This year’s Brandeis University Staff Advisory Committee (BUSAC) nominations and elections are coming up. We will send all staff who are eligible to be nominated and vote in elections an individual email confirming their eligibility and a nomination form. To be eligible you must be a benefits eligible staff member or post-doc, who started before Sept. 1. If you have not received this email by the end of the day on March 5 and think that you are eligible, please email BUSAC@brandeis.edu so that we can investigate and include you in as part of the elections process. Nominations of members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

The purpose of the BUSAC committee is to improve the work environment for Brandeis University staff through discussions and actions that influence policy; develop and enrich staff; and promote ongoing, meaningful and deliberate improvements to the staff experience. All interested staff members are welcome to attend an open BUSAC meeting on March 4 from 2-3 p.m.

Please join the Office of Student Financial Services for a financial aid webinar on Friday, Feb. 26 from 3 -4 p.m. (EST). Topics will include:

• 21-22 Financial aid renewal application process (including what to do if your family's income has been affected by COVID)
• The cost of attendance, including how housing choices (on-campus, off-campus, and studying remotely from home) affect financial aid

• The financial aid package and how it is determined 

• The financial aid appeal process

• How to pay the bill (payment plans, private loans, etc.)
• Emergency funds
• iGrad financial literacy tool and one-on-one literacy sessions

Students can sign up for the webinar and ask questions ahead of time. To register, please visit this link.  Live chat will be available during the webinar.

Human Resources is offering the following three-hour virtual workshops in Spring 2021 presented by Skill Path:

• Thursday, Feb. 25 – Balancing Work and Life in a Virtual World
• Thursday, March 11– Building More Effective Work Relationships
• Thursday, March 25 – How to be an Effective Virtual Team Member
• Tuesday, April 27 – Returning to the Workplace: An Employee’s Guide
• Tuesday, May 11 – Managing Conflict and Confrontation

A series of trainings for managers detailing how to implement specific Brandeis policies and procedures in light of COVID-19. Trainings will be presented virtually via Zoom.

• Wednesday, March 17 – Conducting One-On-Ones
• Tuesday, March 30 – Intro to Leaves Policy
• Tuesday, April 6 – Legal Considerations of the Supervisor
• Monday, April 12 – Performance Reviews: Coaching and Counseling

Additional Workshops presented via Zoom:

• Thursday, March 18, 10-11 a.m. – Leading Employees Through Change
• Friday, March 26, 9-11 a.m. – Improving Business Writing
• Tuesday, April 13, 10-11 a.m. – The Road to Resiliency
• Thursday, May 13, 10-11 a.m. – Un-clutter to De-stress: Simple Steps to Simplify Your Life

Please visit the links for more information and registration. For questions please email Cynthia Farquhar.

The spring semester may be off to a wintry start, but you can be technology smart! The Technology Help Desk would like to remind the Brandeis community to keep their computer—whether university-issued or personal— up to date with the latest software updates and security patches. Don’t forget to restart your computer after applying an update. In fact, a weekly restart is a must to keep your machine updated and running smoothly.

It’s equally important to review and remove outdated software, including the old antivirus software (Symantec); users with university-provided Windows machines are directed to follow these uninstall directions. Mac users should contact the Help Desk for assistance.

A friendly reminder to check out this helpful checklist and resources for working remotely. The Help Desk is available to provide technology support and services no matter where your “office” may be - contact the team of computer support specialists via help@brandeis.edu or 781-736-4357.

The Dean of Students Office is seeking nominations from faculty and staff of undergraduate students who have made outstanding contributions to the Brandeis community, including contributions of leadership, social consciousness and activism, community building, and service. While special attention will be paid to graduating seniors, several prizes will go to students in other class years.

Please complete the nomination form by Monday, March 8.

The selected students will be honored at a ceremony on May 6 and will be listed in the Commencement program. Please direct all questions to the Dean of Students Office at deanofstudentsoffice@brandeis.edu.

New Direction is offering a series of webinars with sessions at both 12-1 p.m. and 3-4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

• Wednesday, Feb. 12 – Blocking Burnout
• Wednesday, Feb. 24 – Stress Management for Managers
• Wednesday, March 17 – Work-Life Harmony
• Wednesday, March 24 – Shaping Your Workplace Culture
• Wednesday, April 21 – Substance Use and Your Loved Ones
• Wednesday, May 19 – Overcoming Loneliness

For a description of each webinar and directions to register please visit the Office of Human Resources Training and Professional Development webpage.

Want to learn how to get the most out of Zoom to engage with students in a virtual classroom? Visit the new Teaching with Zoom webpage for helpful FAQs addressing the most common questions about using Zoom’s interactive features such as solutions for taking attendance, using breakout rooms, virtual whiteboard solutions, and tips for keeping your class secure. Be sure to review how to keep your meeting secure and using the new live transcription feature.

