HR News

Redesigned OptumRx Member Portal Improves Patient Management Experience

OptumRx, the prescription drug benefit manager for employees and dependents enrolled in Syracuse University health plans, has redesigned their member portal to enhance a member’s online experience. The new features allow users to more easily manage prescriptions and be more informed about their health care.

All members can register for access to the new portal and tools at optumrx.com.  Members who previously registered for access to the secure online member portal will need to re-register to get a new Optum ID.

Some of the enhancements include:

  • My Medicine Cabinet displays at-a-glance actions a member needs to take for all their medications;
  • Order Status allows members to track a home delivery order status, view estimated delivery dates and set notifications when an order is on hold;
  • The Proactive Savings Messaging advocates for members by providing proactive ways to save; and
  • The ability to request a new prescription at home delivery or to transfer retail prescriptions to home delivery

In addition, members can more thoroughly compare drug prices among five pharmacies with the drug-pricing tool and household access gives members the ability to manage prescriptions on behalf of family members.

OptumRx is continuing to add new features to the member portal throughout 2017 and 2018, including more integration of specialty prescriptions filled through BriovaRx.

Please contact OptumRx customer service at 866.854.2945 if you have questions about this new online experience and share your feedback with the HR Service Center at 315.443.4042 or email hrservice@syr.edu.

Syracuse University, AU Confirm New Three-Year Agreement

Employees of Syracuse University, who are members of the Adjuncts United Union (AU), approved a three-year contract on May 31 covering approximately 600 University part-time faculty.

“Adjuncts United is very pleased to have a newly ratified three-year agreement in place, and we remain committed to working together for continued clarity within the unique higher education employment relationship our membership shares with the University,” says Adjunct United President Laurel Morton. “I believe all campus community members will benefit from the mutual respect demonstrated on both sides during this process.”

The package approved by the AU members included:

  • an increase in funding allocated for professional training and career development;
  • a workspace utilization and optimization plan to facilitate part-time faculty’s ability to perform teaching-related duties and enhanced student interaction;
  • a supplemental teaching load review for assignments lasting longer than eight weeks;
  • an opportunity for a multi-year appointment for faculty who have completed 14 consecutive semesters of teaching; and
  • a guaranteed two percent wage increase annually over the contract’s three-year term.

“This contract demonstrates how much we value the contributions of our part-time faculty,” says Andrew R. Gordon, senior vice president and chief human resources officer. “We were able to identify important workplace enhancements and better align our employees’ needs with the marketplace. I am grateful that both sides worked together in good faith to reach an agreement.”

The new contract will run from 2017-2020.

On My Own Time Winners Selected

This year, the On My Own Time exhibition featured artwork from nearly 40 faculty and staff members ranging from paintings, ceramics, drawings, sculptures, photography, collage/assemblage, fiber art, glasswork, computer art, metalwork and mixed media. Members of the University community voted from April 28-May 17 for a favorite piece of art and a panel of professional artists assembled by CNY Arts served as judges for the works to be featured at the Everson Museum.

 

The selected artwork that will be featured in a public exhibition at the Everson Museum this fall includes:

Richard Breyer–“Mozart in Color”

Fred Wellner–“The Clear-Eyed One”

Philip Arnold–“In Case of Emergency–Break Glass”

Joseph Stoll–“Spring Break”

Peter Irvine–“For They Shall See”

Stephanie Parks–“A Good Egg”

Ronna Schindler–“Camouflage”

Julie Hall–“Balancing Bird II”

Laura Wellner–“”Going wit the Flow”

Scott Samson–“Stepladder Mountains”

Popular Vote: Johnny Yinger, “Koaville”

Photo: Popular vote winner "Koaville" by Johnny Yinger

Artwork that will be included in the CNY Arts Catalog: Joseph Stoll, “Spring Break”; and Julie Hall, “Balancing Bird II”

In April 2018, the On My Own Time exhibition will commemorate 45 years of celebrating the arts in the Syracuse community and continuing to recognize the artistic works of faculty and staff.

To read more about this year’s entries in the On My Own Time exhibition, go to SU News.

Photo: black and white photo of mother kissing her smiling baby

Benefits Advisory Council Reviews Benefit Offerings

Since its first meeting in October 2016, the Syracuse University Benefits Advisory Council has discussed a range of health care topics—from campus vaccine schedules to health care trends—and focused on an understanding of the University’s overall benefits plan. As an advisory group, the council is part of the University’s commitment to foster institution wide excellence, provide employees with a voice in benefits discussions across the entire organization and support progress of the Academic Strategic Plan’s theme of One University.

