HRS News Archive
Honoring Outstanding and Dedicated UT Austin Staff
The President's Staff Awards ceremony was held on May 4, 2012 in the LBJ Auditorium to celebrate outstanding and dedicated UT Austin staff members. Thirty Outstanding Staff Award recipients, two Outstanding Supervisor Award recipients and almost 950 Staff Service Award recipients were honored at the ceremony. For a complete listing of this year's recipients and to a video from the ceremony of UT Staff Council Chair, Erika Frahm, please visit the President's Staff Awards page.
Student Employee of the Year Video
A short video highlighting the 2011-2012 Student Employee of the Year has been posted on the Student Employee page of the HRS website. Our thanks to the Division of Student Affairs, the Texas Exes, and all the dedicated staff members who nominated a student employee for the competition. A full list of nominees is available on the Student Employee of the Year page.
The President's Staff Awards Ceremony
Please join us on May 4, 2012 at 10 a.m. at the LBJ Auditorium to celebrate outstanding and dedicated staff members at The President's Staff Awards. Thirty Outstanding Staff Award recipients, two Outstanding Supervisor Award recipients and Staff Service Award recipients with 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years of service will be honored at the ceremony. For more details about the event, please visit the Staff Awards page online.
2012-2013 Holiday Schedule
The Holiday Schedule for the 2012-2013 year is now available online.
Tobacco Free Campus Policy
The University of Texas at Austin is currently working to adapt its current "No Smoking" policy to align with new grant requirements [pdf] from The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). Research entities, of which the university is one, must certify themselves as tobacco-free to continue receiving funds from CPRIT. In the weeks ahead, discussions will be held that include the leadership of groups representing UT faculty, staff, and students to phase in a tobacco-free plan that brings the university into compliance with CPRIT and preserve tens of millions of dollars in funding for cancer research. The campus community will be notified when a final decision has been reached
Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. As always, HRS is committed to supporting our faculty and staff who wish to quit using tobacco products. For a comprehensive list of services please visit UT System's Wellness Programs and Services. We are working towards offering cessation classes on campus and will update our community as these are put in place.
Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is always available for those who seek counseling on this or any issue affecting work/life balance. Please call 512-471-3366 for an appointment.
The President's Outstanding Staff and Supervisor Awards
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2012 Outstanding Staff and Supervisor Awards.
Many staff members and supervisors make invaluable contributions to the university's continued success.
For details about the awards, eligibility, and the online
nomination form, please visit the awards Web site.
The nomination deadline is Friday, November 11th, 2011 at 5:00 p.m.
The Flu Ends with You
It's that time of year again. Flu season is upon us. Protect yourself, your coworkers and your family by:
- Getting your flu shot! As of September 1, 2011, flu shots and nasal flu mist are covered 100% under the UT SELECT medical plan when services are received from a participating Blue Cross Blue Shield provider. Learn more about this valuable benefit. Injection is the best protection!
- frequent cleaning of your hands,
- sneezing or coughing into your elbow or sleeve,
- and getting plenty of rest and fluids.
Texas Wildfires
UT Austin Faculty & Staff:
The wildfires in Central Texas have affected many in the UT Austin community. If you have been forced to evacuate, experienced property damage, or lost your home, the following information may be of help:
- President Powers will grant paid leave for natural disasters. Employees can submit a written request for emergency leave to the department head. Requests should specify the reason and length of time required. Once the approval is obtained, promptly and accurately record the use of leave on your time sheet (faculty is excluded from the time sheet step). The department head will transmit the requests to the President through the appropriate vice president with a recommendation.
- Staff Members may apply for financial assistance through the Staff Emergency Fund
- Counseling is offered to all employees through our HealthPoint EAP program
Our thoughts are with all who have been impacted by these recent events.
Graduate Student Fellows
SB 29, Insurance for Eligibility of Graduate Fellows, was passed in the 2011 legislative session and signed by the Texas governor. Read more about about insurance participation for eligible Graduate Student Fellows.
