HR News

Get a Flu Shot Wednesday and Help Health Services Stay Prepared

Photo: Employee receiving a flu shot from pharmacist

On Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Flanagan Gym, a flu clinic will be set up to administer flu vaccinations. This is free for all SU students, staff, faculty and temporary employees with SU ID.  No appointments are necessary.

Receiving the first flu vaccine that day will be Otto the Orange.

“This flu clinic is part of a point-of-delivery exercise for Syracuse University’s emergency preparedness plan,” says Ben Domingo, director of Health Services. “We encourage campus community members to attend this flu clinic if possible to support our preparation and planning processes.”

Last year, Health Services staff, Emergency Management staff and Falk College public health interns all worked in coordination with the Onondaga County Health Department to deliver 1,320 flu shots to faculty and staff in four hours.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination with an injectable flu vaccine for everyone six months and older before the end of October, if possible. The flu vaccination has important benefits, including reducing flu illnesses, doctors’ visits and missed work and school due to flu, as well as preventing flu-related hospitalization.

For questions, email Janelle Perry, administrative secretary for Health Services.  For more information, including guidelines on who should not receive flu vaccinations, visit the flu clinic webpage.

Open Enrollment and 2018 Benefits Plan Design Information Now Available

Open Enrollment, the annual period when University faculty, staff and other eligible individuals make their benefit choices for the coming year, begins Monday, Oct. 30, and continues through Friday, Nov. 10. This is the only time of year when participants may elect or change coverage for many benefits, unless they experience a qualifying life event.

As previously announced, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has been selected to administer the medical plans for Syracuse University, effective Jan. 1, 2018. As an Upstate New York-based provider with offices in DeWitt, Excellus was selected as part of a comprehensive benefits review process to ensure employees and retirees have access to an excellent set of options from the highest quality plans.

In an Oct. 2 email to the campus community, Andrew R. Gordon, senior vice president and chief human resources officer, shared information and updates about the Syracuse University benefits package for 2018. Some important highlights include the following:

  • There will be no increase in employee per-paycheck contributions for any University benefit plans for 2018.
  • Members enrolled in SUBlue and SUOrange will not be required to obtain referrals to see in-network providers.
  • Copays for certain medical services will increase by $10. This is the first such increase in four years. An annual in-network deductible will be applied to SUBlue and SUOrange.
  • All copays and deductibles are listed on the University’s Open Enrollment website, including detailed information provided in our frequently asked questions resource guide.
  • There will be no changes to existing deductibles or coinsurance for SUPro. SUPro has no referral requirement.
  • OptumRx will continue to provide prescription drug coverage.
  • The University’s dental and vision plans will have no copayment, coinsurance or contribution increases. In these plans, 2018 is the second year of a two-year commitment, so the only change participants can make is to enroll or remove dependents from the plan, unless they experience a qualifying life event.

Employee contributions for dependent life, supplemental life and AD&D, and voluntary long-term disability insurance will have no rate increases or plan changes. Free will preparation services are included when employees enroll in supplemental life insurance.

Information sessions and office hours are available during Open Enrollment. In addition, on-campus office hours will be held twice per week this fall and into 2018 by an experienced representative from Excellus to assist members with any personal transition questions. All of the relevant information will be posted online at openenrollment.syr.edu as it becomes available.

Employees who have any immediate questions about Syracuse University benefits can contact the HR Service Center by phone at 315.443.4042 or by email at hrservice@syr.edu.

Options for Faculty, Staff Vaccination Coverage Expanded; Campus Flu Vaccine Clinic Dates Announced

Annual vaccination is an important step people can take to protect themselves and others from the flu. The Office of Human Resources has announced that University health plan participants may now get flu shots and other covered vaccines at more than 68,000 pharmacies with $0 copay. In addition, several convenient and free on-campus flu clinics for 2017 have been announced.

University health plan participants can now utilize their OptumRx member ID card and receive a flu vaccination and other covered vaccines through OptumRx’s pharmacy network with $0 copay. For vaccines not provided through a pharmacy, members may continue to obtain covered vaccines through their doctor’s office using their POMCO member ID card through Dec. 31.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2018, when Excellus BlueCross BlueShield becomes the Syracuse University health care provider, University health plan participants may use either their OptumRx or their Excellus BlueCross BlueShield member ID card when receiving covered vaccines at a participating pharmacy with $0 copay. For vaccines not provided through a pharmacy, members may obtain covered vaccines through their doctor’s office using their Excellus BlueCross BlueShield ID card.

With the expansion of participating pharmacies, including most national chain pharmacies and independent local pharmacies, health plan participants can identify a participating pharmacy online by logging into www.optumrx.com or by using the mobile app [PDF].

