Division of Human Resources News

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.

2010 Models of Excellence Program: Call for Nominations

It's no secret that Penn staff members go above and beyond the call of duty every day. From exemplary leadership to innovative thinking to extraordinary customer service, Penn's success is a reflection of those who work here—and now it's time to recognize those individuals.

The Models of Excellence Program honors staff accomplishments that reflect initiative, leadership, collaboration, and a deep commitment to service. If you know fellow colleagues who have contributed to Penn's success, nominate them for a Models of Excellence Award. If you know of an outstanding supervisor, nominate him or her for the Model Supervisor Award. All nominations for this year's program are due by Thursday, November 12, 2009. For more information on the Models of Excellence Program, including how to submit a nomination, click here. You can also contact Human Resources at 215-898-1012 for more information.

New Benefit for Funeral Planning Services

Losing a loved one is never easy. We could all use a little help when dealing with the death of a family member. That’s why Penn is now offering a new benefit to help you prepare for one of life’s most difficult moments.

Whether you’re anticipating the loss of a family member in the future, or the time has already come to say goodbye to a loved one, planning a funeral can be emotionally and financially trying. To help ease the impact, Aetna, the University’s life insurance carrier, is partnering with Everest to provide pre-planning and at-need funeral and concierge services. Faculty and staff who are enrolled in any of the University’s life insurance plans are eligible for this benefit. You and your spouse, partner or children will have access to 24-hour a day advisor assistance throughout the funeral process—at no extra cost. You can also access services for your parents, in-laws or other relatives through Everest at a fee.

Whether you need a price comparison report for local funeral homes, family support, online planning tools, or even help with negotiating funeral home costs, everything you need to make informed decisions will be right at your fingertips. This new benefit is available as of October 1, 2009. For more information about Everest or to create an online profile and use their planning tools, visit their website and enter the Enrollment Identification Code: AETNA0003.

In the meantime, Penn already provides resources to help you cope with the loss of a loved one. The Employee Assistance Program provides 24-hour a day support and access to one-on-one assistance for many personal and professional life challenges, including bereavement. Learn more by visiting the EAP website. You can also take advantage of Penn’s Worklife Resources, a free and confidential service that provides easy access to support for your personal needs. Visit the Worklife Resources website for more information.