Living the Mission Spring 2013

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Update on the Executive Director I have always marveled at the complexities of the world around us. Everything we take for granted just seems to work. There is water in our sinks to brush our teeth, there is electricity for our coffee makers to produce our morning brew. There is order in the traffic lights on our way to work although some mornings it seems they are all red. These things and many more take place unseen and un- noticed by most of us. So it is in the operation of the facilities of our residence halls. A team of more than 150 individuals works daily to make the living experience of our residents one of safety and comfort. From the building service workers who keep our spaces tidy, to the skilled trades workers who make sure our buildings are well maintained and to the security personnel who help ensure our resident’s safety by patrolling the grounds while we sleep, these and many other sup- port personnel make the operations of the facilities of our buildings unnoticed by most. The Transparency of Service BY STEVE MARCOTTE CONTENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 1 D r. Kowalski had successful surgery back on March 18. After spending a week in the hospital he was finally able to return to his own home. Since this time he has been receiving great reports from his doctors and is now able to take daily walks around the neighborhood. He is plan- ning to return to work in mid-May and we all look for- ward to seeing his big smile and contagious spirit. He has expressed great appreciation for all of the cards, thoughts and prayers and wishes to thank everyone for caring for him. He looks forward to coming back to work and catching up on all of the great happenings within the department. 1 Update on the Executive Director, Transparency of Service, HDWH 2 Busbee Hall Dedication, Comings & Goings, Shout Out 3 News from SDSC 4 SDSC (cont’d), Get Social This Summer 5 Breaking Boundaries, Living the Mission Means Living Green 6 System Check: What’s the Status of Your Motivation’s Motor? 7 Living the Mission Nominees VOL. 6 ISSUE 2: APRIL 2013 BY KEITH WENRICH Although the spring semester isn’t over and summer is just over the horizon, we’re already planning for fall and Hunker Down with Housing 2013. For the past 15 years, Hunker Down with Housing volunteers have assisted residents with the move- in process, offering help, answering questions and streamlining the check-in process. This year’s Hunker Down with Housing will be August 6-7. Housing staff members are welcome volunteers for the event (and get first dibs on work shifts!). Anyone who’d like to participate, please contact Tamara Burke at [email protected]. Hunker Down with Housing Seeks Volunteers Staff are a big part of the annual event Hairy Dawg and Benny Watson 2012 HDWH volunteers

description

A publication for stff of University Housing at the University of Georgia

Transcript of Living the Mission Spring 2013

Update on the Executive Director

I have always marveled at the complexities of the world around us. Everything we take for granted just seems to work. There is water

in our sinks to brush our teeth, there is electricity for our coffee makers to produce our morning brew. There is order in the traffi c lights on our way to work although some mornings it seems they are all red. These things and many more take place unseen and un-noticed by most of us. So it is in the operation of the facilities of our residence halls.

A team of more than 150 individuals works daily to make the living experience of our residents one of safety and comfort. From the building service workers who keep our spaces tidy, to the skilled trades workers who make sure our buildings are well maintained and to the security personnel who help ensure our resident’s safety by patrolling the grounds while we sleep, these and many other sup-port personnel make the operations of the facilities of our buildings unnoticed by most.

The Transparency of ServiceBY STEVE MARCOTTE

cONTENTS

cONTINuEd ON PAGE 2

1

D r. Kowalski had successful surgery back on March 18. After spending a week in the hospital he was fi nally

able to return to his own home. Since this time he has been receiving great reports from his doctors and is now able to take daily walks around the neighborhood. He is plan-ning to return to work in mid-May and we all look for-ward to seeing his big smile and contagious spirit. He has expressed great appreciation for all of the cards, thoughts and prayers and wishes to thank everyone for caring for him. He looks forward to coming back to work and catching up on all of the great happenings within the department.

1 Update on the Executive Director, Transparency of Service, HDWH

2 Busbee Hall Dedication, Comings & Goings, Shout Out

3 News from SDSC

4 SDSC (cont’d), Get Social This Summer

5 Breaking Boundaries, Living the Mission Means Living Green

6 System Check: What’s the Status of Your Motivation’s Motor?

7 Living the Mission Nominees

VOL. 6 ISSUE 2: APRIL 2013

BY KEITH WENRICH

Although the spring semester isn’t over and summer is just over the horizon, we’re already planning for fall and Hunker Down with Housing 2013.