Campus Flu Clinics

In addition, Syracuse University Health Services and the Office of Human Resources, in collaboration with the Onondaga County Health Department, will continue their partnership and offer free flu vaccines to the Syracuse University community. This year, Health Services will be immunizing with the broader quadrivalent flu vaccine to protect against four strains of influenza viruses.

There are several upcoming opportunities for students, faculty and staff to get the flu vaccine on campus. Plan to stop by to get your vaccine to maximize your protection throughout the flu season.

For faculty and staff:

  • Thursday, Sept. 14, at a Benefits Fair, 11 a.m.-2. p.m., Flanagan Gymnasium (Graduate assistants and retirees are welcome to attend the fair and receive a free flu vaccine.)
  • Wednesday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Flanagan Gymnasium
  • Monday, Oct. 23, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Skytop Office Building, large conference room (second floor)
  • Wednesday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Miron Special Events Room, 303 Newhouse 1

For undergraduate and graduate students with an active SU ID:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Flanagan Gymnasium
  • Students will receive email notification about additional clinics that will be set up at Health Services, as well as various residence halls around campus.
  • Flu vaccinations are also available to students at the pharmacy at Health Services on a walk-in basis.

Individuals must present an SU ID at the clinic to receive the vaccine. Temporary employees may show an alternate picture ID. No appointments are necessary.

For general questions about the flu vaccine or if you are a student with questions, please call SU Health Services at 315.443.9005. Faculty and staff may contact the University Wellness Initiative at 315.443.5472 or wellness@syr.edu or the HR Service Center at 315.443.4042 or hrservice@syr.edu with any questions.

Employee Appreciation Day is Sept. 16 at the Dome

Syracuse University celebrates Employee Appreciation Day with $5 football tickets at the Dome on Saturday, Sept. 16 when the Orange takes on Central Michigan at 3:30 p.m. Employees and their guests are invited to the Shaw Quadrangle prior to the game to enjoy the Pride of the Orange Marching Band performance and food and beverage concessions.

The first 500 faculty and staff with an SU ID to visit the pre-game Human Resources tent  on the Shaw Quadrangle will receive a game day gift and a $5 concession coupon.

Prior to the game, a drawing will be held to invite employees to enjoy the game with game day guests in a private suite at the Dome. Another drawing will be held to invite up to 20 employees and their guests to the turf at Legends Field before the game.

In addition to welcoming alumni back to campus for Coming Back Together weekend, the game day theme is ‘Medical Appreciation Day,’ which will include a celebration of all medical professionals throughout the day.

Tickets

The Syracuse University employee ticket price is $5 and employees are invited to purchase up to 10 tickets at that price with an SU ID. Employees may purchase tickets online through a MyCuse Account, in-person at the Dome Box Office, or over the phone by calling 315.443.2121 (press 2). Tickets can be purchased until the day of the event. The first 1,000 tickets purchased will be on the lower level of the Dome.

Parking

A University parking permit will be honored for free game day parking at the Skytop parking lot. One complimentary Skytop parking pass for faculty and staff (for those without a University permit) will be available Sept. 13-15 at the Office of Human Resources with proof of an Employee Appreciation game ticket and SU ID.

Share Your Orange Spirit

Employees can share game day photos on social media for a chance to appear on the Dome videoboard using #CuseGameDay. For questions about Employee Appreciation Day, please call the HR Service Center at 315.443.4042 or email hrservice@syr.edu. For questions about football tickets, please call the Dome Box Office at 315.443.2121.

Supervisor Resource Sessions and Faculty and Staff Assistance Program Orientations Sept. 7 and Oct. 17

As part of the University’s ongoing effort to offer professional development opportunities, Carebridge will be on campus Thursday, Sept. 7 and Tuesday, Oct. 17 to promote awareness about the benefits of the Syracuse University Faculty and Staff Assistance Program.

Carebridge Senior Vice President Mary Dougherty-Hunt will welcome faculty and staff at the Hall of Languages, Room 500 on September 7 for a variety of services and support that includes:

  • Supervisor Resource Sessions, 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 2:30-3:30 p.m.
    This session will ensure supervisors are fully aware of the supervisor resources and tools available through Carebridge as well as how to effectively communicate this benefit to their staff. Registration required.
  • General Orientation of the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, 11-11:45 a.m. (no registration required)
    This presentation will provide an overview of the confidential resources and services provided through Carebridge that support the emotional well-being, work-life balance, and personal resilience of eligible members of the campus community. No registration required
  • Meet and Greet, 12:15-1 p.m. (no registration required)
    Stop by for a casual conversation; bring your questions about the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program or to pick up educational materials at the promotional table.

Benefits-eligible members of the Syracuse University community are invited to attend one or more of these upcoming sessions to learn more about the integrated, accessible, confidential support services available through Carebridge.

