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Author: Costanzo

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

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

Vacation Time Changes

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 years10120
New: Up to 2 years10180
Current: 2-4 years12144
New: 2-4 years12216
Current: 4-15 years14168
New: 4-10 years14252
Current: 15+ years16192
New: 10+ years16288

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.

Veterans Day 2023 Messages from Leadership

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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

Inbox Highlights: New Vacation Policy and Recognition Training

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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.

Infomail Highlights

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.

Focus on Yourself Fridays Highlights

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.

Inbox Highlights: Retirement Plan Change and Staff Spotlight Nominations

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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.

GWell Highlights

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.


Infomail Highlights

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.


GW Staff Council Pillars Newsletter Highlights

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

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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!

From the Desk of Baxter Goodly: Introducing the FPCM Employee Guidebook

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As part of the launch of our brand new FPCM Employee Guidebook, FPCM Senior Associate Vice President Baxter Goodly sent along the note below. You can always view the guidebook at go.gwu.edu/fpcmguidebook.

FPCM Team,

I am pleased to share with you a new and revised FPCM Guidebook. This document provides information specific to FPCM policies and procedures and should routinely be used as a reference tool for all employees. It does not replace university issued policies but does serve as a general guideline for multiple areas within our organization. As the need arises, this guidebook will be updated and changes will be communicated accordingly.

Please take the time to become familiar with the pertinent information contained herein.

Thank you,
Baxter

Familiarize Yourself With GW Staff Council

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Did you know GW has its very own staff council? It’s true! The GW Staff Council was formed this year with the approval of former President Wrighton to serve the interests and needs of GW staff. It’s made up of staff like us to assist in university decision making, review concerns, provide feedback to the administration, and generally serve as a voice for employees. And yes, even staff from the Division of Safety & Facilities have a say in this new group. Margaret Wagner and Jodi Friedman are proudly serving as our current representatives.

Think you’d like to be more involved? There are committees you can join even if you aren’t a representative. You can also submit feedback via the website. And monthly meetings are even open to the public, with Zoom links posted on the website. Be sure to register for the next meeting on November 17!

Have questions or don’t know where to start? Reach out to Jodi or Margaret. They’re happy to discuss what’s on your mind!

Career Milestones for 2023

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The Division of Safety & Facilities has an outstanding track record of retaining employees for years and we can’t tell you how appreciative we are of all the folks who have stuck by GW through thick and thin. Please take a moment to check out all the people who are celebrating Career Milestones in 2023. If you see your name on the list, congratulations! And you should have received an invitation in your email from Greenvelope to a special reception in your honor! RSVPs are due November 8th. Please contact your manager if you need assistance with RSVPing. Details for the events are below.

For those celebrating 20+ years at GW
November 28th 12pm to 2pm
City View Room at 1957 E St.

For those celebrating 5 to 15 years at GW
November 29th 12pm to 2pm
City View Room at 1957 E St.

We’d also like to take a moment to recognize two employees in particular who spent significant portions of their careers with GW. Kather White (40 years) and Raymond Perry (15 years) sadly both passed away earlier this year. We’ll always appreciate their contributions to the university and we hope you’ll join us in remembering the time we got to spend with them.

40, 45, 50 Years Banner

Calvin Williams, 50
Kather White, 40
Peter Clarke, 40

20, 25, 30, 35 Years Banner

Franklin Ard Sr, 35
David Pannell, 35
Maureen Crentsil, 35
Alpheus Demesme, 35
Vida Collison-Quartey, 35
Richard Lewis, 30
Jose Guzman, 30
Hilda Merche, 25
Maria Javier, 25
Stephen Belardo, 25
Sheldon White, 25
Leroy Keys, 20
Rebecca Ashitey, 20
Victor McKay, 20
Ernest Crentsil, 20
Mark Stegmeier, 20
Thomas Fitzpatrick, 20
Yaa Aniakwa, 20
Teisha Pettus, 20
Shola Wahab, 20

5, 10, 15 Years Banner

Matthew Williams, 15
James Ray, 15
Jeffrey Kerch, 15
Tyrone Powell II, 15
Raymond Perry, 15
Gladys Opoku, 15
Jamel O’Brien, 15
Iyke Igbokwe, 15
Lauretta Hiett, 15
Agyenim Boateng, 15
Foster Opoku, 15
Veronica Franklin, 15
Amara Kallon, 15
Tony Standard, 15
Jodi Friedman, 15
William Cobey Jr., 10
Traneka Parker, 10
Evenson Guerrier, 10
Brian Snyder, 5
Geanine Reaves, 5
Yoandris Pavon Gonzalez, 5
Diamonece Newman, 5
Eslie Murraine Jr, 5
Kathleen Fox, 5