For the past 15 years, Hunker Down with Housing volunteers have assisted residents with the move-in process, off ering help, answering questions and streamlining the check-in process.

This year’s Hunker Down with Housing will be August 6-7. Housing staff members are welcome volunteers for the event (and get fi rst dibs on work shifts!). Anyone who’d like to participate, please contact Tamara Burke at [email protected].

Hunker down with Housing Seeks VolunteersStaff are a big part of the annual event

Hairy dawg and Benny Watson

2012 HdWH volunteers

Let’s imagine that a student is study-ing for a test. Students study don’t they? They wouldn’t be playing video games or watching TV would they? The student is studying and a light goes out. To have it repaired the student would contact the work offi ce either by phone or by email, put in a work request and in no time fl at, someone will be by to repair the light. The time between most requests and repairs is less than 24 hours. The process is seam-less and effi cient.

Now imagine it is the morning and the kitchen of the residence hall is, shall we say, in a condition of disarray. Some-time in the course of the next few hours, the remainders of that the previ-ous evening’s microwave popcorn or impromptu pizza party will be removed and the kitchen counters and fl oor will be made neat and tidy again. This trans-formation materializes without a call or a reminder.

Finally, imagine that it is well past the students’ bedtime. Individuals are working through the night patrolling the areas around the residence halls ensuring that passive and active systems are in place and functioning properly so that students may travel and be safe on their way to and in their homes away from home. These dedicated individuals are all but unseen by most as they toil after most of us leave our workday and they are gone before our return.

These are but a few examples of the many such occurrences that seem simple in their execution but actually are complex in the underlying founda-tions of their function.

The next time you see a build-ing services worker or a skilled trade worker, or if you have occasion to be here when security is present, say hello and thank them for their service that is transparent to most and thank them for their untiring and continued efforts to live the mission of University Housing.

LIVING THE MISSIONAPRIL 2013

SERVICE

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WELCOME NEW STAFF MEMBERS!LISA MOOREANDREW KESLERKENDRA LONGLECHANDRE HOWARDSHANIKA WRIGHT

COMINGS GOINGS

Thanks to past and current Univer-sity Housing sustainability commit-tee members for their participation in the formation of the certifi ed sustainable offi ce program for the department: Angie Switon, Kim El-lis, Joel Eizenstat, Carrie Campbell, Jane Diener; Matthew Deason, Carla Dennis, Kyle Dailey, Martha Matlock, Ben Bradshaw; and non-committee members who helped with the program: Felicia Harris and Jennifer Dunlop.

SHOUT OUT! LIVING THE MISSION is published quarterly for University Housing staff. Submission deadline for the next issue is July 23.

Do you know a full-time staff member who is Living the Mission? Recognize their efforts! Email Carrie Campbell at [email protected] and in a couple of sentences describe how they are help-ing provide comfortable, affordable and secure on-campus housing op-tions in residential communities where the academic success and personal growth of residents are encouraged and supported.

EdITOR: carrie campbell

facebook.com/ugahousing

twitter.com/ugahousing

liveitUGA.blogspot.com

youtube.com/housinguga

pinterest.com/UGAhousing

Rutherford Hall

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

In order to pull off the dedication cer-emony for Busbee Hall (formerly Build-

ing 1512), a diverse circle of profession-als representing diff ering entities of the university met more than a month ago to discuss plans. As time ticked closer to the date of the much-anticipated aff air, com-mittee members were very much satisfi ed with the plan discussed and was all set to go except for one uncontrollable factor—the weather. Near the close of business on the day prior to the dedication, the backup plan to host the dedication in the Rooker Fireside Lounge instead of just outside of Busbee Hall was instantly bumped from “Plan B” to “Plan A.” Despite the low temperature, steady fl ow of wind and sideways rain, President Michael Adams, the Busbee fam-ily, state and local dignitaries, profession-als and students all braved the weather to report to Rooker Fireside Lounge to ensure the show would go on.

