The office of human resources was pleased to host a general meeting of the HRPartners, which focused on a wide variety of topics that affect the Health Science Center.
HRPartners is comprised of representatives from each department that are responsible for personnel-related activities.
“HRPartners is the forum in which we share information and work closely to assist in matters related to human resource policies and processes,” said Brett Morris, assistant vice president for human resources.
Topics at the meeting included the 2007 fiscal year holiday schedule, PeopleSoft upgrade, the Procurement Card (ProCard), the “Return to Work” policy and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
Robert Sarvis, Ph.D., senior business analyst, addressed the Health Science Center’s current PeopleSoft upgrade, which is designed to advance the institution in several ways. He identified key positions and roles and defined the purposes of this upgrade.
“Not upgrading our system puts our institution at a technical and functional risk,” Dr. Sarvis said. “We need to take advantage of newer functionalities and streamline our current administrative processes. It will allow us to work smarter, not harder.”
Andrea Marks, assistant vice president for business affairs, provided information about the ProCard program, describing benefits, concerns and future goals. The ProCard program is designed to provide the Health Science Center with an efficient, cost-effective method of handling purchases and related payment procedures.
“Our goal is to expand the ProCard program so that every department uses it efficiently and it becomes the small order system of choice for the institution,” Marks said.
David Castillo, manager of benefits and records, presented information regarding the “Return to Work” policy.
“This process helps injured workers return to their jobs as soon as they are physically able to do so,” Castillo said. “It is intended to assist employees in returning to an active and productive employment status.”
The USERRA presentation was given by Ninette Roberson, P.H.R., senior human resources advisor. Loretta Myles, human resources advisor, was available to answer questions. Ninette Roberson proposed the use of informational packets for employees to help them better understand what processes are involved and what rights the law gives to employees on active military duty. She also proposed creation of a USERRA Web-based leave form.
“With the online form, information can be filled out online and printed for appropriate signatures prior to submitting to human resources,” Roberson said.
The HRPartners meeting information can be viewed at the HRPartners homepage:
www.uthscsa.edu/hr/hrpartners.htm. This web page serves as a primary source of information regarding previous meetings and important announcements.
