HR Intercom June 2024

UR Stars is Here

UR Stars – our new, University-wide, best-in-class recognition platform – is live! In the first week, more than 13,119 of your colleagues logged in and 2,278 used urstars.rochester.edu to recognize others who make a difference day in and day out and who are not afraid to go big in helping shape our future.

Get started with UR Stars by showing your gratitude to everyone who makes us ever better by living our values, recognizing and thanking those who promote belonging, equity, and diversity, and celebrating the big and small moments when you and your team shine.

As a reminder, information and resources, including answers to frequently asked questions, are available on the UR Stars webpage. Learn how to use the UR Stars platform with short, how-to videos or drop into office hours where a member of the UR Stars team will be waiting to support you.

If you have questions or need help navigating UR Stars, please reach out to your UR Stars Recognition Champion or email URStars@rochester.edu.

Getting Ready for myURHR: Four Steps to Managing Change

Set a positive tone for myURHR training and how your team embraces change by following these four steps to managing change. While it’s essential to understand what is changing with myURHR, it’s equally important to view the changes as a catalyst for growth and modernization of HR services at the University. Plus, watch the Did You Know Part 2 video for new myURHR Fast Facts, including logging in to Workday and UKG—the two systems that power myURHR.

DEI Content Anytime: June is Pride Month

DEI Content Anytime spotlights educational content aligned with the University’s Meliora values and is designed to provide ongoing learning opportunities focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Each month features specialized learning tools centered around a DEI topic that are accessible to all faculty and staff through MyPath.

The June learning opportunity highlights LGBTQ+ Pride, pronouns, and how to create a culture of inclusivity. There are many materials available, including podcasts, interactive micro-learning modules, and instructor-led trainings. Search “PLpride” for this month’s content in MyPath. Also, watch this video to learn more about DEI Content Anytime or view the full list of monthly topics.

Suicide Risk Identification

A new course aims to meet regulatory requirements for health care by identifying patients who may be at risk for suicide. The Self-Harm/Suicide Safety Overview is available through MyPath and provides information on warning signs, risk factors, and environmental factors that could affect this vulnerable population. The course takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and will be embedded in the Annual Mandatory Inservice in 2025.

Preventing Harassment and Discrimination Training

Each year, as required by New York State, faculty and staff complete training on how to identify and react to workplace harassment and discrimination. This training supports aligning the behavior of our community with our Meliora values and is also an important component of the University’s equity and inclusion efforts to ensure a safe workplace for all. To fulfill this year’s requirement, the University will utilize the Sexual Harassment Prevention training provided by New York State. Training will be assigned in MyPath in July, and must be completed by December 31.

Employee Discounts

University faculty and staff have access to discount offerings from local and national retailers, including attractions to maximize family fun this summer. Employee discounts are available through YOUR Benefits Extras and LifeMart by Care.com, and feature local favorites such as Seabreeze and Rochester Red Wings tickets along with additional savings on travel, entertainment, electronics, gifts, and more.

Retirement Program Direct Contribution Calculation Update

The University makes a direct contribution to the 403(b) Retirement Program for eligible faculty and staff of 6.2% of eligible compensation up to the breakpoint, then 10.5% of eligible received compensation in excess of the breakpoint up to the IRS limit. For the plan year beginning July 1, 2024, the breakpoint will increase to $65,000 and the IRS limit (IRS Code section 401(a) (17)) will be updated to $345,000. This breakpoint amount applies to the Plan Year commencing July 1, 2024, and may be changed for subsequent Plan Years. For additional information on the University’s direct contribution calculation, review the Retirement Program brochure.

Play June’s Well-U 2024 Bingo

Each month in HR Intercom, Well-U suggests three wellness options to help you complete the Well-U 2024 Bingo board. Once you earn Bingo (by filling in a full row in any direction), use the QR code in the center square to email Well-U. Please attach a photo of your completed Bingo card and include your name, employee ID number, and interoffice mailbox (or home address) to receive your prize!

1. For the square labeled “Take a stretching class on Studio SWEAT onDemand” – Create a free account and take part in one of the many stretching classes offered.
2. For the square labeled “Get a skin cancer screening” – During your annual physical, ask your doctor to do a skin screening to ensure your skin is looking healthy.
3. For the square labeled “Make no negative comments all day” – Mark a day on your calendar to focus on being positive. Thinking or speaking negatively can bring stress to not only yourself but those around you.

For more information on Well-U offerings, check out the Well-U website or email Well-U with any questions.

Note: some programs require eligibility.

Upcoming Well-U events