On perfect cue 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2013, President Adams started the dedica-tion with a welcome and opening remarks. Shortly thereafter, selected student leader, fourth-year Sydnee Bush (who has served as an ECV resident assistant in Busbee Hall the past two years), traded places with President Adams to share her sentiments of refl ection, smiles and laughs with the applauding audience. Just before the ribbon cutting and reception, the late Governor George D. Busbee’s son, Jeff Busbee, spoke with delight and gratitude on behalf of his father and his family.

Busbee HallDedication

BY DEMARCUS MERRITT

Collaborative eff ort puts University Housing staff in the spotlight

“I AM MORE than…”Diversity Awareness Week at Georgia for spring 2013 set a precedent for collabo-ration. The RHA and University Housing’s involvement began Monday, March 25 with a unique program devoted to person-al diversity known as “Breaking Boundar-ies: I Am More Than.” More than a month of planning went into the night, includ-ing a large-scale advertising campaign with brightly-col-ored “I am more than” flyers throughout campus, life-sized banners, street painting, Tate Reveal, a YouTube video and the website dawgdays.uga.edu. Throughout the month, students were encouraged to submit a PostSecret, based off the nationwide movement started by Frank Warren. Along with online submis-sions, by the time of the program, we had received well over 100 secrets. Seeing other people’s anonymous messages displayed on the night of the program gave students the chance to relate to one another. The PostSe-cret campaign gave student a safe place to express their inner thoughts and feelings and was a huge success.

The program was struc-tured to have both educational and fun components. For the first hour, students visited booths hosted by various diversity organizations around campus such as the Indian Cultural Exchange and For Loving Yourself. Student also had the opportu-nity to finish the phrase “I am more than” and have their photo taken holding the sign. One of the main interactive com-ponents of the program was the Game of Life. The purpose of this activity was to demonstrate how prejudices and biases can appear in daily life and in various of-fices throughout an institution. It also il-lustrates how some people have privilege given them or taken away, often through no control of their own.

The second part of the night included three speakers with fascinating personal insights into diversity. The final part of the night included giving away free shirts and having students paint them. It was both literally and metaphorically a color-ful night. And that was just the beginning.

The entire week was dedicated to diver-sity. From Myers Hall’s program “BLT’s with LGBT’s,” to Payne Hall’s “Faces of Homelessness,” residents were exposed to different points of view and ways of life throughout the week. The D.A.W.G Days initiative is a celebration of all that makes us different, and is a powerful week that will remain at UGA for years to come.

Residence Hall Association Wins Regional and National AwardsThe University of Georgia’s Residence Hall Association (RHA) recently attending the South Atlantic Affiliation of College and University Residence Hall’s (SAA-CURH) annual No Frills conference at

Florida Gulf Cost University. No-Frills is the annual SAACURH regional busi-ness conference. This conference brings together voting delegates from various universities from nine states across the South Atlantic region of the United States.

At this years No Frills conference RHA bid on several awards includ-ing: national communica-tions coordinator of the year, president of the year, national Residence Hall Honorary chap-ter of the year, commitment to diversity, and distinguished service. Of the awards submit-ted RHA was in the top two of every category. RHA won com-mitment to diversity as well as distinguished service for RHA President Mallory Whitfield.

Earlier this year the Resi-dence Hall Association won the AUCHO-I Program of the Year award at the national level for DAWG Days: Shock your Senses, held in 2012. RHA’s Vice President Amber Painter and Residence Hall Studios’ Programming Director Robert Clement will be presenting the award-winning bid at the annual National Association of College and University Residence Hall’s conference this May at the University of Pittsburg as well as the annual

ACUHO-I conference held in Minneapolis.

Summer Conferences NewsThe official start of the 2013 summer conference season begins in Wednesday, May 22 with the season concluding on Tuesday, July 30. The upcoming summer conference season looks to be very active with numerous groups like Duke Tip, summer academy, cheerleading, Upward Bound and first year orientation staying in designated residential communities. Conference training for the residence life staff will occur on:

Monday, May 20 and Tuesday, May 21 for the Hill and Myers Communities

LIVING THE MISSIONAPRIL 2013

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News from SDSCSUBMITTED BY KATHRYN HALL, EVAN THRAIKILL, SCOTT NELSON, DIANA FRUTH AND MARK WHITESEL

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LIVING THE MISSIONAPRIL 2013

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SDSCCONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

Wednesday, May 22 and Thursday, May 23 for the Reed Community (Building 1516)

Tuesday, May 28 and Wednesday, May 29 for the Creswell, Reed (Morris Hall) and Russell Communities

Monday, June 3 and Tuesday, June 4 for the Brumby Community

Please contact Scott Nelson at [email protected] if you have questions or if you would like additional information regarding the upcoming 2013 summer conference season.