The full suite of Carebridge’s comprehensive services including a broad network of independent, licensed counselors available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, online and telephonic support in a variety of work-life areas, as well as online resources at myliferesource.com; (the University’s access code is: WY6CE)  are available to all those eligible to participate in the University’s medical plan, including benefits-eligible faculty and staff, graduate assistants and retirees, as well as their dependents.

For your convenience, Carebridge will offer a similar day of programming including Supervisor Resource Sessions, General Orientations and an opportunity for Meet and Greet on Oct. 17.  For complete details visit http://wellness.syr.edu/blog/carebridge-onsite-visits/

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Selected as New Administrator for Syracuse University Medical Plans

Earlier this year, Syracuse University conducted an annual review of health care benefits to ensure high-quality coverage, excellent customer service and competitive rates. As part of this exercise to foster institution-wide excellence, the Office of Human Resources began reviewing and assessing the University’s current medical plans and exploring new coverage opportunities to ensure employees and retirees have access to the highest quality plans. After receiving extensive feedback from health care experts, along with the University’s Benefits Advisory Council, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has been selected to administer the medical plans for Syracuse University, effective Jan. 1, 2018.

As an Upstate New York-based provider with offices in DeWitt, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield was selected because of its many strengths and capabilities, including:

  • Dedicated, local customer service team that will deliver superior member support;
  • Comprehensive health management programs that ensure exceptional patient care;
  • Largest nationwide provider network, with the following highlights:
    •  96 percent of hospitals and 92 percent of physicians contract with BlueCross BlueShield organizations nationwide
    • An international network that provides members with access to doctors and hospitals in 200 countries
  • 24/7 Nurse Line provides employees with free access to trained medical professionals around the clock; and
  • Comprehensive online and mobile resources.

“The selection of Excellus as the administrator of our plans is the result of a very collaborative approach involving dedicated employees who are committed to a competitive benefits package,” says Andrew R. Gordon, senior vice president and chief human resources officer. “The decision was based on many factors, including Excellus’ exceptional provider coverage, dedication to customer service, overall value to our employees and its local roots.”

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is committed to providing Syracuse University the highest level of customer service. To further this commitment, a seasoned and knowledgeable representative from Excellus will hold office hours on campus twice a week to assist members with any medical plan inquiries. These office hours will commence Oct. 30 – Nov. 10 during Open Enrollment, and will continue into 2018 to ensure that members are receiving the highest level of service and to ensure a seamless transition.

“The Benefits Advisory Committee explored medical coverage opportunities to make sure the University can continue to offer affordable and high quality health plans. The committee was broadly representative of the University Community and engaged in spirited discussion to understand options and make solid recommendations about the University’s medical benefits, which are so important to our employees,” says Maxwell School Professor of Practice Thomas Dennison. “Excellus’s proposal included a powerful provider network and demonstrated a clear commitment to customer service. I’m confident that this was a well-considered and good decision.”

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, as well as many other University benefits providers will be on site at the Benefits Fair on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m.-2p.m. in Flanagan Gymnasium. Employees and retirees are encouraged to attend to discover the many resources available to them as part of their comprehensive benefits package.

“We’re thrilled that Syracuse University has selected Excellus BlueCross BlueShield as its health insurance provider,” says Jim Reed, Excellus regional president, Central New York. “As a local employer, we are looking forward to partnering with the University to provide their employees and families access to high-quality, affordable health care.”

Additional transition information will be available through Open Enrollment communications that will be forthcoming during the fall semester.

Should you have any questions on this change, or any of the other University benefits, contact the HR Service Center during normal business hours at 315.443.4042 or via email at hrservice@syr.edu.

Q&A: Bea Gonzalez on SU Employment Opportunities Workshop at the Warehouse

Office of Human Resources Talent Acquisition Managers Sharon Cole and Jose Miguel Longo met recently with community members for an employment information workshop at the Nancy Cantor Warehouse. The purpose was to educate those in attendance about Syracuse University’s online application process and encourage them to apply for open positions. We asked Vice President for Community Engagement Bea Gonzalez about how the event came about and plans for more like it.

  • What was the purpose of this workshop, and why do you think it was important to do?
    The University is vested in the well-being of our city and the surrounding region. We are collaborators and partners with many agencies and organizations working on addressing the issues of poverty and access. As I was engaged in my listening tour, recurring questions kept coming up. “How can our community members and clients access jobs at SU?” “If SU is serious about addressing poverty in our community, could you assist in getting our people employed?” We asked our colleagues in Human Resources if they would be willing to provide a how-to session at the Warehouse to encourage more applications from our community members. They agreed, and we started planning. SU was already providing this service at Skytop. We just changed the venue and invitation process based on what I heard during my listening tour.

  • This was a collaboration of the University and local agencies. Who was involved?
    We piloted with the agencies that I had heard from: the Spanish Action League, the Northside Learning Center, the Urban Jobs Task Force, the South West Community Center and CNY Works.

