New this year, there will be one drawing per week over the 4 weeks of the campaign. Anyone who turns in their pledge form during the given week will be placed in a drawing for that particular week. The first week we will have a drawing for a $50 gift certificate to the campus bookstore, Week 2 - $50 gift card to the Cheesecake Factory, Week 3 - a $50 Amazon gift card, and Week 4 - $50 Visa gift card. 

As a special incentive to encourage first time pledges at the $20.00 level or above; a $5.00 thank you gift card to Holy Grounds will be sent to you. If you did not make a pledge last year you can be considered a first time pledge this year. 

Todd Matthews, General Manager Chartwells will be making sugar cookies for purchase in the support of the United Way. Cookies can be purchased by the half dozen at $3.00 or dozen at $6.00. To place cookie orders please call Trish Pascasio at ext. 1607 or send an e-mail to trish.pascasio@simpson.edu. Cookie orders need to be placed by November 14 and will be delivered on November 22.  

Program

Mary Lange Daily, the College’s Loaned Executive with the United Way spoke about the United Way and why giving through the United Way gives your dollars focus, choices and accountability.

Cyd Dyer spoke to us about what the library is doing in regard to the 3Rs of Recruitment, Retentions and Resources. Then she turned the floor over to Steve Duffy and Mary Peterson to explain and demonstrate one of the newest resources at the library the Encore system.   The Encore system allows individuals to search for information housed not only in the “classic catalog” but also in the professional data bases that the College holds licensing for use. It is structures to look very similar to a Google search, so is very easy to use. The system can be used off campus just call Steve or Mary and they will walk you through getting access. 

The next Employee Council is scheduled for November 16 at 8:00 a.m. in Great Hall.

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September 21, 2011

Announcements 

• Leslie Held told us about the upcoming addition of the Simpson Marketplace to The Pulse. It will be a place where we can buy and sell goods and services. Details of the Marketplace will be included in the next Pulse.
• She also reminded us that Homecoming 2011 in fast approaching. Fireworks have been added to Monday evening events. Also a student-alumni luncheon hosted by Career Development has been added at Noon Friday 10/7.
• Please plan on attending some of the Homecoming events. Come for the tailgating prior to the game Saturday and then stay and watch the Storm take on Cornell. Remember to greet and be welcoming to all our guest.
• This Friday we will begin a new program that we are calling Show Your Pride Fridays.  Each Friday we can dress in business casual attire ( N o denim or t-shirts. Please save that for the last working day of the month).  Plan on wearing a favorite Simpson polo, sweater or other red and gold shirt and show your pride.

We will be placing another order soon for the golf shirts offered this summer and we are also looking for other options for great Simpson gear, so keep watching your email.

Watch for information on Iowa’s “Start Somewhere Walk” wellness walk to be held on October 7 at noon.

Introductions

We welcomed the following people who recently began their employment with the College:

Sue Baethke - Sue began her Simpson experience on September 6 as a Programmer/Analyst in Information Services.

Laura Perkins - Laura joins Simpson as the Costume Designer/Shop Supervisor.

Amy Lim - Amy had joined the College as a Piano Accompanist and Piano Teacher. 

Alyssa Hedrick and Kelsey Knutson are both new Admissions Counselors. 

Sarah Harl – Sarah will be the Interim Assistant Director of Student Activities for the 2011-12 academic year.

Adam Haselhuhn - Adam joins the Advancement Department as an Associate Director of Annual Giving.  

Julie Askren, RN, BSN -Julie joined the Health Services Department in early August and will be serving as the part-time campus nurse.

Janelle Rouse - Janelle joined the Student Support Services staff as the Academic Support Coordinator August 1st.

Katy Griner - Katy joined Ellie Olson in the Counseling Department as a counselor this summer, and will be on campus each Wednesday and Friday this fall.

Fred Seel - Fred joined Housing Department as the Assistant Director of Residence Life.

Rebekka Chaltry and Preston Phelps both joined the Housing Department this summer as Area Coordinators.

Jill Johnson, Jill was named the Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations on August 1, 2011. 

New Coaches:

TJ Cox - TJ is joining the Simpson Community as the Men’s Head Tennis Coach.

Tricia Davis - Tricia begins her first season as Simpson’s Head Cheer Coach this fall. She will also be the Assistant Dance Coach.

Rick Isaacson - Rick joins the Simpson Coaching staff as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach. 

Meagan Jacobson - Meagan is also beginning her first season with Simpson as the Head Dance Coach.

Heath Moenck - Heath was named Simpson’s Head Cross Country Coach/Assistant Track Coach.

N oel Treibel - Noel returns to Simpson this fall as the co-head coach of the women’s golf team. 

Program

President Byrd spoke to the group about the College’s proposal to the City of Indianola to close C Street between Clinton and Girard. He reviewed the rationale about closing this section of street, but stressed the area would be developed so that emergency vehicles could still travel safely on the re-developed area. He also shared several drawing of how the area could look and examples of towns where other street closings have occurred.