To learn more about Zoom features, how-tos, training, and support, visit the ITS website or contact the Technology Help Desk.

In December 2020, Brandeis joined the National Grid Energy Efficiency (EE) Program. This program provides incentives for energy efficiency projects that reduce our consumption of natural gas. Brandeis joined the EE program as part of a major project on campus, the replacement of a 50-year-old boiler in Brandeis’ central heating plant. The new, more efficient boiler will realize up to a 4% annual reduction in our campus natural gas use. Brandeis will receive a significant rebate through the EE program as a result.

The rebate Brandeis receives from the EE program will, beginning in 2021, kick off a new funding strategy for improving campus energy efficiency. The new strategy will aim to use utility incentives primarily for energy-efficiency projects on campus, many of which also address deferred maintenance. For more information, please see the Office of Sustainability webpage.

The creation of new work is a key part of the Leonard Bernstein Festival of the Creative Arts. This year we invite Brandeis students, staff, faculty and alumni to create something--a drawing, a song, a poem, etc.—to give to another Brandeisian. We will pay for materials and shipping, and we will coordinate a virtual catalog of works for the community to choose from.

Why give it away?

Because art can support community care. Because making art can guide us in making sense of our lives.

Because at this moment in time, we need and want connection, comfort and hope. Because generosity is an expression of caring, as is the joy of gratitude.

Collaborations are welcome and the gift can come from a student club or an administrative or academic department.

The Festival of the Arts website has more information and a registration form. Please register by Feb. 28.

Questions? Email Ingrid Schorr, Director of Arts Engagement.

The Library's February workshops include Stata, Python, Zotero, Arduino Electronics, LaTeX for Science and Math, R, MatLab, Atlas.ti, and virtual tours of the MakerLab, Automation Lab and Digital Scholarship Lab.

You’re Invited to a “Water Cooler Chat” for Brandeis Caregivers. COVID has impacted the lives of each of us in unique ways. For this water cooler chat we look to foster a casual drop-in space for caregivers of children, elders, sick loved ones, etc. to be in community together. Faculty and staff alike are invited to support, listen, or share resources, stories, and experiences of being a caregiver during COVID. Please consider joining over Zoom on Wednesday, Feb. 17 between 4-5 p.m. If you have questions please reach out to Lucas Malo. This event is being brought to you by the Wellness Programmers and BUSAC.

As communicated previously, the vacation carryover process that typically occurs at year-end has been delayed until Aug. 31, 2021.

As of Jan. 4 hours that would have been subject to the carryover limit on Dec. 31 have been moved to a Vacation Carryover Exception time off category in WorkDay. Employees who had vacation time in excess of normal carry over limits may view their Vacation Carryover Exception time in WorkDay under Absence > Time Off Balance. This time is also now reflected on the pay slip accrual summary as of Jan.15. Vacation Carryover Exception time must be used by Aug. 31, 2021. Employees should use the Vacation Carry Over Exception time prior to using regular vacation to avoid losing this time.

As you may be aware, there is an emerging nationwide issue involving criminal enterprises who may be in possession of stolen personal information from earlier national data breaches and have been attempting to file large amounts of illegitimate unemployment claims through various states’ systems. The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development issued a statement providing more information.

We are aware of Brandeis faculty and staff who have been the victims of this fraud. If you have received a letter or any other similar correspondence and have not submitted a claim, immediately contact the Department of Unemployment Assistance and complete the fraud contact form. The customer service number for the Department of Revenue is 877-626-6800.

If you are the subject of a false claim, we ask that you also notify the Office of Human Resources (humanresources@brandeis.edu or 781-736-4474) so we can be aware of incoming fraudulent claims and continue to monitor the situation. For more information please visit the Office of Human Resources website.

President Liebowitz has approved the following President's Discretionary Days this calendar year.

• Friday, May 28 — the university closes at 2 p.m. in advance of the Memorial Day holiday.
• Friday, July 2 — university closes at 2 p.m. in advance of July 4 holiday
• Monday, Dec. 27, through Friday, Dec. 31. This is in addition to the existing Christmas holiday of Friday, Dec. 24.

Staff members who are required to work these holidays are entitled to take other days off and should check with their supervisors regarding scheduling.

For a complete list of staff holidays please visit the Human Resources website.

As Rabbi Seth Winberg wrote to students this past semester, Brandeis is working to meet the dietary, observance and community needs of the Brandeis Community over the Passover holiday this spring semester. Brandeis will partner with Catering By Andrew, a top Boston area kosher caterer, for kosher-for-Passover food on campus for the entire Passover holiday starting March 27 through April 4.

