I&S Employee Newsletter - March 2018

Dear Infrastructure and Sustainability team,
 
As many of you know, Planning, Design and Construction recently held a kick-off meeting with managers and supervisors from various groups regarding the implementation of Unifier, a new project management software solution. While this is a big milestone for PD&C, the benefits of this implementation will eventually ripple across the Infrastructure and Sustainability organization, and potentially beyond, to anyone who touches campus construction projects.
 
For those who might be unfamiliar with the initiative, Unifier will replace the FAMIS capital projects module and will improve capabilities for everything from project tracking to information sharing to customer service.
  
The transition to Unifier represents an important change in how we do business to provide innovative service delivery, enhance customer service, provide responsible stewardship of resources and engage the community during construction project delivery. The implementation will be a significant undertaking. Over the next 12 to 18 months, the project team will be working on defining processes, configuring the system and training users.
 
I commend the team for the work they’ve already done to evaluate our current processes and plan for the tasks ahead. I encourage everyone to stay tuned into the project as it progresses and to be ready to participate when the time comes to ensure a transition that is as smooth as possible for all.
 
Sincerely,
David Kang, vice chancellor for Infrastructure and Sustainability

The Infrastructure and Sustainability computer literacy program for frontline staff is seeking staff volunteers from across I&S who are able to assist during Friday classes. The program recently changed formats. Instead of various work units coming in once every six weeks for training, the program now entails small groups attending classes every Friday for six weeks straight. The program aligns with our inclusive excellence goals, and is geared toward assisting staff with limited computer skills or access. The first cohort began on Friday. Those who volunteer must use regular work time with supervisor approval. Spanish or Lao language skills are a plus but not required to volunteer. For more information on volunteering, you may email Genna McGahee in I&S Human Resources or call her at 303-735-6247.

The nominations deadline for campus sustainability awards has been extended to tomorrow, Wednesday, March 7. Awards will be handed out at the April 25 Sustainability Summit. The Environmental Center’s website has information on the awards program and how to submit nominations for anyone looking to get a submission in under the wire. You can also reach out to Sustainability and Resiliency Program Manager Ed Von Bleichert with questions about the program. 

How long have you been working at CU?
Six years and eight months.

What is your favorite thing to do outside work?
Tennis, spending time with family, reading.

Tell us something that might surprise us about you?
Walked 20 miles for a fundraiser in Boston.

What has been the most important innovation you have witnessed in your lifetime?
DNA testing. The ability to read and write genomes leads to a better understanding of biological identities and breakthroughs in the health field.

What three traits define you?
Passionate, diligent, confident.

Does tax season have your money on your mind? Maybe it's time to get a clearer picture. CU employees have free access to a wide variety of financial wellness tools. From personal finance consultations and checkups to help navigating life events like retirement, having children or going to graduate school, the resources for taking a proactive approach to planning out your finanicial life are available on campus.

Campus Human Resources is hosting multiple sessions in the coming weeks that are open to all Infrastructure and Safety staff, including: 

• March 7, Developing Intercultural Competence
• March 8, New Employee Welcome Experience
• March 16, CU Discover Series: Tuition Benefit
• March 20/22, Crucial Conversations
• March 27, Retirement Income Planning

Please work with your supervisors to attend these or future trainings. Online registration is available at www.colorado.edu/hr/employee-learning. You can also contact Kelsey Draper in I&S Human Resources with questions at 303-735-6176 or kelsey.p.draper@colorado.edu.