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Posted By Jessica Teets CCEP, Purdue University,
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Updated: Monday, October 17, 2022
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Articles on topics that may affect your organization’s policies
As we continue the fall semester, the Blog Committee would like to share some of the articles we’ve been reading that relate to policy administration in higher education. We have sorted them by subject matter for easier browsing.
Title IX
Hurry Up and Wait: What Can You Do While Awaiting the
Title IX Final Rule? By Alisha Carter Harris for TNG Consulting, JD Supra, Sept. 27, 2022
Department of Education Releases New Guidance on
Pregnancy and Related Conditions By Susan D. Friedfel, Carol R. Ashley, Crystal L. Tyler, and Desiree H. Langley, Jackson Lewis P.C., Oct. 10, 2022
Title IX Mandatory Reporting Expansion Under Fire By Katherine Knott, Inside Higher Ed, Sept. 27, 2022
Health and Wellness
At
One University, Resistance to a New Covid Policy Comes From Inside the House By Francie Diep, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Oct. 14, 2022
Remote Work
What must leaders consider as they develop permanent
remote work policies? By Jon McNaughtan, Catherine Whaley, and Chelsea Wallace, Times Higher Education, Oct. 12, 2022
Academic Freedom and Women's Health
University of Idaho: Academic freedom policy, birth
control access haven’t changed By Becca Savransky for Idaho Statesman, The Spokesman Review, Oct. 5, 2022
Inclusion and Institutional Culture
University of Guelph Establishes Anti-Racism Policy Statement Press Release by University
of Guelph, Education News Canada, Oct. 13, 2022
We need to have new conversations about culture By Edie Goldberg, Talent Management and HR (TLNT), Oct. 11, 2022
Student Admissions and Accessibility
Why Would-Be Students Aren’t Choosing College By Sara Weissman, Inside Higher Education, Sept. 29, 2022
Admissions to the Major
By Scott Jaschik, Inside Higher Ed, Oct. 3, 2022
When ‘Rigor’ Targets Disabled Students By Katie Rose Guest Pryal, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Oct. 6, 2022
Campus Safety
Sexual assaults prompt Republicans, Democrats to
relaunch Campus Safety bill By Chris Burt, University Business, Oct. 7, 2022
Concordia University dragging feet on sexual violence
policy, student unions say By Erika Morris, CBC News, October 5, 2022
Transcript Withholding
Most
Colleges Withhold Students’ Transcripts Over Debt. That’s Starting to Change.
By Sylvia Goodman, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Oct. 6, 2022
Higher Ed Groups Urge Review of Transcript Withholding
By Katherine Knott, Inside Higher Ed, Oct. 13, 2022
Tags:
academic freedom
accessibility
admissions
anti-racism
birth control access
campus safety
covid
culture
disabled students
enrollment
health
health and wellness
inclusion
pregnancy
remote work
sexual assault
sexual violence
Title IX
transcript withholding
transcripts
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Posted By Lisa Biagas, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts,
Monday, June 13, 2022
Updated: Friday, June 10, 2022
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Hybrid Schedules are Here to Stay Can you believe it? It’s been two years of working remotely, but some folks are getting tired of their home offices and want to get back to campus. However, not every campus is back to pre-pandemic workplace traffic. I imagine that on your campus, faculty and staff were working remotely out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic while pre-pandemic working from home was done on an ad hoc basis. Now, it appears that remote work has become a permanent part of work schedule options. Essentially, hybrid work schedules are arrangements where folks work a combination of work from home some days and other days are on campus. If your campus chooses the hybrid model, it should be done with intention that takes into consideration that the arrangements need to be monitored and adjusted as the work evolves and folks’ personal needs change. The traditional campus work life won’t and shouldn’t go away. Simply, the hybrid schedules supplement it. What’s amazing about this hybrid workforce model is that it challenges our assumptions about our campus spaces and what collaboration looks and feels like. We’ve all gained virtual work skills during the pandemic even if we have never worked remotely before. We’ve relied heavily on our WiFi and our IT colleagues. So, it is critical that your IT function be included in the strategizing as various tools are needed for calendaring, chatting, e-signing, managing projects, payroll access, and document sharing. Ha! And, we’ve all come to love videoconferencing in the form of Zoom or something like it. As a human resources professional, my observation is that folks often underestimate how much of their work is virtual, even when they are on campus. In many cases, we conduct much of our business through email exchanges with folks we may rarely have face-to-face meetings or connections. In my view, it is critical that social and interpersonal skills are components of any workplace strategy and culture. Clearly, the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the way we work and to adapt necessary changes are needed to strengthen our campus work cultures. For obvious reasons, your campus will need to think through role-specific criteria for hybrid work schedules, but arrangements will also be driven by the employee’s personal circumstances. Supervisors of teams with full or hybrid schedules should seek out support from HR. Employee engagement and connection is important for collegial, high performing team collaborations. HR can assist with crafting activities, training, and other interventions to create inclusive experiences for all employees. Whether folks have chosen to be on campus or not, we must recognize that all of our constituencies are looking for assistance to maintain a healthy work and family life.
