Category: Human Resources

Employees enrolled in 2021 coverage through the State Employee Health Plan can earn a premium discount worth $480 annually and HSA/HRA rewards dollars up to $500 per year for each employee and covered spouse, just by participating and logging healthy activities throughout the year.

In May, there are three events currently scheduled worth up to 25 points.

• 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 5: “Being Adaptive in Order to Thrive in Our Ever-Changing World,” EAP webinar. Register online. (one point)
• Tuesday, May 18: on-campus Biometric Screening in RSC 266 Pike Room. Check for available appointments today in the HealthQuest portal, or by calling 1-888-275-1205, option three! (Up to 23 points)
• 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 19: “Mental Health Awareness for Leaders,” EAP webinar. Register online. (one point)

Now is a good time to take advantage of some of the on-demand and online options to earn HealthQuest points.

• Virtual Health Coaching Sessions: You can earn up to 15 points (max one health coaching per day, one point each) by scheduling Health Coaching Sessions.  You can choose a health coach who is a registered nurse, a dietitian, or a trainer when scheduling sessions.
• Learning Modules: You can earn up to five points by completing on-demand learning modules in the HealthQuest portal.  There are 18 different topics to choose from.
• EAP On-Demand Trainings: You can earn up to eight points (max 1 point per day) by completing EAP On-Demand training and webinars that you can access through the HealthQuest portal.  There are 32 topics to choose from.
• HealthQuest Financial Wellness Learning Module: You can earn five points by completing this four-week learning module.
• Health Assessment Questionnaire: You can earn 10 points for completing this assessment.
• HealthQuest Program Overview Video & Quiz: You can earn three points for watching this video and completing the short quiz.

We’ll be publishing upcoming events each month, but if you’d like to plan in advance, check out all currently scheduled HealthQuest events.

The TM1 Budgeting System is now open for Budget Officers to make changes for Fiscal Year 2022. As deadlines approach, specific budget and data entry questions often surface. Budget Officers are encouraged to bring their questions to the Open Lab where members of the Budget Office and Applications Training will be on hand to provide assistance with the budgeting system via Microsoft Teams.

There are currently two open lab sessions planned, the first from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on May 6, and the second from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on May 11.

Registration for the Open Labs can be found through myTraining under the title “Fiscal Year Budget Open Lab – Remote Session.”

Tuition assistance applications for fall 2021 are now being accepted through the Online Application Form. The online application will be available through July 1 and will close at the end of this application period.

The fillable PDF form will no longer be accepted. Due to the volume of applications received each semester, requests to submit late applications will be automatically denied. There will be no exceptions. For questions, email Tuition Assistance.

If you missed the Market-Based Compensation implementation briefing for faculty and staff that was held on Friday, April 23 it was recorded and is available for viewing on the HR dedicated webpage.

To provide the opportunity for work/life balance, job satisfaction, and a more inclusive workplace, Wichita State University recognizes the need to offer flexible working arrangements. The university also recognizes that guidance may be helpful for employees who want to request a flexible work arrangement and in determining when Flexible Work Arrangements may be mutually beneficial for both the employee and the University/department.

HR has developed a dedicated webpage for Flexible Work Arrangement that provides information to help identify if a situation is suitable for the requested arrangement. A recorded training session is available on the website with detailed information and can be viewed on demand. Requests for assistance may also be made of the HR business partner assigned to the department.

Examples of Flexible Work Arrangements offered by the university are:

• Compressed Work Week

• Flextime

• Job Sharing

• Reduced-Time Work

• Remote Work

It is important to remember that Flexible Work Arrangements are a privilege and not all employees or positions are eligible for a Flexible Work Arrangement. Flexible Work Arrangements, if granted, are not a contract of employment and do not provide any contractual rights to continued employment or continued flexible work. All University policies and procedures continue to apply.

On June 1, 2021, the university will continue the Shockers United campus reintegration plan. This will include rescinding or revising a number of temporary policies and procedures, and reorienting our plans and protocols, as we transition over the summer toward a return to in person operations for fall 2021. The university’s plans, policies, and protocols implemented in response to COVID-19 supplement other existing university policies and procedures. These COVID related policies and procedures are contingent on current conditions and health guidance and are subject to change as deemed necessary by the University.