News from Academic InitiativesCreswell Learning Communities for the 2013-2014 academic year will include students interested in business, global en-gagement, life sciences (cellular biology), life sciences (health and nutrition), music, pre-Law, mass communication and, new this fall, sports and climate. Sports and climate learning community participants will look at how the weather and climate impact human performance in recre-

ational activities.Congratulations to Carlon Howard (for-

mer desk assistant in Creswell), Adrienne Schwartzman (Creswell learning commu-nities peer advisor), and Jordan Thomas, (RA in Rooker Hall) for being selected the Pandora’s 2013 Outstanding Senior Leaders.

A new academic advising office will be established in Building 1516 for Frank-lin College Arts & Sciences majors and minors beginning fall term, 2013. This expands the Franklin residential academic advising offices beyond Brumby, Cre-swell, Russell halls.

RPS Recruitment SessionWe are in the midst of graduate and professional staff recruitment season. We are excited about the applicants we have interviewed and the potential they bring if they join our team.

We have made verbal offers to six new GR and two new DI staff members for the 2013-2014 academic year. We are excited to bring a new group of staff members in

to join our team. Letters with background check information will be going out after April 16.

Teams have attended the Southern Placement Exchange in Memphis and the Placement Exchange in Orlando, where we interviewed more than 50 candidates to fill current and anticipated residence life full-time staff openings. We have also had staff on campus busy screening and completing phone interviews with potential candidates who applied through IPAWS.

CA-RA fall selectionCA-RA selection for fall 2013 - 2014 is complete. We received 539 applications and staff reviewed 309 completed appli-cations. Two hundred eighty-two students were interviewed on Saturday, February 9 and 92 of those were offered positions. On Sunday, April 7 all of the fall staff met in their communities to get to know each other and receive their fall hall and floor assignments. We look forward to a great staff for fall! It will be a great adventure!

The University of Georgia Admissions Office, the Career Center, the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Georgia

Museum of Art and the School of Social Work are just a few of the 240-plus UGA-related entities joining University Housing in the social media realm.

Our network of fans and followers is more than 2,400 strong, making our online presence a force to be reckoned with. Last month, our blog had 1,825 page views, and even when we aren’t posting content, our posts are being viewed up to 100 times per day.

Our YouTube channel has more than 16,000 views. Our most popular video has more than 2,000 views and our current fea-tured video has been viewed more than 1,500 times in just five months.

Here’s the point: social media is no longer new—it’s here to stay.At University Housing, we’re using social media to promote

our mission in its entirety. Whether it’s spotlighting our sustain-ability initiatives, highlighting a landmark educational program or recognizing outstanding student employees, our goal is to demonstrate through status updates, videos, blog posts and tons of photos that University Housing is the paramount place to live while studying at UGA.

Why don’t you join us? There is no better time to start in-corporating social media into your personal, professional or

departmental goals than the summer. Try something new and if it is a huge success, perfect it during the summer and do it even grander in the fall. If it’s not a huge success… well, who remem-bers what happens during the summer anyway?

I urge you to consider submitting a publicity request form so that we can join you in sharing your efforts in the socialsphere, where the possibilities for promotion are endless!For more information on the department’s social media efforts, or to see how you can get involved, please email Felicia Harris ([email protected]) or Carrie Campbell ([email protected]).

