Event

Event Details

SAVE THE DATE!

PPSA Holiday Donation Drive and Happy Hour
December 16th, 2009

Start gathering non-perishable food and new toys for the PPSA food and toy drive. More information will be forthcoming.

Penn vs. Princeton Homecoming Football Game
Saturday, November 7
3:30 pm at Franklin Field
Free Admission for Faculty & Staff (and up to four guests) with PennCard
Free t-shirt for the first 250 faculty and staff members who come to Quaker's Corner Fan Zone

This Saturday, Penn takes on Princeton at 3:30 p.m. in the annual Homecoming Football game. Penn is 4-0 and in first place in the Ivy League and hopes that the entire penn community will come out and support the team in its drive to win an ivy league title.

General admission tickets are FREE for faculty & staff (and up to four guests) with your PennCard. The first 250 faculty and staff members who come to Quaker's Corner Fan Zone (with their PennCard) will get a coupon for a FREE Homecoming rivalry t-shirt. T-shirts can be picked up beginning in the fourth quarter.

PENN WALKING PROGRAM 5K

Take charge of your health (and work off all that Halloween candy!) by joining us for a 5K (3.1 mile) walking event! 

Meet this Friday, November 6, in front of the Ben Franklin statue on College Green.  Registration will take place between 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., with the walk beginning promptly at noon.  If you’re a member of the Penn Walking Program, you’re encouraged to wear your “I’m a Penn Walker” t-shirt and bring your pedometer.  However, we’ll have sign-up information for new members and 5K t-shirts for all participants.  All faculty and staff are welcome to come and participate.  Please pass along this information to anyone who may want to participate, whether they plan to become part of the Penn Walking Program or not.

The walk will be led at a moderate pace (about 3.5 mph [~50 minutes]), but walkers of all levels are encouraged to participate.  We'll have volunteer walkers spaced throughout the pack… no one will be left behind!  The course will take walkers up Locust Walk to 40th Street, over through and around the beautiful Woodland Cemetery paths, and back. 

To register, visit www.hr.upenn.edu/coursecatalog (select “Health Promotions” from the menu) or contact Suzanne Smith at 215-898-5116 or suzsmith@upenn.edu. 

MAINTAIN, DON'T GAIN

Thanksgiving is fast approaching, signaling the start of the festive winter holiday season–a time to celebrate and enjoy the company of family and friends!  Unfortunately, it’s also one of the hardest times of year to maintain your waistline, as many of the holiday celebrations revolve around food and drink.  Human Resources wants to help you during this challenging time by again 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– last year, nearly 93% of participants were able to either maintain or lose weight!

TEAM COMPETITION!

Create a team with your office mates or friends on campus.  Give yourselves a name.  Let us know that you are part of that particular team at your first weigh-in.  We will track how all team members are doing, average your results in January, and let you know.  Teams with all members who maintain* and/or lose weight by the final weigh-in will be highlighted on the “Maintain, Don’t Gain” Honor Roll on Human Resources’ website.

What do I have to do?

Participating is easy.  Once you’ve registered, just come to the pre- and post-holiday weigh-ins and maintain your weight* throughout the program.  All weights and other private information will be kept strictly confidential.  You will be given a record of your initial and final weigh-in amounts. 

*Maintaining your weight

- No more than a 2-pound increase for those under 175 pounds
- No more than a 3-pound increase for those 175 pounds or more

Please note that pre-registration is required for participation.  Pre-registration allows us to be prepared for demand.  It keeps lines down and reduces wait times to a few minutes.  Pre-registration also gives us the information we need to provide you with inspirational and motivating messages on how to tackle the greatest challenges during the holidays.  To pre-register go here or contact Suzanne Smith at 215-898-5116 or suzsmith@upenn.edu.

Also, take note of this year's new "Eat This, Not That for the Holidays" workshop listed below. We're offering this presentation to further enhance your ability to manage your holiday experience and come out even more fit than before the holidays started.

MODELS OF EXCELLENCE- NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS

The Models of Excellence Program is accepting nominations for Models of Excellence and Model Supervisors Awards.  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.

