HR News

Faculty/Staff Sessions on Remitted Tuition, Dependent Tuition Benefits to Be Held in September

Information sessions for faculty and staff on the University’s remitted tuition and dependent tuition benefits will be held in September.

The Remitted Tuition Benefit Information Session will be held Monday, Sept. 18, from noon to 1 p.m. via videoconference. Interested individuals should complete the registration form and a link will be sent in advance of the session.

6 ‘On My Own Time’ Faculty/Staff Artists Selected to Display Work at the Everson Museum of Art This Fall

This year marks the 50th anniversary of “On My Own Time,” a program spearheaded by CNY Arts to celebrate the often-unsung artists employed by local businesses in the Central New York community and who create art … well, on their own time. Syracuse University has participated in “On My Own Time” ever year it has been offered since 1982. Over the years, it’s estimated that more than 1,800 faculty and staff have exhibited.

Nursing Mothers in the Workplace

Syracuse University is committed to supporting the needs of nursing mothers and complies with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and New York Labor Laws regarding the rights of employees who need to express breast milk during the workday.

Consistent with the law, the University will provide reasonable time away from work for lactating employees for the purpose of expressing milk and will provide a private space in proximity to the employee’s work area for such purpose, for up to three years following childbirth.

Lactating employees may make a written request for time away from work and a private space for lactation by contacting their Senior Human Resources Business Partner or their supervisor. Upon receipt of the employee’s request, within a reasonable time frame, not to exceed five days, the Senior HR Business Partner and/or the supervisor will make reasonable efforts to provide a private space for lactation to the employee.

The University’s policy on Nursing Mothers in the Workplace is currently under review. In the interim please reference the New York State Policy on the Rights of Employees to Express Breast Milk in the Workplace [PDF] to understand employment-related rights and obligations and what support is available to University employees.

Discrimination against or termination of an employee for exercising this right is prohibited.

For additional information and resources, please visit the Human Resources website.

COVID-19 Update: Vaccination Requirement Ending | Continuing Resources

On Thursday, May 11, 2023, the federal government’s COVID-19 public health emergency expired. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) indicates that the health emergency declaration will not be renewed, citing a dramatic decline in new COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalizations since January of 2022.

Given the end of the federal health emergency, and in consultation with Barnes Center medical staff and local health officials, effective today, May 15, 2023, Syracuse University students, faculty and staff are no longer required to be vaccinated for the virus that causes COVID-19. This includes new students, faculty and staff, who will not be required to demonstrate proof of vaccination as a condition of attendance or employment.

Important Update About Faculty and Staff Health Plan Coverage After the End of the Public Health Emergency on May 11

The Public Health Emergency (PHE) that was first declared by the Department of Health and Human Services during the COVID-19 pandemic will end on May 11, 2023. For those employees and their dependents who are covered under the Syracuse University health plan, this serves as an update regarding the health plan’s coverage for COVID-19 related services after the end of the PHE, beginning on May 12, 2023:

Faculty and Staff Leaders Encouraged to Enroll in Upcoming Crucial Conversations Workshop Series

“One of the best training sessions I have ever had at the University.”

“I believe all leadership should be required to take this course … the content is relevant to all levels of management/supervision.”

“This subject matter is so critical—the learning environment was very well-constructed and made for a safe and fun experience.”

These are just some examples of what faculty and staff members are saying about Crucial Conversations, a popular professional development workshop series offered by the learning and development team in the Office of Human Resources. The next installment, coming in June, is offered to individuals in leadership positions, so supervisors, managers, directors and above are encouraged to sign up.

Faculty and Staff: Join Your Colleagues for Food, Fitness and Fun at the Syracuse WorkForce Run/Walk/Roll

At the 2022 Syracuse WorkForce Run/Walk/Roll (formerly the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge), Syracuse University held the distinction of being the largest employer represented among dozens of local companies participating in the annual tradition. Next month, University faculty and staff members will have the opportunity to reclaim that title and enjoy an evening of camaraderie, networking, food, fun and movement. Participants of all abilities and fitness levels are encouraged to join the Syracuse University team, captained for the second year by J. Cole Smith, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Calling All Faculty and Staff Artists! Submit Your Original Creative Works to ‘On My Own Time’

The University is pleased to announce the return of its participation in “On My Own Time”—a celebration of local visual arts that highlights the often-unsung artists who create art on their own time.

2023 is the 50th anniversary of this program, organized by CNY Arts, and faculty and staff are invited to showcase their talents along with other employers and businesses in the region.

In-Person TIAA Retirement Planning Meetings Resume for Faculty and Staff

Syracuse University’s retirement plan administrator, TIAA, offers personalized advice and education to help faculty and staff pursue their retirement goals. In-person meetings with the University’s dedicated TIAA financial consultants will resume on a regular basis beginning on Tuesday, April 18.

TIAA’s financial consultants are able to help participants answer these questions and more:

  • Am I saving enough?
  • Am I properly invested based on my retirement goals?
  • How do I receive income in retirement?

Registration is required. Visit TIAA.org/syr to make an appointment and watch a short video to help prepare for your meeting.

For questions or accommodations, contact Human Resources at 315.443.4042 or hrservice@syr.edu.

Deadline for 2022 Flexible Spending Account Reimbursement Is April 30

For faculty and staff who had a flexible spending account (FSA) through Syracuse University in 2022, the deadline to submit eligible expenses from the previous calendar year (Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2022) for reimbursement is April 30, 2023. Additionally, up to $570 in unused funds from 2022 may be rolled over to a health care FSA for use in 2023. No funds may be carried over to the following calendar year for the dependent care FSA.