“We were scheduled to hold a training for Academic Processing, and one of the elements of the training is hands on training using a search function in PeopleSoft. We noticed in the development environment the system was giving an error for this important function we were about to train users how to use. We asked Harish to look into the error, and the same day he was able to diagnose and fix the error. We were able to train the new users how to use the search function, without having to resort to just showing the trainees in another system. It is always better to have the new users try it. Harish has many other times helped us out, but this was the most recent. He stepped beyond making our training session more effective.” –Ken Guzzetta

“Harish stepped beyond by pursuing an issue we’ve been having with our SJSU @ Work system where somehow the system was generating a blank record causing he system that transfers data from the CS system to the HR system to fail. During new student application loading, this was something HRIS would have to check constantly. By pursuing a fix and being persistent, he was able to provide a root cause of what was causing the erroneous transactions to be created and provided the process to reproduce the transactions that were being created to the Chancellor’s office. Recently the fix for this was implemented in a Maintenance Pack for our Peoplesoft system. By not having to watch the queues anymore, SJSU will have a more productive HRIS team and we can concentrate our efforts on higher value tasks. Thank you Harish! ” –Ken Guzzetta

“Justin stepped up to take on a major project in the library after the retirement of another employee this Fall and did an amazing job! He quickly came up to speed on the very technical details of the project and made sure it was completed in a short time frame despite many challenges. All while keeping a positive, optimistic attitude. I’m very grateful to have Justin working in my department and SJSU is lucky to have him as an employee.” — Christina Mune

“Marie is the best as she helped me with my benefits after the open enrollment has ended. Due to the urgency of the benefits, she helped me through it. Thank you… Marie.”  — Sandra Joe-Hu

Sent on behalf of President Papazian

Dear Faculty and Staff,

The Governor has continued the practice of granting informal time off with pay in celebration of the holidays. Pursuant to Title 5, Section 42729 and with the authority granted by the Chancellor, I am granting additional informal time off.

The University will be closed all day on Monday, December 24, 2018, with the exception of essential personnel. Details about implementation of this time off are provided below.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your outstanding service to the University. Dennis and I wish you a very happy and safe holiday season.

Sincerely,

Mary A. Papazian
President

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Implementation of Informal Time Off
Employees currently scheduled to work on Monday, December 24 will enjoy the gift of informal time off while the campus is closed.

Managers should handle variations, if any, for individual employees using the guidelines below.

Monthly Rate Employees
Full-time exempt and non-exempt employees required to work on Monday, December 24 may be granted the equivalent informal time off prior to June 30, 2019. This time shall not be considered CTO and is not compensable in cash. Less than full-time employees should be provided informal time off on a pro-rata basis.

Hourly Employees
Hourly employees other than those in Class Codes 1150, 1151, 1868, 1870, 1871, 1872, 1874, 1875, 1876, 7171, 7172, and 7930 should be permitted informal time off based on the following table provided that the employee is scheduled to work on the campus’ last work day prior to the observance of the holiday closure (Friday, December 21) and is still on the active payroll status on that date (has not or will not be separated with a prior effective date):

Hours Scheduled in December Pay Period / Hours Off
1 – 43 / 1 hour off
44 – 87 / 2 hours off
88 or more / 4 hours off

Scheduling of informal time off should be managed in such a way as to minimize disruption to campus operations.

Absence Management
Informal holiday time off does not need to be reported in Absence Management. It is the responsibility of individual departments to define how an employee should communicate to their supervisor regarding their request for informal time off on a day other than December 24, 2018.

December Absences
All absences for the December pay period (November 30 – December 31), for both salaried and hourly employees, must be entered and approved no later than 12:00 p.m. Friday, December 19, 2018.

December 31 Paycheck Distribution
University Personnel South (UPD 3rd Floor) will be open from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. on Monday, December 31 for employees who wish to pick up their December paycheck. Employees must bring a photo ID and may only pick up their own check. Department contacts can pick up paychecks when the campus reopens on January 2, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

If you have any questions please contact Anita Vasquez, Director, Payroll and Benefits, at 408.924.2271.

“I had a larger number of struggling students and Ben was calling and emailing them even though he had no time. He was calling them from somewhere when the campus was closed for air quality. These students mentioned to me how helpful it was to confer with him and these are students with extended illnesses, depression, poor grades, and parent deaths. I’m very happy to have Ben for issues beyond my expertise.” – Elizabeth Capener