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June 20, 2017

From the Chair

Dear Colleagues,

June brought us new APAC leadership and council members and to start this great year we gathered at an all-day retreat. The retreat gave us the opportunities to discuss goals, development, structure, and team building, utilizing the Low Elements Challenge Program at WSU University Recreation. It was a time to reflect upon our accomplishments from this past year and learn from items that did not go quite as planned.

President Kirk Schulz opened the retreat by conveying the important role the Administrative Professionals play within the WSU system and provided an overview of several important topics including the Drive to 25, the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, and the Town-Gown collaboration between the City of Pullman and Washington State University. This followed by an open discussion between council members and President Schulz which discussed topics such as the positive feedback of the increased WSU Leadership visiting the other campuses, global rankings, stadium closure, and retention and recruitment. Rounding out the opening discussion was the overwhelming appreciation for the support from President Schulz. APAC thanks you immensely!

The remainder of the retreat allowed successful communication on committee memberships and roles, professional development, and plans on how to meet our goals and provide support, resources, and assistance to all administrative professionals in the WSU system. Lots of great discussion on the issues that are facing some, if not all, administrative professionals and plans of how to address these issues were laid out.

This next year we will see great things from APAC. We have an outstanding executive leadership and council members, both which are driven to see our goals met with high quality results and to assist our administrative professionals in the WSU system. If you want to hear more about APAC and learn what we are doing, stop by for a visit during our monthly meetings. We encourage and welcome everyone to attend, our meetings are held the second Thursday of the month. Our next meeting will be September 14, 2017 from 9-10:30 a.m. in Lighty 405 and broadcast via AMS. Check our website at apac.wsu.edu for more details on our meetings, events, and our newsletter.

Warmly,

Brigitta Jozefowski, Chair

Monthly APAC Meetings

The AP council encourages other AP employees to attend the monthly meetings either in person or by video conference at other campus locations. Our meetings are on break during the summer but will resume on September 14, 2017 in Lighty 405.

Regular APAC meetings are scheduled for the second Thursday of each month from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Meetings are broadcast via AMS. Can’t attend the meeting in person? Call in on the phone bridge at 509-335-9445, meeting ID is 02722. All meetings will be held in Lighty 405.

Employee Appreciation Week

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Employee Appreciation Week will be rescheduled to early September. More information will be forthcoming and will be updated on our website.

Wednesdays on the Mall

Kick off your summer by joining Dining Services and the Student Entertainment Board for Wednesdays on the Mall from May 17 – July 26 for an all-campus barbecue and music. Wednesdays on the Mall will take place on Terrell Mall in front of Todd Hall from 11:30 – 1:15 p.m.

For menu options and information regarding cost, and how to pay, please visit http://dining.wsu.edu/events/wednesdays-on-the-mall/. Hope to see you there!

Northwest Coalition of Professional Staff Conference

The 3rd Annual NCPS Conference registration is open! The event will be held July 20 – July 21 in Blaine, WA at the beautiful Semiahmoo Resort, Golf, and Spa. Room block rates are ending soon! Book your room by June 28th for the conference discount wp.wwu.edu/ncps/accommodations/.

Please join us for a great event to foster cooperation and collaboration as well as providing skills to inspire day-to-day success. Please visit https://wp.wwu.edu/ncps/registration/ to register!

Registration Fees
Regular (June 1st – July 10th) $270.00
Onsite (July 19th – July 21st)  $310.00
One-Day (July 20th) $210.00

Registration fees include:

  • Wednesday night Welcome Reception, bonfire and s’mores on the beach
  • Thursday Keynote Speaker, concurrent sessions, and meals (breakfast, lunch, and Beach BBQ)
  • Friday morning breakfast, concurrent sessions, door prizes (free 2018 NCPS Conference Registration, weekend package at Semiahmoo Resort, and more! (must be present to win!)), and closing remarks

Professional Development Mini-Grants

Professional development is highly valued by Washington State University and is supported by the President and Provosts’ offices. The AP Mini Grant Fund (APMGF) is a supplemental fund and is intended to provide matching funds in conjunction with the AP’s unit/department. The maximum award is $250 and an eligible applicant received a maximum of one award every two fiscal years.

The next deadline for applications is October 31st. Visit our website to learn more and to apply https://apac.wsu.edu/awards-and-grants/.