Annual Enrollment: July 15-31, 2011
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
- You can make Annual Enrollment elections through 11:59 p.m., CDT, Sunday, July 31, 2011. The last day to receive assistance from the HRSC. will be Friday, July 29.
- You must re-enroll in UT Flex every year.
- The deadline to submit Proof of Relationship documents to the HRSC is August 15, 2011.
- The deadline to submit your electronic Evidence of Insurability through My UT Benefits is August 15, 2011.
- The deadline to submit your Long Term Care Application directly to CNA is August 15, 2011.
To review your current benefit summary online and make any changes to your insurance selections for the upcoming insurance plan year, please visit the Annual Enrollment Web site.
Using Work Time for Annual Enrollment Events
Employees are permitted to use work time to attend Annual Enrollment events or visit the Human Resource Service Center (HRSC) with prior supervisory approval. Employees should request to use work time as far in advance as possible and supervisors should schedule attendance to ensure that staffing and service needs are met. For additional questions, please contact your Employee and Management Services or the HRSC. We are happy to address any of your questions or concerns.
The University of Texas at Austin 2011-2012 Holiday Schedule
The Holiday Schedule for the 2012-2013 year is now available online.
Annual Enrollment 2011: This year is different
Learn more about what’s different this year and how you can stay informed.
Student Employee of the Year Award
Nominations are now being accepted for the first annual University of Texas at Austin Student Employee of the Year Award. For details about the award, eligibility, the online nomination form, and information on other ways to recognize your student employees, please click here.
Healthpoint Occupational Health Program Closing For Two Days.
UPDATE The HealthPoint Occupational Health Program clinic will be closed on Thursday, November 11th, for installation of cubicle work areas and an exam room to enhance clinic privacy. The clinic will re-open for minor injury services on Friday (no routine appointments) and re-open for full service on Monday, Nov. 15th. During hours of closure, routine paperwork such as OHP-Labs questionnaires may be submitted to HealthPoint OHP by confidentially faxing to 512-471-2666. For work injury treatment during hours of closure, follow the Advanced Care and After Hours guidelines below.
Flu Prevention Information
CDC Flu Shot Clinic Schedule Flu Prevention Information The best way to prevent the flu is through vaccination. University Health Services (UHS) has extended their flu vaccine program and are offering staff & faculty a flu shot for only $10, cash or check only. Call (512) 475-8301 to schedule an appointment. Family members with UT Select coverage needing the flu vaccine have the option of receiving a flu shot through a Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) provider. A regular co-payment will be applied. Flu shots are also available from other sources, such as retail pharmacies that set their own cost. Note: UT Flex medical account participants may submit their flu shot receipts to PayFlex as an eligible expense, regardless of where their flu shot is administered. For more information on the flu prevention, visit the Centers for Disease Control Influenza FAQs. You can also access a Flu Shot Locator to find community clinics by zip code.
Annual Enrollment: July 1-31, 2010
This year's Annual Enrollment brings about changes, and Human Resource Services (HRS) would like to ensure that you have the necessary information to help you make the best insurance plan selections for you and your family. You can read more about next year's plan changes online. To review your current benefit summary online and make any changes to your insurance selections for the upcoming insurance plan year, please visit the Annual Enrollment Web site.
Using Work Time for Annual Enrollment Events
Employees are permitted to use work time to attend Annual Enrollment events or to visit the Human Resource Service Center (HRSC) with prior supervisory approval. Employees should request to use work time as far in advance as possible and supervisors should schedule attendance to ensure that staffing and service needs are met. For additional questions, please contact your Employee and Management Service Representative or e-mail the HRSC at hrsc@austin.utexas.edu. We are happy to address any of your questions or concerns.
Human Resource Services is now on Facebook
HRS has a new Facebook page.
GET FIT - Breakfast and Lose!
Human Resource Services is proud to host the GET FIT Breakfast and Lose program. This personalized program begins June 8, at 8 a.m. in the North Office Building (NOA), room 4.106A and features a healthy breakfast and a weight loss seminar by Brittany Crim every Tuesday for 12 weeks. The program is offered to all current UT Austin faculty and staff. Cost for participation is only $99. You can sign up by calling the GET FIT office at 512-471-0081, or you can e-mail them. To pay, come by the Fitness Institute of Texas office located in Bellmont Hall 966 or pay online with your credit card. Visit the GET FIT Web site to learn more!
