Month: November 2023

Save the Date for GW’s Faculty and Staff Winter Celebrations

Published by Costanzo on November 14, 2023

Save the date for the GW Faculty and Staff Winter Celebration!

Virginia Science and Technology Campus
Tuesday, December 12
1:30-3:30 p.m.
Enterprise Hall, First Floor

Foggy Bottom Campus
Wednesday, December 13
2-4 p.m.
University Student Center, Third Floor

Foggy Bottom Campus Overnight Shift Winter Celebration
Wednesday, December 13
10 p.m.-12 a.m.
University Student Center, Room 309

GW Vacation Time Improvements and Changes

Published by Costanzo on November 14, 2023

GW is rolling out a new and improved Vacation Time Policy that will go into effect on July 1, 2024. You’ll find some of the key changes below, but we encourage you to register for the Virtual Vacation Time Information Session on Thursday, 11/16 if you have questions that aren’t answered here.

No more “use it or lose it” – The current structure we’re all familiar with where you must use your leave before the end of the fiscal year will no longer apply. Instead, you’ll accrue hours until you’ve reached the maximum number you can bank at one time. You’ll begin accruing hours again once you’re back under the maximum.
Faster accrual rate at 10 years – You’ll reach the maximum accrual rate sooner in your career! You’ll get 16 hours a month at 10 years instead of 15.
Accrue before use and transition time – You’ll no longer be able to use vacation time unless you have hours already accrued. GW will provide “transition time” to those hired before July 2024 to help ease us into the new plan. Full time staff will receive 40 hours while part time staff will receive 20.

Below you’ll find the accrual rate and maximum number of hours under both the current and new plans. Have questions and can’t make the information session? You can always reach out to HR at timeoff@gwu.edu.

Years (Months of Service)	Monthly Accrual Rate (Hours)	Max. Vacation Time Accrued (Hours)
Current: Up to 2 years	10	120
New: Up to 2 years	10	180
Current: 2-4 years	12	144
New: 2-4 years	12	216
Current: 4-15 years	14	168
New: 4-10 years	14	252
Current: 15+ years	16	192
New: 10+ years	16	288

Keep in mind, this does not apply to all folks on the DSF team. For employees represented by a union, consult your Collective Bargaining Agreement (“CBA”) or speak with your union representatives. For ABM employees, please reach out to ABM HR with any questions.

Five Star FixIt Reviews 11/14/2023

Published by stephanie.stinfort on November 14, 2023

Your dedication has resulted in such well-deserved Kudos. Thank you for all your hard work!

Jose Ventura for repairing a bathroom door at Potomac House: “He was really nice and got the job done quickly.”

Nestor Fuentes for unclogging a bathroom sink at International House: “It was done efficiently and the site was left clean! Thank you!”

Souk Vongs and Tim Lindsey for fixing an interior door lock at Innovation Hall: “The issue was addressed quickly. Technicians went above and beyond. Fixed the lock and key.”

Leule Ambaye for replacing a soap dispenser in a Corcoran Gallery classroom: “The response to the request was incredibly fast. And the technician was courteous and professional.”

Nestor Fuentes for fixing a toilet at Dakota Hall: “He also helped me solve the drain issue. Great efforts”

Duke Nyangau for fixing the thermostat and restoring heat to a cold District House room: “I really appreciated the technician. He went above and beyond and was really helpful and communicative. My heat was fixed just in time for the cold wave. Amazing job :)”

Carl Bryant and Brian Johnson for assisting in a bulk trash pick up at Samson Hall: “These gentlemen were so polite and helpful and we are grateful to have the fridge out of our office! Thank you!”

Michael Graham and William Cobey for reporting interior lights at Building E: “Thank you for your prompt attention to this request and to everyone that was involved in resolving the issue. When we left the office yesterday evening, the light was on. Yay!”

DSF Training: Procurement Services 101 and Recognition Tips

Published by stephanie.stinfort on November 13, 2023

Each week we’ll be sharing the upcoming training and professional development opportunities available here at GW.

