myHR Archives
myHR: February 18, 2015
Laurie Fanelly, Director Financial & Administrative Services, Penn Libraries
Before finding work at the University of Pennsylvania, Laurie Fanelly was a retired court reporter in search of a new career. As a parent, she was attracted to Penn’s tuition benefit for staff dependents, but she also used the benefit to complete her own undergraduate degree. Today, she’s the Director of Financial & Administrative Services for the Penn Libraries system, a Wharton alumna, and the proud parent of a Penn grad.
“As a court reporter, my computing skills were limited to using a dedicated software,” Fanelly recalls. To get a fresh start at Penn, she learned the basic skills required to qualify for temporary assignments, which led to her first staff position as an administrative assistant in the Division of Human Resources. Determined not to be boxed in, Fanelly continued to develop skills that would increase her opportunities within the University. Although she was first drawn to Penn with her children’s education in mind, she found out that she could use Penn’s tuition benefits to complete her own undergraduate degree. Learning new technology for her job and her coursework was a challenge, but it was also exciting. “I might have had to work harder than the person who was twenty years younger sitting next to me, but I could do just as well and that was extremely empowering.”
While Fanelly decided to major in accounting for practical reasons, she found that she actually loved the field. She would go on to earn an MBA in finance from Temple University. Fanelly points out that in the non-profit world, as in the business world, understanding how to manage resources is critical. In her current role, she is responsible for an annual operating budget of over $60 million and an endowment valued at over $91 million.
As Fanelly worked toward her bachelor’s degree, her younger son became interested in attending Penn, too. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from the Wharton School and a J.D. from Penn Law. “I saw what Penn helped cultivate in my son and it was incredible.”
As Fanelly's own career progressed, she moved from Human Resources to a position in the Wharton School, where she became a financial analyst. From there, she became Director of Finance and Administration in Penn’s Division of Public Safety. A few years ago, she found a new challenge as Director of Financial & Administrative Services for Penn’s Library System. Fanelly's willingness to learn and her networking abilities contributed to her mobility. She also credits her supportive supervisors and the University’s development culture. “I always had supervisors who encouraged growth,” says Fanelly. “I try to do the same for my staff.”
“I love working at an educational institution,” says Fanelly. Penn’s mission, diversity, and collegiality have made it a great place for her to learn and grow both as a staff member and as a student. “I get up in the morning and I look forward to coming here,” says Fanelly. “You’re busy, but that’s a good thing.”Power Down, Penn!
During February, Penn’s Green Campus Partnership is sponsoring the Power Down Challenge, a building energy reduction competition. Select residential and campus buildings are competing against one another to reduce electricity consumption and help contribute to Penn’s Climate Action Plan goal of a 17% reduction in fiscal year 2014.As the third week of the Power Down Challenge began, Levine led the field of non-residential buildings, having reduced energy usage by 2.64% since the competition started on February 2. The competition ends March 2, so there’s still time to participate and have a positive impact. Following these simple steps can reduce energy use in your building:
- Turn off the lights when leaving a room.
- Instead of turning up the heat, layer clothing to stay warm.
- Use Compact Fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), which use 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
- Shut down or set your computer to standby mode.
- Make it easy to unplug your appliances and electronics by using a power strip.
The Power Down Challenge actually encompasses three competitions: the Campus Building Competition for academic and office buildings, and the College House and Greek House competitions for residential communities. Results are posted on each Tuesday on the Power Down Challenge webpage.
Buildings are eligible to win raffle prizes, and any building that exceeds a 10% reduction will receive a $250 prize. A $750 grand prize is available in the following categories:
- Largest percent reduction of electricity (College Houses and Campus Buildings)
- Largest gross reduction of electricity (kWh) (College Houses)
- Largest reduction of electricity per square footage (Campus Buildings).
For more information, visit the Power Down Challenge webpage or contact your Faculty and Staff Eco-Rep.
Flexible Work Options Focus on Fit
Work-life harmony - we may all strive for it, but what works for one person or position may not work for another. That’s why Penn’s Flexible Work Options guidelines offer several approaches to meet the varying needs of staff and their departments or centers.
Penn’s flexible work options provide creative ways for staff to accomplish their work while promoting a balance between work and life. Options involve non-traditional work schedules, locations or job structures. “Regardless of the type, when done right, a flexible work arrangement can benefit both the individual and the organization,” says Karen Kille, Worklife Specialist.
The key to doing it right, Kille says, is to first determine if a flexible option is appropriate for the work being done. If so, then the staff person and his or her supervisor can work together to identify the option that will provide individual flexibility while ensuring the needs of the department are still met.
Planning and communication are essential to a successful experience. That’s why Human Resources recommends that the requesting staff person draft a proposal to discuss with his or her supervisor. The proposal can later serve as a guide for a formal, documented agreement. To help with the process, Human Resources is hosting Putting Together a Winning Flexible Work Option on March 2, 12-1 pm, in the Learning and Education training room, 3624 Market Street, Suite 1A South. During the free lunchtime session, you’ll learn more about the Flexible Work Options guidelines, get tips for writing an effective proposal, and discuss practices that can help ensure a positive experience for staff and supervisors. Seating is limited, so register soon.
To learn more about Flexible Work Options, visit the Work and Life Support page, or contact Karen Kille at 215-898-7729 or by email.
Understand Strategic Planning
As a manager or supervisor, you play an important role in implementing strategic plans. Although you may not be directly involved in the planning process, you want an understanding of strategic planning so you can better support and help implement strategic initiatives. You’ll gain this understanding and more when you attend the Fundamentals of Strategic Planning, an American Management Association course set for on March 5 and 6 from 9am to 5pm. During the two-day course, you’ll learn the basic vocabulary and key concepts of strategic planning, as well as essential approaches to help you effectively communicate with others involved in strategic planning. You’ll also leave with specific ideas for how you can contribute to your organization’s efforts. Register now before seats are full! There is a $75 charge for this course.
Did You Know?
You have access to discounts on hundreds of products and services through the YouDecide portal, from autos to clothing to travel. Visit hr.upenn.edu/dealsatpenn and click on the YouDecide link for a list of current offers. (PennKey and password are required.)