Then he asked that we contact our City Council member to share our thoughts about the project as they consider and make their decision about Simpson’s proposal. If you would like to express your support, please send an e-mail to your Councilperson, and we suggest you copy the other members of the Council, too. A list of council members can be found in HR.

The next Employee Council is scheduled for October 19 at 8:00 a.m. in Great Hall.

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August 26, 2011

Announcements  

• Liz Grimbo announced “The Fiery Trail”, a 32 foot mobile traveling exhibit about Iowans role in the Civil War will be at the Indianola Public Library from September 9 to 13. If you would be interested in volunteering to work at the exhibit please contact Liz. There will also be a forum event presented by Nick Proctor, September 8 in the Craven Room.
• Simpson Guild…The membership drive for 2011-12 is now taking place. Annual dues are $15 per person (or $20 for a couple). The membership application can be downloaded from the following link: http://www.simpson.edu/guild/membershipform2011-2012.pdf Last year the Guild gave $31,500 in gifts to the college, the majority of which went directly to aid students with tuition and college expenses
• Blood Profiles are scheduled for September 7 and 9 – we will be     putting out an announcement to schedule a time Monday 8/29.
• The Kent Campus Center ground Breaking is scheduled for 8/29 at 1:00.  

Program

President Byrd gave his annual State of the College presentation. It was entitled “New Year New Realities – Adapting to a Rapidly Changing Environment.” 

We face new realities as we enter this academic year – difficult economic times and increased competition to shrinking demographics in Iowa, among others. We have to be willing to change with these new circumstances. To answer the question of how we will meet these new realities, we will be holding a series of workshops. The first session will be August 31 at 8:00 in Great Hall. We also need to remind ourselves that there are great things happening on campus – the building of the Kent Campus Center, the addition to the Theatre, and the first year of the Engaged Citizen Curriculum to name a few. 

The next Employee Council is scheduled for September 21 at 8:00 a.m. in Great Hall.

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May 23, 2011

Announcements

We welcomed Mary Jane Cassady, Administrative Assistant for Advancement.  

The May Drop in the Bucket Award was drawn – Rita Watson, Computer Lab Supervisor , received the $25.00 gift certificate.  

In case anyone forgot, a reminder was made that half days start this week.

Kristie Elbert also announced for anyone who ordered a black Simpson t-shirts they are on back order, but will be delivered later this summer.

Program

Ken Birkenholtz, Vice President for Business and Finance and Bob Sapp, the College’s insurance broker from the Frank Berlin Group, presented the 2011-12 health insurance renewal.

The attached PowerPoint was presented at Employee Council and covers the materials.

If you would like a tool to use as you review plan choices for the coming year, you can register at www.wellmark.com to view your EOBs from the last year.

This was the last scheduled employee council for the academic year.

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April 20, 2011

Announcements

We welcomed Nathan Reeves as our new Telecommunications and Network Technician .  

It was also announced that Darcie Sprouse will be assuming the responsibilities of Director of Student Support Services.

The April Drop in the Bucket Award was drawn – Tracie Pavon, Assistant Vice President & Director for Financial Assistance , received the $25.00 gift certificate.  

Jim Thorius gave us a brief overview of the timeline for the demolition of BSC and the various locations where the student development staff will be housed next year.

The holiday calendar, including half days, is now posted on the HR important dates page. www.simpson.edu/hr/importantdates.html

The Simpson Guild will be holding its third annual garage sale June 4. If you are spring cleaning, donations will be welcome. Please contact Sheila Allbee.

We will have a TIAA-CREF representative on campus May 4 and 5.

Our next Employee Council is changing date, time and location. The Next Employee Council will be held on May 23 at 10:00 a.m. in the Jordan Lecture Hall, Carver Science Hall.

Updates to What’s Going on at Simpson.

Rekha Basu will be speaking on April 26 as a part of the Insight on Leadership series.

May 4 is Admission’s Jr. Football Campus Visit Day.

Program

A new on-line training system for sexual harassment and sexual misconduct was announced that is a part of the program being required by EIIA, our insurance provider. Please remember this is a learning opportunity not a pass/fail situation.

There will be 2 methods to complete the sessions:

1)    I will be sending an email on how to self register, which will allow you to complete the modules at your desk at a time that is convenient for you.   

2)    Or, I will be conducting several group sessions in May similar to the technology training week that was held over spring break. People will have to register as space will be limited to 18 seats per class.

EIIA has established a training schedule with a two year cycle.

Also during the program, Kelley Bradder did a demonstration of the MOX application for smart phones.

MOX will offer yet another means of reaching our students and visitors. A visitor can get directions via Google maps to events and see Campus News. There is also a general directory for main campus numbers.

Students, faculty and staff can log in and get even more specific information. Students can log in and look at their classes, get a class roster, have a direct link to faculty member’s email address, see homework assignments, and participate in class on-line chats.

Once logged in, the application also directly links to the portal directory. A “My News” feature can also be added.