Tuesday 11/14

Manager Essentials
The manager essentials training provides participants with the knowledge and easy-to-apply tools needed to become an even more successful manager than they are today. Suzy Wilber will help participants understand what “great management” is and isn’t, increase skills in influencing positive change, and help participants become more astute on how to be a more effective manager. Ensuring that managers are equipped with the knowledge and know-how to nurture, motivate, and get the best out of their teams.

Time: 8am-12pm
Location: Support Building 310

Capitol Buildings Engineering and Facility Maintenance Show
Attend the 2023 Capitol Buildings Engineering and Facility Maintenance Show to see industry professionals along with product and service providers addressing important issues including energy, operations, safety and security as well as many more!

Time: 9am-2pm
Location: Dulles Expo Center
Chantilly, VA
Register to Attend

Wednesday 11/15

Procurement Services 101 Training Session
The Procurement Services 101 Training is designed to help new and experienced personnel gain a deeper understanding of the procurement process, compliance guidelines, and effective routing processes. In this training, participants will understand the importance of strategic sourcing and vendor management, discover best practices to navigate the procurement process to save time and resources, and learn many more strategies.

Time: 10am-11am
Location: Webex Meeting Number 2624 300 0814

Diversity and Inclusion Workshop
This workshop is an excellent opportunity for professional and personal development and growth as Dr. Jordan Shelby West offers ways to support and fully respect all members of the GW community who transition across sex and/or gender identities, as well as explaining pronouns and providing language and definitions related to gender, sex, and sexuality. Attendance is highly recommended, and lunch will be provided.

Time: 12-2pm
Location: USC 310
Register for the workshop

Friday 11/17

Leaders at All Levels: Recognition
Please join us for our November Leaders at all Levels session, where we will discuss recognition, its importance, and how to recognize colleagues meaningfully. Recognition is a key component of engagement and a way to celebrate everyday wins, big or small. Everyone, regardless of their level, can provide recognition that will positively impact others.

Time: 11am-12pm
Location Virtual Register here

Veterans Day 2023 Messages from Leadership

Published by Costanzo on November 10, 2023

Executive Vice President and Chief Administration Officer Sharon Reich Paulsen and FPCM Associate Vice President Baxter Goodly both sent out messages honoring all GW staff who have served as part of our armed forces. You can read both messages below.

Sharon Reich Paulsen’s Message

As we observe Veterans Day, I would like for each of us to treat this occasion as more than a fleeting acknowledgment. It should be a reminder to us all of the unwavering commitment those in our armed forces have made to the safety and freedom of our nation.

Veterans, the valor and selflessness that define your service inspire all of us at GW. I am truly proud to have you on our team. Our institution is privileged to have individuals of your caliber associated with us.

Please accept my thanks and the thanks of us all for your service.

Sincerely,
Sharon Reich Paulsen
Executive Vice President and Chief Administration Officer

Baxter Goodly’s Message

Today on Veterans Day, I’m extending my heartfelt gratitude to all the brave individuals who have dedicated themselves to the service of our nation in the armed forces. I am immensely proud to have individuals like you as part of our team, and I want you to know that our appreciation for your service goes far beyond this single day. Your dedication, courage, and selflessness are a constant source of inspiration, and we are deeply thankful for your contributions in ensuring our freedom and security.

Thank you for your service.

With great appreciation,
Baxter

Five Star FixIt Reviews 11/10/2023

Published by stephanie.stinfort on November 10, 2023

On your mark, get set, STOP! There is no point in a race when you’ve already won!

Congratulations to todays Kudos recipients!