Get Social this Summer!BY FELICIA HARRIS

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LIVING THE MISSIONAPRIL 2013

DAWG Days stands for Diversity Awareness Week at Georgia days and is a col-laborative eff ort between University Housing and the Residence Halls Asso-

ciation at the University of Georgia. When students step foot onto campus, attend classes, socialize in the residence halls, join clubs and become active in organiza-tions, there are many opportunities to be exposed to cross-cultural interactions. The goals of DAWG Days are to raise cultural awareness about the ever-growing diversity present on UGA’s campus and for participants to refl ect on how our

actions in our local communi-ties can have a ripple eff ect that impacts the world globally. “What is Culture?” is probably one of the most frequently asked questions when doing diversity programming, and most people’s initial thoughts usually lead to food, fashion, dance and language. Although these key components are a part of many cultures, they are not the only substance that holds everything together. Hence the theme this year,

“Breaking Boundaries” and the slogan “I am More Than…” Culture is a compen-dium of traditions, history and, most importantly, the people who make up that culture. As citizens, we must strive to understand each other’s individual diversity instead of making snap judgments based on generalizations about groups of people.

As I attended many of the DAWG Days programs this week, I saw people inter-acting with each other and fostering dialogue in order to become more under-standing of one another. Most importantly, participants were having what I like to call “wait a minute” moments where they needed to pause and think about how diversity is more than what they had originally perceived. Activities like Game of Life, Diversity Climb, LGBT panel discussions, Culture Shock, etc., all provided moments for the participants in which they realized that discrimination, prejudice and oppression are very much present in today’s society. The empowering part of these experiences came from the realization that everyone has a choice in how their infl uence is paying into society and contributing to an inclusive community. Several participants talked about being an advocate, an ally or simply standing in solidarity with others to be seen for more than their sexual orientation, the color of their skin, their religion or a disability, among other identities. They learned to celebrate who they are as people and how the diversity within our community enhances our experiences and understanding of the world.

Diversity is steeped with many challenges and obstacles ranging from diff er-ences in values, beliefs and principles but, when we decide to step out of our com-fort zones and have the conversation, we can change how those diff erences are recognized. Everyone has a story to tell that, if not shared, would make the world poorer for it not being known. Only through support can we endure the hard-ships that change brings and the prosperity that later results in the betterment of our lives. In this spirit, DAWG Days off ers all members of the community to come together and share not only the uniqueness of their culture but the character of who they are as a person whether it be through, song, dance, spoken word, art or sharing the knowledge they have gained through internationalizing experiences with others.

BY GIACOMO CIRRINCIONE

Breaking BoundariesI am More Than…

On March 29, University Housing got a little greener. The University Housing

sustainability committee and Jennifer Dun-lop (UGA Offi ce of Sustainability) kicked off housing’s certifi ed sustainable offi ce pro-gram. The University Housing sustainability committee tailored the program to fi t the department by splitting the program up into requirements and opportunities. All staff with an offi ce space are required to participate by ensuring compact fl orescent light bulbs are being used where applicable, setting thermo-stats to appropriate temperature standards where applicable, replacing offi ce trash cans with cardboard recycling boxes and small side-saddle trash receptacles and emptying side-saddle trash receptacles. The opportuni-ties of the program consist of a points-based incentive program—named green points. Staff members are strongly encouraged to participate in the green points program which highlights additional sustainable practices that the department has elected to follow. Please visit the staff section of the housing website for exciting information about the program. And check back often! The sustainability com-mittee will be adding information to the site on an ongoing basis.

Living the Misson Means Living GreenBY KRISTY WALKER

James Han, Giacomo cirrincioneKatie Ackley and Amber Painter

Jane Lee and Jane diener

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LIVING THE MISSIONAPRIL 2013

System Check: What’s the Status of Your Motivation’s Motor?BY DEMARCUS MERRITT

Earlier this semester one of my student workers stopped by my office for

casual conversation. During the dialogue he asked, “Why do you do what you do?” In addition, he stated that he did not quite understand what my job entails. He didn’t know that I was always around, sending massive amounts of emails, attending multiple and frequently held meetings and that I live where I work. In that moment, my response rolled out quite genuinely as I explained that it’s about me feeling I had a purpose and passion to serve.

After that conversation, however, I thought, What keeps other professional colleagues who live where they work posi-tive and productive? More specifically, what is the motivation of others that work in our service area?

I am interested to initiate the same dialogue my student worker had with me, particularly when it seems some days I see the “check engine” and “service engine soon” symbols stamped on the pupils and within the demeanors of my colleagues. What could be the possible deciding factors that determine whether they buy in or bow out?

