HR Conducts Staff Focus Groups
The Division of Human Resources reported recent accomplishments on its compensation initiatives in the latest issue of The HRPolytechnote:
http://www.rpi.edu/dept/hr/newsletter/.

HR recently conducted staff focus group sessions to review the proposed staff administrative support career ladder and proposed titles. More than 40 employees from each division and school provided feedback.

HR and consultants from Mercer also met with department chairs, area coordinators, and deans from each school to provide an update on the Faculty Total Compensation Initiative. According to the Polytechnote, “Structure design models were shared with each group and feedback was collected that will prove to be extremely valuable as we proceed with this key initiative.”

In addition, a faculty advisory group comprised of 30 faculty members representing each school and 20 departments has been formed to share perspectives on current pay issues, review best pay practices in higher education, assist in developing straw models of these best practices, act as liaison, and share issues and progress of the Total Compensation Initiative with colleagues. 6/3/02

Second PricewaterhouseCoopers Seminar June 11
Financial managers, center directors, contracts and grants personnel, and those who work on research budgets and are interested in learning more about research contracts are invited to a seminar delivered by PricewaterhouseCoopers, “Sponsored Program Fundamentals” on Tuesday, June 11. The curriculum covers basic concepts related to determining the costs applicable to grants, contracts, and other sponsored agreements. The seminar will covers topics such as: defining direct versus indirect costs; the allowability of costs; requirements related to cost sharing and effort reporting; and recharge (also known as “service center”) operations.

Participants will gain a better understanding of their fiduciary responsibilities and the importance of internal controls as they relate to federally sponsored research.

The seminar will be offered twice on June 11, at 8:30 a.m.-noon and at 1-4:30 p.m., in DCC Room 330 of the Darrin Communications Center. Refreshments will be available. RSVP to Kathy Yannotti with preferred time slot at yannok@rpi.edu. 6/3/02

Troy Business Association Surveys Local Employees About Downtown Businesses
The Troy Business Association (TBA) is conducting a survey, geared toward employees from Rensselaer, other area colleges, and government agencies, to learn more about what types of businesses would bring this population to shop in downtown Troy. This effort will update the spring 2001 survey of retail businesses. The TBA intends to use the survey results to develop and promote community plans for Troy.

To participate in the survey, go to: http://www.rpi.edu/fye/commservice/troy_survey.html
to print out the form. Return completed surveys by June 10 to: TBA, PO Box 1525, Troy, NY 12181. Please do not identify your name in the survey. Surveys can also be sent to the Office of the First Year Experience (FYE) in the Troy Building.

As part of its community-building charge, FYE has been working with the TBA to create a “communiversity” environment that bridges the Rensselaer community and the city.

Contact Cynthia Smith at smithc@rpi.edu with questions or comments. 6/3/02