WORKPLACE

New Ergonomist Serving Employee Needs on Campus

Director of Environmental Health and Safety Craig Dawson has been the campus ergonomist for the past 10 years and has now passed the title to Cindy Chong. Dawson's area of responsibility has grown to include the campus energy program, which led him to train Chong to take over as the campus ergonomist. The ergonomics program will continue under the umbrella of Environmental Health & Safety with Dawson serving as a resource to Cindy if needed.

Chong has been transitioning into this role for several months. As part of the transition she has completed training through a specialty ergonomic service provider in order to help her effectively conduct ergonomic evaluations for the campus. She is well known around campus having been part of Facilities Management and student organizations for many years. She adds this new role to her existing portfolio of minor capital project coordination and administration responsibilities.

Those who require ergonomic assistance should contact Chong directly at cynthia.chong@sonoma.edu or phone 4-2318.

Student Assistant Sign-up Schedule Changes

A new student assistant sign-up schedule has been posted with changes taking effect immediately. Visit the student assistant Sign-up website for the new schedule. As a reminder, a sign-up is required for new student assistants or returning student assistants who have not worked at SSU within the past three years.

All current student assistant appointments will automatically end on May 31, 2008. To qualify to work during the summer, students must be enrolled in classes for the upcoming fall semester or current summer term. Appropriate Administrators will receive more information in the next two weeks on how to rehire current student assistants for the summer.

Long-Term Care Program Application Period

Applications for the CalPERS Long-Term Care Program are now available for all faculty and staff members. The program is the nation's only voluntary, self-funded, not-for-profit long-term care program which helps staff and family members protect assets and lifestyles against the catastrophic costs of long-term care.

All California public employees, school teachers, retirees, annuitants and their spouses, parents, parent-in-law and adult siblings are eligible for coverage.

The 2008 application period began on April 1 and ends on June 30. For more information about the Long-Term Care Program, please contact CalPERS at (800) 908-9119 or online at Long-Term Care Program.

2008 Staff Appreciation Day Set for June 5

The 2008 Staff Appreciation Day is scheduled for Thursday, June 5. Details of the day’s events will be posted on the Human Services web site. The event includes the following programs:

Staff Wall of Fame Photo Contest - Search for the photo to make you famous!  We want your best, worst, or funniest shot to hang on the staff Wall of Fame.  Entry details are available online. Deadline to submit photos is May 30.

Share Your Talents! - Volunteers are needed to present enrichment sessions for the day. Sessions in the past have included cooking demonstrations, tours and information of campus areas, and wellness/healthy lifestyle. This is a time to share knowledge, hobbies, or talents with colleagues. Those who would like to lead a session or have any suggestions should contact Jaime Russell at jaime.russell@sonoma.edu.