The President's Staff Awards
The President's Staff Awards ceremony, held on May 6, 2010, formally recognized staff of The University of Texas at Austin in three categories: Staff Service, Outstanding Staff, and Outstanding Supervisor. Visit the university's YouTube channel to view short video vignettes honoring the 2010 Outstanding Staff & Supervisor award recipients.
HRS Salutes Staff!
Staff Appreciation Week is an opportunity for members of the UT Austin community to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our staff. The week-long celebration is an initiative of the UT Austin Staff Council in partnership with departments and organizations across campus. Visit the Schedule of Events to find out what's going on this week for UT Austin staff.
2010-2011 Holiday Schedule
The 2010-2011 holiday schedule is now available online.
The President’s Staff Awards
Please join us May 6, 2010 to celebrate outstanding and dedicated staff members at The President's Staff Awards. Thirty Outstanding Staff Award recipients, two Outstanding Supervisor Award recipients and Staff Service Award recipients with 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of service will be honored at the ceremony. For more details about the event, please visit the Staff Awards page online.
New Sick Leave Pool Forms
The application for sick leave pool has been revised. New forms are available online. To read more about sick leave pool, please visit this page.
HRS Skeleton Crew Operations
Click here to read about HRS skeleton crew operations during this winter break.
Holiday Leave and Skeleton Crew Information
The holiday season is fast aproaching. Visit the Skeleton Crew and Compensation for Holidays page for more information.
Nominations Begin for the 2010 Outstanding Staff and Outstanding Supervisor Awards
Many staff members and supervisors make invaluable contributions to the university's continued success. The Outstanding Staff Awards and Outstanding Supervisor Awards recognize these important efforts. Read more about the staff award nomination process and eligibility and nomination criteria.
Flu Shots & Insurance Coverage
Read information about the availability of Seasonal and H1N1 flu shots and about how insurance covers these vaccinations.
Work/Life Balance Resources
Work/Life & Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is pleased to announce the launch of the new Work/Life Balance Resources Web page. This page provides a complete list of university (and some off-campus) resources available to all employees of The University of Texas at Austin. View the list of resources available to you.
HealthPoint: Occupational Health Program
Occupational Health Program-Laboratory Animal and Biomedical Services are now available at the North Office Building (NOA) through HealthPoint, Human Resource Services' new initiative for employee health and well-being at work and in life. Find more information about the services offered through the HealthPoint Occupational Health Program.
Insurance Rates for the New Plan Year
The insurance and UT Flex selections you made during Annual Enrollment in July will become effective September 1, 2009. However, changes in your deductions for those selections will not show on your earnings statement until October 1, 2009. At that time, even if you did not make new selections during Annual Enrollment, you may see new deduction amounts due to increases and decreases in plan rates. You will also see that the premium sharing amount that offsets the cost of your health insurance will change.
All of the insurance rates for the new plan year and premium sharing amounts for health insurance are available online.
If you were required to submit Evidence of Insurability for yourself or any of your family members for health or term life insurance coverage, those changes may appear on an earnings statement after October 1, dependent on the approval of the insurance company.
If you have questions, please contact the Human Resource Service Center by e-mail or call us at 471-HRSC (4772).
New UT Select Health Plan Identification Cards
Separate ID cards for UT SELECT Medical and Prescription Drug Plans will be issued in August for the 2009-2010 insurance plan year. Read more about this topic.
Human Resource Services' Diversity Report
Read the report on diversity programs and activities for Human Resource Services (HRS). This report documents HRS employee's activities and measures of advancement in the area of diversity.
Annual Enrollment
Annual Enrollment ended on July 31, 2009. Elections are no longer available. You can't change your insurance coverage during the year except in the case of a qualified status change. Read more about Change In Insurance Status.