In addition to understanding the health care benefits and retirement plans currently offered to employees, the council explored potential enhancements and refinements to the plans, as well benchmarking studies to help the University remain competitive. With the March 2017 acquisition by United Healthcare of the current plan administrator POMCO, the committee explored and provided input on the request for proposal process to find the University’s next benefit administrator.

“The strength of the committee comes from its broad representation of individuals from across the University that are affected by the benefits,” says Maxwell School Professor of Practice Thomas Dennison. “The team shared clear information and listened to the feedback from the group. The council provided a good sounding board for the definition of a solid set of affordable, competitive benefits for the University.”

The council members, which include faculty, staff and students, are:

  •  Stephen Block, assistant dean for administration, iSchool
  •  Nina Brown, assistant professor, Newhouse School
  •  Fiona Chew, professor, Newhouse School
  •  Thomas Dennison, professor of practice, Maxwell School
  •  Andrew R. Gordon, senior vice president and chief human resources officer (chair)
  •  Rajesh Kumar, president, graduate student organization
  •  Eileen Lantier, senior associate dean and associate professor, Falk College
  •  Rebecca Mitchell, reconciliation audit coordinator
  •  Chuck Morris, department chair and professor, College of Visual and Performing Arts
  •  Brian O’Connor, supervisor, Physical Plant
  •  Craig Powers, machine repair technician, Physical Plant
  •  Melissa Rashford, administrative specialist for enrollment management
  •  Yudaisy Salomon Sargenton, administrative secretary, College of Arts & Sciences
  •  Derek Seward, associate professor, School of Education
  •  Amy Sloane-Garris, executive director of graduate programs

“This was an excellent opportunity to listen and build understanding around the complex benefits arena. Our council better understands the priorities of our employee population related to benefits and costs,” says Ann Verillo, director of benefits strategy. “Our discussions provided insights about our comprehensive benefits package, marketplace changes and trends to consider.” The council will continue to meet during the summer to further discuss the University’s benefits offerings.

‘Salute to Service’ Celebrates Milestone Anniversaries of 147 Faculty and Staff

Syracuse University honored employees who celebrated milestone anniversaries in 2016 at the annual “Salute to Service” celebration on Tuesday, May 16, during a luncheon in the Schine Student Center’s Goldstein Auditorium.

Faculty and staff honored—147 overall—marked anniversaries of 25 years (1991), 30 years (1986), 35 years (1981), 40 years (1976), 45 years (1971) and 50 years (1966). Collectively, those honored have compiled more than 4,655 years of service to the University.

Chancellor Kent Syverud told those gathered that they represent every aspect of a great university—teaching and research; expanding, maintaining and improving buildings and infrastructure; facilitating essential operating processes; and “keeping us all warm, fed, healthy, informed and safe.”

“You all are part of the student experience because you touch their lives. You are likely part of a memory in the mind of countless graduates and alumni. You support your colleagues in sustaining the Orange culture. For all of this, I am grateful,” Chancellor Syverud said. “The decades of service represented here are not commonly found in the workplace today. Syracuse University is extremely fortunate to have the benefit of such accumulated wisdom and expertise.”

For a list of the faculty and staff honored at the celebration, visit SU News.

Campus Framework-Vision for Excellence Full Report Now Available

Ensuring that Syracuse University’s physical landscape, buildings and infrastructure align with and support the priorities of the Academic Strategic Plan and its institutional mission and vision is the chief objective of the newly released Campus Framework—Vision for Excellence.

The full report, which remains in draft form to allow the University to shift and adapt to evolving needs and priorities, received the endorsement of the Board of Trustees over the weekend. The Campus Framework, which recently won a 2017 Society for College and University Planning Excellence Award in Planning for an Existing Campus, can now be viewed at CampusFramework.syr.edu. There, campus community members can read the report, provide feedback, and have their questions answered in real time. The University will also host multiple information sessions in the coming months, the first of which is scheduled for Thursday, June 15, at 4 p.m. in the Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium in Newhouse 3. Look for the times, dates and locations of additional information sessions on the Campus Framework website.

More information about the release of the report is available on SU News.

Summer Hours

Summer office hours for Syracuse University will begin on Monday, May 15, 2017 and will be in effect through Friday, August 25, 2017. Summer office hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Academic year hours will resume on Monday, August 28.

On My Own Time Exhibit April 28-May17

On My Own Time Exhibit Runs April 28-May 17

Do you have creative skills or artistic work that you would like to share with your colleagues and friends at Syracuse University? Now is the time to present your inspiration through the On My Own Time exhibit April 28 – May 17.