Recently, I completed a web search for “reasons to stay motivated on the job” and I came across an article written and posted on FoxBusiness website by contributor Heather Levin. Two of her suggested strategies caught my attention. 1) finding deeper meaning in your work and 2) using your skills.

Ways to rev your motivation’s motor:1. Docu-DiveTo “docu-dive” (document dive), is simply to research old documents: emails, com-mittee reports and any other items that could serve as purposeful. I docu-dive with the mindset of realizing just what I have been involved in, what contributions I’ve made to my department, campus and com-munity, and to see what impact I have had.

This is similar to Levin’s suggestion of finding a deeper meaning in our work. I have printed a few of my favorite emails and posted them as “portraits of positiv-

ity” around my office. Therefore, they are not just something I know from reading, but an uplifting and reminding message to myself that helps me rejuvenate in a quick glance. It is the realization that I invested in someone else’s success that motivates me. It strengthens my reasoning for what my purpose is in our career field.

2. Mirror, MirrorOne mental challenge I’ve given myself is not to expect or even want kudos and posi-tive feedback from colleagues if I fail to give kudos to them. It is based on the Biblical principle of “do unto others as you would have done unto you.” I’m careful not to par-

ticipate in simple lip service by giving false praise only so I can receive it in return. Rather, I am more intentional with recog-nizing the great things individuals around me are doing. Even if I still do not receive the verbal praise, my motivation’s motor is charged because I’m encouraged that much more to join in on the gravitational greatness around me and to be inspired to do great things of my own.

I’ve noticed in my residential community, we thank each other for just about every-thing. We make appreciation the official temperature of our workplace atmosphere. That type of hand-in-hand communication and gratitude has had monumental effects that have bettered not only the staff’s mo-rale but their cooperation and productivity as well. It is especially important when a leader among professionals emulates this practice. It is essentially an exercise of em-powerment. It’s like the passing of a power positivity ball. Even if it is not passed to you, there is celebration in that good feeling knowing that person may pass the

power positivity ball to someone else... and to think it may have started with you!

3. Routine Re-RouteIn the conclusion of her article, Levin stated that brain research shows being engaged and intentionally increasing the use of what you are naturally talented at gives a neuro-psychological boost. I see that, at times, my level of interest decreases with the increase of how often I perform the task.

For example, the first five to seven days when I went to the gym to workout at 6 a.m. did not seem too bad. I was stimulated in the excitement of the self-challenge and the potential results the process could

yield. After day eight, however, my enthu-siasm evaporated as working out seemed like real work. Instead of quitting, I figured that I only needed to alter my attitude and my approach toward the concept of work-ing out. One of the ways I achieved that was mental workout confusion (similar to muscle workout confusion)— randomizing my routine as much as possible. I enjoyed working out again and it felt good. I noticed with the increase in energy from my workout and alteration of attitude towards it, there was a correlated increase in my productivity and focus.

Staying motivated is important not only as it relates to your level of commitment and production but it is sure to be ben-eficial to your health as it should lead to a decrease in stress levels and in the sense of being overwhelmed. This article is my effort to at least stimulate your thoughts and to offer some personal tried, tested and proven methods for the monitoring and maintenance of your motivation’s motor.

It seems some days I see the “check engine” and “service engine soon” symbols stamped on the pupils and within the demeanors of my colleagues. What could be the possible deciding factors that determine whether they buy in or bow out?

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LIVING THE MISSIONAPRIL 2013

Have you ever really hurt yourself at work? Have you ever wondered what

would happen? From now on, if you are briefly disabled due to a work related injury and not able to fully do some of the job, we will work with you and attempt to develop a modified transitional job and help get you back to work.

The goals of the Return-To-Work (RTW) Program are simple:• Allow an injured employee to stay at work and/or return to work as soon as possible after an injury• Gradually help an injured employee overcome medical restrictions through the transitional period with modified work assignments• Comply with the requirements of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Ameri-cans With Disabilities Act (ADA), and state workers compensation regulations

So how does it work? First, if you need to see a doctor to care for your injury you will take with you three forms: 1) a form showing the physical requirements of your current job, 2) a letter letting your doctor know that we want to work with you and your doctor to get you back to work as soon as possible, 3) a form for the doctor to complete that lets us know in a really simple way what limits, if any, you may have in doing the full scope of your job.