Tags:
HR
hybrid
hybrid work
IT
Lisa Biagas
pandemic
remote work
virtual
working remotely
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Posted By Gina Kennedy, Northern Ontario School of Medicine ,
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Updated: Tuesday, November 9, 2021
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Why effective communication is an essential skill in today’s changing virtual workplace First, I must start this off by saying that I am not your ordinary policy administrator, and if you are expecting a how-to-write policies blog entry, I must tell you I really tried. As I sit down and put pen to paper on essential ‘what do to when your policy goes wrong’ or ‘writing the perfect EDI statement,’ I find that I get writer’s block. Maybe because I do this every day—and more so because of the multifarious interests and activities in which I have immersed myself over the years—that I want to write about other skills needed in our ever-changing positions that heighten and brighten our roles. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many with a unique opportunity to reinvent our workplace. For most organizations, the future involves a blend of remote and on-site work. This impact throws us policy administrators into presenting and meeting online, where normally we work behind the scenes. Even with my years as a Toastmaster, I still find that the new challenges of hybrid workplace models and endless virtual meetings has presented new trials and experiments and that my speaking skills are put to the test at every meeting. Have you been asked to present ‘off the cuff’ in a meeting, or forced into the limelight now that you are virtual? Have you been in a meeting where you were on mute (but kept talkin’), where a pet took over, or your presentation online just didn’t go as planned? In a recent meeting, I witnessed a Zoom gone wrong for several reasons. A professional team uhm’d and ah’d their way through a meeting, coupled with some beard picking and the awkward ‘hot potato’ answer that made the meeting seem to go on forever. “I’m sorry, you go.” “no sorry..I…” Well,” …. 5 voices speak at once … then suddenly ‘crickets”. I think it would have added that spark to the meeting if a pet were to take over the screen, but it didn’t happen. When you present virtually, there are more nuances to showing a polished professional presence—a manner that reflects poise and professionalism, confidence, and capability. Your presentation is all ready to go, but you aren’t. During this time when virtual meetings and online conferences have become the norm rather than the exception, those nuances are worth exploring. While its valuable to work within the parameters of our jobs, speaking and communication skills are essential and sometimes a forgotten art. Here are a few simple reminders: Imagine your audience and know your audience. Get to know who is in the meeting or call and if you don’t know who they are, then imagine you have a friend in the call and talk to them. I will elevate your presence and knowing your audience is essential to a professional image. Watch your background. What can people see behind you? Unmade bed? Not so great. Walk around your office or house and find a pleasant, not too distracting background or put a background on. Adjust your lighting. The light source should come from in front of you. Avoid backlighting – which can make you look like a scary silhouette. Raise your computer. The most flattering angle for the camera to capture your face is from the same level or a little above your face Dress the part. Even though participants can usually only see you from the shoulders up, wear something that looks great on you from head to toe, the better your posture will be and the better you’ll feel, in general. When you feel better, you’re a more relaxed and a more confident presenter. Watch your eyes. When you’re looking at the little black dot (the camera) at the top of your computer screen, your audience will feel like you’re looking at them. If you need to look elsewhere – like on your computer or on your actual desk to refer to your materials, that’s fine. Just make sure that every so often you look at the camera. Watch your hands. Remember that your hands and gestures, playing with your outfit and your hair or beard is very distracting and no matter whether you are in front of an audience or on a video call, be aware of your ‘presenters ticks’ that turn your audience off. If you must scratch, turn off your video. Be Ready. If you are asked an impromptu question and don’t have the answer, defer it by saying “that is a great question, how about I find the answer for the committee and circulate after the meeting or later in the meeting” or “repeat the question, if I understand you correctly… (while doing that you can find your answer). Be honest, if you missed the question, say I’m sorry could you repeat that question and don’t forget to let the moderator know when you have stepped away.
Be patient with yourself and your fellow presenters and learn more about cross-cultural communication skills. There is a great article on Avoiding Cross-Cultural Faux Pas that may help you avoid unintended or embarrassing mistakes with team members from different countries. Learn to create your own opportunities, attend a workshop, or join a Toastmasters Club to hone your skills even further. Speaking in front of audiences (in person or virtual) is not for everyone, which is why it is essential that you broaden your horizons and take your talent to the next level. You and your future Zoom audience will be glad you did!
