Human Resources
March 4, 2008, Volume 54, No. 24	Print Issue

Deadline to Apply for Spring Term Tuition Benefits
Are you receiving tuition benefits for yourself or for a dependent? If so, remember that the deadline to request tuition benefits for the Spring 2008 term is March 15, 2008 for employees or dependents attending Penn (or April 15, for dependents attending other schools). Payments are not automatically made for future terms, so even if you’re currently taking advantage of tuition benefits, you still need to apply online each term. Use the online tuition management system at www.hr.upenn.edu/benefits/tuition to apply for benefits, review current and past requests for payment, and view pending payments.

Total Compensation Statements Coming Soon
From competitive retirement programs and comprehensive healthcare options to health promotion services, retail discounts, and career coaching, Penn offers an impressive array of benefits. In early March, full-time faculty and staff members who were employed for a significant period of time in 2007 will receive a Total Compensation Statement at their home address that makes the significance of these benefits even clearer. This personalized, confidential statement will summarize the benefits and monetary compensation you received in calendar year 2007, including a breakdown of contributions by you and by Penn. We hope your total compensation statement will provide you with a better understanding of the value of working at Penn.

2008 Performance and Staff Development Program
Penn could not remain the world-class institution it is without the outstanding skill and commitment of the University’s staff members. The annual Performance and Staff Development Program (or performance appraisal program) is an opportunity to recognize these achievements, as well as to identify areas for performance improvement and set goals for the future.

The performance appraisal process benefits staff members and supervisors in a variety of ways, including:

•            Giving documented feedback on job expectations, performance, and accomplishments from the past year

•            Offering positive reinforcement as well as developmental feedback

•            Providing substantive support for annual salary increases

•            Allowing staff members to participate in setting goals and performance expectations for the upcoming year

•            Encouraging open communication between staff and supervisors

•            Promoting discussion of professional development opportunities

•            Ensuring that job performance and accomplishment information is recorded in each staff member’s official personnel file

This year, performance appraisals for all eligible regular staff should be completed and entered into the Performance Appraisal Database (PAD) by Monday, June 2, 2008. It is especially important for supervisors to complete appraisals for all staff receiving annual salary increases, to validate the level of increase awarded. The Performance and Staff Development Program materials for the 2008 appraisal cycle are available on the Human Resources website at www.hr.upenn.edu/StaffRelations/Performance.

The Division of Human Resources is available to provide supervisors and staff with information, assistance, and training on the Performance and Staff Development Program.  For more information or to find out about training, please contact Human Resources at (215) 898-6093.

Related: HR: Health Aware