Any full- or part-time Syracuse University faculty, staff, or instructor is eligible to submit up to three pieces of artwork in the categories of painting, ceramics, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, photography, collage/assemblage, fiber art, glasswork, computer art, metalwork, and mixed media. The exhibit is in the Noble Room of Hendricks Chapel and is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m.– 5 p.m. through May 17.

A panel of professional artists assembled by CNY Arts will serve as judges. Artwork selected by the panel will be featured in a public exhibit at the Everson Museum this fall. Visitors to the on-campus exhibit will be able to vote for a “Best of Show” piece. The winner of this and other categories will be announced at a closing reception on May 17.

For questions about On My Own Time, please call Lucille Murphy, human resources shared services representative, at 315.443.4042 or email lumurphy@syr.edu.

Now in its 44th year, On My Own Time (OMOT) brings visibility to employees artistic and creative skills through a community arts program to bring visibility to the creative skills of people employed in local businesses and organizations and the Everson Museum of Art.

 

Inaugural One University Awards Honor Campus Community Members

Syracuse University held the inaugural One University Awards Ceremony on Tuesday in Hendricks Chapel, honoring dozens of members of the University community for their scholarship, teaching, academic achievement, leadership and service.

Vice Chancellor and Provost Michele Wheatly presided at the ceremony, which included remarks by Chancellor Kent Syverud and a performance by the University Singers under the direction of John Warren, associate professor and director of choral activities in the Setnor School of Music in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Two major University awards, the Chancellor’s Medal and the Chancellor’s Citation for Excellence, were given. The ceremony also included the presentation of the Chancellor’s Award for Public Engagement and Scholarship; the Meredith Professorship for Teaching Excellence; the Teaching Recognition Award; the United Methodist Scholar/Teacher of the Year Award; the 50-Year Service Award; and the William Pearson Tolley Medal for Distinguished Leadership in Lifelong Learning.

The Chancellor’s Medal, the University’s highest honor, was first presented in 1967 as the Centennial Medal on the occasion of Chancellor William Pearson Tolley’s 25th anniversary as chancellor. The medal is awarded to individuals in honor of their trailblazing and extraordinary contributions to the University, to an academic body of knowledge, or to society. On the 50th anniversary of the medal’s establishment, the medal was awarded to Sam Clemence, professor emeritus in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and interim dean of Hendricks Chapel, and his wife, Carolyn Clemence.

Recognition of 50-Year Employees

Jack Graver, professor of mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences: Graver has held numerous departmental leadership positions and has regularly conducted in-service and summer workshops for public school teachers in Syracuse and elsewhere.

Donald Morton, professor of English in the College of Arts and Sciences: Morton pursues scholarship on Marxism, critical theory, critical cultural studies, gender and sexuality. He also has introduced several innovative courses into the curriculum.

Sarah Short, professor of nutrition science and dietetics in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. She has taught 14 courses in nutrition, sports nutrition, food science, minerals, biochemistry and education—connecting with about 1,100 students each year.

Class of 2016 Emeriti

Syracuse University faculty who have been honored upon retirement for their past and expected future contributions to the University and to their fields of study: Bruce Abbey (dean emeritus of the School of Architecture), Kristi Andersen, Karen Bakke, Benita Blachman, Philip Borer, Stuart Bretschneider, Ann Clarke (dean emeritus of the College of Visual and Performing Arts), James Dabrowiak, Helen Doerr, Linda Galloway, Martha Hanson, Jerry Kelly, Edward Lipson, Carla Lloyd, Arthur McDonald, Pamela Shoemaker, Clint Tankersley, Stuart Thorson.

Meredith Professors for Teaching Excellence

A substantial bequest from the estate of L. Douglas Meredith, a 1926 graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences, allowed Chancellor Kenneth A. Shaw to create the Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professorships in 1995 to recognize and reward outstanding teaching at Syracuse University.

Sanjay Chhablani is a professor in the College of Law. For his Meredith project, he plans to develop a course using the television series “The Wire” as the basis for exploring the criminal justice system.

Jackie Orr is associate professor of sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School. For her Meredith project, she plans to develop a course focusing on the emergent field of “arts-based research practice.”

Teaching Recognition Awards

The Teaching Recognition Award is sponsored by the Meredith Professors to benefit non-tenured faculty members. It recognizes excellence in teaching and fosters a culture of collegial mentoring among faculty members.

Todd Berger is associate professor in the College of Law and director of the college’s Criminal Defense Clinic, where students work with real clients and learn interviewing, counseling and other professional skills.

