Pay/debit card option introduced for employees without direct deposit

The University of Florida’s direct deposit policy states, “All employees, including temporary hires and non-work study students, are required to participate in the Direct Deposit Program as a condition of employment, regardless of date of hire.” However, for a variety of reasons, a significant number of paper paychecks are still issued each pay cycle.

Based on a recommendation from the University Cost Reduction and Efficiency Task Force, UF has established a new pay/debit card as an option for employees who currently receive a paper paycheck. Employees not enrolled in the Direct Deposit Program will have until May 1 to enroll. After May 1, any employees who have not enrolled in the Direct Deposit Program or established a pay/debit card will receive their paychecks at their home address.

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UF supervisors: It’s time to complete staff performance appraisals

Once again, it is time to issue annual performance appraisals for USPS and TEAMS employees. The evaluation period for all USPS and TEAMS employees is from March 1, 2007, through February 29, 2008, with appraisals completed by March 31, 2008.

Annual performance appraisals are designed to document and summarize feedback that employees have received throughout the year. Feedback through formal performance appraisals is important to employees and can affect various other personnel-related actions; thus, supervisors should give priority to completing performance appraisals.

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Double-deductions begin for nine- and ten-month employees

To ensure coverage for health, state life, optional, and supplemental insurances continue during the summer, nine- and ten-month employees will have double-deductions taken from their paychecks beginning with the February 1 paycheck and continuing through May 9. Normal payroll deductions will resume in September.

Nine- and ten-month employees whose pay will be interrupted during this period or who will terminate employment at the end of the spring semester should contact University Benefits and Retirement at (352) 392-2477 (SC 622-2477) or benefits@ufl.edu.

Employee Education Program information session offered February 26

The Employee Education Program (EEP), a popular benefit available to eligible UF faculty and staff, covers the matriculation fees of up to six credit hours of eligible college-level courses. To better inform employees of the procedures and paperwork associated with participating in the EEP, Human Resource Services, in collaboration with the Registrar’s Office, will provide a short information session on Tuesday, February 26, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., in Room 120 of the HRS Building.

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New law requires limited use of Social Security numbers

A new state law that became effective on January 1 requires agencies like the University of Florida to raise awareness among its students, faculty, and staff about the limited use for which Social Security numbers may be used by state agencies.

For years the university has, in accordance with state law, acted to limit and protect the personal identification information that it collects.

The university uses a UFID number, rather than a Social Security number, as the primary identifier for an individual associated with the university. The Social Security number is no longer authorized for use in any university information system, business form or process, or records collection, except as permitted by state or federal law or if the Senior Vice President for Administration determines that the use is imperative.

Social Security numbers and certain other personally identifiable information classified as restricted information must be used and secured as directed by UF privacy and information security policies and procedures. To review the university’s Privacy Statement, see http://privacy.ufl.edu.

If you believe your Social Security number is being requested or used by the university for an unauthorized purpose, or if you have questions about appropriate use of your employees' or students' Social Security numbers, please contact the University Privacy Office for assistance at 866-500-3344 or privacy@ufl.edu.

Seats available in UF's seminar on sexual harassment

Two seminars remain in the 2007/2008 series. The seminar, held in Emerson Alumni Hall, covers the UF policy on sexual harassment. Its primary goal is to ensure the University of Florida is a safe place to work and study for faculty, staff, and students. All faculty and staff are expected to attend.

Wednesday, March 26, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Wednesday, April 30, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Emerson Alumni Hall, President's Ballroom

In the fast-paced, interactive session, you will:

Focus on why sexual harassment prevention is important
Define "sexual harassment"
Discuss the options for reporting incidents
Articulate the UF process for handling reports
Review your role at UF

To register, visit myUFL or call Training & Organizational Development at 392-4626.

Faculty and staff meal memberships available through Gator Dining

Gator Dining offers UF faculty and staff a meal membership plan that includes 30 meals at the Fresh Food Company (Broward Dining Hall), Gator Corner Dining Center, and the café at the Cancer/Genetics Research Building, as well as $25 in Flex Bucks. The Flex Bucks that come with your dining membership are accepted at all Gator Dining locations including their three convenience stores.

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Need to be certified in CPR?

Get certified at the CPR & Safety Training Center on campus! Faculty and Staff can get certified for just $10. Stop by 266 Yon Hall, East Stadium, on March 20 for discounted sessions on Heartsaver Adult and Child CPR certification. Two sessions are available: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Please call 392-1161 x4283 or stop by to sign-up in advance and bring your Gator ID card.