If your July 2009 Annual Enrollment elections required an Evidence of Insurability (EOI), you will still be able to access the My UT Benefits site to make updates to your EOI through the deadline of August 15, 2009. For more information, please see When is Evidence of Insurability Required?
Annual Enrollment: July 1-31, 2009
This year's Annual Enrollment brings about a few changes, and Human Resource Services (HRS) would like to ensure that you have the necessary information to help you make the best insurance plan selections for you and your family. Please see the information below regarding benefits fairs and presentations offered in July. You can e-mail us, call us at 471-HRSC (4772), or stop by and see us in our service center and receive help from one of our highly trained Service Center personnel. They are happy to assist you! We are located on the second floor lobby of NOA.
To review your current benefit summary online and make any changes to your insurance selections for the upcoming insurance plan year, please visit the Annual Enrollment Web site.
View a short video* from Human Resource Services (HRS) discussing this year's plan changes.
*requires software capable of playing a Windows Media Video (.wmv) file, such as the free Windows Media Player.
Guaranteed Enrollment in Disability Plans Until July 31
Did you know you have guaranteed enrollment in disability plans during this Annual Enrollment only? You can enroll in one or both plans without the Evidence of Insurability (EOI) requirement through July 31, 2009. Read more about this opportunity [PDF].
Using Work Time for Annual Enrollment Events
Employees are permitted to use work time to attend Annual Enrollment events or visit the Human Resource Service Center (HRSC) with prior supervisory approval. Employees should request to use work time as far in advance as possible and supervisors should schedule attendance to ensure that staffing and service needs are met. For additional questions, please contact your Employee and Management Service Representative or call HRSC at 471-HRSC (4772). We are happy to address any of your questions or concerns.
Questions about the H1N1 Virus and how it effects your work at UT Austin?
Read about exposure to the H1N1 virus. Find answers to frequently asked questions about how to record your leave time related to H1N1 virus. To stay up to date with the university's response to the virus, visit UT Austin's Emergency Web site.
The President's Staff Awards
The Tower at The University of Texas at Austin was lighted orange Thursday evening (May 7) in celebration of the recipients of the 2009 President's Staff Awards. Visit the President's Staff Awards Web site to view short video vignettes honoring the 2009 Outstanding Staff & Supervisor award recipients.
Compliance & Ethics Hotline
There are several methods for reporting suspected compliance and ethics violations. Visit the University Compliance Services site to learn more.
2009-2010 Holiday Schedule
The 2009-2010 Holiday Schedule is now available online!
UTemps is Still Hiring!
Non-benefits eligible and temporary positions are not subject to the flexible hiring freeze. UTemps is an option. UTemps handles all pre-employment screening and compliance training, as well as all timekeeping, payroll, and employment documents, so you won't have extra paperwork. Find out how to hire a UTemp!
It’s Performance Appraisal Time
University policy requires that each regular classified and non-faculty, professional staff's performance be appraised annually prior to reappointment. For more information on the university's performance appraisal process, read the policy or visit the HRS Web page on performance appraisals.
How to Keep Your Kids Busy This Summer!
Team up with UT RecSports. The UT RecSports Youth Camp program has been providing personal, expert instruction to youth in Austin since 1980. Visit their site to find out more.
Nominations Begin for the 2010 Outstanding Staff and Outstanding Supervisor Awards
Many staff members and supervisors make invaluable contributions to the university's continued success. The Outstanding Staff Awards and Outstanding Supervisor Awards recognize these important efforts. Read more about the staff award nomination process and eligibility and nomination criteria.
HRMS is Now Available
The university recently released a comprehensive software application combining human resource processes into a single user-friendly interface. This first phase of the Human Resource Management System (HRMS) has built a foundation for managing positions and meeting human resource needs specific to our campus and higher education. Visit the HRMS Project Web site for announcements and for information on the software’s future phases.
HRS Reports
HRS reports the latest stats on UT Austin baby boomers approaching retirement. Read more here.
HRS reports on the number of UT Austin employees who may benefit from an alternate scheduling or transportation program. Read more here.
