"For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him."

Colossians 1:16

The Fall 2008 Quarterly Faculty Staff Meeting was held on Monday, October 27th in the Moot Courtroom in Robertson Hall from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm. The auditorium was filled to capacity in anticipation of Dr. Robertson’s update from the Board of Trustees’ fall meeting. Dr. Robertson’s DVD, Keys to Financial Security, was distributed as employees entered the courtroom. Employees who did not receive a copy of this DVD may email Human Resources to request a copy. The deadline to request the DVD is Friday, November 7.

Dr. Richard Kidd, Director of Campus Ministries, opened the meeting with prayer.
The Awards for Excellence Committee performed an entertaining skit to announce the selection of Katie Stern, Admissions Data Entry Clerk, Central Enrollment Management, as the October Employee of the Month.

Dr. Carlos Campo, Vice President for Academic Affairs, presented the Faculty Excellence Award to Professor Craig Stern, School of Law.

Tracy Stewart, Vice President for Information Technology, announced the kick-off of the United Way campaign. In 2008, Regent employees contributed over $16,000 to the local United Way. Our goal for 2009 is to increase our level of giving because the needs will be even greater during this time of economic crisis. The United Way campaign is an opportunity to let our light shine in the community. Employees were encouraged to prayerfully consider making a contribution for 2009. The monthly/bi-monthly payroll deduction is the easiest way to contribute. All donations are tax-deductible and will only be used within Hampton Roads. Check out Regent United Way.

Sara Baron, Dean of the Library, introduced “The Big Read,” an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts “to restore reading to the center of American culture.” As one of this year’s NEA grant recipients, the Regent University Library is organizing a common read this January with The Death of Ivan Ilyich, by Leo Tolstoy. Special events will include a Russian film festival, a Russian dinner at the Regent Ordinary, a faculty symposium to examine the novel from the vantage point of various disciplines taught at Regent, and a visit from renowned Tolstoy scholar and teacher Andrew Kaufman. The entire Regent community will be invited to take part. Employees received fliers promoting “The Big Read” as they entered the meeting, and 30 individuals with an orange dot on the back of their flier received a free copy of The Death of Ivan Ilyich.

Martha Smith, Vice President for Human Resources, presented the Supervisor Training Certificate to Aaron Hatfield for completion of all modules of Basic Supervisory Skills Training.

Employee Service Awards earned during the quarter July 1 through September 30 were presented to 46 employees. Dr. Robert Sivigny, Librarian, and Dr. Philip Bom, Professor, Robertson School of Government, received 25-year Service Awards. Dr. John Keeler, Professor, School of Communication and the Arts, received the 30-year Service Award, the first 30-year award for service exclusively at Regent University. View a complete list of Service Awards.

Victoria Walker’s name was drawn as the winner of 6 months’ FREE health premiums from January 1 - June 30, 2009. All employees who completed the Optima “Personal Health Profile” before the contest deadline were included in the drawing. Even though the contest has ended, the “Personal Health Profile” is still available. For assistance with instructions and access to the “Personal Health Profile,” email Human Resources or phone Human Resources at ext. 4053. Personal health information is not disclosed to Human Resources, but is used to compile group reports that enable Human Resources to tailor health plan initiatives to meet the specific needs of Regent employees.

Dr. Robertson spoke to the faculty and staff about the fall meeting of the Regent Board of Trustees. He then spoke about the dramatic decline in the U.S. and global markets. In response to these market declines, Dr. Robertson announced that the university will be implementing budget reduction measures as necessary, including the suspension of Regent’s contribution to the 403(b) retirement plan effective November 1st. All budget reduction measures will be aimed at ensuring efficiency and academic excellence as we prepare for the future.

The 403(b) program will continue for employees to make voluntary contributions to the plan; only the employer portion will be discontinued for a period of time. Joe Mendell, Fidelity Investments Relationship Manager, and Jay Garriss, group health plan consultant, were present to explain the advantages of saving for the future via 403(b) Retirement Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.

To view Joe Mendell’s presentation, “Benefits of Saving at Work”
To view Jay Garriss’ presentation, “HSA – A Building Block for Retirement” .

Thanks to all who participated and attended this final Quarterly Faculty/Staff Meeting of 2008. The 2009 Quarterly Faculty/Staff Meeting schedule will be announced and posted on the Human Resources web site by the end of the year.