WELLNESS SERIES: YOUR BODY FROM HEAD TO TOE PART TWO

Taking care of your health means being well informed, well prepared, and capable of making good choices when it comes to your body.  This series of workshops, led by physicians and health experts from the University of Pennsylvania and the Health System, will address various health issues from head to toe and steps you can take to maintain a healthier lifestyle.  Pre-registration is required for these workshops, which are sponsored by Human Resources. 

"Keeping Your Stomach Happy: The Facts about Common GI Disorders"
Wednesday, November 4, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Far too many of us are familiar with the lingering discomforts associated with indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux, and other gastrointestinal issues.  The good news is that you can take steps to prevent the side effects brought on by certain behaviors and disorders.  It's all about keeping your stomach happy.  Do you know how?  This workshop will help… come learn!
It is sponsored by Human Resources and will be led by Faten Aberra, MD, MSCE, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.  To register, please click here or contact Suzanne Smith at suzsmith@upenn.edu or 215-898-5116.

"Peripheral Nerve Disorders and Neuropathy: What You Need to Know"
Thursday, November 5, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.  
Peripheral nerves, the nerves found outside the brain and spinal cord, are a collection of motor and sensory fibers that originate from many different kinds of neurons.  Neuropathy is damage to the sensory and motor fibers found in peripheral nerves and is one of the most common neurologic disorders. This workshop will help to educate attendees on the symptoms, causes, and treatment for disorders of peripheral nerve.
It is sponsored by Human Resources and will be led by Toby Ferguson, MD, PhD, Neuromuscular Division, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.  To register, please click here or contact Suzanne Smith at suzsmith@upenn.edu or 215-898-5116.

"What Keeps You Up At Night?: The Basics on Common Sleep Disorders"
Tuesday, November 17, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.   
Having difficulty falling and/or staying asleep?  If you’re interested in learning more about sleep disorders like insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome, then this workshop is for you.  Come learn about sleep hygiene, some alternatives to medications, and some simple things you can to do to promote sleep.
It is sponsored by Human Resources and will be led by Norma Cuellar, DSN, RN, Assistant Professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.  To register, please click here or contact Suzanne Smith at suzsmith@upenn.edu or 215-898-5116.

NUTRITION WORKSHOPS

If you’re like most people, you have plenty of questions about nutrition: What should I eat before and after a workout? How can I choose smarter, healthier foods at the grocery store or in a restaurant? Get answers to these questions and more when you join Human Resources for an ongoing series of nutrition workshops.  You are welcome to bring a brown bag lunch to the sessions. 

"Eat This, Not That for the Holidays"
Wednesday, November 10, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
If your weight-loss regimen consists of giving up pizza and cheeseburgers in favor of flaxseeds and rice cakes, it's time to reconsider your strategy.  This workshop will tell you how you can eat your favorite foods and still lose weight, even throughout the holiday season!  Come learn how to be able to spot the many perilous nutritional traps that continue to plague health-conscious consumers every day.
It is sponsored by Human Resources and will be led by Suzanne Smith, MS, CHES, Health Promotion Program Administrator, Penn Human Resources, Quality of Worklife Department.  To register, please click here or contact Suzanne Smith at suzsmith@upenn.edu or 215-898-5116.

"Questions and Answers with a Nutrition Expert"
Wednesday, November 18, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
It’s no surprise that nutrition and exercise are vital to a healthy lifestyle.  In this dynamic workshop, you’ll learn how nutrition and exercise promote healthful aging, fitness, performance, and weight management.  The Q&A will emphasize the benefits of healthy eating, healthful thinking, and how to stay fit.  Learn what a nutritious diet entails and how to recognize and change poor eating habits.
It is sponsored by Human Resources and will be led by Stella Volpe, PhD, RD, LD/N, FACSM, Associate Professor of Nutrition, School of Nursing.  To register, please click here or contact Suzanne Smith at suzsmith@upenn.edu or 215-898-5116.