Jose Guzman for repairing a door handle at SEH: “Technician was courteous, professional and competed the job.”
Greg Contee for assisting in the arrangement of transportation at Ross Hall: “Greg Contee was and is always a pleasure to work with.”
Andre Freeman for inspecting a heat pump and fixing the temperature at Gelman Library: “The technician came very quickly even though I did not indicate a rush – same day!”
Jose Avila for replacing a broken door lock at 2013 H St: “Jose is always thorough on any job that he does for HR”
Kevin Bell for replacing sagging ceiling tiles and evaluating for mold at Ross Hall: “He was great and even cleaned one of my lights for me!”
Karen Bryant for cleaning and vacuuming a conference room at SEH: “Karen was nice, professional and did excellent work, we had external partners expected for a conference and she not only came up down to 2600 right away she also left the room SPARKLING! Thank you so much Karen!”
Jose Chevez for unclogging a bathroom sink at Potomac House: “The technician came very fast and fixed the issue quickly!”
Tony Standard for unclogging a bathroom sink at FSK: “Thank you for fixing my issue. They were fast with my request. Overall good work. Thank you again.”
Jose Ventura, Jodi Friedman and Nelson Ventura for fixing a refrigerator and freezer at Madison Hall: “Jose and Jose were excellent! Came quickly and fixed it fast. Nelson stopped by the following day to make sure everything was working and all good. Excellent work and experience as always.”
Aaron Ferebee for replacing a faucet and restoring the water pressure to a 2013 H St. bathroom sink: “Technician was great”
Anthony Baylor for replacing a loose toilet handle in a Lafayette bathroom: “I appreciate the help. Thank you!”
Tony Standard for unclogging a bathroom sink at Strong Hall: “Fantastic!!!!! He not only came in and fixed our sink drain (which was what we submitted the FixIt about) but also TWO other things we didn’t even ask about!!!! Our sink water pressure which we had been struggling with and our toilet paper holder which was broken. He really went above and beyond and helped us take care of many things that had been needing to be fixed. He was kind and courteous and we really appreciated it!”
Wallace Vauss for unclogging a kitchen sink at SEH: “Thank you!”
Wallace Vauss for repairing a leak at Ross Hall: “Mr. Wallace did an amazing job. He was fast and very helpful. He would explain as he went which helped me understand what the problem was. He is always willing to go the extra step to make sure the problem is fixed.”
Michael Akyea for replacing bad lamps and restoring interior lighting at SEH: “Mr. Mike is always very friendly and efficient. He was able to work with my schedule and fixed the lights quickly for me. He is always very helpful and great to work with.”
Debebe Demeke for resetting the breaker and restoring power to a Thurston room: “I didn’t catch his name but he was very efficient and helpful!”
Daniel R Perez for responding to a bulk trash pickup at Enterprise Hall: “Very rapid response”
Duke Nyangau for switching the thermostat to heating mode in South Hall: “Very nice people and very fast!

Inbox Highlights: New Vacation Policy and Recognition Training

Published by Costanzo on November 10, 2023

We encourage you to read all emails sent to university employees, but we realize it’s easy to miss the details in the barrage of content sometimes. Below we’ve compiled a few highlights from an Infomail on the new vacation time policy and the latest issue of Focus on Yourself Fridays.

New and Enhanced Vacation Time Policy for Staff

Below you will find a summary of the new vacation policy for GW staff effective July 1, 2024. Additional details are outlined in the new Vacation Policy Overview.

Increased flexibility on the utilization of vacation time with the removal of “use or lose.” Vacation time accrued (but unused) will not be forfeited. All vacation time will continue to accrue up to a maximum accrual limit based on years of service tiers.
Introduction of a maximum accrual limit, i.e., 1.5 times the current annual maximum accrual.
Vacation time cannot be taken in advance of being accrued.
Recognize staff by providing a higher accrual of vacation time sooner for those with more than 10 years of service.
Transition time will be provided to those hired before July 1, 2024 and available to use through December 31, 2024 to support the change to the new policy.

Leaders at All Levels: Recognition

Friday, November 10, 2023
10:30am-11:30am
WebEx

Join HR for the November Leaders at all Levels session where they will be discussing recognition, its importance and how to recognize colleagues in a meaningful way. Recognition is a key component of engagement and a way to celebrate everyday wins, big or small. Everyone, regardless of their level, can provide recognition that will have a positive impact on others. Register for Leaders at All Levels: Recognition.