Jeffrey Gonda is assistant professor of history in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School. He focuses his research and teaching on U.S. history through the lenses of race and law.

Shikha Nangia is assistant professor in biomedical and chemical engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Her research focuses on advancing the development of therapies to treat neuro-degenerative diseases.

Paul Prescott is an instructor of philosophy in the College of Arts and Sciences. He focuses on ensuring students develop analytical skills to better understand their own views as well as the divergent views of others—and to intellectually engage with the world.

Jonnell Robinson is an assistant professor of geography in the Maxwell School and the College of Arts and Sciences. She created and built the field of community geography, which has garnered international recognition and engaged students in community problem-solving.

C. Cora True-Frost is associate professor in the College of Law. She is recognized both as an important scholar and as a valuable mentor and teacher, helping students learn to analyze and question, and to understand the impact of the law on people.

United Methodist Scholar and Teacher of the Year

The Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church has sponsored the United Methodist Scholar and Teacher of the Year Award at Syracuse University each year since 1982 to recognize the teaching and scholarship of an outstanding professor. This award gives explicit emphasis to the dual nature of a faculty member’s responsibilities as a scholar or creative artist and as a teacher.

Thomas Perreault, professor of geography in the Maxwell School and the College of Arts and Sciences, is a dedicated teacher and mentor, consistently going above and beyond to support student success and graduate scholarship. He exemplifies the highest levels of integrity and justice—and a deep commitment to the wider community.

Chancellor’s Citation Awards

These awards were first presented to members of the University community in 1979 in recognition of outstanding achievement in teaching, scholarship and creative work. Over time, the focus of the awards changed to reflect new priorities and institutional directions. This year, Chancellor’s Citations were presented in four categories: Faculty Excellence and Scholarly Distinction; Outstanding Contributions to the Student Experience and University Initiatives; Excellence in Student Research; and a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Chancellor’s Citation for Outstanding Contributions to the Student Experience and University Initiatives

Gerald Edmonds is an assistant provost in the Office of the Associate Provost for Academic Programs. He has been a leading force for University-wide assessment and accreditation activities, including the Middle States accreditation self-study.

As director of the Disability Cultural Center, Diane Wiener coordinates campus-wide social, educational and cultural activities on disability issues for students, faculty, staff and community members. Her passion for recognizing the value and potential residing in each one of us has helped foster a stronger and more inclusive campus community.

Chancellor’s Citation for Faculty Excellence and Scholarly Distinction

Jennifer Karas-Montez is assistant professor of sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences. She has earned national and international notice for her scholarship on the growing inequalities in life expectancy across gender, education level or geographical region.

Christopher Scholz is professor of Earth sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences. He has distinguished himself as a leader in several overlapping fields of research, with major impacts on the geosciences.

Chancellor’s Citation Lifetime Achievement Award

Charles V. Willie is one of the nation’s most prominent black sociologists, with a powerful legacy of advancing access and opportunity for all. Educator and social activist, he has served as a court-appointed master, expert witness and consultant in many school desegregation cases. Throughout his career, he has leveraged the power of social research to advance the cause of justice. Willie received his Ph.D. from Syracuse in 1957 and went on to serve as chair of the Department of Sociology and vice president of the University. Today, he is a faculty emeritus of Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.

Be Part of Team SU for the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge

May 8 is the registration deadline to be part of the Syracuse University team in the 2017 J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge. The 3.5-mile run/walk is Tuesday, June 6, at 6:25 p.m. at Onondaga Lake Parkway in Liverpool. All benefits-eligible faculty and staff who meet the J.P. Morgan event eligibility requirements are invited to participate.

Each team participant will receive:

  • an official 2017 Corporate Challenge event tech running shirt;
  • a Team SU tech running shirt;
  • a tented pre- and post-race refreshment area offering snacks and beverages, as well as tables and chairs; and
  • half of the $36 registration paid for by the University.

Registration is a two-step process. First, complete the registration form. Second, bring a check for $18 payable to “Syracuse University” to the Office of Government and Community Relations, Suite 2-212 in the Center for Science and Technology (easiest entry is off of the R3 parking lot next to CST on Comstock Avenue). The check must be delivered by noon on May 8. No late payments will be accepted.

SU team packets may be picked up on Monday, June 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday, June 6, from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the Milton Atrium in the Life Sciences Complex. Please note no packets will be brought to the race site in Liverpool on race day.

Review the course map and more information on the Syracuse Corporate Challenge and sign up by May 8.