FALL 2009 EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)/WORK AND FAMILY BENEFITS (WFB) WORKSHOP

"Managing Up"
Wednesday, November 11, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (with an optional 30-minute Q&A until 1:00 p.m.)
Having a positive and productive work relationship with your supervisor is vital.  This workshop will teach you how to manage yourself in such a way that promotes camaraderie between you and your supervisor.  You’ll learn how to be assertive, how to communicate with your supervisor so that they understand your work style, and how to maximize your productivity.
This workshop is sponsored by Human Resources and led by an expert from Penn’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Work & Life Benefits (WFB) Provider.  To register, please click here or contact Kenneth Edwards at kenne@upenn.edu or 215-573-2471. 

"Professional Assertiveness"
Thursday, November 19, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (with an optional 30-minute Q&A until 1:00 p.m.)
This is a seminar designed to discuss and teach methodologies of professional communication that incorporate assertiveness techniques and principles, as well as how to use assertiveness effectively as a means of enhancing professional growth.  Participants will learn: characteristics of assertive behavior, how assertiveness works, responses to situations, how to choose your battles, assertiveness blocks, the relationship between assertiveness and self-confidence, and the relationship between assertiveness and professionalism.
This workshop is sponsored by Human Resources and led by an expert from Penn's Employee Assistance Program and Work & Family Benefits Provider, Penn Behavioral Health.  To register, please click here or contact Kenneth Edwards at kenne@upenn.edu or 215-573-2471. 

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REMEMBER: Penn's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Work & Family Benefits (WFB) are available for full- and part-time faculty and staff and their immediate family members 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  They provide FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, 1-ON-1 COUNSELING SESSIONS to address personal issues and PHONE CONSULTATION on dependent care issues.  Just call 1-888-321-4433 to access this support.

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GLOBALFIT

GlobalFit's extensive network of thousands of fitness centers nationwide allows you to choose a club that fits your personality.  Their state-of-the-art fitness center search engine helps you to select the features that are important to you, from childcare to pools to yoga and Pilates.  So why not get started on a healthier, more energetic YOU today?  Go to http://www.globalfit.com/club/ to start.

DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION

For information about other health and wellness activities on campus, go here or call 215-898-6100.

There is a new partnership with the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance to promote arts and cultural offerings produced at Penn, as well as a new online ticket program for the Penn community to take advantage of, for terrific  discounts.

·         We are happy to be working with the Cultural Alliance who so successfully promotes the arts in Philadelphia, but who also has the capacity to educate their members in the fine points of arts marketing and arts advocacy. The arts and cultural community at Penn is poised to take advantage of both resources.
·         We are excited that student arts groups will have the chance to join for free this year, and take advance of all that there is to learn about arts administration as a way to round out their education inside and outside the classroom. 
·         Our goal is to showcase the great arts assets and support individual arts organizations with marketing support, and help new audiences discover the arts at Penn and University City as a destination.

Below is the site to the Philly Fun Guide, a site that generates about 10,000 hits a day and is the region’s comprehensive site devoted to arts and entertainment. We created a unique page to house all the wonderful things at Penn in one easy to navigate place. http://www.phillyfunguide.com/group/detail/47

In addition, visit the link on our site http://www.upenn.edu/pennnews/artsandculture/pennsavers.html to sign up for your  “Penn Savers” promotional program and to get the weekly email ticket discounts.  

Greenfield Intercultural Center 25th Anniversary Symposium
Re-imagining America: Dialogues on Change

Thursday, November 5, 2009: 5-8pm - Alumni/Community Members: $15 Penn Community: Free
Friday, November 6, 2009: 9am-6pm - Free of Charge
Claudia Cohen Hall (formerly Logan Hall)
249 South 36th Street
"Re-imagining America: Dialogues on Change" is a two-day symposium that commemorates 25 years of building diverse communities at Penn's Albert M. Greenfield Intercultural Center. The symposium, which explores our emerging reality as a multicultural nation, kicks off on Thursday with a keynote lecture by Dr. Marc Lamont Hill GR'05 and Stephen Black C'93 followed by a wine and hors d'oeuvre reception and Student Intercultural Innovations Fair.

On Friday, participate in a day of thought-provoking panel discussions which include:
- Art and Change: The Cultural Aesthetics of Community Transformation
- Race, Class and Invisibility: Communities Confronting Inequalities
- Innovations in Education Reform: New Solutions for Philadelphia
- Public Health Disparities: Local and National Communities

A night of student and alumni talent concludes the celebration at the Platt Student Performing Arts House.

