Date:�������� October 26, 2009
To:������������ Statewide Employees
From:��� ���� Beth E. Behner, Chief Human Resources Officer
Re:��� �������� Holidays and Winter Break Closure

For the upcoming Winter Break, the University of Alaska will observe the following authorized paid holidays:

December 24 and 25, 2009

December 31, 2009 and January 1, 2010

UA Statewide offices will be closed from December 24, 2009 through January 1, 2010.� Employees not required to work during this time may either use annual leave or take leave without pay, at their discretion. �

Please note that prior supervisory approval is required in order for any employee to work during the closure period.� Only those employees performing mission- or time-critical work will be approved to work.� Supervisors will assess the critical nature of the work and availability of supervision in deciding who will be approved to work.� Memos confirming a supervisor’s approval should be submitted with the employee’s time sheet.

UAF has decided to extend its winter break by three additional “soft closure” workdays, December 21-23, prior to the systemwide winter break closure.� Except for those performing essential duties, UAF has encouraged its departments to close or reduce hours and has encouraged but not required employees to schedule time off by taking annual leave or leave without pay. �
�� �
The UA System Office has been asked whether departments in the Butrovich and Bragaw Office Buildings will be encouraged to close, with statewide employees taking leave over these dates. �
The Butrovich and Bragaw Office Buildings will remain open for business from December 21 through 23; however individual departments may be closed with the approval of the department’s vice president or the supervisor who reports directly to the president. �

Please discuss your request for leave during these dates with your supervisor.� Unless you are required to work in order to perform essential services for the University, you may utilize annual leave or leave without pay from December 21 through December 23.� If leave without pay is used on these dates, holiday pay for those eligible will not be affected provided that the individual is in paid status on December 18, 2009 and January 4, 2010, per UA payroll guidelines.

If you have any questions, please contact me at extension 450-8222.�� Have a happy holiday season!
�

The Statewide Office of Human Resources is sponsoring a variety of classes in November for UA� employees.� The calendar is posted at http://www.alaska.edu/hrtraining/Calendar/index.xml?show=2009-11-26

Two webinars open to employees system-wide include “Managing Your Emotions at Work” on Nov. 4 and “Managing Holiday Stress” on Nov. 18. Employees may join these webinars from their desk.� There is no charge to attend a ComPsych webinar, although supervisory approval is needed if the webinar takes place during the employee’s work hours.�

Two (2) classes have been scheduled specifically for UA supervisors and managers.�

One class is called� "Americans with Disabilities Act - Hiring, Retaining & Accommodating People with Disabilities" on Nov. 9, offered as a video-conference in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau.� It is one of nine programs developed by the Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC-Northeast) at Cornell University.� UA was the site of a trainers’ network event this past summer as reported in the Statewide Voice, August issue.� http://www.alaska.edu/voice/2009/August_2009/hr-news/��

The second class for supervisors and managers is scheduled on Nov. 19 called "Drug-Free Workplace."� This class is being offered as a video-conference across the system in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and Kenai.� The timing of this class is two-fold.�

The National “Drug-Free Work Week” occurs annually in October.�� The purpose of Drug-Free Work Week is to highlight that being drug free is key to workplace safety and health and to encourage workers with alcohol and drug problems to seek help. Drug-free workplace awareness benefits all workplaces.

In addition, during this time of year some individuals increase their alcohol and chemical intake.�� This may be tied to a number of factors, including the increase in holiday celebrations, the decrease in daylight hours and/or emotions associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder.�

While most employees do not need reminders of the fact that they are not to report to work while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, incidents may occur that supervisors and managers need to know how to handle. The Nov. 19 class will provide information to supervisors and managers about substance abuse, will help them to recognize signs and symptoms of chemical use and ways to respond to situations if related performance concerns arise.� Resources will be provided on who they may contact within or outside the university if they or their direct reports need assistance concerning substance abuse.��

While this class will not meet the Federal Department of Transportation or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requirements for training needed by supervisors of commercial drivers license (CDL) holders, the university and its supervisors and managers still have obligations under other laws and regulations.

This class will be beneficial for supervisors and managers (who do not supervise CDL holders) to more appropriately understand the laws and the university’s obligations relating to this topic.�

If you have any questions, please contact Anne Sakumoto at (907) 786-1432 or anne.sakumoto@alaska.edu

"Budget Procedures & Management Reports"
November 16, 2009; Monday
2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Butrovich 204

This class will be available to Statewide employees outside Fairbanks via e-Live

Register at:

http://www.alaska.edu/hrtraining/Calendar/showevent.xml?id=99&showDate=2009-11-22

This class is designed to provide a basic understanding of how to utilize the various financial reports and resources to effectively manage budgets and expenditures. Prior to attending this class, attendees should have a Banner account, be familiar with Banner and/or attended Banner Navigation* training.


Topical areas will include:

• Budget Development and Guidelines
• Projections - Operating and Labor
• Adjustment Requests
• Increment Requests
• Position Recruitment
• Resources

An e-Live link and call in number will be sent to registrants outside the Fairbanks area. Prior to registering and attending, please obtain supervisory approval to coordinate office coverage/client support in your area.

Keep up-to-date on current wellness benefits and be inspired by healthy lifestyle tips through the UA Health Link. This online newsletter provides monthly updates on IHP programs, wellness breaks, current incentive programs and more. If you missed this month's issue, read it HERE.