Congratulations to our Spring 2017 Mini Grant Awards
Stefano Borghi: $150 / Pacific Northwest PHP Conference
Andrew Hua: $200 / NASPA Conference
Natalie Grosser: $150 / College NET User Conference
Pam Loughlin: $250 / WAPED Spring Conference
Karen Garrett: $100 / Northwest Coalition of Professional Staff Conference
Julie Thayer: $250 / Education & Research Greenhouse Curators Conference
Maria Clara Cardieri Souza: $200 / NAFSA Conference
Paul Wilmoth: $200 / NAFSA Conference

IYLEP Host Family Announcement

The WSU Office in International Programs is looking for families to host one to two undergraduate students this July for the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP). The IYLEP students will be staying on campus during the weekdays but we need host families during the weekends, July 14th-16th and July 21st-23rd. If you are only available to host one of these weekends, you are still eligible to apply.

Responsibilities for host families will include:

  • Transporting the student(s) to/from the WSU campus
  • Providing the student(s) with appropriate living accommodations
  • Providing the student(s) with three full meals a day
  • Attending a host family orientation prior to the program start date
  • Making the student(s) feel as comfortable as possible and including them in your family’s weekend routine

If you are interested in getting involved, please contact the IYLEP program assistant, Amber Ronhaar by emailing amber.ronhaar@wsu.edu for an application. We thank you for your interest and support!

 

Have a great summer!

May 23, 2017

From the Chair

Colegas,

This is the last time that I come to you as the chair of the Administrative Professional Advisory Council: a position that has brought me great joy and will be a highlight of my professional career. When I filled out my APAC application for the first time over six years ago, I never imagined leading one of the most dedicated groups on campus. I have been impressed by the dedication and love administrative professionals have for the institution and their willingness to do the work. Yes, I am incredibly sad that my journey as chair comes to an end but I find solace in the thought that APAC has selected an incredible executive council to take the organization through an unprecedented and exciting time of change.

Moving forward I want to challenge you as an individual and as a group to set ambitious goals. Over the past year, we engaged in innovating initiatives and reached out to APs in ways never done before. It’s imperative that we continue that momentum. As my mom would say, “nobody raises to low expectations”. As we prepare for another exciting year, please brainstorm ideas “fuera de serie” (out of the box ideas) to move APAC to the next level.

The future is bright and I am excited to work behind the scenes as past-chair in some initiatives that are near and dear to my heart. Thank you for fostering a space where I felt supported by the group and encouraged to make mistakes and not being judged by them. This experience has been so surreal and I want to acknowledge the people that have heavily contributed to making it happen: my familia. As the youngest of seven, my life was not as difficult as it was for my parents and siblings and so that myself didn’t have to worry about bringing income to the family and instead focus on my education, they gave that opportunity away so that I could enjoy it. Gracias to them, I graduated from college, attained a master’s degree and then could serve as your chair. My parents, siblings and my nieces and nephews are my roots and my legacy. For them, I will continue to strive to be the best and leave a world better that how I found it. To you, what is your motivation?

Vamos Cougs,
Ray Acuña-Luna, Chair

Monthly APAC Meetings

Thank you to all who attended the May APAC meeting. The featured speaker for the meeting was Associate Dean for the Carson College of Business, Tom Tripp. Dr. Tripp’s presentation was on the 4 Myths of Office Conflict. “Speak when you are angry, and you will make the best speech you will ever regret – Ambrose Bierce”, was one of the many quotes featured in Dr. Tripp’s presentation that can easily resonate with many of us.

The AP council encourages other AP employees to attend the monthly meetings either in person in Lighty 405 or by video conference at other campus locations. Our next meeting will be scheduled in September, stay tuned for more information.

Regular APAC meetings are scheduled for the second Thursday of each month from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Meetings are broadcast via AMS. Can’t attend the meeting in person? Call in on the phone bridge at 509-335-9445, meeting ID is 02722. All meetings will be held in Lighty 405.

AP Contribution Award Winners

Each year, we recognize an Administrative Professional employee’s exceptional contributions to WSU and their area or unit with the AP Contribution Award. We define “exceptional” as beyond the expected or required performance, if an AP has made a unique difference, or if the AP had far-reaching, impelling or compelling impact to their work.