It is great new resource to add to the way we communicate.

Our next employee council will be May 23, 2011 at 10:00 in the Jordan Lecture Hall, Carver Science Hall.  

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March 16, 2011

Announcements

We welcomed Anne Fattig, Admission Counselor.  

The March Drop in the Bucket Award was drawn – Liz Glodek, Director EWG Main Campus, received the $25.00 gift certificate.

Kelley Bradder reminded us there was still time to sign up for the various courses being offered during Staff Technical Training Week.

Program

Pam Woods was the speaker. She began by sharing the amount of time wasted each year looking for misplaced items and search email records – she promised us that by the end of the program we would have the tools necessary to “ Get a Grip on Clutter & Chaos: Organize to Optimize Your Workday.” The following link shows you the seven steps to organizing a space: stepsoforganizing.html

Pam also suggested as a time saving effort that people limit themselves to checking e-mail 2 to 3 times a day. While checking e-mail use the FAST process or the two minute rule. If the e-mail can be answered in two minutes take care of it then otherwise schedule time to take complete the task later. Steps to master the FAST process can be found at: FASTprocess.html

Our next employee council will be April 20, 2011.  

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February 11, 2011

Announcements

We welcomed Tricia Davis, Admission Counselor and Mary Sheka, Executive Director of the John C Culver Public Policy Center.

The February “Drop in the Bucket Award” was drawn – Kim Baltes, Payroll Coordinator, received the $25.00 gift certificate.

John Sirianni also reminded us about the up-coming special election March 1 for the Wellness Center, and 2 open seats on the City Council.

Program

The program for February was entitled “What is Coming Up At Simpson”

President Byrd began the program with an update from the Board of Directors meeting.

The following is a brief summary:

• Approval was given to go ahead with the demolition of the current building and the construction of a Student Center.
• The expansion and remodel of the Theatre is coming along nicely. In fact, a sneak peek was offered to those going to see the Music Department presentation of “Albert Herring” this week-end.
• President Byrd also talked about what a new wellness center would mean to the Indianola community and the Simpson Community. There will be a NCAA compliant pool, more space, as well as internship possibilities for students.
• The College is in talks with the City of Indianola about the possibility of closing C Street between Clinton and Euclid Streets.
• The Board also approved to continue the study of the opportunity of opening a campus in Peru, AZ.

Chris Frerichs, the Coordinator of Security then reviewed the Stay in Place policy that was recently added to the Emergency Preparedness section of the handbook.

To find the policy, please go to the Emergency Preparedness section of the handbook. It can be found at the following link: http://www.simpson.edu/hr/handbook/appendixb.html

Next we had a series of speakers come to the podium to share what was taking place on campu, sponsored by their department:

Alison Swanson, Director of Admissions Programs began by reviewing the Admissions events that will be occurring over the next couple of months.

Ellie Olson, Counselor and Kara May, Assistant Director of Hawley Academic Resource Center spoke about the events that will take place during Eating Disorder Week.

Bill Friedricks, Professor of History and Director of the Iowa History Center invited us to attend Peace Through Corn on 2/24.

Rosemary Link, Associate Dean and Director of the EWG programs spoke about the Insights on Leadership series. The next speaker will be Fred Hubbell. He will speak on 2/22 and the event begins at 5:00 p.m.

Chaplain, Fritz Wehrenberg wrapped up with a quick invite to hear Chris Stedman speak on 2/21.

The next employee council will be March 16, 2011 in Camp Lounge. Our speaker is Pam Woods who is a professional organizer. Her program is entitled “Get a Grip on the Clutter and Chaos: Organize to Optimize Your Workday.”

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January 11, 2011

Announcements

We welcomed Robin Buthmann, Benefits Coordinator; Kristin Graham, Interlibrary Loan Coordinator; and Cary Jordan, Executive Director for Marketing and Public Relations.

Program

The members of the Employee Advisory Committee (EAC) presented the program.

Denise Hudson, Chairperson of the 2010 EAC, began by reviewing some of the items the committee worked on during the year.

The list includes:

• ·         More inclusive “family” definition for the illness and bereavement policies
• ·         Worked with IT on rolling out the new Pictorial Directory on the Simpson Portal
• ·         Proposed a new “Leave Share” policy
• ·         “Sophomore” training for 1 year employees
• ·         Clarification of the Tuition Exchange Policy with Tracie Pavon
• ·         Outlook training with Al Appenzeller
• ·         Proposed some changes in the Employee Performance Reviews  

The first incentive is the Drop in the Bucket Award.

With this program we want to recognize staff throughout the Simpson community who has gone above and beyond their normal duties to ensure a positive and productive climate within the workplace and promote the success of Simpson College.

Monthly anonymous submission can be made through the EAC website of employees who have excelled in one of these three areas as related to our Mission Statement:

Respect:  Fair, inclusive, open to ideas and acceptance of other people; a sense of honesty and integrity, committed to an environment that fosters critical thinking and is open to and engaging of differences.

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