HR Newsletter – July 2020

 
ULTIPRO

What Is UltiPro?

The OCCC UltiPro implementation team has been working non-stop to launch our state of the art human resource management system. Ultimate Software provides many tools to assist the staff in one platform. The software provides integration of time management, payroll, talent, compensation and HR modules that effortlessly links individuals to data.

Here are a few of the main benefits of the system:

• Employee Portal
• Candidate and Talent Management
• Feedback and Performance Rating
• Robust Onboarding
• Automated Time and Attendance

If you have questions regarding UltiPro, please contact human resources at HRtraining@occc.edu.

Helpful Tips - Health Care Plan

HOW YOUR HEALTH CARE PLAN WORKS

Planning ahead can help you save money when it comes to your health. Take full advantage of your health care plan with these helpful tips:

Stay in the network. Most health plans, like HMOs and PPOs, use certain groups of doctors, hospitals and other health care professionals called provider networks. If you visit a doctor outside of your network, you may have to pay more for your care. In some cases, you may have to pay the full cost. The same could be true about where you go for infusion drug care.

• Stay in the pharmacy network. Just as important as making sure that your doctor is in your network before making an appointment, you’ll save money if you visit an in-network pharmacy. If you have prescription drug benefits with BCBSOK, learn more about your pharmacy network.

WHERE YOUR HEALTH PLAN WORKS

You can help control your health care costs while at home or during travels. Here are ways to keep costs down whenever you need care:

• Build a relationship with your primary care provider (PCP). Your PCP will help you stay up-to-date with annual exams and will know who you are if you call with non-emergency questions. Also, your PCP can refer you to a specialist. Remember, it's easier to get an appointment if you're already a patient with your PCP.
• Use the ER for emergencies only. When your injury or illness is serious, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You don't need a referral. If it's not an emergency, you may be able to save money by seeing your regular doctor for colds, minor sprains and other less serious conditions.

For more information and insight on keeping your costs down, visit their website.

New Guidance - CARES Act

Generally -  You may recall that the CARES Act generally allows a qualified individual to take a coronavirus-related distribution of up to $100,000 from certain retirement plans, including 401(k) plans.  These distributions have special tax treatment.  There are specific rules related to these distributions.

Prior Rule - Qualified Individual.  Under the CARES Act itself, a qualified individual is an individual:

1. who is diagnosed with the virus SARS-CoV-2 or with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by a test approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (including a test authorized under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act);
2. whose spouse or dependent is diagnosed with COVID-19 by a test approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (including a test authorized under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act); or
3. who experiences adverse financial consequences as a result of (a) the individual being quarantined, being furloughed or laid off, or having work hours reduced due to COVID-19; (b) the individual being unable to work due to lack of childcare due to COVID-19; or (c) closing or reducing hours of a business owned or operated by the individual due to COVID-19.

New Rule – Expands Definition of Qualified Individual.  The IRS notice issued on Friday adds to the list of those who qualify, such that a qualified individual now additionally includes an individual who experiences adverse financial consequences as a result of:

1. the individual having a reduction in pay (or self-employment income) due to COVID-19 or having a job offer rescinded or start date for a job delayed due to COVID-19;
2. the individual’s spouse or a member of the individual’s household (someone who shares the individual’s principal residence) being quarantined, being furloughed or laid off, or having work hours reduced due to COVID-19, being unable to work due to lack of childcare due to COVID-19, having a reduction in pay (or self-employment income) due to COVID-19, or having a job offer rescinded or start date for a job delayed due to COVID-19; or
3. closing or reducing hours of a business owned or operated by the individual’s spouse or a member of the individual’s household due to COVID-19.

Notice

Who's Who at OCCC

Jermaine Peterson

Jermaine Peterson, SCMS Coordinator,
Students Connecting with Mentors for Success, 4 years

Brief background history (education, prior work history, etc.) – I graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Counseling. Prior to serving as SCMS Coordinator, I worked as a mental health and substance abuse counselor for nearly two years before transitioning into higher education. I began my career at OCCC serving as the TRIO Student Support Services Advisor. Thereafter, I accepted a position as Campus Activities Council Advisor at the University of Oklahoma, before finally landing back at OCCC to serve as the Coordinator for the mentorship program.

What do you love about working at OCCC? – I love investing in and working with a population of students who historically have been disenfranchised from institutions of higher education. It is incredibly inspiring to work with students who never thought they were “college material” only to see them thrive with the proper support, guidance and accountability SCMS is able to help provide.

How do your daily duties directly impact OCCC’s faculty, students & staff (what are your duties)? – My primary role is to build and foster a supportive environment where students can feel challenged while at the same time feel safe to be their authentic selves while obtaining their education.

What advice would you give someone who is new to the Higher Ed industry and/or OCCC? – Remain focused on the needs of your number one stakeholder in this field, students.

What do you find most challenging about working in Higher Education? The sheer student to staff ratio can make this field challenging at times. I’ve had to come to terms with knowing that I can’t “save” every student, and I can’t want whatever desired outcome more than the student. It can be tough to accept the fact that I won’t be able to reach all students in which I engage. Moreover, accepting the fact that sometimes my work with students is simply a seed being planted and I may never see that seed come to fruition.

What inspires you? – Seeing students of various backgrounds (racial, cultural, generational, socioeconomic etc.) taking time to humanize one another through working together. I’m also very energized by students who are the first in their family to go to college because they become the trailblazers and many times inspire others in their family to pursue a college education.

What are your hobbies or interest? – I enjoy spending time with my family/friends, reading, traveling, cooking, listening to and playing music, playing soccer, swimming.

PEER-TO-PEER PRAISE

Amanda Williams-Mize

Ms. Amanda Williams-Mize is the real MVP. When it comes to teamwork and collaboration, Amanda goes above and beyond. In her role of Registrar, Amanda is never afraid to take on a challenging task, and does so with a smile on her face. She is willing to help anyone at anytime. Students, faculty, and staff all depend on her for a wide variety of requests to include accurate data, reports, and procedure creation. Many times Amanda receives short-notice requests and completes these requests in a timely and friendly manner. Amanda stands out as a dedicated leader of a devoted team. During the holiday season she plans "Holiday Palooza" for her staff. This is a week long celebration packed with fun activities for her team. This is a thoughtful way to reflect on a great year filled with hard work and dedication. Do you look forward to OCCC Commencement every year? I sure do! Each year this ceremony is a celebration of the hard work and sacrifices of our students. There are many hours of work and planning behind the scenes to make this event successful. Amanda is the coordinator of this very special event. She works year round to ensure this milestone celebration is an enjoyable event for OCCC graduates, their families, faculty, and staff. I am proud to call Amanda my teammate here at OCCC, but I am very grateful to also call her my friend! Thank you Amanda for all you do for OCCC!

Submitted by: Stephanie Miller

If you would like to recognize a peer for their contributions, email: HRtraining@occc.edu.