New Gift Acceptance Policy Effective July 1

The Gift Acceptance Policy governs the types of gifts the university and The Ohio State University Foundation may accept from generous donors, and outlines review and acceptance procedures. The revised policy aligns with the university’s standard template, reflects new types of gifts the university will accept, and includes updates in staff procedures. The revisions comply with state and federal laws, and ensure all gifts further the university’s and the foundation’s missions while maintaining the highest levels of stewardship.

The revised policy was effective July 1. Click here to read the policy.

Reference Guide to Support Victims Who Report Sexual Misconduct

Last week, Ohio State Announced that it is dissolving its Sexual Civility and Empowerment unit based on an external review.

The university has engaged nationally recognized experts Gina Maisto Smith and Leslie M. Gomez from the Philadelphia-based law firm Cozen O’Connor to help create a redesigned, best-in-class model to support victims of sexual assault and conduct a thorough evaluation of the broader Title IX program. Cozen O’Connor’s work includes two objectives.

  • First, they will work with Ohio State to develop a new student support program. Its goal will be to emulate national best practices in this evolving and complex arena. The university will have the changes in place before the beginning of the fall semester.
  • Second, they will assess compliance and recommend enhancements to the university’s policies, procedures and practices related to sexual- and gender-based harassment and violence under federal law.

“Ohio State will do all that we can to be a national leader in preventing and responding to sexual misconduct,” said President Michael V. Drake. “Our campuses must be safe places for all members of our community to learn, work and grow. We remain steadfastly and unwaveringly committed to this goal.”

The university released a reference guide, Buckeyes ACT to assist victims/survivors who report sexual misconduct.

If you have questions about your reporting obligations under Title IX, university policy, state or federal law, please contact the Title IX coordinator or Deputy Coordinators in Human Resources, Student Conduct or the Office of University Compliance and Integrity. More information about reporting and support resources, training for faculty, staff, and students, and a resource brochure is also available on the Title IX and Buckeyes ACT websites.

Finding Joy in Diversity

Internationally acclaimed and nationally-known stand-up comic, humor educator, and motivational speaker Karen Williams visits Wooster campus to present her workshop, Finding Joy in Diversity!

Thursday, June 14
Research Services Room 130
Noon – 1:15 p.m.
Light lunch and conversation at noon; presentation at 12:15 p.m.

Space is limited. RSVP required to Jason Owens.

Live stream is also available at https://osu-cfaes.zoom.us/j/6056911066

This workshop is designed to explore some of the barriers imposed by race, gender, class, sexual orientation, ability, and cultural differences. Discussions will focus on the use of appropriate humor to raise sensitivity, and to generate creative and positive action in our daily lives. With its accent on leadership training, this session will empower participants to appreciate differences, embrace similarities, and promote harmony and empowerment in our respective environments and communities.

Karen’s workshop clients include Parker-Hannifin, Aultman Hospital, Girl Scouts of America, Cleveland Clinic, Lubrizol, United States Department of Agriculture, twelve State Departments of Health, and colleges and universities across the country.

We hope that you will take advantage of this unique opportunity and join us for Finding Joy in Diversity!

Dependent Tuition Assistance Deadlines Approaching

The Ohio State University offers eligible employees and their dependents the opportunity to advance their education at Ohio State. The Dependent Tuition Assistance Plan (Plan) pays a portion of the instructional and general fees for an eligible employee’s spouse/same-sex domestic partner, eligible unmarried dependent children, and eligible unmarried dependent children of their same-sex domestic partner, who take courses at Ohio State. A dependent of one eligible employee will receive 50 percent off the cost of instructional and general fees. The benefit for a dependent of two eligible employees is 75 percent. An eligible dependent may receive tuition assistance benefits for up to eight semesters or 140 semester hours of enrollment, whichever is greater.

Dependent tuition assistance applications must be submitted each term. The summer 2018 term enrollment window closes Friday, June 15. The autumn 2018 term enrollment window opens Monday, June 25, and closes Friday, Aug. 24. Faculty and staff can apply online using Employee Self Service or paper applications. The student must have a social security number on file with Buckeye Link to receive dependent tuition assistance.

What you need to do:
Apply online using Employee Self Service or visit the dependent tuition page to complete a paper application. Direct questions to the Office of Human Resources Customer Service Center at hr@osu.edu or 614-292-1050.

Benefits of Employee Assistance Program

Ever wondered what MORE the EAP has to offer besides complimentary counseling sessions? Do you know how to take advantage of the EAP services? Do you want to learn more about professional development offered by the EAP? Thanks to a strong partnership with IMPACT Solutions, Ohio State offers robust services to faculty and staff on all campuses and in all 88 counties. Come learn more about the OSU EAP and discover something new. It might be just what YOU or someone you know needs.

