Montgomery College Employee Matters (newsletter nameplate)

Office of Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management | Vol. 1, No. 25 | October 14, 2020

Carlo Sanchez headshot

Employee Donor Spotlight:
Carlo Sanchez

Carlo Sanchez is not only the College's manager of public safety and emergency management, he's also a proud Montgomery College graduate and—along with his wife Mary—a generous donor. Through payroll deductions, Carlo established the Carlo and Mary Sanchez Endowed Scholarship.
“It makes me feel good to think that while I work here, there will be a student enrolled at the College who will be receiving help,” says Carlo.
For information about giving through payroll deductions, please contact Colleen Dolak, annual fund manager.
Photo of HRICs: Ashley Roberts, Carla Ammerman, and Leslie Jones

HRICs to Host Virtual Office Hours

The Human Resources Internal Consultants (HRIC)s are hosting virtual office hours once a week for their designated campuses via Zoom. Starting the week of October 21, employees will be able to enter a Zoom waiting room to briefly chat with their HRIC regarding any HRSTM questions or concerns. Each discussion will be private and the HRIC will ensure only one employee at a time is allowed into the meeting. Employees will be brought into the meeting in the order of arrival into the Zoom waiting room.
Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, Westfield South (Wheaton)
Ashley Roberts
Join Zoom Waiting Room: Thursdays, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Zoom Meeting ID: 549 994 1080; password: MEETASHLEY
Germantown Campus, Central Services, Rockville Facilities, and Public Safety
Leslie Jones
Join Zoom Waiting Room: Fridays, 10 a.m.–noon
Meeting ID: 759 404 0464; password: MEETLESLIE
Rockville Campus, Gaithersburg Business Training Center
Carla Ammerman
Join Zoom Waiting Room: Tuesdays, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Meeting ID: 920 3023 1474; password: MEETCARLA

Join an Employee Connections Group

HRSTM is committed to facilitating opportunities to come together as a community to enrich personal experiences and workplace culture. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and our current remote teaching and working status, HRSTM has launched Employee Connection Groups. These groups are designed to provide leadership opportunities for those who wish to participate, initiate or lead a group, and foster a supportive community where all employees can experience a greater sense of belonging. Zoom meetings will be scheduled for each group.
Join a group today:
  • Working from Home with Children
  • Coping with COVID-19
  • Overcoming Financial Obstacles
  • Mental Health Education Series
These are just a few of the comments about what it’s like to be part of an Employee Connections Group.
I like the group and I feel it is important to have a support system at work with others who share same issues.
I have enjoyed the meetings and getting to know people within the College.
It's a great way to connect with colleagues outside of my department on a regular basis.
I have enjoyed the sharing of ideas and issues that have come up so far.
Have questions or suggestions for new groups? Please contact Leslie Jones or Kathleen Boyer.
SRPS Logo for the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System

SRPS Personal Statement of Benefits Now Ready to View

Are you curious about when you can retire? The Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (SRPS) Personal Statements of Benefits (annual account statements) are now ready for 2020. These documents are no longer mailed to members, but are now available online. You can also create a detailed estimate for retirement planning, and check/make changes to your beneficiaries. To register for a mySRPS account, go to sra.maryland.gov, click the mySRPS login, click Register, and then follow the instructions. If you have questions about retiring, please contact Benefits.
cyber security lock

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Join us in spreading cybersecurity awareness and encouraging everyone to own their role in protecting internet-connected devices. During this period of remote work, end users are even more vulnerable to cyber threats and it is everyone's responsibility to learn how to behave safely and responsibly online.
One of the best ways to stay cybersmart is to complete the required cybersecurity training, DataSecurity@MC: Annual Review. As part of the College’s efforts to address the increasing number of threats to our data, this training will teach you how to better identify common methods used by cyber attackers to gain access to account credentials and information systems.
Visit MC’s Cyber Awareness website this month, and all year long, for information, tips, and videos to help you in your cyber journey. Do your part. #BeCyberSmart!

Office of Equity and Inclusion October Events

The Office of Equity and Inclusion will be hosting the following virtual events via Zoom during the month of October:
  • October 16, 6 p.m. | Let's Talk! Student Pop-Up Show and Tell: What Hispanic Heritage Month Means to Me
  • October 23 | Town Hall Roadmap - Goal 4
  • October 26, 3:30 p.m. | Fall Equity Dialogue and Excellence in Equity Awards
  • October 27, 11 a.m. | Let's Talk Disability and Social Justice
  • October 29, 2:30 p.m. | White Fragility and Its Critics (MC Learns)
  • October 30 | Town Hall Roadmap - Goal 5
See more information here or visit the Equity and Inclusion website.
Wish you were here! Open Enrollment starts on October 26 (postcard image of Monty the Raptor in tropical environment)

Open Enrollment Starts on Monday, October 26

I also want to remind you to use your leave, even if it’s for a “stay-cation,” before December 23. While you have some down time, log in to Workday to review your current benefits, update your beneficiaries, and your emergency contacts. The College’s Open Enrollment period is October 26–November 16. I will be back in touch soon to let you know when you can attend a virtual benefits fair. Take some time off and discover the benefits of
a little rest and relaxation! —Monty the Raptor

Important Dates

Friday, October 16

Timesheets due by noon.

Wednesday, October 21

Fall Foods Virtual Cooking Demonstration
Healthy, seasonal recipes to incorporate this fall.

Monday, October 26

Open Enrollment begins.

Daily Stretch Breaks

Join us virtually for daily stretch breaks. View the schedule.

Open Enrollment Begins Monday, October 26

Open Enrollment begins Monday, October 26 and continues through Monday, November 16. Details to come soon on virtual benefit fairs.
Icon image of silhouette of person's head and shoulders with an

Is Your Contact Information Up to Date in Workday?

In alignment with the College’s COVID-19 Health and Safety Plan, and to assist in contact tracing, we ask that all employees update their personal contact information in Workday. See the job aid for step-by-step instructions on updating your information. You can access Workday by logging on to MyMC.

HRSTM Guidance for MC Employees During COVID-19 Pandemic

Resilient MC

College Resources and COVID-19 Information

Resilient MC Resources
The College’s response to COVID-19, guidance, documents, and videos
Coronavirus: What You Need to Know
Guidance for MC students and employees
Fall 2020 Semester Information
Most classes fully online
Daily COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment
For employees, students, contractors, and visitors to take prior to arriving to MC campus or off-site location
Give to Emergency Fund
Supports MC students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
MC Next Generation Wellness (logo)

10K-a-Day Step Challenge
October 23–November 22

Team or individual challenge options! This step program motivates participants to walk more as they visit international cities, including Florence, Tokyo, Berlin, Auckland, Paris, and New Orleans. Whether a beginner or avid exerciser, this wellness campaign is for everyone. Registration opens October 19.

Cabin Fever Challenge
October 12–23

Are you tired of being cooped up inside? During the Cabin Fever, Stress Reliever Challenge, participants will log in each weekday to tackle a new daily challenge to help alleviate some of the stress that comes with social distancing during this time of a global pandemic.
Participation challenges are posted Monday–Friday only. Enter to win a $20 e-gift card. Register here.
Facebook logo

Join MC Employee Facebook Group

Stay up to date on the latest news by joining our private MC employee Facebook group. This group is only open to MC employees and will require approval to join.
Let’s stay connected.

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Miss an issue? Find current and previous issues of the Employee Matters newsletter and other Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management news and employee communications here.

More Information

For contact information by person or topic, please visit the Office of Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management website for the Points of Contact link.

Suggestion for the Newsletter?

If you have a suggestion for the newsletter, email HRSTM.
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