April 5 staff meeting recap
President Marc Conner and College administrators provided updates on important initiatives, including annual performance reviews for staff, the transition to TIAA as the single service provider for College retirement plans, the Middle States reaccreditation process, Live More programming, and major gifts.
Associate Director for Employee Relations and Organizational Development Lovelyne Pierre kicked off the meeting by reminding staff about the annual performance review, which must be completed by Monday, May 20. Further details were shared by email on March 27, and a recording of the April 2 information session is available on the Human Resources website.
Director of Human Resources Julie Delay provided gathered staff with a schedule for the transition to TIAA as the single service provider for Skidmore College retirement, which began in January and will conclude in May. Delay noted there would a “quiet period” from April 28 to May 8 when there could be no new enrollment into the program and no adjustments made; during a blackout period (May 9 to May 27), current Vanguard participants will not be able to make modifications to their accounts, obtain a distribution or a loan, or receive a hardship withdrawal.
Detailed information has been mailed to staff members. There will also be several opportunities to meet with TIAA representatives and ask questions about the transition, including information sessions on April 16, April 25, and May 1.
Delay also noted that all staff will be required to complete an IT security training course, which will become available on the Learn More Skidmore platform the week of Monday, April 22, and should be completed by Friday, May 31. Several other events are upcoming, including a workshop on resilience, the final Breakfast with HR Supervisor Roundtable of the semester, and the annual networking luncheon.
Counseling Center Director Robert Cardom encouraged attendees to participate in the Out of the Darkness Walk on Sunday, April 14, in support of suicide prevention.
Dean of the Faculty and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dorothy E. Mosby gave a brief overview of the timeline for the self-study portion of the affirmation of accreditation through Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Mosby encouraged everyone to attend an informational meeting about the process, being held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, in Murray-Aikins Dining Hall, with MSCHE Vice President Liaison Judith Sciple.
Assistant Director for Benefits, Compliance and Wellness Laura Goodwin, shared findings from the survey sent out about the Live More, Skidmore well-being program in the fall. In response, the Skidmore Wellness Planning Group will be offering a greater number of simplified, brief programs during the workday and programs focusing on mental health, among other changes.
President Marc C. Conner concluded the meeting with a statement expressing his excitement about the MSCHE affirmation of accreditation and major gifts recently received from the Tang and Valentine families. He emphasized the importance of fundraising and urged everyone to participate in strategic planning opportunities.
The final staff meeting of the 2023-24 school year is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday, April 26.