As we move forward, we should remain mindful of the guiding principles and public health considerations that have provided a framework for our response from the start of the pandemic. We should also continue to leverage technology enhancements (Zoom, Microsoft Team’s, and other virtual formats) and encourage basic health and safety practices that have served us well during the pandemic.

Health and Safety Practices

The university strongly encourages all employees to consider getting vaccinated.

During the reintegration phase, the university will modify the following health and safety measures:

• Face Coverings – Face coverings are encouraged, but not required. In limited circumstances, face coverings may be required.
• Social Distancing – Physical distancing is still encouraged where possible, but not required.
• Personal Health Screening – Individuals are responsible for screening their personal health, staying home if sick, and seeking medical advice as appropriate. Individuals subject to any isolation or quarantine requirements imposed by the local health department remain responsible for complying with such requirements.
• Cleaning and Disinfecting – Individuals should continue to keep the areas in which they personally work or are assigned to monitor sanitized. The University maintains a significant inventory of cleaning and disinfecting supplies. Supervisors may utilize the facilities work order system to request personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face coverings and disposable masks.
• • Practicing Personal Hygiene – Individuals should continue to wash their hands often and use hand sanitizer when washing isn’t practical. Avoid touching your face, eyes, or nose, and use good respiratory etiquette like covering your mouth with your elbow when you cough or sneeze.

Remote Work

• Starting June 1, 2021, the university will resume business operations which generally requires in person work. Exceptions to a return to previous work arrangements such as requests for remote work, will be made on a case by case basis and discussed with the supervisor. Such requests should follow the Remote Work Guidance.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced four provisions on March 13, 2020, that have been extended until further notice when provided by a network provider for employees and dependents enrolled in medical insurance through the State Employee Health Plan.

Continue reading “State employee health plan updates in response to COVID-19”

On June 1, 2021, the university will continue the Shockers United campus reintegration plan. This will include rescinding or revising a number of temporary policies and procedures, and reorienting our plans and protocols, as we transition over the summer toward a return to in person operations for fall 2021. The university’s plans, policies, and protocols implemented in response to COVID-19 supplement other existing university policies and procedures. These COVID related policies and procedures are contingent on current conditions and health guidance and are subject to change as deemed necessary by the university.

As we move forward, we should remain mindful of the guiding principles and public health considerations that have provided a framework for our response from the start of the pandemic. We should also continue to leverage technology enhancements (Zoom, Microsoft Team’s, and other virtual formats) and encourage basic health and safety practices that have served us well during the pandemic.

Health and Safety Practices

The university strongly encourages all employees to consider getting vaccinated.

During the reintegration phase, the university will modify the following health and safety measures:

• Face Coverings – Face coverings are encouraged, but not required. In limited circumstances, face coverings may be required.
• Social Distancing – Physical distancing is still encouraged where possible, but not required.
• Personal Health Screening – Individuals are responsible for screening their personal health, staying home if sick, and seeking medical advice as appropriate. Individuals subject to any isolation or quarantine requirements imposed by the local health department remain responsible for complying with such requirements.
• Cleaning and Disinfecting – Individuals should continue to keep the areas in which they personally work or are assigned to monitor sanitized. The University maintains a significant inventory of cleaning and disinfecting supplies. Supervisors may utilize the facilities work order system to request personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face coverings and disposable masks.
• • Practicing Personal Hygiene – Individuals should continue to wash their hands often and use hand sanitizer when washing isn’t practical. Avoid touching your face, eyes, or nose, and use good respiratory etiquette like covering your mouth with your elbow when you cough or sneeze.

Remote Work

• Starting June 1, 2021, the university will resume business operations which generally requires in person work. Exceptions to a return to previous work arrangements such as requests for remote work, will be made on a case by case basis and discussed with the supervisor. Such requests should follow the Remote Work Guidance.