4 ways to make your recognition meaningful

In order to be successful, recognition has to be done properly, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Here are a few ways to make sure that the way you recognize employees in the workplace truly resonates with them as individuals.

Five Star FixIt Reviews 11/08/2023

Published by stephanie.stinfort on November 8, 2023

Thank you for your excellent work! You all deserve the recognition!

Giovanny Ruiz for restoring ventilation to an Amsterdam bedroom: “Our guy was respectful and helpful, explained what he could do, and worked quickly.”
Jimmy Thrower for replacing blinds in a District House dorm room: “The man who came was super nice and efficient.”
Jimmy Thrower for securing a bathroom towel holder at JBKO: “The gentleman did a great job.”
Tony Standard for unclogging a shower drain at International House: “Completed very quickly”
Jose Chevez for unclogging a bathroom sink at Potomac: “Great job, honestly it’s been a problem for a while now and he came in and fixed it so quickly and now it’s working great super happy!”
William Vigil for replacing the lights in a West Hall bedroom: “I didn’t get to say thank you so much for fixing my light in person, I was in class.”
Freddy Espinoza and William McKnight for replacing a thermostat at Bell Hall: “The technicians who helped me were outstanding! I submitted my FixIt ticket really late on Sept. 10th (a Sunday) and it was approved within a matter of seconds. The first technician promptly arrived at my lab to assess the issue with my thermostat, and then informed my student that he was going to check for a replacement part. Later that evening, the second technician brought the replacement part and promptly installed it. He even programmed the new thermostat to the temperature that I set for the previous thermostat. The technicians showed the utmost professionalism, respect, and attention to detail. I am so impressed and happy with the service that I received. Thank you all for your help!”
Wallace Vauss for assisting with a water stain on a Phillip Hall office ceiling: “The tech was very helpful and kind.”
Jodi Friedman for restoring power to a Thurston Hall dorm room: “I am very impressed by the prompt and fully corrective service. Fixit has exceeded my expectations.”
Jeffery Kinard and Charles Johnson for replacing an A/C unit at Academic Building: “Thank you for replacing the air conditioner before my class met again. It was really insufferable for a few weeks.”
Crystal Brown and Jose Ventura for remounting a towel hook, toilet paper holder and tighting a soap dish in a bathroom at 2109: “Was great, didn’t even notice they’d been by until I saw the card. Great work, really appreciate it 👍”
Freddy Espinoza and Gerson Parralez for assisting in the A/C restoration at Bell Hall: “Thank You”
Kevin Jackson for replacing broken towel hooks at Townhouse Row: “The technician that came was very kind and friendly. He was quick and made for a great experience.”
Leule Ambaye for fixing the hinges of an office door at Building YY: “The technician was wonderful. He came very quickly, and fixed my door in under 5 minutes. I’m very thankful. I hope he is commended.”
Yared Yirgu for regulating the temperature at an SEH office: “Yared (I am hoping I am spelling his name correctly) was very courteous, professional, and thorough. He proceeded to solve the temperature problem in a very methodical manner and with a solid plan. He troubleshooted the mechanical aspect of the problem and then the electrical. The problem is solved now and I hope the temperature will be warm enough for me. I think Yared is a great asset for GWU and please compensate him for his hard work. I do not know him but I was extremely impressed by his knowledge and professionalism. Please convey my thanks to him”
Steven Wilson for replacing a towel hook bar at Townhouse Row: “He was lovely when he came in and did a really good job”
Jose Ventura for repairing an office chair at Monroe Hall: “I really appreciated the creativity and determination of the technician to help fix an office chair that was otherwise unusable!”
Souk Vongs and Raymond Wallace for handling a bulk trash pickup at Discovery Hall: “Thank you thank you thank you for finding and saving the metal drawer pulls and not tossing them out, you absolutely saved my butt! Also, thank you as always for helping us clean up such a huge mess, you guys rock!”
Charles Johnson for restoring power at a Clark Hall residence: “Very cordial employee.”
Yasmin Monsalve for vacuuming an office at Ross Hall: “She asked exactly where we needed cleaning and did a great job.”
Tony Standard for replacing all the faucets in the men’s and woman’s bathrooms at Gelman: “I appreciate the fix that was made here, thank you!
Wallace Vauss for unclogging a tub at JBKO: “Thank you guys so much!! I wasn’t home when whoever came (I don’t think my roommate was either) so it was so nice coming back to the room and seeing that the shower was fixed. We really appreciate it!!!”
Charles Johnson for restoring power at a Hensley dorm room: “Charles was the best employee we have interacted with at GW so far!!! He was so kind, thoughtful, helpful, and knowledgeable. He went above and beyond to help us fix our space heater and took the time to explain why our power went out. Honestly, Charles deserves a raise and a high five!!! Thank you Charles!!!!”

