March 2017 Newsletter

Last Day for Staff Senate Elections

The deadline to vote for Staff Senate elections is today at 5:00pm!

Two weeks ago, you received an email with a subject line that started with 2017 Staff Senate which included your unique link to vote. Please take a couple of minutes to cast your vote for your top candidates. We look forward to tallying the results and learning who our new senators will be in 2017!

Staff Open Forum with University Leadership

The Staff Senate will host our annual Open Forum with Chancellor David Belcher and Provost Alison Morrison-Shetlar on April 13 from 3:30-5:00 in the Blue Ridge Conference Room. The Open Forum provides an opportunity for staff to exchange ideas and feedback directly with university leadership and for your voice to be heard on a wide range of topics affecting our campus community. Refreshments will be served. We look forward to seeing you there!

New HR/Payroll Intranet Site to Provide New Features & Enhanced Usability

On March 21, Phase 2 of the “myWCU” portal was launched to the campus.  The “myWCU” portal was originally rolled out in May 2016 and provides a centralized platform for faculty, staff, students, and applicants to access data and links to many systems including Banner, Blackboard, Office365, 25Live and more.

This second phase, which builds upon the Microsoft SharePoint platform, introduces new features and enhancements to the new Human Resources and Payroll Internal site. The new site is designed to enhance usability and productivity that will contribute to the overall user experience.

A key component of the Phase 2 implementation is the transition of several existing paper forms and processes into electronic workflows. Initially, campus users will be able to access and complete the following forms online:

· Tuition waiver requests
· Name change requests
· Address changes to permanent mailing address
· Voluntary shared leave application, and
· Volunteer agreements

In the near future, additional paper forms will be transitioned to electronic workflow processes and will be accessible through the new site.

Questions or comments may be directed to (828) 227-7218 or humanresources@email.wcu.edu.

Parking and Transportation Update

Parking and Transportation, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability, is planning a campus-wide survey late this spring.  Watch for the survey and please plan to participate. This important feedback collection mechanism helps the department tailor their efforts and services more directly to the needs and preferences of the campus community. Don't miss this opportunity to provide your input on a campus service that impacts you everyday!

Support Staff Senate Scholarships

Planting Seeds for Success:
Spring is here! What better way to celebrate than by helping Staff Senate plant the seed of success for deserving children of SHRA and EHRA non-faculty WCU employees?

Through the Planting Seeds for Success scholarship campaign, you have an opportunity to directly influence the growth of the Staff Senate Scholarship Fund via payroll deduction, a one-time donation, or scheduled contributions. 

Click here to submit an online donation or complete the payroll deduction form and return it to the Office of Development in Room 201 HFR Building. Please consider taking five minutes to sow a seed of success for a future student at Western Carolina University.   

Thank you for your support!

Zaxby’s Fundraiser:
It’s time for another Staff Senate Scholarship Zaxby’s fundraiser! Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 29 between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. for the Staff Senate Scholarship Zaxby’s fundraiser. Zaxby’s will donate 10% of all sales made during the event to the Staff Senate Scholarship Fund. We hope that you are able to come out and support this worthwhile cause.

UClub Scholarship Fundraiser:  
We are excited to announce that the University Club (UClub) is hosting its third annual Staff Senate Scholarship fundraiser on Friday, April 21 at the UClub’s campus location (behind the print shop). Doors open at 5:00 pm. This event has been instrumental in raising funds for the scholarship in years past and is a great way for individuals to come out and socialize with friends and co-workers while also providing support for the Staff Senate scholarship fund.  All faculty and staff are welcome. This year’s event will offer a lot of fun and games with a silent auction.

UNC Staff Assembly Scholarship

Do you plan on taking classes in the fall 2017 semester? If so, consider applying for the UNC Staff Assembly’s Janet B. Royster Memorial Staff Scholarship Fund. 

The scholarship promotes staff development for UNC employees and encourages them to become more effective and better prepared for promotion within the UNC system. The application deadline for support in the fall semester is May 1, 2017. 

For more information: https://www.northcarolina.edu/scholarships/janet-b-royster-jbr-memorial-staff-scholarship-fund

Health & Wellness Tip: Wipe it Down

We should always be vigilant when it comes to keeping our work space clean; however, this time of year, when we are mainly indoors, it is especially important. Germs can spread like crazy in offices and other common areas. Sneezing, coughing, and even talking can spread little viruses that then land on common work spaces. Besides wiping down surfaces, be sure to wipe down your phone. Phone handsets are one the fastest ways to spread germs in the office and even back to yourself! Frequent hand washing, getting the flu shot, eating well, exercising and getting plenty of rest can also help to keep you and your co-workers healthy this flu season.

For more health and wellness tips, visit Whee for Life's website: wheeforlife.wcu.edu