Penn Students, Faculty, Staff and Community Member Registration

GIC 25th Anniversary Symposium Schedule

Thursday, November 5th
5:10 pm: Welcome by Valerie De Cruz, Director of the Greenfield Intercultural Center
5:25 pm: Keynote Introductions by Janice Dow C'11 and Brian Kroener ENG'10 C'10
5:30-6:30 pm: Keynote discussion with Stephen Black C'93, Director of The Center for Ethics & Social Responsibility at the University of Alabama, and Marc Lamont Hill GR'05, Associate Professor of Education at Teachers College at Columbia University. Moderated by Kenric Tsethlikai, Director of Language and Culture Programs at Penn Lauder CIBER
6:30-6:45 pm: Q&A
6:45-7:00 pm: Closing by Cyndy Harrison, Co-Chair of the GIC 25th Anniversary Planning Committee
7:00-8:00 pm: Wine and hors d'oeuvres reception with the Intercultural Student Innovations Fair
*Fee to attend Keynote is $15 for alumni and community members and free of charge for students, faculty and staff w/PennCard

Friday, November 6th
8:45-9:30 am: Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:25 am: Welcome by Fatimah Muhammad C'06, Co-Chair of the GIC 25th Anniversary Planning Committee
9:30-10:45 am: Art and Change: The Cultural Aesthetics of Community Transformation
10:45-11 am: Break
11:00 am-12:15 pm: Race, Class and Invisibility: Communities Confronting Inequalities
12:15-2:00 pm: Lunch Break (on your own)
2:00-3:15 pm: Innovations in Education Reform: New Solutions for Philadelphia
3:30-5:00 pm: Public Health Disparities: Local and National Communities
5:00-5:30 pm: Closing remarks by Valerie De Cruz, Director of the GIC

Special thanks to our co-sponsors: Asian American Studies Program, Center for Native American Studies, Graduate School of Education, La Casa Latina, United Minorities Council, and W.E.B. DuBois College House. Without their support the GIC 25th Anniversary Symposium would not have been possible.

H1N1 VACCINATION PROGRAM FOR PENN FACULTY AND STAFF ELIGIBLE UNDER CDC GUIDELINES

With the 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.

YOU MUST MEET CDC ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES TO RECEIVE THE H1N1 FLU SHOT
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 vaccinations will be available only to individuals who meet those CDC guidelines.

Two of the highest priority groups are Penn students 24 years of age or younger and University healthcare service providers. Student Health Service and Occupational Medicine are coordinating H1N1 vaccinations for these groups. For more information on this distribution plan, please visit the University's flu prevention and preparedness home page at http://www.upenn.edu/flu/.
Faculty and staff who meet CDC high-priority guidelines will be able to receive H1N1 vaccinations at no charge through a program coordinated by Human Resources in collaboration with Occupational Medicine. When you arrive to get your H1N1 vaccination, you will be required to complete a CDC form verifying your eligibility. The high-priority groups for faculty and staff are as follows:
* Pregnant women
* Individuals 24 years of age or younger
* Individuals who live with and/or care for children younger than 6 months old
* Emergency care/first responders
* Individuals between 25 and 64 years of age with high-risk medical conditions, including: pregnancy, cancer, blood disorders, chronic lung disease [including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)], diabetes, heart disease, kidney disorders, liver disorders, neurological disorders (including nervous system, brain and spinal cord), neuromuscular disorders (including muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis), and people with weakened immune systems

PROGRAM DATES MAY CHANGE DUE TO SUPPLY DELAYS
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. Manufacturers are working quickly to produce enough vaccine to meet demand, but there are nationwide reports of delays in shipping. Because of this, the dates and locations for Penn's H1N1 vaccination program for faculty and staff should be considered TENTATIVE.

If we don't receive our supplies as scheduled, we will need to adjust the dates listed below. Although the details may change in the coming days and weeks, we invite eligible faculty and staff to register for the H1N1 vaccination now. If any schedule changes need to be made, we'll send email updates to all registrants. You'll also find the most up-to-date information on the Human Resources website at
http://www.hr.upenn.edu/Quality/Wellness/FluShots.aspx.

