February 2008
With the new calendar year, come a new tax year and an opportunity to review our own personal circumstances as we muddle through W2's and tax returns. Everyone should have received a W'2 by now, so if you didn't please let us know. If you need to make changes to your W'4 to correct your tax withholdings, now is a good time to do so.
Remember that the contributions you make to your TIAA CREF retirement annuity plan are pre-tax. The limits have not changed this year. You may contribute up to $15,500 with an additional catch up contribution for those age fifty or over of $5,000, or a total of $20,500. Additionally, if you have fifteen or more years of service, you may save another $3,000. Salary Reduction Agreement forms are available on the HR webpage if you wish to make a change.
The Benefits Committee has agreed to adopt the new IRS extension of the limits for incurring and subsequently submitting receipts for reimbursement through the flexible spending account plan. Participants now have until March 15th to "spend" the money in their accounts from the prior tax year, and until June 15th to submit the claims for uncovered medical and childcare expenses. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact HR. New employees will now be eligible to participate in the FSA plan on the first day of the month following thirty days of employment as opposed to waiting the full year as before.
HR is pleased to announce that preliminary planning sessions have taken place with Sibson Consulting, a firm that has been engaged to analyze and make recommendations for our administrative compensation system. Representatives will be on campus working with HR and the vice presidents to determine strategy beginning in March after the initial data gathering process has taken place. Our goal is to develop a clear and effective compensation strategy for administrators and staff that is understandable to the College community and meets the recruitment and recognition and rewards needs of the College.
Performance evaluation season will be upon us soon. HR will distribute calendars and materials beginning in late March. New hire and supervisor training will be scheduled at that time as well.
The North Essex Chamber of Commerce has announced its annual NECC Foundation Scholarship. Employees of the College and their dependents are eligible to apply. If you are interested, applications are available in HR.
Our Brown Bag Lunch Series is in full swing with a record number attending the Residence Life presentation this month. The room was divided in two as participants competed in a game of Family Feud! Congratulations and many thanks to the Residence Life team for a job well done.
RSVP to HR if you would like to attend the next luncheon presenting "A Day in the Life of Admissions" on Wednesday, February 27th in the Student Center gym. Bring your lunch; HR will provide beverages and desserts.
Join us on February 14th at 8:30 a.m. for the Valentine's Day HR Welcome Breakfast. We will welcome new Caldwell College employees as well as those who have joined the Sodexho Food Service and Facilities teams and the Follett group in the Campus Store. All of us work together to Keep the Promise to the students of Caldwell College.
Check your mail for an invitation to the annual St. Patrick's Day party on the 17th of March. Let's hope that 'Ole Man Winter doesn't force us to cancel again this year!
A preliminary list of service award recipients will be distributed in preparation for Founders day. If you believe that you are eligible for a 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 year (or more!) award, please send an email or make a quick call to HR to ensure that your name has not been overlooked. Due to breaks in service and changes in status, it is not as simple as one might imagine to put this list together. We wish to avoid leaving anyone out. Thanks for your cooperation.
Our Keep the Promise mailbox receives regular emails from employees recognizing colleagues for their contributions. If you have never sent one, why not start now? If you have received one but never sent one, think about how great it felt to be recognized, and do the same for a coworker. Here are some examples:
- Once again, your expertise has assisted us in automating our office and we are grateful…thanks."
- Because of you, Caldwell College is a special place. Thanks for all that you do for our students and all those you work with."
- For taking initiative and doing it as a part of your everyday work ethic, I applaud you."
- It's so nice having you on our team and I know it must feel fantastic to have made such a difference already in the lives of so many people! You have made a very positive mark!"
- Kindness comes back…students do greatly appreciate how much you care about them and their success! Thank you for keeping the promise."