In this issue we have important information about changes to the 2013 Benefits and Payroll, upcoming AhealthyU events, and more information about the AsuccessfulU system for staff performance management, as well as upcoming Professional Development courses. To go directly to an article, click on the Quick Link on the right.

Open Enrollment and Important Benefit Information

Open Enrollment Runs through November 27

This year, Open Enrollment will run from November 5 – 27 and is your annual opportunity to make changes to your benefit elections that will take effect on January 1, 2013. Information about the rates for the benefit plans, summary of changes, and a PDF of the Know Your Benefits guide can be found on the portal.
Click and log on for more information: myAU.american.edu/Work/Pages/Benefits.aspx

Meet the Benefit Plan Representatives

Representatives from the various benefit plans will be on campus during November to answer any questions you have about the plans.
Click and log on for more information: Meet the Benefits Vendor Representatives

Important Changes to Payroll and Benefits for 2013

There are a number of important benefit deductions and payroll tax changes that take effect January 2013. Please look out for the next issue of HR Newsletter in January 2013.

Tuition Exchange Scholarships

Tuition Exchange Scholarship Applications were due on November 1 for Academic Year 2013-2014. You must re-apply each year. If you have not yet submitted your application for your child, please complete the Educational Benefits for Dependent Children Form located on myAU.american.edu > HR Payroll Connection > Info/Forms > Benefits and submit to HR.

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AhealthyU: Faculty Staff Wellness Programs

Get Your Flu Shot
Seasonal flu shots are now available at no cost to AU faculty and staff through the Student Health Center in partnership with AhealthyU. Appointments must be made in advance and shots will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis within each 30-minute appointment slot.

For more information: http://www.american.edu/ocl/healthcenter/Flu-Shot-Information.cfm

Health Screening Events
It is important to know the numbers that can have the biggest impact on your health. These include cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose, and body mass index. AU sponsored health screenings will take place on main campus and at WCL in November. All services are provided at no cost to you. Results are confidential. Participants are entered into a drawing for a chance at an iPad!*

Additionally, be sure to take advantage of the online Personal Wellness Profile. By completing the profile, you will receive a comprehensive, personalized report outlining your current health status, areas for improvement, and potential next steps. You’ll also have access to an entire portal filled with healthy tools and trackers to keep you on target. Full-time faculty and staff who participate will receive $50 in either EagleBucks or it can be applied towards their Jacobs Fitness Center membership fee.

For more information: www.american.edu/hr/AhealthyU/knowyournumbers.cfm

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PMP: Using AsuccessfulU Year-Round

AsuccessfulU – A More Relevant, Simpler and Transparent PMP System
Due to the university’s closure for Hurricane Sandy, the deadline for full-time staff members to set up their performance goals was extended to Friday, Nov. 9. Beyond goal setting, be sure to take full advantage of the features in the new electronic performance management (PMP) system, AsuccessfuU.

Staff Council Chair and Enterprise Systems Project Manager, Matteo Becchi, told us “The revamped PMP was designed specifically to address the feedback we received from AU staff, managers, and administrators about how to improve the existing system. As you set your goals in AsuccessfulU, you will notice that the process is simpler, more transparent and job-relevant.”

One of the front line PMP project team members, Heather Smith, Employee Relations Specialist, said, “One of its most convenient features is that as you set your goals, you no longer have to start from scratch. For example, the Goal Library feature contains pre-written goals that you then can modify to create a unique, personalized goal that applies specifically to your job. Also, the Goal Wizard feature walks you through the steps to help you create a SMART goal.

Keep in mind, once you’ve set up your goals, you can make changes. “AsuccessfulU gives you the ability to prepare first drafts that you can discuss with your manager and enter changes as needed by using an edit button. You also may access your stated goals online via the portal and enter progress notes and updates at any time. The system tracks changes and provides an audit trail for staff and managers,” added Sheila Way, director of Learning & Performance Management.
Email any questions you may have to AsuccessfulU@american.edu and a member of the HR team will help you.

Manager Workshops on Mid-Year Discussions, Achievement Plans, and Competency Checks
All managers who supervise one or more full-time staff member will be asked to attend a three-hour workshop focused on managing the mid-year discussions of the PMP. These workshops will run from November through the end of February and include information on how to assess staff on the new competencies and how the new Achievement Plans will work. Workshops will be offered at various off-site locations for specific intact manager teams, and in public sessions on main campus. To enroll, go to Learning in AsuccessfulU and search for PMP Mid-Year Discussions: Workshop for Managers

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Professional Development Opportunities for Staff

Reduce Your Digital Risk
October was National Cyber Security Awareness Month, but AU’s Office of Information Technology brings security awareness to our community year-round. Staff and faculty who supervise staff may view brief security awareness and compliance videos in the AsuccessfulU system. Learn more about regulations that affect your work and how to protect your information online.

Each video runs from two to four minutes in length. Suggested videos to start with:

• Reducing Your Digital Risk – Introduction (pre-requisite)

• Reducing Your Digital Risk – Social Engineering

• Reducing Your Digital Risk – Mobile Devices

• Reducing Your Digital Risk – You Are the Target

• Reducing Your Digital Risk – What to Do if You are Hacked

For more information visit: myAU.american.edu/Work/Pages/AsuccessfulU.aspx, click in the system, and search for Reducing Your Digital Risk in the Learning module. 

Professional Development Courses for Staff - November 2012
Designed to support you in reaching your professional development goals, Human Resources offers the following courses for AU staff. Register by logging into the myAU.american.edu/Work/Pages/AsuccessfulU.aspx and click "Go to AsuccessfulU." This will launch your personal profile in the Learning system and from there you can browse and register for these and other courses, view your learning plan and learning history. For further assistance, please refer to the PDF User Guides listed on the AsuccessfulU portal page or email AsuccessfulU@american.edu

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For event details and a full list of all upcoming events, see the University Events Calendar.