Due to the uncertain nature of this program, we encourage you to take advantage of other means for receiving the H1N1 vaccination that may become available to you (e.g., your personal physician's office).

DATES AND TIMES
Eligible faculty and staff can register for H1N1 vaccinations from 10:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. on the following dates. Please keep in mind that these dates are tentative, pending receipt of sufficient vaccine supplies.
* Monday, November 16, 2009
* Tuesday November 17, 2009
* Wednesday, November 18, 2009
* Tuesday, November 24, 2009
* Monday, November 30, 2009

LOCATIONS
On-campus H1N1 vaccinations for eligible faculty and staff will be administered at five convenient locations: the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), the Wharton School, the School of Nursing, the School of Design, and Facilities and Real Estate Services (FRES). You'll see the exact locations when you pre-register online. If any schedule changes need to be made, these locations may change as well.

PRE-REGISTRATION
Pre-registration is required for H1N1 vaccinations. This allows us to be prepared for demand and manage lines in order to avoid long waits. It also gives us your contact information so we can update you if any program details change. To pre-register, visit the Human Resources website at
http://www.hr.upenn.edu/Quality/Wellness/FluShots.aspx.

You can register up until the day before the date you select. But time slots fill up quickly, so we encourage you to pre-register as soon as possible. The first and last time slots typically fill up most quickly, so try selecting some time in the middle for easier registration. If you're unable to register online, contact Human Resources at 215-898-5116 or suzsmith@upenn.edu.

COMPLETING THE CDC ELIGIBILITY FORM
According to CDC guidelines, anyone receiving an H1N1 vaccination is required to verify his or her eligibility prior to vaccination. When you arrive to get your vaccination, you'll be required to complete a CDC form requesting a description of the basis for qualifying for the shot and a certification that all information is current and accurate. The completed form will be reviewed by the nurse administering the shot to confirm that each person is eligible. The form will then be sent confidentially to the CDC for their records.

WHAT TO BRING
You'll need to bring your PennCard to the vaccination location. Also, remember to wear clothes that provide easy access to your upper arm. You won't need to bring any money since the H1N1 vaccination will be provided free of charge to eligible faculty and staff.

QUESTIONS?
For more information about H1N1 vaccination or the pre-registration process, visit the Human Resources website at
www.hr.upenn.edu/Quality/Wellness/FluShots.aspx or contact Human Resources at 215-898-5116 or suzsmith@hr.upenn.edu.

Thursday, November 5, through Sunday, November 8
Arts & Culture at Homecoming
Check out all the fantastic events – including a film series, lectures, performances and more!   Be sure to register! http://www.alumni.upenn.edu/homecoming2009/

Thursday, 11/5 at 6PM
Local author Cici McNair
"Detectives Don't Wear Seatbelts"
McNair unveils the true stories of her journey from Southern belle to realizing her dream and becoming a full-fledged private investigator in New York City.

SAVE THE DATES for these timely AARC Programs

Monday November 9, noon – 2 pm
I Love You but... How to love your children even when it's difficult.
College Hall, Room 205

Tuesday, November 17, noon – 2 pm
Parenting the Millenium Kids: The impact of the technology (facebook, twitter, cell phones, etc) on child development and child rearing.
ARCH Bldg, Fireside Lounge

Event

Details

The Upper Room at the Christian Association House (118 S. 37th St. - enter on 37th) is a quiet, peaceful room on campus where you are welcome to visit during regular office hours (10am-4pm). The Penn community is welcome to meditate individually, or to come with a group (it is recommended that you call ahead to reserve the space for a group).
You are also welcome to just stop by for a nap or some quiet time.
Please take a virtual tour on our website: http://www.upennca.org/top/facilities/meditation_room/
For more information, please email upennca@dolphin.upenn.edu or come visit us at 118 S. 37th St.

Through partnerships between Penn and our cellular providers (AT&T Wireless and Verizon Wireless), the Cellular Service Plan Discounts program provides discounts to Penn’s faculty, staff and students (minimum 10% off monthly service plans of $34.99 or higher) on their personal cellular plans. Details, including discount percentages, plan provisions, and customer service contacts, are available at http://www.upenn.edu/computing/voice/cellular/ .