The 10th annual AP Contribution Award Winners are Kristina Peterson-Wilson in Pullman and Becki Meehan in Spokane. Congratulations to our award winners!

Kristina Peterson and Provost office staff
Kristina Peterson, middle, Wilson stands with Don Holbrook, Dan Bernardo, Ron Mittelhammer, and Jeannie Holt all who nominated her for her outstanding contributions to the WSU Provost’s Office.

 

Becki Meehan and WSU Spokane staff
Becki Meehan, middle, stands with Jennifer Harris and Jessica Gerdes all who nominated her for her outstanding contributions to WSU Spokane.

 

Congratulations to the honorable mentions for the AP Contribution Award as well:

Lisa Clyde, Sara Ackerson, Denise Echelbarger, Leslie Thompson, Anjie Bertramson, Jason Sampson, Denise Keeton, Jodi, Anderson, Mysti Meiers, Kristy Gutierrez, Heather Johnson, Erin McIlraith, Sisouvanhy Keopanpay, Dave Hoyut, Brigitta Jozefowski, Kent Miller, Diane Wick, Deb Cox, Vicky Murray, and Susan Butts.

Staff Appreciation Week

The Washington State University staff are invited to Employee Appreciation Week June 12-16! Events and information are forthcoming; watch your email for details.

Wednesdays on the Mall

Kick off your summer by joining Dining Services and the Student Entertainment Board for Wednesdays on the Mall from May 17 – July 26 for an all-campus barbecue and music. Wednesdays on the Mall will take place on Terrell Mall in front of Todd Hall from 11:30am – 1:15pm.

For menu options and information regarding cost, and how to pay, please visit http://dining.wsu.edu/events/wednesdays-on-the-mall/. Hope to see you there!

Northwest Coalition of Professional Staff Conference **Early Bird Price Ending Soon**

The 3rd Annual NCPS Conference registration is open and Early Bird pricing ends May 31st. The event will be held July 20 – July 22 in Blaine, WA at the beautiful Semiahmoo Resort, Golf, and Spa. Please join us for a great event to foster cooperation and collaboration as well as providing skills to inspire day-to-day success. Please visit https://wp.wwu.edu/ncps/registration/ to register!

Registration Fees
Early Bird (prior to June 1st) $235.00
Regular (June 1st – July 7th) $270.00
Onsite (July 10th – July 21st) $310.00
One-Day (July 20th) $210.00

**Registration fees include breakfast/lunch/Beach BBQ on Thursday as well as breakfast on Friday**

The AP council encourages other AP employees to attend the monthly meetings either in person in Lighty 405 or by video conference at other campus locations. Our next meeting will be scheduled in September, stay tuned for more information.

April 19, 2017

From the Chair

Coleagas,

¡El futuro es brillante! A few weeks ago, APAC elected new council members and its executive leadership. As outgoing chair, there is nothing more exciting than handing off the reigns to an amazing group of individuals, passionate to transform our organization. It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you APAC’s 2017-2018 Executive Leadership:

  • Brigitta Jozefowski, Grants Coordinator for the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
  • Lauralea Edwards, Management Analyst for the Controller’s Office
  • Maria de Jesus Dixon, Manager of the Cultural and Heritage Houses and the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center

As for me, I will continue serving the Council as Past-Chair and continue working behind the scenes on some issues I learned to be important because of engaging with you. For my last note as chair, I want to encourage you to get involved in the University. We often talk about opportunities for professional development and often overlook serving on committees or affinity groups. I joined APAC almost four years ago and truly, it has been a transformative process. APAC might not necessarily be what you are looking for professionally speaking but there are still hundreds of opportunities for you on campus and in the community.

It has been my please to serve this year as APAC Chair. Honestly, I have been personally moved and inspired by the level of professionalism, work ethic and passion for Washington State University everyone on the Council exudes. It has truly been an honor. Please continue to engage with us!

Vamos Cougs,
Ray Acuña-Luna, Chair

Welcome to our new APAC members!

Welcome to our new Council Members and Executive Leadership! Welcome to C. Brandon Chapman (aka Chappy) from the College of Education, Stephanie Rink from the College of Business, Toni Broyles from College of Arts and Sciences, Mary Ohnemus from Health Professions Student Center, and Casey St. Clair from Finance and Administration. This coming year, APAC will be led by Brigitta Jozefowski as APAC Chair, Lauralea Edwards as Vice Chair, and Maria de Jesus Dixon as Secretary/Treasurer.