For staff and faculty who will keep kosher for Passover throughout the week:

• Ordering Kosher for Passover meals will be possible through Dining Services e-Commerce site
• The Faculty Club will be dedicated to kosher-for-Passover meal service from March 27 through April 4, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner for those who sign up in advance.
• Regular Dining Operations will continue in Usdan and Sherman

Dining Services look forward to creating a meaningful Passover experience. To best assist, kindly take a moment to engage in our PassoverSurvey.

The financial aid renewal application deadline for the 2021-2022 academic year is March 1. Students receiving need-based scholarship funds must submit the 2021-2022 CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE , the 2021-2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and copies of 2019 student and parent Federal Income Tax Returns. Students who wish to apply only for federal sources of financial aid need only complete the FAFSA (taxes will be requested upon receipt of this application only if necessary). An e-mail detailing the renewal process was sent to students and parents in early December.

The Office of Student Financial Services is currently operating remotely. If you have questions about financial aid, billing or student employment/I-9's, please contact us at 781-736-3700 or sfs@brandeis.edu from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., M-F. The lobby is now open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for in-person I-9 completion/financial aid document appointments. Please schedule your lobby appointment here.

Sign up for one of our new one-on-one financial literacy sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Office of Student Financial Services hopes that you will take advantage of this great opportunity to ask questions about budgeting, managing debt, understanding your paycheck, W-2’s etc. Please click here to book a 20-minute appointment today.

As of Jan. 1, nonexempt employees will be limited to accruing up to 12 days of sick time vs. accumulating time above this limit. Existing time above these limits has been moved to a Long Term Sick Bank that will be available for certain leaves and applicable elimination periods to supplement pay that is less than 100% of one’s pay. The Long Term Sick Bank balance can be reviewed in WorkDay under Absence > Time Off Balance.

You may have heard the news about the merger of Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. Please note that Brandeis employees enrolled in our Tufts Health Plan coverage won’t notice any changes to their coverage or administration of their health plan for the foreseeable future. Employees covered by Tufts Health plan will have their coverage remain in place and there is no immediate change to coverage, programs or services offered by Tufts. Covered employees may also continue using their existing member ID card. Moving forward, Tufts and Brandeis will communicate with you directly about any changes that will occur as a result of the merger.

ITS, Digital Communications, and Student Accessibility Support are excited to announce that your Brandeis Zoom account now has live captions and subtitles! Meeting hosts can enable the live transcription feature to make their Zoom meetings more accessible for all participants. It is strongly recommended that meeting host(s) enable the live auto transcription for all meetings or classes hosted on Zoom.

The new feature uses automatic speech recognition (ASR) technology to generate text as the participants speak and displays the text in the video window during the meeting. The meeting host can enable the new feature at the beginning of a Zoom meeting by clicking on the “Live Transcript” button on the meeting toolbar and selecting “Enable Auto-Transcription”. This will start the service and participants will see a notification on their screen that the transcript is available. Participants can then choose whether to view or hide the transcript and/or subtitles based on their personal preference. Transcripts should be reviewed and edited for accuracy after the event before sharing the meeting recording publicly.

Please check for updates on the Zoom application to take advantage of this new feature. To learn more including instructions and helpful tips, visit the Zoom Live Transcription webpage. For questions, contact the Technology Help Desk.

Spring is around the corner and so is the next milestone of the Workday Student project. Workday Student will replace Sage as a phased implementation through August 2021. The new system will integrate seamlessly with the current Workday (HR and Finance) system, providing a comprehensive, single system of record for the Brandeis community. The next milestone, scheduled for late spring, will introduce class registration and advising functionality. Students will begin using Workday to view class schedules and register for fall 2021 classes; faculty and academic services staff will begin using the new advising functions.

The project team will be ramping up readiness efforts to prepare the community for the upcoming transition including training sessions, video tutorials and drop-in office hours. More information will be provided in the upcoming weeks. Visit the Workday Student project website to learn more including project overview, upcoming milestones and functionality. Please contact workday@brandeis.edu with any questions.

Treat your favorite teenager to an eye-opening experience that will expand their horizons.

• Precollege Programs will challenge your talented high school students to stretch their learning and pursue their passions. This summer, the program will run Global Health; Race, Inequality & Social Justice; and App Design. Precollege Programs will also offer their signature Genesis program for teens aiming to explore their Judaism and their academic interests through the lens of Jewish wisdom.
• For summer 2021, courses will be offered online – and synchronous. Your teen will be part of a live-time learning community, with true connection and contact to Brandeis faculty and researchers, graduate and undergraduate students.
• Course prices range from $950 (for one-week courses) to $1250 for Genesis’ three-week program. Brandeis staff get a one-third discount.

Applications are due by June 1, so don’t delay.

University Records Management (URM) would like to remind you that both electronic and paper materials used/created at home need the same protections as Brandeis records used/created on-campus. As you work from home, be sure to consider how you are keeping, filing, and disposing of PII, sensitive, and/or confidential information. Contact URM at records@brandeis.edu with any questions or for more information.