News to Use – November 2022
News to Use is a monthly summary of HR information for all employees of McMaster University.
Mosaic Rapid Release – The latest Mosaic Rapid Release launched on November 10, 2022
Fourteen improvements, enhancements and upgrades were implemented as part of Mosaic Rapid Release this month. An important change was combining HR and Finance eForms on one homepage to make it easier for users to find all forms to manage positions in one convenient place. A number of new reports were also created increase efficiencies for users, including a new report to download key applicant data from the recruitment module, and four new reports to streamline the administration of the External Tuition Bursary benefit. To learn more about the changes and how they can benefit you and your teams, visit the November 2022: Mosaic Rapid Release page on the HR Website. November 2022: Mosaic Rapid Release – Human Resources (mcmaster.ca)
Update on CUPE Labour Action – A provincial media declared that negotiations with the university and CUPE 3906 were at an impasse on Friday, November 18. CUPE announced a strike beginning on November 21. We recognize that a labour disruption is concerning for everyone. Staff and faculty members may have questions about the impacts. For updates on the situation, please visit the Labour Updates website.
2022 UniForum@McMaster Townhall – All staff and faculty are invited to attend this town hall to learn more about the results of the latest Uniforum Data Collection. Members of the UniForum@McMaster Steering Committee will be sharing:
• McMaster’s results compared to other Canadian universities, including the University of Alberta, the University of British Columbia, the University of Toronto, and York University
• McMaster’s results compared to our international peers and our own results from previous years
• Examples of how McMaster is using the data to “work differently”
• Ideas for how you can support the university’s academic and research missions through efficient use of resources
Date: Monday December 5, 2022
Time: 1:30-3:00 pm
Location: LR Wilson Concert Hall
There will also be time to ask questions and engage in discussion on topics related to UniForum.
Light refreshments and snacks will be available outside the Concert Hall from 12:45 pm. Please do not bring food or drink into the Hall
https://forms.office.com/r/R2pAcu8wAD
Join your HR partners and colleagues from across the university for a day of informative and interactive sessions as we focus on advancing together through community, learning and collaboration.
Electrical Safety – As the winter season approaches it is important to keep fire and electrical safety top of mind with the increased use of small appliances like space heaters, festive lights, etc.
You can reduce risk by ensuring electrical cords are in good condition, using power bars equipped with power surge protectors, avoid using multiple extension cords in succession or daisy chaining. Ensure that all electrical items are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory like CSA, UL or equivalent.
The use of space heaters in the workplace should be avoided if possible. Contact Facility Services Customer Service with temperature concerns. Space heaters can pose a serious fire hazard when not used properly. Prior to leaving for the day, shut off equipment including: printers, photocopiers, computers, lights, coffee makers, space heaters, and other appliances. Additional information on electrical safety can be found in the Electrical Safety Brochure and RMM 325 Process and Equipment Purchases and/or Modifications Program.
Warning: Winter Travel Advisory! – In the coming months we can expect to see plenty of snow and ice as we travel outdoors. These conditions bring with them the hazard of slips, trips, and falls. In order to reduce your risk, you should take your time and exercise caution when travelling across campus and entering buildings. Only travel on designated pathways that have been cleared for use. You can also choose footwear with good treads to help limit the likelihood of a slip and fall.
The University has a 24-hour snow removal plan to help ensure that as you are travelling from one location to the next, you have a clear and unobstructed path to do so. If you are aware of an area that poses a hazard (snow, slippery condition, uneven sidewalk) and requires attention please contact the Facility Services Customer Service Desk at 24740 or Security Services after hours at 24281. Together we can ensure that you arrive safely!
Register now for the 2022 McMaster Annual Children’s Party! – McMaster University is committed to fostering an inclusive community by providing families of McMaster employees and retirees with the opportunity to gather together. At the annual McMaster Children’s Party, we build a greater awareness and understanding of each other’s cultures by celebrating the diversity of our children and holiday celebrations
This year’s party will feature 1 week of virtual family holiday activities and celebrations from November 26th to December 1st, 2022. Activities will include a virtual magician who will dazzle and delight, a virtual traditional games education program with the Woodland Cultural Centre, and bedtime holiday stories with a few special guests.
We will also be offering an in-person, outdoor Drive-In Movie experience on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022. This event entails 2 Drive-In Movie Sessions, a Meet and Greet Session with the Hamilton Bulldogs and Bruiser, and our Fill the Bus Donation Drive for the United Way Helping Hands Program.
Interested in volunteering for this event? If so please fill out our Volunteer Application Form!
Further information on how to register for this interactive event, and a full calendar of activities, will be made available on our website.
McMaster United Way Online Auction: Place a Bid and Give Back to the Halton-Hamilton Community! – Our annual United Way Online Auction will be the perfect opportunity to give back to the Halton-Hamilton community. The auction will showcase amazing prizes, including sports tickets, conservation passes, and culinary experiences. All proceeds will go towards McMaster’s United Way campaign, which supports hundreds of agencies and programs in Halton and Hamilton.
We are asking for your support to help us surpass last year’s fundraising total of $295,000 and make the McMaster Campaign the largest workplace campaign in the Hamilton-Halton area once again.
Bidding will open on November 14th and will close on November 28th. Register Today!
Life@Mac – Make sure to review our upcoming events webpage and view the Multicultural Calendar
Questions? Call Human Resources at extension 222-HR or email us at hr.mcmaster@mcmaster.ca. You can also visit our website: https://hr.mcmaster.ca/