  • This was designed intentionally for a limited number of attendees (ceiling on attendance was 20 registrants). Did you consider this a pilot program? Will there be more opportunities like it in the future?
    Yes, we consider this a pilot. The idea is to connect with our community. As one of the key employers in the area, we feel it is important to provide the services and resources that make our hiring process personal and accessible. As a follow up, of the 13 participants at the SU Employment Opportunities session, six have already been invited to campus for interviews.

  • What are the best ways for people to learn about jobs at the University and apply?
    Potential employees have access to all of the online resources at hr-test.syr.edu/. We are planning to offer community-based information sessions several times a year. Also, all of our SU jobs can be accessed through Indeed.com, HERCjobs.org and HigherEdjobs.com.

Redesigned OptumRx Member Portal Improves Patient Management Experience

OptumRx, the prescription drug benefit manager for employees and dependents enrolled in Syracuse University health plans, has redesigned their member portal to enhance a member’s online experience. The new features allow users to more easily manage prescriptions and be more informed about their health care.

All members can register for access to the new portal and tools at optumrx.com.  Members who previously registered for access to the secure online member portal will need to re-register to get a new Optum ID.

Some of the enhancements include:

  • My Medicine Cabinet displays at-a-glance actions a member needs to take for all their medications;
  • Order Status allows members to track a home delivery order status, view estimated delivery dates and set notifications when an order is on hold;
  • The Proactive Savings Messaging advocates for members by providing proactive ways to save; and
  • The ability to request a new prescription at home delivery or to transfer retail prescriptions to home delivery

In addition, members can more thoroughly compare drug prices among five pharmacies with the drug-pricing tool and household access gives members the ability to manage prescriptions on behalf of family members.

OptumRx is continuing to add new features to the member portal throughout 2017 and 2018, including more integration of specialty prescriptions filled through BriovaRx.

Please contact OptumRx customer service at 866.854.2945 if you have questions about this new online experience and share your feedback with the HR Service Center at 315.443.4042 or email hrservice@syr.edu.

Syracuse University, AU Confirm New Three-Year Agreement

Employees of Syracuse University, who are members of the Adjuncts United Union (AU), approved a three-year contract on May 31 covering approximately 600 University part-time faculty.

“Adjuncts United is very pleased to have a newly ratified three-year agreement in place, and we remain committed to working together for continued clarity within the unique higher education employment relationship our membership shares with the University,” says Adjunct United President Laurel Morton. “I believe all campus community members will benefit from the mutual respect demonstrated on both sides during this process.”

The package approved by the AU members included:

  • an increase in funding allocated for professional training and career development;
  • a workspace utilization and optimization plan to facilitate part-time faculty’s ability to perform teaching-related duties and enhanced student interaction;
  • a supplemental teaching load review for assignments lasting longer than eight weeks;
  • an opportunity for a multi-year appointment for faculty who have completed 14 consecutive semesters of teaching; and
  • a guaranteed two percent wage increase annually over the contract’s three-year term.

“This contract demonstrates how much we value the contributions of our part-time faculty,” says Andrew R. Gordon, senior vice president and chief human resources officer. “We were able to identify important workplace enhancements and better align our employees’ needs with the marketplace. I am grateful that both sides worked together in good faith to reach an agreement.”

The new contract will run from 2017-2020.

On My Own Time Winners Selected

This year, the On My Own Time exhibition featured artwork from nearly 40 faculty and staff members ranging from paintings, ceramics, drawings, sculptures, photography, collage/assemblage, fiber art, glasswork, computer art, metalwork and mixed media. Members of the University community voted from April 28-May 17 for a favorite piece of art and a panel of professional artists assembled by CNY Arts served as judges for the works to be featured at the Everson Museum.

 

The selected artwork that will be featured in a public exhibition at the Everson Museum this fall includes:

Richard Breyer–“Mozart in Color”

Fred Wellner–“The Clear-Eyed One”

Philip Arnold–“In Case of Emergency–Break Glass”

Joseph Stoll–“Spring Break”

Peter Irvine–“For They Shall See”

Stephanie Parks–“A Good Egg”

Ronna Schindler–“Camouflage”

Julie Hall–“Balancing Bird II”

Laura Wellner–“”Going wit the Flow”

Scott Samson–“Stepladder Mountains”

Popular Vote: Johnny Yinger, “Koaville”

Photo: Popular vote winner "Koaville" by Johnny Yinger

Artwork that will be included in the CNY Arts Catalog: Joseph Stoll, “Spring Break”; and Julie Hall, “Balancing Bird II”

In April 2018, the On My Own Time exhibition will commemorate 45 years of celebrating the arts in the Syracuse community and continuing to recognize the artistic works of faculty and staff.

To read more about this year’s entries in the On My Own Time exhibition, go to SU News.

Photo: black and white photo of mother kissing her smiling baby