Inbox Highlights: Retirement Plan Change and Staff Spotlight Nominations

Published by Costanzo on November 7, 2023

We encourage you to read all emails sent to university employees, but we realize it’s easy to miss the details in the barrage of content sometimes. Below we’ve compiled a few highlights from the October GWell Newsletter, a message about a retirement plan change from Benefits, and the October GW Staff Council Pillars Newsletter.

Flu and COVID 19 Vaccinations

The CDC recommends receiving vaccination as one of the best ways to protect yourself from severe cases of influenza and COVID-19, especially as cases tend to increase during the fall and winter season. Two final flu and COVID vaccine clinics will be held at the Virginia Science and Technology Campus (VSTC) on the following dates:

November 14, 2023, 10am -12pm, Enterprise Hall, Room 102
November 16, 2023, 1pm – 3pm, Enterprise Hall, Room 102

Employee Assistance Program Financial Counseling

GW employee financial well-being benefits available through the GW Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provide opportunities for preparing for current and future financial needs, such as planning for and repaying student loans. GW employees have access to financial planners for assistance with student loans, financial planning, budget planning, debt consolidation and more. Employees can schedule one 30-minute free consultation per issue per year and receive a 25% discount on the financial services fees beyond the initial 30-minute consultation.

Investment Lineup Change in the GW Retirement Plan

As a result of a recent review, the Retirement Plan Investment Committee has decided to make the following change to the retirement plans’ investment menu offered through Fidelity, effective November 8, 2023: The Fidelity New Markets Income Fund will be removed from the plans’ fund lineup. All assets invested in and future contributions to the fund will be moved to the existing Fidelity US Bond Index Fund.

Retirement counselors from both Fidelity and TIAA are available for complimentary one-on-one appointments. You can book an appointment on the Benefits website. You can also reach GW Benefits Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5pm at benefits@gwu.edu or 571-553-8382.

Staff Spotlight Nominations

Each month the GW Staff Council newsletter will be highlighting GW staff members who have made a positive impact on the GW community. If you’d like to recognize someone for their contributions, please submit Staff Spotlight Nominations by November 17th to be considered for the November Newsletter.

Five Star FixIt Award Standings for October

Published by Costanzo on November 7, 2023

As we announced last week, we’re AiMing (see what we did there?) to recognize the three folks who have the most five star FixIt reviews for all of 2023. So far the competition to take home a trophy is fierce (but friendly!) with the top contenders only separated by one or two reviews. Here are the updated standings through October!

Souk Vongs – 14
Terrence Branch – 12
Brian Johnson – 11
Raymond Wallace Jr. – 11
Christopher Gammon – 10
Jose Ventura – 9
Carl Bryant – 8
Freddy Espinoza – 8
Jose Melgar – 8
Julio Martinez – 8
Yared Yirgu – 8

We have over 60 people who have received more than one five star FixIt review in 2023. That’s a lot! Keep in mind that customers don’t have to fill out a survey when a work order is completed. They’re going out of their way to recognize great service. So thank you for the time and attention you’re giving the GW community!