Division of Human Resources News

Snow Day Child Care Pre-Registration

Penn's Snow Day Child Care Program, available to Penn faculty and staff members with children from 12 weeks to 12 years of age, provides child care whenever the Philadelphia County public schools are closed due to inclement weather but Penn is open for business. Children who attend school in other districts are also welcome on days that Philadelphia public schools are closed.

Snow Day Child Care will be available weekdays between 9am and 6pm from November 30, 2009 through April 2, 2010. Child care is provided by the Penn Children’s Center at the Left Bank Commons, Suite 100, 3160 Chestnut Street. Children must be pre-registered in order to participate. To pre-register, simply complete the online application and return it to the Penn Children’s Center. If you need assistance, contact the Penn Children’s Center at 215-898-5268 or cvlydon@exchange.upenn.edu.

Please note that all registrations must be completed before you can use Snow Day Child Care, and a new registration is required each year. Registration forms cannot be accepted on the day that care is requested.

For more information, click here or contact Human Resources at (215) 573-2471 or kenne@upenn.edu.

2009 H1N1 Flu Shots

With H1N1 influenza (often referred to as swine flu) adding to the normal flu season already in full swing, Penn has been working hard to ensure that our campus has access to vaccine supplies as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Our seasonal flu shot program was very well attended, and now we’re able to announce our plan for 2009 H1N1 vaccinations.

As you may know, the government is making the H1N1 vaccine available for distribution through local agencies. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has been working with the University to provide the vaccine to members of the priority groups identified by CDC guidelines. Supplies of the vaccine are limited, so the H1N1 flu shots will be available only to individuals who meet those CDC guidelines. Although Penn has been scheduled to receive shipments of the vaccine on certain dates, there is a chance that we may not receive the supplies exactly as scheduled. Because of this, the dates and locations for Penn’s H1N1 flu shot program for faculty and staff should be considered tentative. However, we invite eligible faculty and staff to register for the H1N1 vaccination now.

Visit the flu shot program website for the most up-to-date information on the H1N1 vaccination program and instructions on how to pre-register. Remember that the uncertain nature of this program may change some of the program details, so you’re encouraged to take advantage of other opportunities to receive the H1N1 vaccination that may be available to you.

Maintain, Don’t Gain This Holiday Season

Thanksgiving is fast approaching, signaling the start of the festive winter holiday season. While the holidays are a time to celebrate and enjoy the company of family and friends, it’s also one of the hardest times of year to maintain your waistline, as many holiday celebrations revolve around food and drink. That’s why Human Resources wants to help you during this challenging time by offering the "Maintain, Don’t Gain" holiday weight maintenance program.

"Maintain, Don’t Gain" helps you track your weight with pre- and post-holiday weigh-ins at convenient locations across Penn’s campus. Inspiring messages throughout the holiday season will motivate you and keep you focused, and most participants do succeed. Of the 135 individuals who completed the "Maintain, Don’t Gain" program last year, a record 93% either maintained or lost weight during the holiday season.

Participating is easy. Once you’ve registered, just come to the pre- and post-holiday weigh-ins and keep your weight within 2 or 3 pounds of where you were before the holidays. You can also create your own "Maintain, Don’t Gain" team. Grab your officemates and friends on campus, give yourselves a team name, and let the competition begin!

For more information, including how to register, visit the Maintain, Don’t Gain program website or contact Human Resources at 215-898-5116 or suzsmith@upenn.edu.