Montgomery College Employee Matters (newsletter nameplate)

Office of Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management | Vol. 2, No. 32 | August 26, 2021

Fall 2021 Opening Meeting: Seizing Moments of Opportunities (video still cover image)

Fall 2021 Opening Meeting Highlights

On Monday, August 23, Montgomery College’s Interim President Dr. Charlene Dukes opened the Fall 2021 Opening Meeting at the Cultural Arts Center on the Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus. This year’s meeting focused on the theme “Seizing Moments of Opportunities.” College administrators and governance leaders were invited to attend the meeting in person. All other employees were invited to view the opening meeting via live streaming.
The audience heard presentations from Interim President Dr. Dukes, College Council Chair Kimberly Jones, and several inspiring and impressive student leaders. Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Michael Knapp provided a status report on the presidential search that is currently underway. Vice President and Chief HR Officer Krista Leitch Walker presented information on return-to-campus plans.
If you were unable to attend or stream the Fall 2021 Opening Meeting live, you can watch it here.
Photo of Monty with graduates throwing caps in the air (cover image of “Presidential Profile” document)

Presidential Search Advisory Committee: Deadline to Apply Is September 1

As Board Chair Michael Knapp shared in his remarks at the Fall Opening Meeting, the Board of Trustees has launched its search for a new permanent president. He invited members of the College community to be active participants in this process by attending College forums next month on September 20, 22, and 28, and by considering service on the Presidential Search Advisory Committee. If this opportunity interests you, please express your interest via email no later than Wednesday, September 1. View the full memo for details and points of contact to apply.
Employee Matters Fiscal 2022 Update for MC Employees (image of publication nameplate)

Latest Fiscal Update Edition Now Available

The Office of Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management is pleased to share the latest edition of Employee Matters Fiscal 2022 Update for MC Employees. This annual publication includes highlights such as workforce data, educational and professional development allowances, travel funds, required training, and more.
Photo of Dr. Elizabeth M. Benton

MC Dean Shares Thoughts on Returning to Working Onsite Again

As we embark upon our gradual return to onsite teaching, learning, and working, the Office of Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management asked the Montgomery College community how they were feeling about working onsite again. Hear thoughts from Dr. Elizabeth M. Benton on returning to working onsite again:
“Despite the fears of COVID-19 and the variants still emerging, it is a breath of fresh air to be on campus. Transitioning back takes some getting used to, such as moving to a new office space and implementing important safety protocols. Now, though, after about a month, seeing my peers in person and watching students take the next steps in their lives—this is so rewarding and challenging. It's what makes MC a great place to work.”
—Dr. Elizabeth M. Benton
Acting Instructional Dean of English and Reading

New HRSTM Interim Leadership Changes

Photo of Ms. Lauren Landau
Photo of Ms. Carol Kliever
The Office of Human Resources and Strategic Talent Management (HRSTM) announces two new leadership appointments, effective August 23.
Ms. Lauren Landau has been appointed Interim Director of Strategic Talent Management. Lauren will be replacing Ms. Lynda von Bargen who will transition back into retirement after her return to the College to provide leadership and assistance with several key HRSTM projects and initiatives.
Ms. Carol Kliever has been appointed Interim Director of Employee and Labor Relations. Carol replaces Mr. Santo Scrimenti who has assumed a new position outside of the College as a practicing attorney.
See the memo for more about Lauren and Carol and their backgrounds. We are grateful for their willingess to step into these leadership roles.
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

Want to Retire? Wondering What First Steps to Take?

Requests for information on retirement eligibility and the retirement process continue to come in at a steady pace. If you are interested in retiring, follow these steps to determine your retirement eligibility:
  • If you were hired in a benefits-eligible position prior to July 1, 2011, then you must meet one of the following criteria: attainment of age 62 with at least five years of service; 30 years of service at any age; OR age 55 with at least 15 years of service (early, reduced retirement if enrolled in the pension system).
  • If hired in a benefits-eligible position on or after July 1, 2011, then you must meet one of the following criteria: attainment of age 65 with at least 10 years of service; age and years of service combined total at least 90; OR age 60 with at least 15 years of service (early, reduced retirement if enrolled in the pension system).  Note: If hired on or after July 1, 2011, you must have at least 15 years of service at Montgomery College in order to be offered retiree benefits.
You can confirm your retirement plan by logging on to Workday and choosing Benefits. Under View Benefit Elections, you should see either the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) with either TIAA or Fidelity, or the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRP) plan. If your plan is the MSRP, please create an estimate of retirement benefits on the MSRP website under My SRPS. You will need to register for My SRPS if you have never created an estimate. Once you have your estimate, or if you are enrolled in the Optional Retirement Plan, please decide on a retirement date. Within no more than six months from your chosen retirement date, contact the Benefits Team for next steps.

Important Dates

Thursday, August 26, 2 p.m.

Equitable Presents: Retirement Planning and Social Security | Register

Friday, August 27, 2 p.m.

Sabbatical Leave Seminar Register on MC Learns

Monday, August 30

Fall wellness classes begin. See the fall 2021 wellness schedule for class times.

Tuesday, August 31

FLAC entries must be completed and locked.

Thursday, September 2

Timesheets due at noon
(Early timesheet deadline due to Labor Day holiday)

Monday, September 6

College closed due to Labor Day holiday

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

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 MC employees as the College begins shifting back to onsite, in‑person operations
Return-to-Campus Timeline for Employees
COVID-19 Vaccinations
Employee FAQs
Daily COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment
MC Next Generation Wellness (logo)
The MC Next Generation Wellness program offers online classes daily. Visit Wellness early next week to see the new fall schedule with class descriptions and times.
All new and past wellness members must enroll via workday to receive wellness information and incentives. View the job aide on how to enroll.
ENROLL
Visit MC Wellness to view 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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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.
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