HR W.I.R.E - Where Information Reaches Employees

We’ve Moved!

smalhotra — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:27:26 +0000

On March 18, 2013, Central Office Human Resources relocated to a more “Grand and Central” location in Midtown. Our new address and general contact information is provided below.

205 East 42^nd Street, 10^th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Phone: 646-664-3300
Fax: 646-664-2962

New COHR Staff Members

smalhotra — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:26:37 +0000

We are pleased to announce the addition of two new HR Coordinators, Mr. Gary Yip and Mr. John Conway, who joined our team at the end of March.

Gary Yip is a graduate of SUNY Buffalo, where he studied Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources. Gary brings experience in many HR functional areas including recruitment and onboarding.

John Conway earned his degree in English from Marquette University with a minor in Human Resources Management. John also has a broad HR background in recruitment, staffing, onboarding and compliance.

Join us in welcoming Gary and John to CUNY Central!

Payroll Centralization

smalhotra — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:25:54 +0000

The payroll services that Miguel Lopez and Lydia Colon provided to you over the years was centralized, and is now handled by Ms. Natasha Ayiemohtsoh at 395 Hudson Street. Natasha is the primary resource dedicated to payroll actions for Central Office employees, such as obtaining copies of W-2 forms and other payroll related inquiries.
You may contact Natasha Ayiemohtsoh via email at Natasha.Ayiemohtsoh@cuny.edu with your payroll questions.

Time & Leave System Update

smalhotra — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:25:01 +0000

Central Office is pleased to announce that employees will have a new way of obtaining their leave balances on-line. The Central Office Time & Leave System (COTLS) will allow employees to view their leave balances via email from the system. Currently, the system is being used by full-time staff in The Chancellor’s Office, CUNY Welcome Center, Executive Offices, Office of the General Counsel, Office of Human Resources Management and University Application Processing Center. The feedback has been very encouraging and we are working diligently to add all departments to the system.

In the coming months, be on the lookout for announcements as we will continue training all timekeepers for a smoother transition to the new system.

If you have questions, please contact Arlena Yuen at: Arlena.Yuen@cuny.edu

Financial Disclosure and Honoraria Reporting

smalhotra — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:23:45 +0000

As a reminder, financial disclosure statements must be filed by May 15, 2013. Each year, certain employees are expected to complete the Financial Disclosure forms as required by the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE). Employees who are considered to be “policy-makers” and/or whose annual salary is greater than $88,256 are required to file a financial disclosure statement. Additional information is available at the JCOPE website http://www.jcope.ny.gov/.

Please also be reminded that Honoraria Reports for the period covering April 1, 2012 through March 31, 2013 were due on May 1, 2013.

Training Workshops

smalhotra — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:19:14 +0000

As part of our annual professional development program, Central Office Human Resources offers targeted training opportunities to our staff members, in collaboration with the Professional Development and Learning Management Office and the NYC Citywide Training Center. These workshops are designed to enhance your interpersonal skills and professional competencies. In May and June 2013, and we are offering two training workshops, Managerial Power Tools: Motivating, Delegating and Teambuilding and Cultural Appreciation of Colleagues and Customers.

Managerial Power Tools focuses on enabling managers and supervisors to get things done through others, particularly how do you get people to want to do what they are supposed to do, do it well, and in collaboration with others. Participants will explore why delegating is the hardest managerial skill set to master, and will practice the skills of motivating, delegating and teambuilding via interactive exercises.

Cultural Appreciation focuses on using cultural awareness and sensitivity as an integral part of creating positive work relationships and delivering excellent customer service. Participants will discuss and perform activities which increase their self-awareness about personal values, motives, and beliefs and enhance their understanding of how these factors influence their interactions with others.

Click the following link to obtain the dates, locations and enrollment instructions for the Upcoming Training Workshops from Central Office HR. Contact Katherine Isaacs at 646-664-3268 or Katherine.Isaacs@cuny.edu with any questions.

Retirement Plan Changes

smalhotra — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:18:20 +0000

Employees enrolled in a CUNY retirement plan under the new Tier 6 may have noticed a higher retirement contribution rate on their April 4, 2013 check date. As you may recall, due to the 2012 Tier 6 legislation, effective April 1, 2013, the required employee contribution rate is now based on the employee’s annual salary. The schedule of employee contribution rates is provided in the following table.

Wages	Contribution Rate
$45,000 or less	3%
$45,000.01 to $55,000	3.5%
$55,000.01 to $75,000	4.5%
$75,000.01 to $100,000	5.75%
More than $100,000	6%

Please contact Jing.Wu@cuny.edu with any questions or concerns.

Transportation Benefits & Options

smalhotra — Mon, 06 May 2013 19:24:56 +0000

With the move to the new East 42^nd Street location, now is an opportune time to explore the WageWorks commuter benefits or monthly parking program, and/or change your elections. Click here for detailed transit benefit information. Contact “Lisa” at Jing.Zheng@cuny.edu if you have any questions or require assistance with completing the form.

If you need to take public transportation, obtain current fare information at the MTA.info website.

Discounted monthly parking is available through Central Parking Garage for those who drive to work. To establish a monthly account, call Central Parking Garage at 800-836-6666 Ext. 4. Be sure to mention that you are a CUNY employee and your office is located at 205 East 42^nd Street to receive the discounted monthly rate.

Voluntary Savings Plans – Universal Availability Notice

smalhotra — Mon, 06 May 2013 19:23:57 +0000

Under the City University of New York’s Voluntary Savings Plans, you have an option to supplement your retirement savings by enrolling in a Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) Plan sponsored by CUNY. Your TDA contributions are deducted bi-weekly from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis, allowing you to reduce your current Federal and New York State income taxes. You may elect to enroll in the plan at any time. Click here to view the CUNY Voluntary Savings Plans – Universal Availability Notice.

I.T. Security Procedures and Policy

smalhotra — Mon, 06 May 2013 19:23:12 +0000

IT Security plays an important role in protecting the privacy of personal information and data belonging to CUNY faculty, students and staff. We must all ensure that the academic and administrative systems continue to be available for University business, to maintain accurate University data, and prevent unauthorized changes to system information. It is critical that all members of the CUNY community learn the importance of IT Security. The University and its employees are required by law to protect the privacy of personal data belonging to our faculty, students and staff. Please review the information below regarding IT Security and the important role it plays at CUNY.

Employees should also familiarize themselves with the Policy on Acceptable Use of Computer Resources.

Remember that you are responsible for actions taken with your computer. Be careful when accessing e-mails or using the Internet. Never disclose personal information to someone you don’t know. Protect your user ID and password and make sure to never share them.