Montgomery College Employee Matters (newsletter nameplate)

Office of Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management | Vol. 2, No. 25 | June 30, 2021

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Workday Talent and Performance Management Goes Live Tomorrow

Workday Talent and Performance Management module will launch to the College community Thursday, July 1. This new module provides employees the opportunity to provide real-time recognition to other employees. Department chairs will be able to initiate part-time faculty performance reviews for those who are hired this summer or for part-time faculty requiring a review in conjunction with a request for rank advancement. Employees will be able to enter their FY22 goals into Workday starting September 2021. Visit the Workday at MC website for job aids and more detailed information about what will be available for employees and supervisors.

Administrators Begin to Return to Onsite Work

As we embark upon our gradual return to onsite teaching, learning, and working, we asked our administrators how they were feeling about working onsite again. Here are a few quotes:
Photo of Amy Crowley
“It was wonderful to get to see my colleagues in person last week when MC administrators were allowed to return to the office!
There are entirely different dynamics when you can converse in person. You forget how convenient it is to be able to stop by someone’s office to ask a question. Another plus in being in the office is having a faster printer or just plain having a printer! I also found that the staggered return has allowed me to focus on my work while in the office since there are fewer distractions with a reduced workforce in the CT building.”
–Amy Crowley, Director of Academic Initiatives
Photo of Suzette Spencer

How does it feel to be working back on onsite?

“I started my role at MC one month into remote work. I felt like a freshman navigating the campuses and buildings. However, I’m having so much fun visually seeing the uniqueness at each location.”

What are you looking forward to most about the return?

“Meeting everyone in person for the first time, including most of my team members. Also, connecting with the faculty and students.”

After working remotely for such an extended period, how are you working differently?

“Daily teleconferencing has taught me to be mindful of scheduling unnecessary or lengthy meetings and choosing to share information via email.”

What new skills have you acquired?

“I learned how to create videos using iMovie and Final Cut, virtual games, and upgrade the storage on my personal laptop.”
–Suzette Spencer, Director of Library and Information Services
Photo of two banners with words “Policy Changes” and “New Policies”

Compensation Procedure Modifications Begin July 1

On January 1, 2018, the College transitioned to a market-based pay system. Implementing a new compensation philosophy/system required a thorough review of the College’s compensation policies and procedures, P&P 35001 and 35001CP, to ensure adequate alignment of the new structure while at the same time ensuring the fiscal sustainability for the long term. The Board of Trustees’ endorsement of the new compensation program and the recommendations for changes in our policies and procedures recognized how important it is for the College to be the employer of choice ensuring our success to attract and retain a highly qualified and engaged workforce. For a summary of the approved compensation procedure modifications, see the memo.
Photo and text of “Dr. DeRionne Pollard, Dr. Charlene Dukes, Talking About Transition”

Watch July 1 at 3:30 p.m.

Get to know Dr. Charlene Dukes who will step in as interim president of MC next month as she talks with President Pollard about continuing efforts to support students, social justice, recovery efforts, leadership transition, and more. Watch Thursday, July 1 at 3:30 p.m. on YouTube.
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Look for One-Time, Lump-Sum Award in July 2 Paycheck

In recognition of Montgomery College employees’ continued dedication and efforts to provide excellent service to students and the College community over the past year, the Board of Trustees approved a one-time, lump sum award for all employees that had an assignment in FY21. Eligible employees who participate in direct deposit will receive their awards with their regular paychecks on Friday, July 2. Other eligible employees not enrolled in direct deposit will receive a paper check mailed to their home address. Please allow up to ten (10) business days for checks to arrive. If your check does not arrive within that time period, please contact the Payroll team for assistance. See Dr. Pollard’s memo.
Photo montage of Montgomery College campuses

Accessing College Buildings As We Return to Campus

Guidance on accessing the College’s facilities as we return to campus is available to help you safely access College buildings during the transition to more onsite operations (on our campuses and other College locations) over the summer. As we welcome everyone back to the campuses, we ask for your support and cooperation as the College works to reopen its facilities and increase onsite teaching, learning, and working. See the memo.
Remember that the College urges everyone in the MC community to get fully vaccinated. We all share a responsibility to do everything we can to keep our MC community safe from COVID-19. Vaccinations are offered throughout the state of Maryland. Visit the Maryland vaccine site.
Photo of a coffee cup, keyboard, and a tablet with a timesheet image displayed on the screen

Changes for Hourly Exempt Staff Begin July

Starting July 1, 2021, there will be changes to overtime eligibility for current hourly exempt staff and how time is reported on electronic timesheets. Effective July 10, 2021, which is the first full pay period of FY22, exempt staff will no longer track their work on an hourly basis like non-exempt employees.These changes are important as we move toward updating and enhancing our overall compensation strategy. View the full memo that includes the difference between non-exempt and exempt employees, timeline for time-tracking process changes for salaried exempt staff, and new guidelines for managing salaried staff.
Photo of stacked blocks with benefits icons and text: “MC Benefits for Your Benefit”