Register for the professional staff summer conference

Register for the Northwest Coalition of Professional Staff Annual Conference. This year the conference will be held at the Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine, WA. Join your fellow Administrative Professionals from across the Northwest for professional development on attaining your goals. More information can be found at https://wp.wwu.edu/ncps/

Professional Development Mini-Grants

Professional development is highly valued by Washington State University and is supported by the President and Provost’s offices. Each year a maximum of $3,000 in professional development grants is awarded by APAC to WSU Administrative Professionals, up to $250 per grant. Applications are being accepted until April 30th. Please visit https://apac.wsu.edu/awards-and-grants/ for more information.

Monthly APAC Meeting

All AP employees can attend the monthly meetings either in person in Lighty 405 or by video conference at other campus locations. Our next meeting is May 11, and the presentation is on Quartzi Software, by Monika Jones.

Regular APAC meetings are scheduled for the second Thursday of each month from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Meetings are broadcast via AMS. Can’t attend the meeting in person? Call in on the phone bridge at 509-335-9445, meeting ID is 02722. Meetings are held in Lighty 405.

March 28, 2017

Happy 127th birthday to WSU!

From the Chair

Estimados Coleagas,

Where has the time gone? It does not look like that long ago when I was stepping into this role. Just when I was getting the hang of being chair, in less than a month we will be selecting new APAC leadership. The beauty of working on a team like APAC is that the organization will be we have opportunity to infuse itself with new ideas and a vibrant new council membership. Anyway, enough of getting nostalgic. More musings about my experiences being chair for later. Today, I just want to remind you of some key involvement opportunities you cannot let pass away:

  • We are still taking applications for new APAC council members. If you are considering becoming involved, this is an excellent way to do it. I applied 6 years ago and never in my life imagined I would become chair. A little leap of faith brought where I am today. Don’t let this opportunity pass!
  • The AP Contribution Award is a great way to recognize the job of your fellow APs. Day in and day out, APs throughout the system give it their best to push the organization to new heights. New this year, we are offering a $1,000 cash price thanks to President Schulz. Don’t let this opportunity to make someone’s work pass unnoticed!
  • As result of the APAC forums we conducted this year throughout WSU, we will be hosting a professional development opportunity open to all WSU employees. On Wednesday, April 19th, Kevin Parker, former House Representative from Spokane, will present on “Leading Effective Teams.” The seminar will be at the CUB Junior Ballroom from 8:30am-10:30am.

This is all I have for today’s message. I promise I will write a much more entertaining next time! Keep up the good work!

Vamos Cougs,
Ray Acuña-Luna, Chair

Monthly APAC Meetings

Thank you to all who attended the March APAC meeting. The featured speaker for the meeting was Lynn Valenter, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations at WSU Vancouver. Lynn presented on how to run effective meetings and gave everyone great insight on the dos and don’ts when having a meeting.

The AP council encourages other AP employees to attend the monthly meetings either in person in Lighty 405 or by video conference at other campus locations. Our next meeting is April 13, and the presentation is “Digital Measures Update” by Craig Parks, Vice Provost.

Regular APAC meetings are scheduled for the second Thursday of each month from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Meetings are broadcast via AMS. Can’t attend the meeting in person? Call in on the phone bridge at 509-335-9445, meeting ID is 02722. All meetings will be held in Lighty 405.

Administrative Professional Contribution Award

Nominations are open for the 2017 Administrative Professional Contribution Award until April 7. Each year, APAC recognizes an Administrative Professional employee’s exceptional contribution to WSU and their area or unit with this award. New this year, a $1,000 award will be presented to each winner, sponsored by President Schulz.

To nominate an outstanding AP, visit https://apac.wsu.edu/awards-and-grants/

Professional Development Mini-Grants

Professional development is highly valued by Washington State University and is supported by the President and Provost’s offices. Each year a maximum of $3,000 in professional development grants is awarded by APAC to WSU Administrative Professionals, up to $250 per grant. Applications are being accepted now until April 30th. Please visit https://apac.wsu.edu/awards-and-grants/ for more information.

