What’s New from Finance & Management

Friendly Reminders

2nd Annual Retirement & Service Awards Program
The Retirement and Service Awards Program will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Calvin & Tina Tyler Ballroom of the University Center.  Please mark your calendars and come out and celebrate your fellow coworkers. Please contact Roberta Adams or Marie Armstrong in the Office of Human Resources on ext. 3195, if you plan to attend.  We look forward to your participation!

Free Mass Transit Benefit
Did you know that permanent State employees are entitled to use the Light Rail, the subway and bus service in the Baltimore Metro area at no charge with a valid State ID card?  This benefit can be used any time day or evening, including weekends.  Please note that this benefit does not include the MARC trains, commuter buses or any special event buses.

The University ID card will not be accepted. Therefore, the University may authorize the issuance of State ID cards for regular employees upon request.  If you need a State ID card to take advantage of this benefit, obtain an application from the University’s ID coordinator in Truth Hall – Room 307.  Once submitted and approved, employees must take the application to a designated location in either Baltimore or Annapolis to obtain their State ID card.

If you have any questions, please call 443.885.3520.

What Students Should Know

Fall 2008
The academic registration period for Fall 2008 will remain open until Monday, September 8, 2008.

Registration Clearance
Please check to make sure that you have cleared for the Fall 2008 semester.  Class schedules will be cancelled for any student that has not made satisfactory financial arrangements by the close of business on Friday, September 12, 2008.

Checking Registration Status
On the main menu of WebSIS, ‘Account Status’ is under View Holds/Financial Standing Status. Also listed is a description of what each account status means.

For Faculty & Staff

Training

• The Office of Human Resources is pleased to offer its second quarterly training for preparing Contractual Personnel Request Packets.  Detailed “how to” information will be covered during the session.  The session is designed to train or refresh persons responsible for initiating requests for contractual employment.  The session will be held Thursday,September 11, 2008 in the New Communications Building, Room 238 at 1p.m.  Please email John Plaisir if you plan to attend.
• The Corporate Card Office is pleased to offer a training session for the Purchasing Card System is that currently in use. 

When:  Monday, September 8, 2008
Time:   3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where: Montebello D-320

If you have any questions, please contact Kesa Bower on ext. 4566.

Safety Tips

Crime Prevention and Safety Tips for Your Residence

• KEEP YOUR ROOM DOOR LOCKED AT ALL TIMES. Locking your door with your key, wherever you reside, is an effective way to reduce theft and enhance personal safety. The vast majority of thefts occur from unlocked rooms when the occupant is gone only briefly. Do not prop open exterior doors, and close any doors you find propped open. Propped doors are a high risk and greatly increase chances of your victimization.
• DO NOT OPEN YOUR DOOR FOR SOMEONE YOU DO NOT KNOW. Avoid being victimized by allowing strangers into your residence for the promise of free or discounted goods and services.  Report suspicious activities to the police immediately.
• DO NOT LEND YOUR KEY OR KEY CARD TO ANYONE. Your action could result in both you and/or an innocent victim being referred to the campus judicial system. Report a lost or stolen key to Campus Police and to the Office of Resident Life immediately.
• DO NOT GIVE STRANGERS ACCESS TO YOUR RESIDENTIAL BUILDING.  If they are legitimate visitors, they can call their host to have them signed in properly.
• DO NOT LEAVE ITEMS UNATTENDED FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME. Lock your room or office when leaving it, even for a few minutes.
• DO purchase a small safe or locked filing cabinet to secure valuables.

Credit Card Crime

1. Is your credit/debit card PIN number your date of birth?
2. Is your credit/debit card PIN number a part of your social security number?
3. Is your credit/debit card PIN number your address?
4. Is your credit/debit card PIN number a part of your telephone number?
5. Is your credit/debit card PIN number written down in your wallet or purse?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you could be at great risk for a credit card crime.  A PIN number should be nonspecific and random.  Create a number that has no significance to you and commit it to memory!  Never loan your credit card to anyone nor disclose your PIN number.  When entertaining guests, be certain that your credit cards and valuables are not accessible.  Be certain to secure your valuables in an area that is off limits to your guests.

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The Division of Finance and Management is committed to providing effective and efficient services to faculty, staff, and students.  Therefore, we welcome comments and suggestions that will assist us in that effort.  Please feel free to send your inquiries and/or suggestions to Kassandra C. Grogan, Data/Research Coordinator, at kassandra.grogan@morgan.edu.