Presenter:  Lisa M. Borelli LISW-S on behalf of Ohio State Employee Assistance Program
Date:  Thursday, April 26, 2018
Time:  10 – 11 a.m.
Location:  The Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 214 Gehres Room
RSVP:  strickland.143@osu.edu (Please respond whether you will attend in person or view through Zoom)

CFAES employees interested in viewing, who are not available to attend in person, may connect through Zoom: https://osu-cfaes.zoom.us/j/989451994

Or iPhone one-tap (US Toll):
+16699006833,989451994#
+14086380968,989451994#

Or Telephone:
+1 669 900 6833 (US Toll)
+1 408 638 0968 (US Toll)
+1 646 876 9923 (US Toll)
Meeting ID: 989 451 994

New Intellectual Property Policy Effective April 15

On April 6, the University’s Board of Trustees approved the revised Intellectual Property Policy, which provides for ownership of copyright for traditional works, rights in patents and inventions, and rights in software for faculty, staff and students. Because the current policy was last revised in 1989, the revised policy was updated to better encourage the creation and dissemination of knowledge, and promote the commercialization of intellectual property. The updated policy:

  • clarifies the rights of faculty members with respect to their scholarship, instructional works and artistic works
  • addresses the rights of software creators
  • revises the process for the commercialization of inventions, discoveries and patents
  • addresses the rights of staff members with respect to their intellectual creations
  • adjusts the royalties-sharing mechanism
  • establishes a dispute resolution mechanism

Click here to learn more about the policy.

Activities and Programs with Minor Participants Policy Registration Requirement

Ohio State is committed to providing quality programming for youth and promoting the safety and welfare of minors entrusted to the university’s care. As a reminder, Ohio State’s Activities and Programs with Minor Participants policy requires annual registration of programs and activities that involve minors. Registration should be completed 60 days before the activity or program begins.

What you need to do:

  • Understand the registration requirement listed in the Activities and Programs with Minor Participants policy and go to the Minors on Campus webpage for more information.
  • Consult the Background Check Resource Guide for detailed information on how to obtain background checks.
  • If you have questions, contact minorspolicy@osu.edu.

HR Updates

Dependent Tuition Assistance
The enrollment window for dependent tuition assistance for the 2018 summer semester is March 12 – June 15, 2018. For dependent tuition assistance, applications must be submitted each term. Click here for more information.

Staff Benefits and Wellness Expo
Join us at the Staff Benefits and Wellness Expo on March 13, 2018, from 11 – 1 p.m. in the Performance Hall at the Ohio Union. Historically known as the Hidden Benefits Fair, the Staff Benefits and Wellness Expo is taking place in partnership with the Office of the Chief Wellness Officer, Buckeye Wellness, OSU Health Plan and Your Plan for Health.

This year, the event will have mini-breakout sessions for you to sign-up for, opportunities to complete your biometric health screening, a professional photographer to have your head shot taken, and vendor booths that highlight benefits offered to Ohio State staff.  Please note, the breakout sessions and appointments for the biometric health screenings are available on a first come first serve basis. Click here for more information.

2017 FSA Plan Year Incurred Expense/Reimbursement Window Ends
March 15, 2018, is the last day to incur expenses for reimbursement as part of your 2017 FSA plan. Click here for more information.

Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Training

There are  two new Worker Protection Standard (WPS) training modules for CFAES employees. The WPS training modules cover two types of employees:

  • Pesticide handlers: those who mix, load, or apply agricultural pesticides; clean or repair pesticide application equipment; or assist with the application of pesticides
  • Agricultural workers: those who perform tasks related to growing (planting, weeding, pruning) and harvesting plants on farms or in greenhouses, nurseries, or forests

The WPS training is a three step process:

  1. Online training session through the OSU EHS Training website
  2. Comprehensive test following the online session (80% correct to proceed with the final step)
  3. Supervisors must go over site specific content using the appropriate CFAES WPS checklist

Click here for the full details of the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) training.

Thank you to OSU EHS and BuckeyeLearn for hosting the training online. This will allow the training to also be utilized for OSU employees outside of CFAES, such as OSU facilities and grounds care employees.

Please pass this announcement on to those in your departments or work areas that need to utilize the information.

Enrollment Deadline for Dependent Tuition Assistance

The Ohio State University offers eligible employees and their dependents the opportunity to advance their education at Ohio State. For dependent tuition assistance, applications must be submitted each semester.

The enrollment window for spring semester 2018 closes Friday, Jan. 12. Faculty and staff can apply online using Employee Self Service.

Click here for more information about dependent tuition assistance.