For Your Benefit

Information and Events from the HRSTM Benefits Team

Summer Pause on SRA, Teachers' Pension, and 10-Month Employee Benefits Deductions

Please be reminded that all deductions for Supplemental Retirement Annuities (SRAs), the Teachers’ Pension System, and benefits for 10-month employees are based on 20 pays and suspended during the summer months, which is a total of six (6) pays beginning June 18 and ending August 27. Employees who are enrolled in the Employees’ Pension System and 12-month employees have benefits deductions taken all year long (26 pays). Full-time faculty who are enrolled in the Deferred Pay Program have their annual salary spread out over 26 pays but continue to have benefits deductions on 20 pays. If you have any questions, please contact the HRSTM Benefits Team.

Virtual Refresher on 403b and 457b Plans

Certified Financial Planner Jeff Wheeler from Voya is available for virtual MC 403b and 457b supplemental retirement plan sign-up/review on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Jeff also has information on health savings accounts and Medicare; Voya Fixed Account (3%); retirement transition planning; alternatives to CDs; maximizing your Maryland pension and Social Security; life, long-term care, and disability insurance; and new parent financial planning.
Book an appointment. For questions, please contact Jeff Wheeler.
Icon image representing persons connecting arms

Employee Connections Offers Webinars to Support Employees

The Office of Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management established the Employee Connections Group program to facilitate opportunities for employees to come together as a community via Zoom meetings to enrich personal experiences and build community. The Employee Connections Group program offers webinars this summer in Overcoming Financial Obstacles Series and Mental Health Education Series.

Upcoming Mental Health Education Series Webinar

Thursday, July 15, 4 p.m. “Self-Care Tips with Stephanie Will”

Employee Matters on Hiatus Next Week

Due to the Independance Day holiday next week, which will be observed on Monday, July 5, Employee Matters will not publish on July 7, 2021, but will resume on Wednesday, July 14, 2021.
Wishing you a Fourth of July filled with favorite traditions, shining moments, and happy memories.

Important Dates

Wednesday, June 30

Deadline to complete FY21 required training by 11:59 p.m.

Thursday, July 1

3:30 p.m., “Montgomery College: A Transition in Leadership” Watch on YouTube.
Workday Talent and Performance Management module goes live.
Face coverings are no longer required at College campuses and offsite locations. See Dr. Pollard’s memo.

Friday, July 2

All employees receive a one‑time, lump-sum award in July 2 paycheck. See Dr. Pollard’s memo.

Monday, July 5

College closed for Independence Day holiday

Tuesday, July 6

Employees begin return to campus in staggered or rotating shifts. See timeline.
Deadline to submit FY21 EAP requests to HRSTM

Friday, July 9

Timesheets due at noon

Saturday, July 10

First full pay period of FY22 begins. Exempt staff will no longer track their work on an hourly basis like non-exempt employees. See memo.

Weekly Stretch Breaks

Join us for virtual stretch breaks. See schedule.
Workday logo icon with a “W” in a circle

Workday News

Visit the Workday website for current information on project phases, timeline, communications, training, and frequently asked questions.

Upcoming Go Live Dates

July 2021: Performance
September 2021: FY22 Goals Entry
January 2022: HCM, Payroll, and Finance, and Full Deployment
App icon for Workday Personal Information

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 home contact information and emergency contact information in Workday. See the Workday job aid for step‑by‑step instructions. You can access Workday on MyMC.

Return to Campus

Employee Guidance

Guidance and resources for employees as the College begins a gradual shift back to onsite, in‑person operations
Return-to-Campus Timeline for Employees
Gradual return to campuses on July 6 in staggered or rotating shifts
Guiding Principles for the Safe Return to Campus
Prioritizing the health and safety of our students and employees and more
COVID-19 Vaccinations
The College’s position on vaccinations and resources
Employee FAQs
Answers to employees’ frequently asked questions on return-to-campus plans

Required Training for Returning to Campus

Visit MC Learns through Workday for the Return-to-Campus webinar.
Summer 2021 Semester
Most classes fully online
Daily COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment
(Required until September 1)
For employees, students, contractors, and visitors to take prior to arriving to MC campus or off-site locations

Return-to-Campus Forum Recordings

MC Next Generation Wellness (logo)
The MC Next Generation Wellness program offers online classes daily, including arms and cardio, barre, core and stretch, weights and cardio, Zumba®, and more. Summer classes are ongoing. See the schedule for class descriptions and times.
All new and past wellness members must enroll via Workday to receive wellness information and incentives.
ENROLL
Visit MC Wellness for class schedules, wellness forms, and resources.
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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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