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

Employee Education Program now accepting applications for summer semesters

The Employee Education Program (EEP) is a popular benefit made available to eligible UF faculty and staff. The program covers the matriculation fees of up to six credit hours of covered college-level courses for eligible employees per semester. In the summer, a combined total of six credits taken during semesters A, B, and C may be covered under the EEP.

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Experiencing a work or life-event status change?

UF employees experiencing or expecting to experience a “qualifying status change” should contact University Benefits and Retirement as soon as possible to ensure they receive the appropriate benefits. Employees have only 31 days after a qualifying event occurs to make coverage changes. A status change includes any of the following:

• Start or return from leave
• Marriage
• Termination
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Death or ineligibility of a dependent
• Court order pertaining to children (i.e., legal guardianship or a divorce decree)
• Change in FTE
• Gain or loss of other coverage
• Eligibility for Medicare or Medicaid
• Change in spouse's employment

If you need additional information or have any questions, please contact University Benefits and Retirement at (352) 392-2HRS (SC 622-2477) or benefits@ufl.edu.

Training and Organizational Development is proud to announce that, in conjunction with Florida Works, an additional 12 Microsoft-based computer training sessions will be available in May. Please log-in to myUFL or visit www.hr.ufl.edu/training/schedule.asp#ms to view available dates and times.

Training and Organizational Development is aware of the high demand for these sessions and has been working diligently to find alternative ways to lower the number of participants on the waitlists. If you are unable to attend a workshop for which you are registered, please cancel your registration by phone (392-4626) or e-mail to make space for another UF employee who needs the training. When possible, please give 48 hours’ notice that you can’t attend.

In addition, in response to requests from campus, we will be offering training for MS Windows 2007 beginning in September.

Retirement planning information from the Florida Retirement System

As a UF employee, you may occasionally receive communications via e-mail, phone, or mail from financial management firms or financial planners. These companies offer their services and sometimes appear to be authorized by or affiliated with the Florida Retirement System. These services may be helpful as you prepare for retirement, but please know that the University of Florida does not endorse private financial firms or planners and does not guarantee their claims.

If you receive information that appears to come from or be approved by the FRS, you can make sure by contacting FRS’s Research and Education Section toll-free at (877) 377-1737 or (850) 488-5706 or by e-mail at REP@dms.MyFlorida.com.

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Despite tough economic times, employees gave generously to 2007 UFCC

In this year’s UF Community Campaign (UFCC), employees gave $1,167,446—a significant increase over funds raised last year. Many university employees donated to the campaign through the traditional payroll deduction, but others also gave through their involvement in silent auctions, bake sales, and a golf tournament.

“In a year like this, when there were no state-funded raises, it is a true testimony to the generosity and altruism of University of Florida employees,” said Steve Dorman, dean of UF’s College of Health and Human Performance and 2007 UFCC chair.

Each year, the UFCC asks employees to give to one or more of 80+ local community agencies. Participating agencies provide a range of services to the greater Gainesville community, including medical assistance, legal help, environmental protection, counseling, recreational opportunities, and efforts to ensure children start school ready to learn. Many of these organizations count on generous donations each year to fulfill their mission and meet the needs of their target populations.

For more information about the UF Community Campaign, please visit its web site at http://www.ufcc.ufl.edu/.

Network with local businesses at the 17th Annual Small Business Conference and Trade Fair

On March 26, the University of Florida will host its 17th Annual Small Business Conference & Trade Fair at the Hilton Hotel & Conference Center. The event will begin with a welcome/breakfast networking session hosted by the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce. Details and ticket prices are available on the Chamber’s web site at http://gainesvillechamber.com/small_business_month.aspx.

The annual trade fair opens at 9:00 a.m. and is expected to continue throughout the day until 4:00. Numerous workshops are scheduled throughout the day covering such topics as “How to Save Money and Energy in Your Business,” “Successful Strategies for Financing Your Business,” and the popular “One-On-One vendor networking sessions.”

Exhibitors will soon be signing up for the opportunity to meet and talk with representatives from UF and other agencies. You are invited to attend and network with the various businesses, win prizes, and help make this another successful event.