Since the program commenced in 2004, nearly 7,000 members of the Penn community have enrolled in the program, resulting in over $300,000 in savings per year to them.

Information on a variety of other discount programs can be found at:
http://www.purchasing.upenn.edu/buytools/personal.php

Penn Ecard Greetings
http://www.upenn.edu/ecard/

Visit Penn's new Ecard Greetings site -- http://www.upenn.edu/ecard/ -- go green with your holiday greetings this season!

SOUTH STREET BRIDGE CLOSURE INFORMATION
http://www.publicsafety.upenn.edu/ssbridge

The City of Philadelphia has notified the University of Pennsylvania that the South Street Bridge will close for reconstruction at 9:30 AM on Monday, Dec. 8, 2008. The bridge will be closed to ALL TRAFFIC, including pedestrians, bicycles and cars.

The closure of this important access point to University City will result in many changes to traffic patterns, signs and signals, and volume in the vicinity of campus. Please adjust your commute accordingly.

University City Station will remain open and accessible during the South Street Bridge reconstruction project. The station entrance on South Street will be closed. Passengers must use the station entrance on Convention Avenue. For more information, visit http://www.septa.org/.

Penn is providing the following services to enhance your commute. Additional details and other resources are available at http://www.publicsafety.upenn.edu/ssbridge

• Public Safety - Penn Police, in coordination with the Philadelphia Police Department, will be stationed at key intersections during the morning and afternoon rush hours to mitigate congestion.
• More Bike Racks - Secure, indoor bicycle racks have been installed inside two Penn Garages - Garage #37 at 34th and Chestnut Sts, and Garage #40, (FreshGrocer) at 40th and Walnut Sts.
• Shuttle Service to Hollenback - Until the Weave Bridge is installed to provide access to the Hollenback area, Penn Transit is providing on-call daytime shuttle service. Visit http://www.upenn.edu/transportation/ or call 898-RIDE for information.
• Walking Escort Service - Commuters with safety concerns are encouraged to use Penn's Walking Escort Service. Call 898-WALK (9255) for information.

Have a question about commuting to campus during the South Street Bridge reconstruction project? Please contact ssbridge@exchange.upenn.edu.

PennCard Issuance Changes
http://www.upenn.edu/penncard/announce/

Business Services and ISC jointly launched a project designed to improve processes and systems associated with issuing PennCards. We are pleased to announce that the project team has recently completed software modifications that will enable new employees to obtain a PennCard within one business day after the payroll record has been entered into the Payroll/Personnel system by the hiring officer, allowing new hires to receive their PennCard on or even before their start date.

For more information, please go to http://www.upenn.edu/penncard/announce/

SPECIAL: TIAA-CREF and Vanguard Information
Download PDF: http://www.upenn.edu/ppsa/pdf/
0146_Statement_Financial_Svcs_Volatility_09.pdf

Because of the market issues - some individuals may be concerned. This is a information from TIAA-CREF and Vanguard that has been provided to us. It is shared for your information.

Link to Vanguard is:

For more on the Lehman-related impact, read this article:

https://institutional.vanguard.com/VGApp/iip/site/institutional/researchcommentary/article?File=NewsWallStreetWobbles

In this video interview, Gus Sauter, Vanguard's chief investment officer, offers his thoughts on the resiliency of our financial system:

https://institutional.vanguard.com/VGApp/iip/site/institutional/researchcommentary/article?File=VideoSauterMarketTurmoil

TIAA-CREF info:

TIAA continues to hold the highest possible ratings from all four of the leading rating agencies.*

The ratings are based on an independent analysis of TIAA’s balance sheet, capital position, reserves, asset quality, liquidity and other key indicators of financial stability.

CREF & Mutual Funds

Of course, the CREF variable annuity accounts and TIAA-CREF Mutual Fund returns are based on the market returns of their portfolios, so they are not immune to the overall markets.

However, please know that TIAA-CREF manages portfolios to seek consistent growth for long-term investors. Our basic philosophy is to acknowledge that unexpected events do occur and then try to minimize the impact of problems at any single company.