Tags:
communication
communication skills
cross-cultural
effective communication
essential skill
ffective
Gina Kennedy
hybrid
online
on-site work
pandemic
present virtually
remote work
virtual meetings
Zoom
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Posted By Deborah Bartlett, Washington State University,
Monday, May 10, 2021
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Articles on topics that may affect your organization’s policies As we move into the summer semester, the Blog Committee would like to share some of the articles we’ve been reading that relate to policy administration in higher education. - Title IX Public Hearing Scheduled for June
By Alexis Gravely, Inside Higher Ed, May 7, 2021 - What Colleges Require the COVID-19 Vaccine?
By Staff Writers, Best Colleges, May 6, 2021 - Johns Hopkins Increasing Minimum Wage to $15
By Mychael Schnell, The Hill, May 6, 2021 - Students Are on the Move. Their Financial Aid Is Not
By Juana Sanchez and Lara Couturier, Inside Higher Ed, May 6, 2021 - COVID-19: Updates for Canada’s Universities
By UA/AU, University Affairs, May 5, 2021 - At Some Colleges, Remote Work Could Be Here to Stay
By Lindsay Ellis, The Chronicle of Higher Education, May 5, 2021 - Hundreds Protest over Yale Contract Talks
By Mary E. O'Leary, New Haven Register, May 1, 2021 - COVID-19 Has Altered Student Expectations for Data Privacy
By Adam Stone, EdTech Focus on Higher Education, April 28, 2021 - Keeping an Eye on Biden Administration's Higher Education Policies
By Anna Mazarakis, Princeton Alumni Weekly, May 2021 Issue - Protecting and Ensuring Student Privacy
By Mary Ellen Buzzelli, Inside Higher Ed, April 16, 2021 - Mandatory COVID Vaccines for Students: Legal Pain Point or Panacea?
By Michael Vernick, Brennan Meier, Molly Whitman, and Jessica Mannon, University Business, April 16, 2021
Tags:
Canada
COVID-19
cybersecurity
data
employment contract
financial aid
free speech
gap
gender
hot topics
HR
information
IT
legal
minimum wage
news
pandemic
phishing
policy
policy in the news
poverty
privacy
records
remote work
sexual harassment
students
Title IX
vaccines
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Posted By Megan Jones, Metropolitan State University of Denver,
Friday, February 19, 2021
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Considerations for remote and flexible work policiesMany organizations are pivoting to an online or hybrid work environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To adapt, some organizations are developing policies on remote work and flexible schedules. When developing policies related to remote work, consider impacts on: - Access to vaccine for those unable to work remotely
- Accessibility of faculty and staff to students
- Connectivity and IT support
- Employee wellness and staying emotionally connected virtually
- Equipment purchasing and lending for remote work
- Equity of individuals allowed to work remotely (front desk staff, senior leadership, etc.)
- Facility and space usage and planning
- Information and records security and privacy
- Performance, conduct and time management
- Workers compensation coverage
- Working out-of-state or out-of-country (tax implications and privacy laws)
Resources The following articles, while not specifically about higher education, provide useful policy guidelines for our organizations: For Future Thought - How has your organization responded to the need for policies on remote work and flexible schedules?
- What should other organizations consider when developing remote work policies and procedures?
- How has your experience been working remotely or on-campus during the pandemic?
Tags:
accessibility
connectivity
COVID19
emotional wellness
equity
flexible schedule
information security
IT
Megan Jones
pandemic
privacy
remote work
taxes
time management
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Posted By Megan Jones, Metropolitan State University of Denver,
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
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Articles on topics that may affect your organization’s policiesAs we continue the fall semester, the Blog Committee would like to share some of the articles we’ve been reading that relate to policy administration in higher education. - Class Notes: The gender poverty gap, COVID-19’s impact on college students, and more
By Ember Smith and Richard V. Reeves, The Brookings Institution, Sept. 9, 2020 - A Perception Problem About Free Speech
By Greta Anderson, Inside Higher Ed, Sept. 29, 2020 - University of California must stop all use of SAT and ACT in admissions, judge orders
By Michael Burke, Ed Source, Sept. 1, 2020 - Accommodations in the Time of COVID
By Nancy Gunzenhauser Popper, Talent Management and HR, Aug. 31, 2020 - UW System: Registration is now open for national public summit on preventing sexual harassment in higher education
WisBusiness.com, Sept. 29, 2020 - 4 COVID-era Cybersecurity Threats CISOs are Confronting
By Matt Zalaznick, University Business, Aug. 20, 2020 - California Bill Likely Conflicts with New Title IX Regulation
By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf, Education Dive, Aug. 28, 2020
Tags:
accommodation
ACTs
ADA
admissions
COVID-19
cybersecurity
data
free speech
gap
gender
hot topics
HR
information
IT
legal
news
pandemic
phishing
policy
policy in the news
poverty
remote work
research
SATs
security
sexual harassment
students
talent management
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