Your supervisor, the housing Return to

Work coordinator, and you will talk about a transitional work assignment and get you back to work as soon as possible.

There are a few things to remember. • Transitional work will only be developed for up to 90 days and will be changed as you recover and your limitations change • You have the right to refuse a transi-tional work assignment but we will need to inform the worker’s compensation administrator, the Georgia Department of Administrative Services. This might impact your receiving time loss payments• If you believe a transitional job does not work within your limitations, you can ap-peal to Carol Bugg in UGA Central Human

Resources• The first five days off work following an injury are paid through your sick or annual leave accruals. After that you can choose to receive worker’s compensation benefits for loss of wages instead of full pay or continue to receive pay through your accumulated leave. Normally this should not be an issue as you will already be back to work in a transitional assign-ment.

If you have any questions, feel free to talk to Lee Motsinger, housing human resources manager and the Return-To-Work coordinator for housing. Her email is [email protected]

Workplace InjuriesReturn-to-Work ProgramBY LEE MOTSINGER

Important upcoming datesResidence halls close May 10Maymester May 11-June 5Extended Session May 11-August 1Conference host training May 20-21, 22-23, 28-29, June 3-4Summer conferences begin May 22 Tour guide training May 30Through Session June 2-August 1Short Session I June 2-July 3NHTI Institute June 4-9First year orientation begins June 6Short Session II July 2-August 1Freshman College July 5-August 1 Summer Living the Mission due July 23Summer halls close August 1Hunker Down with Housing August 6-7

uGA chapel

LIVING THE MISSIONAPRIL 2013

Living the Mission Nominees

Asst. Director for Business and HR

Kristy has worked for nearly two years with the UGA Office of Sustainability to launch the Sustainable UGA Office pro-gram in University Housing. This has involved seeking input and collaboration across multiple departments within housing and a huge investment of time and effort on Kristy’s part. Although Kristy received full support from University Housing management team, spearheading the drive to initiate the program has put many challenges in her path, all of which she overcame with com-petence and patience. From navi-gating through existing policy to working out logistics for recycling and trash collection, her dedica-tion to the initiative has not only improved the department but has supported its strategic direc-tions. She has made every effort to ensure the program is enjoy-able for staff members instead of a hassle. All the buttons, prizes and cooperative spirit involved make me want to think of other ways we can inspire ourselves to positive change! NOMINATED BY CARRIE CAMPBELL

Kristy WalkerResidence Hall Director

Come to ECV any time and you will see Demar-cus with students in his office. He is constantly striving to make connections and attend to the needs of our residents. It’s hard to find someone on campus who doesn’t know Demarcus. He attends a variety of events related to student services across the university so that he can bet-ter serve our residents. He also did an excellent job of assuming extra duties while our AC was out of the office on leave. He really stepped up and made sure that things for ECV and FGH were running smoothly. NOMINATED BY AzURA MORGAN

Biff TantMaintenance DispatcherBiff combines a strong operational mind with passion and commitment to better the condi-tions of our facilities. He is constantly pushing the facilities team to adopt a more operation-al approach to managing our time, our assets, our funding and a host of other resources. He knows best practices result in better service and support to our residents. Which, in turn, provide that perfect environment for personal growth and academic success. Ken GoyenAsst. Director of Facilities MaintenanceKen’s special blend of leadership and passion resonates a tone of improvement to his team. He constantly reinforces the expectations of our mission through a kind and watchful approach. Everyone on his team knows he is open and ready to commit to new and evolv-ing ideas. He is fair, wise and well respected. This allows his team to honestly address issues and discuss solutions to provide com-fortable, affordable and secure housing.NOMINATED BY MATTHEW DEASON

Demarcus Merritt Biff Tant and Ken Goyen

Administrative Assistant—SDSC

Pattie Rennison is living the mission. She is always pleasant and on time! Whether she is ordering supplies, vans or meals for events, she always considers the best economic value for our department. She uses technology effectively and is always sustainable when printing docu-ments for our use. Give her a hand for living the mission daily in her work!NOMINATED BY KATHRYN HALL

Pattie Rennison

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