While some TIAA-CREF funds and accounts have been adversely affected by their exposure to specific financial companies, the impact of recent developments has generally been limited as a percentage of overall portfolio holdings. For example, Lehman Brothers stock represented no more than one-fifth of 1% of the assets of any single TIAA-CREF mutual fund or variable annuity account as of July 31, 2008.

For More Information

http://www.tiaa-cref.org/support/news/articles/gen0809_131.html

Penn Transit Offers GPS tracking
More info: http://www.upenn.edu/gps

Tired of waiting for Penn Transit buses or shuttles? Now you can use Penn Transit's new GPS system to find out precisely when your bus will arrive at your transit stop. You can access the new system on your computer, cell phone or PDA by going to: www.upenn.edu/gps . The GPS system will also track Penn shuttles while they are on campus. Not only does this enhancement improve customer service, it also provides an extra level of safety for riders. In addition to the new GPS system, Penn Transit has added four new buses which use ultra low sulfur diesel fuel and can also be converted to biodiesel fuel, should those options become available.

GlobalFit

Penn has made available a special opportunity to join a fitness center at a discount rate and with numerous other related services. Check out GlobalFit's extensive network of thousands of fitness centers nationwide to choose a club that fits your personality. Their state-of-the-art fitness center search engine helps you to select the features that are important to you, from childcare to pools to yoga and Pilates. So why not get started on a healthier, more energetic YOU today? Go to http://www.globalfit.com/club/ to start.

Department of Recreation
For information about other health and wellness activities on campus, go to http://www.upenn.edu/recreation/programs/ or call 215-898-6100.

Penn's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Worklife Resources

Available for full- and part-time faculty and staff and their immediate family members 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They provide FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, 1-ON-1 COUNSELING SESSIONS to address personal issues, and phone consultation on a range of personal life needs, from legal and financial questions to dependent care needs. Just call 1-888-321-4433 to access this support or go to http://new.mylifevalues.com/login.aspx. For your username, enter upenn and for password, enter eap.

UPennAlert

The UPennAlert Emergency Notification System enables fast and efficient dissemination of critical information to members of the University community during a major emergency via text messaging, voicemail and email. If you have not done so already, please take a few minutes now to register or update your contact information. All information is secure and confidential.

Students:
Access Penn InTouch via Penn Portal: http://www.upenn.edu/penn_portal
Access Penn InTouch directly at: https://sentry.isc.upenn.edu/intouch

Faculty/Staff:
Access the Penn Directories via, http://www.upenn.edu/directories
or Access U@Penn directly via, http://www.upenn.edu/u@penn

Penn Student Agencies
Services for Staff
http://www.upenn.edu/ppsa/pdf/
PSAServiceforStaffFlier.jpg

PSA services include:
Apparel and Gifts for the Family and Office
Event Flier distribution on campus
Catering Service for your next important meeting by the Williams Cafe
...and much more!

Download details here:
http://www.upenn.edu/ppsa/pdf/PSAServiceforStaffFlier.jpg

Student Run, Penn Driven.

Division of Public Safety
Operation Theft Awareness
http://www.publicsafety.upenn.edu/
Theft_Awareness.asp

Download posters and table tents by clicking on the “media kit” on the lower left.

Mentors @ Penn Program
http://www.hr.upenn.edu/learning/
mentors_penn.asp

Downloadable (PDF) questionnaire for Mentors

The Board of the PPSA welcomes all Penn staff to participate in the Mentors @ Penn Program operated by Human Resources. Be placed in a mentoring relationship with another Penn staff member in which you will either be the Mentor (offering the benefit of your experience and knowledge) or the Mentee (receiving guidance and assistance on your professional life).

The Board of the PPSA supports the Mentors @ Penn 100% - every member of the PPSA Board is a registered Mentor - and we welcome you to do the same!

Important PPSA News

Next PPSA Meeting
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009
12:00pm-1:00pm
Van Pelt Library, Meeting Room 302
(Class of 1954 Seminar Room)

Next University Council Meeting
Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009
4:00pm-6:00pm
Bodek Lounge, Houston Hall
3417 Spruce Street

Latest News updated 11/4/2009!