Meet and Greet with WSU’s Newest Vice Presidents

President Kirk Schulz invites the WSU community to meet our newest vice presidents:

Mary Jo Gonzales, Vice President, Student Affairs
Stacy Pearson, Vice President, Finance and Administration
Phil Weiler, Vice President, Marketing and Communications

Monday, April 10, 2017 from 5:30-7:00pm in the CUB Junior Ballroom, Room 212.

Beverages and light refreshments will be served.

Professional Development Seminar

APAC is pleased to sponsor Kevin Parker, former Washington State Representative and adjunct faculty with Whitworth and Gonzaga University MBA Programs to speak to all WSU faculty and staff on “Leading Effective Teams.”

Wednesday, April 19, 2017 from 8:30 – 10:30am in the CUB Junior ballroom.

To register for this free seminar please RSVP to APAC by April 12th.

AMS Sites Scheduled: Everett, Puyallup, Spokane, Tri-Cities and Vancouver.

For WSU staff outside of Pullman, APAC will provide a partial travel award for staff who would like to participate in person. Travel awards will be given to the first 20 people who apply and capped at $100 per person. You must send your RSVP and indicate your desire for the travel award by April 7th.

February 27, 2017

From the Chair

Saludos, Collegas!

A lot has happened in APAC since we began the academic year and I can honestly say that all is thanks to the arduous work of people in the council. As the chair, there is no greater satisfaction when you see people engaged and passionate about advancing the cause of the organization. The reality of growing in a migrant family meant that I was raised by my mother and was never around my siblings. As I have led APAC in past few months, my mother’s teachings have influenced the outlook I bring to the organization and I wanted to share them with you:

  1. Pour your heart in all that you do: there is no joy in doing something mediocre. Aspire to be extraordinary.
  2. Selfishness leads to nothing: focus on the common goal not your personal gains.
  3. People come in and out of your life. In all your interactions, treat them as if it’s the last time you will see them and appreciate ever single contribution they bring to your life, personally and professionally.
  4. You’ll know you have touched someone’s life when they no longer need you.
  5. Lead a life that you can honestly be proud of.

I am far from perfect. I am a work in progress but my mother’s teachings illuminate the way. While many shy away to be like their parents for their own very reasons, as I develop personally and professionally I hope to be a fraction of the type of human being she is. The eldest of 15 and a mother of 7, my mother has led an extraordinary life in spite of the circumstances. The first in the family to graduate college, attain a master’s degree and now leading an amazing organization like APAC, I owe it all to her. As we continue pushing towards the end of the academic year, I want to encourage you to be extraordinary in all that you do. Reflect on the teachings people in your life have given you and like my mother, lead a life that you can honestly be proud of.

In the last few months, APAC has strengthen our relationship with upper level administration, has engaged with APs in the system in ways never done before and has made our presence and influence known across WSU. As you think of the legacy you want to leave behind, I want you to consider getting involved with APAC. Our new council member elections are around the corner and we need extraordinary members like you to reinvigorate the organization with new ideas and a renewed passion. Please visit the APAC website and fill out the application by March 30.

Vamos Cougs,

Ray Acuña-Luna, Chair

P.S. Follow us on Twitter at @WSU_APAC

Monthly APAC Meetings

Thank you to all who attended the February APAC meeting. The featured speaker for the meeting was Assistant Vice Provost Craig Parks. Craig outlined the transition of the WORKS software system currently used in the annual review process at Washington State University to a new software system named “Activity Insight,” a product of Digital Measures. The new software is scheduled to be available for full use in all units by January 2018. A prototype will be ready by end of spring semester. WORKS will be in a “read-only” status after June 1, 2017.

The AP council encourages other AP employees to attend the monthly meetings either in person in Lighty 405 or by video conference at other campus locations. Our next meeting is March 9, and the presention is “Effective Meetings” by Lynn Valenter, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations at WSU Vancouver.

Regular APAC meetings are scheduled for the second Thursday of each month from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Meetings are broadcast via AMS. Can’t attend the meeting in person? Call in on the phone bridge at 509-335-9445, meeting ID is 02722. All meetings will be held in Lighty 405.

Pullman 2040

The WSU community has been asked to participate in a short survey about the future direction of the city of Pullman.

The results of this survey will help the city and the Pullman Chamber of Commerce develop a vision for the Pullman community and then to accomplish that vision. Additional information about this initiative can be found on the survey or by visiting http://www.pullman2040.org/

Apply for APAC!

