lila Turnbull, Catering Staff, Dining Services, November 9
  • Danny Van Tomme, Plant Custodian, Facilities Management, November 19
  • Dean VanderLeest, Presentation Cook, Dining Services, November 19
  • Joy Murphy, Development and Alumni Relations Receptionist, December 3
  • Deb Aldinger, Presentation Cook, Dining Services, December 5

Connections

  • Harriett Dickey-Chasins, Director of Student Health & Counseling Services and Lead Psychologist, November 5
  • Deb Shill, Assistant Director of Student Health and Counseling Services and Lead Nurse, November 5
  • Rosie Mumm, Heart of the House Cook, Dining Services, December 2
  • Amber Lacina, Executive Sous Chef, Dining Services, December 2
  • Becca Dayton, Chef de Cuisine, Dining Services, December 2
  • Adam Darland, Sous Chef, Dining Services, December 2
  • Allissa Beck, Marketplace Culinary Supervisor, Dining Services, December 2
  • Ashley Millet, Greenhouse Manager, Biology, December 17

Departures

  • Stephanie Brown, Director of Student Health and Counseling Services & Lead Psychologist, November 2
  • Rod Schultz, Associate Director- Major & Planned Giving, Development & Alumni Relations, November 2
  • Jamie Leonard, Chef de Cuisine, Dining Services, November 15
  • Richard Cleaver, Grant Writer, Corporate, Foundation & Government Relations, November 16
  • Kathleen Peterson, Library Assistant-Serials, November 30
  • Shannon Geisinger, Event & Database Coordinator, Conference Operations & Events, November 30

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

  • Heart of the House Cook
  • Laboratory Animal Technician/Neuroscience Laboratory Technician
  • Training Coordinator & Staff Psychologist
  • Assistant Director of Major and Planned Giving
  • Associate Director of Major and Planned Giving
  • Director of the Pioneer Fund
  • Information Technology Support Analyst (2 positions)
  • Associate Vice President for Analytic Support and Institutional Research
  • Call-in Dispatcher
  • Call-in Campus Safety and Security Officer
  • Associate Director of Electronic Media and Communications
  • Presentation Cook

Visit the Grinnell College Career Site at https://jobs.grinnell.edu

Voice Your Opinion about Factory Hog Confinements and Passenger Trains

As part of the office of Community Enhancement and Engagement's efforts to connect the campus with relevant community initiatives, our office would like to make you aware of two opportunities to voice your opinion about issues that might be of interest to you.

1.) How do you feel about factory hog confinements?

Now is the time to share your comments about factory farm hog confinements in our local area by completing a brief survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7XB5CVN. Poweshiek Community Action to Restore Environmental Stewardship (CARES) is asking for comments about Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs – such as the hog and chicken confinements in our county). Your insight will provide valuable information that CARES can discuss with our elected officials about how CAFOs impact you and the community.

2.) How do you feel about passenger trains stopping daily in Grinnell?

Share your comments with the Iowa Department of Transportation on a draft report recommending a Chicago to Council Bluffs/Omaha Regional Passenger Train project through Grinnell. The draft report is available for review at http://www.iowadot.gov/chicagotoomaha/index.html. Comments are being accepted on the draft report until December 26th. To be considered part of the official public comment record, you may leave comments:

Please direct questions regarding this posting to the office of Community Enhancement at 269-3900 or email strovers@grinnell.edu.