91ֿ Welcomes New Hires at Diversity Luncheon
Recently, nearly 100 people gathered at the Kent Student Center to honor and welcome new diverse faculty and staff from all 91ֿ campuses.
Sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, in collaboration with the Division of Human Resources, the event was an opportunity for attendees to network and meet other new hires and get valuable resources to assist with their success at 91ֿ.
University leadership in attendance included Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alfreda Brown; Professor and Interim Associate Provost for Academic Affairs Manfred Van Dulmen; and Vice President for Human Resources Jack Witt.
The event was highlighted by three guest speakers who provided perspectives on how to be successful at 91ֿ from their individual experiences. They included Vanessa Austin, clerical specialist in the Office of Admissions at the Stark Campus; Dr. N.J. Akbar, assistant dean, Academic Diversity Success at University College, and Dr. Joseph Ortiz, professor in the Geology Department.
HR’s Training and Development office worked with ERG leaders to present new hires with a variety of informational handouts. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) were also in attendance. To join an ERG, please visit the website.
View a photo gallery of the luncheon. For more information about this event, please contact Gina Campana at gcampana@kent.edu.
Make a Difference for Coworkers, Students and Communities During Giving Tuesday
With the recent launch of its Giving Tuesday campaign, 91ֿ has again transformed a one-day fundraising initiative into a month-long giving campaign to support student scholarships, expanded programs, study away initiatives and modern facilities.
Today, 91ֿ President Todd Diacon made an announcement on behalf of the 91ֿ Foundation. On Dec. 3, the global Giving Tuesday, the KSU Foundation has pledged $100,000 to match gifts one-to-one up to $1,000 each, and these matching dollars can apply to any foundation fund in the university network.
Supporting Your Colleagues
New to the campaign this year, the allows employees at 91ֿ to make a difference for their coworkers. This fund was established by a 91ֿ staff member when she saw the need for a safety net for fellow colleagues who were experiencing events that put unexpected strain on their lives.
Sometimes a colleague is going through an experience and struggling in silence. Perhaps they are recovering from a house fire, fighting an illness or going through a difficult divorce. Whatever the hardship, 91ֿ employees can support each other by making a gift to this fund.
“As an alumna and now an employee, this fund really stands out,” said Danielle Hupp, senior associate director, Special Giving Initiatives. “Most of our featured funds focus on helping students, improving facilities or supporting research – all of which are critically important to our mission as a university. But the people who work here are what make our mission come to life, and sometimes there is a need to extend that same kind of support to the person working right next to you. As President Diacon said in his inauguration speech, Flashes help other Flashes.”
Maximizing Your Impact
The goal of Giving Tuesday is to empower all donors to give to the fund that matters most to them and to provide incentives to help maximize the impact of those gifts. There are more than 40 featured giving options during this year’s campaign, and each one has a matching gift available, so donors can double the impact that their gift makes. Plus, from now until midnight on Dec. 2, any featured fund that brings in 15 unique donors of $25 or more will receive an additional $500 participation boost from the KSU Foundation.
Then, on the official global Giving Tues., Dec. 3, the one-to-one match from the KSU Foundation begins. Although $100,000 is set aside to match gifts to any foundation fund, it goes quickly. Donors are encouraged to make their gifts as early as possible before that match money is gone.
Members of the 91ֿ Board of Trustees and Foundation Board have also pledged their private support to inspire others to give. These dollars will be used for new completion incentives, providing $400 as a reward for funds that met their stated goal and closing the gap for funds that are within $300 of their fundraising goal when the campaign ends at 11:59 p.m. on Tues., Dec. 3.
91ֿ’s Giving Tuesday celebration runs through 11:59 p.m. on Tues., Dec. 3. Information on all the Giving Tuesday initiatives can be found at www.kent.edu/givingtuesday.
Calling All Extraordinary 91ֿ Alumni
The 91ֿ Alumni Association invites faculty and staff to nominate deserving alumni for the 91ֿ Alumni Awards. Sponsored by the alumni association, the Alumni Awards recognize graduates who, through leadership, character and hard work, have made exceptional contributions to their chosen profession, their communities and the university.
One student will also be recognized with the Golden Flash award, which is presented to a current student who promotes 91ֿ spirit, pride and tradition.
Nominations will be accepted through Dec. 31 and award recipients will be honored at the Alumni Awards Ceremony in the fall. To submit a nomination, visit www.kent.edu/alumniawards.
Tuscarawas County University Foundation Launches Annual for The Future Campaign
For 91ֿ at Tuscarawas students, the future is now! You can make a difference for local students by joining the Tuscarawas County University Foundation as it launches the 2019 annual campaign For the Future. Learn more.
Spring Safety Training for Faculty and Staff
The department of Environmental Health and Safety will hold its next OSHA 10-hour General Industry safety training on Mar. 3 and 4, 2020.
The program is designed for employees and their supervisors to gain understanding in identifying potential workplace hazards, how the employee can be affected and what we can do to mitigate the hazards. Some of the topics covered include:
- Introduction to OSHA
- Bloodborne pathogens
- Basic electrical safety
- Workplace ergonomics
Although this class is intended to address workplace safety, you will find many useful ideas about your safety while away from the job.
To register for the class, contact Don Head, Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator, at dehead@kent.edu, or call 330-672-9565. Seating is limited to 20 so register soon.
Additional course information will be available in January.
Employee Family and Friends Appreciation Days Return for Flashes Basketball
Beginning in January, faculty and staff can take advantage of complimentary tickets for Flashes basketball games during Employee Family and Friends Appreciation Days. This is your chance to win a 4K big screen television!
Tickets are available the day before each game from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Heer Hall lobby, or 90 minutes before tip-off at the main entrance at the MAC Center. Please note: HR tickets are not available at Will Call. All unclaimed tickets will be left at the box office.
The HR-sponsored basketball games include:
- Sat., Jan. 11, Western Michigan (women), 1 p.m. and Central Michigan (men), 3:30 p.m.
- Fri., Jan. 31, Univ. of Akron, 6:30 p.m.
- Sat., Feb. 22, Miami of Ohio (women), 1 p.m. and Univ. of Buffalo (men), 3:30 p.m.
- Tues., Mar. 3, Bowling Green, 7 p.m.
Employees attending three of four games are eligible for a chance to win a 4K big screen tv, courtesy of Klaben Auto Stores. The grand prize drawing will be held at halftime of the Bowling Green contest, Tues., Mar. 3.
All dates, times and prizes are subject to change. Registration emails will be sent Mondays prior to each game.
Fresh and Friendly Faces Featured on Faculty/Staff Home page
One of your favorite things to view, New and Familiar Faces, is now being showcased on the HR Faculty/Staff News Now home page. Check in periodically to stay up to date with your KSU colleagues.