We’re looking for some great Administrative Professionals to join APAC. New member applications are accepted through March 30. Please visit the APAC website and fill out the application.

Spring Managers Conference

You are invited to join your colleagues and personnel administrators March 22, 2017, for a half day training from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The focus of the conference will be Risk Management in the 21st Century, with a special focus on your department’s role in Network Security, Confidential Data and Public Records. Information will be presented by the Office of the Attorney General, Information Security Services and the Office of Internal Audit.

We know you’re busy – so the half day training will be packed with information in a short period of time. Refreshments will be provided.

Please share this invitation with your other personnel managers.

For additional information and to register for the half day conference please visit: http://hrs.wsu.edu/Personnel+Management+Conference

TIAA: Financial Wisdom for All Presentation

Human Resource Services will host TIAA for a financial presentation on March 9th. TIAA will share from their 100 years of experience their knowledge on how to save, invest and plan for what life brings in an interactive, fun and informative workshop.

This workshop, “Postcards from the Future: A Woman’s Guide to Financially Ever After” addresses the unique situations women may find themselves in, such as fewer years in the workforce, and longer life spans. TIAA’s workshop leader will share retirement strategies that will help you:

  • Identify your “retirement vision” – how much you’ll need and when
  • Define the simple steps to getting your finances on track towards your ideal retirement
  • Learn the unique characteristics of retirement plans from 403(b) to IRAs to annuities – and which may work best for you

Although the emphasis will be on a woman’s perspective for financial and retirement savings, all faculty and staff can attend, and will find information that is applicable to all. Also, feel free to invite a colleague, spouse, or partner to attend.

Two identical workshops will be offered on Thursday, March 9th, for 9:00-11:00 a.m., and 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the CUB East Jr Ballroom. Refreshments will be served.

Registration is required; to reserve a seat at one of the workshops, call 800-732-8353, M-F, from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PT), or register online.

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In addition to the above presentations, a representative from the Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) will also hold presentations on March 3rd. The DCP is a voluntary investment plan offered at WSU, which allows individuals to save more for retirement, while also lowering current taxable income.

As a 457b plan, all faculty and employees are able to participate by contributing as little at $15 a pay period up to $18K-$24K a year, in addition to their regular matched retirement plan savings. The DCP is another voluntary plan, similar to the TIAA Voluntary Investment Plan (VIP), which can be started, changed or stopped at any time.

The March 3rd presentations will be held from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. in Lighty 405 and 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. in French Ad 139. Registration is not required, but seating will be on a first come, first seated basis. Videoconferencing for other locations is also available.

We hope you are able to join us for the TIAA or DCP presentation, or both!

January 17, 2017

From the Chair

Colegas,
Ray Acuna-Luna, Chair of APAC
Welcome back! On behalf of the Administrative Professional Council, I want to wish you all a Feliz Año Nuevo! I hope that you had an amazing time in company of your loved ones and that you got some much needed rest. Personally, I had the opportunity to travel to Texas to visit my family. Contrary to popular belief and although no snow, it was still pretty cold.

I want to provide a quick update on our APAC Forums. As you might recall, for the first time ever, APAC hosted town-hall meetings at all WSU campuses. While we still have one more left, we have observed some trends across all campuses that I would like to share:

  1. The need for more professional development
  2. The need for mentoring for Administrative Professionals
  3. Improving WSU communication efforts in consistency and delivery
  4. AP retention in correlation to benefits

In the next few weeks, APAC will examine each of the concerns presented at the forums and look into their feasibility and how best we can address them. Please be sure to contact any of your council representatives or send your input online if you have any other suggestions.

Vamos Cougs,

Ray Acuña-Luna
Chair

Changes to Employee Assistance Program

Effective now EAP services for all WSU locations is provided by the Washington State Department of Personnel Employee Assistance Program. The EAP helps employees and their family members resolve personal or work-related problems.

Toll Free: 1-877-313-4455
www.dop.wa.gov/eap
TDD/TYY users, please call via WA Relay at 711

More information at the HRS Employee Assistance Program.

APAC Professional Development mini-grants

The Administrative Professionals Advisory Council awarded six professional development mini-grants in the fall grant cycle. These awards totaled $828 and were used to assist WSU APs in their pursuit of further education. APAC awards mini-grants twice annually, and the next deadline is April 30.

