July 2017
Volume 15 | Issue 1
DocuSign Comes to Kent State University
The Division of Human Resources is excited to introduce our new electronic signature program, DocuSign. With the implementation of the DocuSign application, the process of routing new hire documents for signature, approving requests and tracking timeline progress is simpler and more efficient.
Documents will soon be signed and forwarded digitally and instantly, on any device with ease. This will reduce time and effort and minimize the potential for lost paperwork.
The benefits of using DocuSign are many:
- Shorten the employee onboarding process
- More secure than paper documents by encryption
- Complete audit trail of signatures
- No faxing, scanning or copies needed
- Reduce paperwork error rates and rework
- Quick and easy to use
The Division of Human Resources began using DocuSign in June for the new hire faculty and staff onboarding paperwork process. Other select forms that are located in the HR forms Library will also be available using the DocuSign platform this summer. Please watch for upcoming information and training sessions as we begin to roll out this product universitywide.
In the meantime, you can watch the informative overview of the DocuSign Electronic Signature application.
If you have questions, please contact Donna Sansonetti at dsansone@kent.edu or 330-672-8333.
Smoke-Free, Tobacco-Free Policy in Effect
As of July 1, all Kent State University locations are smoke-free and tobacco-free. The university policy 3345-5-21 aligns with the university-level initiative to create a healthy campus environment for all employees, students and visitors.
The policy covers all Kent State campuses, locations and properties, both domestic and international and applies to all members of the university community: students, employees, volunteers, vendors, visitors and customers.
Under the policy, all smoking is prohibited. This includes electronic smoking devices, mod boxes or electronic nicotine delivery systems that create an aerosol or vapor. The use of nicotine, tobacco-derived or plant-based products and oral tobacco is also prohibited.
Members of the university community who are thinking about kicking the tobacco habit should visit www.kent.edu/smoke-free. There you will find a variety of resources for faculty and staff, including smoking cessation apps, nicotine replacement therapy information for employees, and internal cessation resources for students and employees. You can also find external cessation resources by county. Please share this information with employees in your area and make sure they are aware of the change. Send questions to smokefree@kent.edu.
New Name for Business and Finance
Effective July 1, the Division of Business and Finance is changing its name to the Division of Finance and Administration. The change will align more closely with the services provided by the departments in the division and it will provide consistency with the Office of the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration.
Along with the name change will be a new address for the division website. As of July 1, the web address will be www.kent.edu/finance-administration. The phone number for the Office of the Senior Vice President remains 330-672-2422. Questions should be directed to Carla Wyckoff, director, Communications and Special Projects, at cwyckof1@kent.edu or 330-672-5857.
Lunch and Learn: Six Steps to a Secure Retirement (Live Streaming)
Join us on Tuesday, July 25, from noon to 1 p.m. at Heer Hall on the Kent Campus, as we focus on six basic steps everyone should follow when preparing for retirement at any age.
The core focus of this workshop is to give individuals an easy and actionable plan they can follow in order to ensure they are on track to achieve their personal retirement and investment goals. We will also review a brief market and economic outlook, and discuss what questions to ask before hiring a financial advisor. Our presenter will be Kurt Russel from Impact Solutions. Seating for this presentation is limited in Heer Hall, Room 107. We also will be live streaming so registrants may watch from their office or campus viewing location. To register, please follow the link you prefer below: Register to attend the Heer Hall presentation (limited seating is available; if full, please register for the live streaming). Register for live streaming.
Wellness Workshop: National Picnic Day - A Recipe for a Perfect Excursion
Every year, July brings clear skies, a bright sun and a cool breeze. This time of year offers ideal conditions for creating that "perfect picnic." Join us on Wednesday, July 19, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, Seminar Room A, for this fun and informative workshop that will provide you with the knowledge needed to plan a healthy and stress-free picnic, including culinary recommendations and suggestions for recreational activities.
This program is open to students, faculty and community members. The presenter will be Luc LaBonte, MS, RD, LD, a registered dietitian working with Recreational Services. This workshop is eligible for 10 Wellness Your Way Tier 2 points. Please register for this event and be sure to sign in at the workshop as well. Registration is required.
Healthy Hydration 28-Day Challenge Begins Aug. 1
Be sure to sign up today for the Healthy Hydration Challenge! This 28-day program will help you "rethink your drinks" because what you drink is just as important as what you eat when it comes to healthy nutrition.
The program is designed to help you increase the amount of water and reduce the number of sugary beverages you consume daily. Participants also are encouraged to drink at least 64 ounces of water each day and be aware of, and pay attention to, the calories and artificial sweeteners contained in beverages. Participants will receive educational materials, an H20 tracker, weekly emails and unlimited telephonic health coaching from Be Well Solutions, Kent State's wellness partner.
The Healthy Hydration Challenge runs Tuesday, Aug. 1, through Monday, Aug. 28, as part of the Wellness Your Way Employee Wellness program. Employees taking part and completing the full challenge will earn 20 Tier Two points toward their Wellness Your Way incentive points.
Get details and register through July 26.
Dates to Remember
July 1 Canada Day July 4 Independence Day (university closed) July 11 Kent State Healthy Hydration Challenge, Aug. 1-28 July 14 Bastille Day Walk and Talk, noon-1 p.m. July 18 Nelson Mandela's Birthday
July 19 How to Plan a Healthy Picnic
July 25 Lunch and Learn: Six Steps to a Secure Retirement (Live Streaming registration)
Tell Us What You Think
This e-newsletter is designed to keep you, the managers and supervisors, informed. Please take a few minutes to let us know what you think of it, along with any comments or suggestions. You may contact us at managersfeedback@kent.edu. We look forward to hearing from you.