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News to Use – October 2023

News to Use – October 2023

News to Use is a monthly summary of HR information for all employees of McMaster University.

Supports services for you and your team – Please access the provided link to explore the support services accessible to members of the McMaster community, including students, faculty, and staff. If you or someone you know at McMaster requires assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out or share these resources: https://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/resources-for-mcmaster-community/

New SAFE Health and Safety Training Modules – We all have a role to play in maintaining a safe work environment at McMaster. As an employee, completing the required health and safety training programs ensures you’re aware of safe practices in the workplace, how to prevent injuries and create a physically and psychologically safe working culture. As part of our overall Health and Safety Training programs at McMaster, a new SAFE training module is available, combining four existing mandatory health and safety training courses into one 30-minute video module.

For current employees, further instructions will be shared in the coming months for completion of the SAFE module. All new employees will be automatically enrolled in the training module via Avenue to Learn.

For more information on University health and safety training programming, click here. 

Top 3 Questions – October  

  1. How do I apply for optional life coverage?  

Optional Life Coverage is an employee paid benefit available to eligible members, on top of the basic life coverage. You can apply for this additional coverage in three easy steps:

  1. Complete the Group Life Insurance Enrolment form and indicate you are applying for Optional Life Coverage in Part B.  Ensure you complete the entire form, including beneficiaries, as this will replace any current forms on file.
  1. Complete the Health Statement form and send it directly to Sun Life for approval.
  1. Sun Life will make the determination of coverage and provide you with a letter confirming their decision.

For more information on Group Life Insurance, including rates, here.

  1. When can I expect the Holiday Closure at McMaster this year?  

You can find the holiday closure dates for 2023 and beyond here. In short, McMaster University will be closed on December 25, 2023, through to January 2, 2024.

  1. How can I review upcoming contract end dates for employees in my area?  

With year-end around the corner, it is important to review any employees in your area who have upcoming contract end dates by accessing the Upcoming Contract End Dates Report in Mosaic by:

  • Administrative Home > HR Reporting Hub > Job and Employee Info > Upcoming Contract End Dates
  • Enter the Expected End Date to search

The appropriate Mosaic Employee Change Request eForm is required whether you are extending or terminating their contract. You can find more information on the Contract Extension or Termination eForm here.

Learning and Development programs  
Strategic Leaders Program – Winter 2024 Cohort – Applications are open!  

  • Building on McMaster’s six leadership capabilities, this award-winning program provides a bold and different way of thinking about leadership. Visit the program website for complete details including eligibility, program dates, and application instructions. Applications close December 1, 2023, with the program beginning in February 2024.

Fall 2023 New Manager Orientation Program.  

  • This four-part virtual program begins November 6 and is delivered to people managers (new to their role or new to the University).  RSVP by November 1, 2023!

Take Our Kids to Work Day, November 1, 2023, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.  

  • The Take Our Kids to Work Day program at McMaster enables the community to play a key role in the career development of our youth.  It is a one-day job shadowing experience, with an opportunity to connect what they are learning in school with what happens in the workplace. Learn more about this program.

Health, Safety and Wellbeing events  
McMaster Employee Flu Clinics 

3-Part Retirement Planning Course  

  • McMaster University has partnered with the Credit Counselling Society (CCS) to offer a live, virtual and interactive, 3-part retirement planning course aimed at helping pre-retirement employees obtain and maintain financial stability in their upcoming retirement. Participants must be available to participate in all three sessions in November. This program is funded by McMaster University, at no cost to faculty and staff. Learn more and register today!

Check out the full list of upcoming well-being and learning opportunities on topics like mental health, work-life balance, financial decision making and an in-person and virtual yoga series on the HR Website here.

Community Initiatives
McMaster United Way Online Auction: Place a Bid and Give Back to the Halton-Hamilton Community!  

  • Our annual United Way Online Auction is the perfect opportunity to give back to the Halton-Hamilton community. The auction will include amazing prizes, which in previous years have included sports tickets, conservation passes, and culinary experiences. All proceeds will go towards McMaster’s United Way campaign, supporting hundreds of agencies and programs in Halton and Hamilton. Bidding will open on November 27th and will close on December 11th. Registration information coming soon!

McMaster Children’s Party

  • Saturday, December 2, 2023, 10:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m., David Braley Sports Hall.
  • 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.   Register today.

Mosaic Rapid Release, October 12, 2023 
In October, the Mosaic Rapid Release team continued to implement system updates and improvements, which impacted the HR Module.  We have expanded the Pay to GL Processing Navigation Collection by adding 3 new links which support a new auditing requirement.  To learn more about the changes and key benefits, visit the October 2023: Mosaic Rapid Release page here.

 News To Use