The most recent recipients of the APAC mini-grants were:

Victoria Braun – $250 to attend the Internation Symposium for Contemplative Studies
Sisouvanh Keopanapay – $108 to attend the Fall Public Safety Career Fair
Linda McLean – $125 to attend the recent Federally Recognized Tribes Extension/Intertribal Ag Council
Mary Lou Shean – $65 to attend the recent Simulation User Network Conference
Brooke Whiting – $140 to attend the upcoming NACADA Conference
Josh Whiting – $140 to attend the upcoming NACADA Conference

Please check out eligibility and the application at the APAC website.

The next cycle of grants will be awarded after our April 30 deadline.

We want to hear from you!

APAC executives meet with President Schulz and Provost Bernardo on a regular basis. If you have concerns, ideas, or questions you’d like us to bring to their attention, please contact us.

We also want to hear your ideas for professional development and how to make WSU an even better place to work.

Contact APAC

Thank you to Kirk and Noel Schulz!

Kirk and Noel Schulz, WSU’s president and first lady, graciously invited APAC members to a reception at their home in early December. Thank you to the Schulzes for their hospitality!

Kirk and Noel Schulz with APAC at December reception
APAC members with Kirk and Noel Schulz at the December reception

Chinook Student Center Memberships Now on Sale

WSU is pleased to announce the opening of the first level of the Chinook Student Center on January 17! AP staff can purchase a Chinook annual membership and get access to new recreational facility, right in the heart of campus. Amenities at the Chinook include a Freshens Fresh Food Studio, a sauna, cardio and weight rooms, meeting spaces, a meditation room and more.

Chinook Student Center
Rendering of the Chinook Student Center

As construction nears completion, members can utilize the various parts of the Chinook as they become available throughout January and February. Chinook members can also utilize the Student Recreation Center until March 1, 2017. Current SRC members can contact the membership services team to bundle their current membership with a new Chinook membership at a discounted and prorated price. For more information about the Chinook, visit www.chinook.wsu.edu.

Save the dates: Demonstrations of business software systems

In response to the request for information for a unified, software-as-service finance and human resource management system, the following vendors have been identified and will conduct on-site demonstration. Please join us for these informational demonstrations.

Oracle
January 23-24, 2017
Introduction begins at 9:00 on the 23rd
First session begins at 8:00 on the 24th
Pullman: CUB Auditorium
Video conferencing will be provided to other WSU locations. Those rooms will be assigned shortly.

Workday
January 30-31, 2017
Pullman: CUB Auditorium
Video conferencing will be provided to other WSU locations. Those rooms will be assigned shortly.
Agenda for January 30 and 31 – TBD

Summary and Questions go until 5:00 on both days

Learn more on the WSU Modernization website.

Annual Reviews

With the beginning of the new year, it’s time to think about annual reviews, an essential part of career development for supervisors and all APs. AP personnel are evaluated annually on a calendar year (January 1 – December 31) or academic year basis, as determined by the senior executive for the area and in accordance with guidance found in the Administrative Professional Handbook (PDF).

SmartHealth

SmartHealth is Washington State’s voluntary and confidential wellness program. It is an interactive website that helps you take steps to improve your health and well-being, while having fun and connecting with others online. By participating in activities you can earn points, and points earned between January 1, 2017 and September 30, 2017 are used to establish eligibility for the wellness incentive in 2017.

Earn 2,000 points to be eligible for the incentive by completing a Well-being Assessment and then participating in and tracking wellness activities. Depending on your WSU/PEBB medical plan, you will receive a $125 reduction in the subscriber’s 2018 PEBB medical deductible (if enrolled in a PEBB classic and value health plan); or a one-time deposit of $125 into the subscriber’s health savings account (if enrolled in a PEBB consumer-directed health plan).

Learn more: www.smarthealth.hca.wa.gov
HRS SmartHealth Wellness Incentive

Upcoming APAC program

Our next APAC meeting is February 9, 2017, 9:00–10:30 a.m. The presentation will be “Purpose Driven Work” by Josh McPhatter.

Regular APAC meetings are scheduled for the second Thursday of each month from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Meetings are broadcast via AMS. All AP Staff members are invited to attend. Can’t attend the meeting in person? Call in on the phone bridge at 509-335-9445, meeting ID is 02722. All meetings will be held in Lighty 405.