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March 2014

Volume 11 | Issue 8

Performance Evaluation Time Is Nearly Upon Us

Please inform staff in your unit that performance evaluations for classified and unclassified employees will take place in the coming months. March 19 through May 30 has been designated as the time to conduct the 2014 online performance evaluations for classified employees. The period for unclassified performance evaluations is April 2 through June 6.

Managers and supervisors of classified employees will receive email notification prior to March 19 with detailed information regarding the process and access instructions. As a reminder, recent enhancements include a performance log that can be used by your employees throughout the year to record their accomplishments, trainings and discussions.

There are also two webinars available for supervisors and managers. Navigating the Online Evaluation Process will familiarize evaluators with the online assessment tool and will be offered on April 7, from 2-3 p.m. Assessing and Improving the Performance of Others is a webinar for new managers and supervisors. This webinar will be offered on April 1 from 10-11 a.m. and again on April 17 from 2-3 p.m.

You can register for any of these webinars at www.kent.edu/hr/employee/performance/performance-evaluation-resources.cfm. If you are unable to attend one of the sessions, they will be recorded and available for viewing a few days after the presentation.

If you would like an HR representative to come to your unit and present an overview of the evaluation process, contact Karen Watson, employee relations manager, at 330-672-4636 or kswatson@kent.edu.

If you have questions on the classified performance evaluations, contact Watson or Janine Bogden at 330-672-8526 or jbogden@kent.edu.

Spring Employee Recognition Events – Save the Date

Mark your calendars now for the university’s two annual spring employee recognition events. The Office Support Staff Luncheon will be held Wednesday, April 23, in the Kent Student Center Ballroom. This invitation-only program recognizes university employees who provide office support in departments throughout Kent State’s campuses. Invitations will be mailed the first week in April. Managers and supervisors are asked to coordinate work coverage in their units so those who are invited may attend.

One of the exciting features of this luncheon is the opportunity for support staff to win door prizes.  It has been through the generosity of departments throughout the university that we have been able to continue with this tradition. An email communication has been sent to department leadership requesting support in donating a door prize or gift basket for this years’ event. A door prize committee member may also reach out to your department to request your support in donating a door prize. Should you have any questions regarding donating, please contact Lisa Galanis at 330-672-5851.   

The 20-Year Club dinner will take place on Tuesday, May 20, in the Kent Student Center Ballroom. There are 26 staff members who will mark 20 years of continuous service at Kent State during the current fiscal year. The list of inductees is available on the 20-Year Club website. Additional information and more details on the dinner will be available on the website next month.

For other information, contact Geraldine Hayes-Nelson, Ph.D., at 330-672-2901 or ghnelson@kent.edu.

Change Coming for Use of University Passenger Vans

Please be aware that effective July 1, Fleet Services will discontinue the rental of 12- and 15-passenger vans for university use. This includes rental of these vehicles through companies such as Enterprise. This measure is being taken after the university conducted a safety review of its fleet vehicles and rental options. Although Kent State has not had any serious accidents, the risk of a rollover accident with this class of vehicle is extremely high and, therefore, presents a liability for the university.
 
In the coming months, Fleet Services will be exploring some alternative transportation options for departments, and that information will be shared as it becomes available. Any questions should be directed to Tom Euclide, associate vice president, Facilities Planning and Operations, at teuclide@kent.edu.

Undergraduate Studies Has a Temporary Home

Undergraduate Studies has moved from their current location in Lake-Olson Center to the 5th floor of University Library for one year. The entire division will return to its new home, the Center for Undergraduate Excellence, in spring 2015.

The following departments are located on the 5th floor of the University Library:

  • Exploratory Advising Center
  • Office of the Dean
  • Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement
  • Student Success Programs
  • Undergraduate Studies Technology

The following departments will remain in their current location in the Schwartz Center:

  • Academic Success Center
  • Dual Enrollment Programs

The main telephone number for Undergraduate Studies remains 330-672-0980. If you have questions, contact Cesquinn Curtis, special assistant, at 330-672-20979 or ccurti10@kent.edu. 

Mark Your Calendars – Annual Steam Shutdown

In order to perform necessary maintenance on the boilers, steam transmission systems and electrical distribution systems, Kent State University’s Power Plant will be shut down from 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 11, until 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 18.

As a result of the steam shut down, most buildings located on the Kent Campus will not have hot water to sinks and showers, and/or heat and air conditioning.

Address any questions about this project to Frank Renovich at 330-672-0775 or frenovi2@kent.edu.

Dates to Remember:

Women’s History Month; National Nutrition Month

March 5
 Ash Wednesday
March 8
 International Women’s Day
March 9 Daylight Saving Time begins
March 15 Purim begins at sundown
March 17 St. Patrick’s Day
March 20 Spring begins; International Earth Day
March 24-30
 		Spring Recess
March 31
 		Spring Classes Resume
    

Tell Us What You Think

This e-newsletter is designed to keep you, the managers and supervisors, informed. Please take a few minutes to let us know what you think of it, along with any comments or suggestions. You may contact us at managersfeedback@kent.edu. We look forward to hearing from you.

For information about events and programs for university employees, please check out the Faculty and Staff calendar and share the information with your staff.