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March 2026 | HR Monthly Bulletin

Employee Anniversaries

Congratulations to these employees for their milestone years of service
in March 2026!

5 YEARS

Sarah Jones Head of Library Technical Services B.D. Owens Library
Brad Sullivan Interim Environmental Health and Safety Manager Office of Environmental Health and Safety
Lindsey Wood Painter Facility Services

15 YEARS

Amy Woerth Head Volleyball Coach Department of Athletics

Upcoming Events

Northwest Awards and Recognition Ceremony

Monday, March 30
Refreshments begin at 3 p.m. with presentations starting at 3:15 p.m.
J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom

This event is a collaborative celebration to recognize excellence among Northwest students and employees.


National Student Employment Appreciation Week, April 13-17

Students make up an important and valuable part of the workforce at Northwest. Acknowledging the contributions made by your student employees and graduate assistants encourages and motivates them to do their best.

Click here to see suggestions of ways to let your students know how much their work is appreciated


Employee tour opportunity

In alignment with Northwest's focus on enrollment growth, campus tours are available to employees approximately once a month during the academic year. This campus tour experience is the same tour that prospective students and families are offered. It is a great opportunity for employees who are newer to campus as well as for employees who have been a part of the Northwest community for quite some time. 

Tours leave from Mabel Cook Recruitment and Visitors Center and encompass a 90-minute walking tour. Tours are led by Northwest student ambassadors and allow the campus community to see how our campus is showcased.

Click here to register.


Mandatory training

Northwest's Vector SafeColleges trainings are assigned to all employees annually and related to a variety of topics. Click here to log in and complete the training.

Workday update

The Workday project team is completing end-to-end testing across areas related to human resources, finance, payroll, absence and time tracking, and preparing for User Readiness Review (URR), when employees and managers will be invited to test common tasks and share feedback.  

Workday readiness opportunities

Click here to review information about the biweekly payroll transition, including details, resources and upcoming information sessions. (Enter your Northwest username and password to access the website.)  

Recent Workday wins 

For more information or to provide feedback, visit the Workday project website by clicking this link.


Pay Transition Update

Employees recently received an email with details regarding the transition to biweekly pay, including important transition dates. Eligible employees also received information about a leave buyout option 

Biweekly payroll transition employee information sessions will take place in The Station Center Room at the following times:  

Financial planning and banking resources sessions with local banks will continue through April 9.  
 
More information regarding the biweekly payroll transition, including details, resources and tools is available on the Workday website. 

Questions and feedback may be submitted through the Workday project feedback form.  

Additional information is posted on the Workday website as it becomes available.  

Opportunities to get involved

Bearcat Book Club 

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Bearcat Book Club is reading Howard Zinn’s “A People’s History of the United States.“

This landmark book offers a reexamination of American history by centering the experiences of everyday people rather than traditional political leaders. First published in 1980, it traces U.S. history from Columbus's arrival to the modern era, highlighting the voices of women, workers, African Americans, Native Americans and other historically underrepresented groups. Discussions for faculty and staff focus on historical perspective, civic responsibility, institutional roles and how understanding these groups can contribute to a more informed and connected campus.  

Bearcat Book Club meetings are virtual. Enrollment remains open throughout the semester for interested participants. Sign up by clicking here


Lattes & Learning

Join the Center for Engagement and Community Connection for casual working discussions over coffee. You don’t need to have read a specific article — just bring your thoughts, ideas and a willingness to learn about all the things happening in the world of higher education. The space is open to Northwest employees at all levels and is perfect for sparking new ideas in a welcoming, low-pressure environment. 


Employee Resource Groups

Affinity groups are designed to create safe spaces for members to share and process experiences. Affinity group also allows participants the opportunity to identify ways in which we can appropriately use privilege to bring about social change. For more information, visit Northwest affinity groups.

Association of Black Employees Logo

Contact Giselle Greenidge at ggreenidge@nwmissouri.edu 

LGBTQIA Logo

Contact Elyssa Ford at ebford@nwmissouri.edu 

ALLY Affinity Group Logo

Contact ALLY@nwmissouri.edu 

Community-Connections-logo

Contact Maryvillecommunityconnections@gmail.com

Women in Academia logo

Contact Jessie Peter 
at jpeter@nwmissouri.edu

 

 

Young Professionals at Northwest logo

     Contact Garrison Kennedy at GKENNEDY@nwmissouri.edu

 

Mental health and wellness resources

The Office of Human Resources highlights the following resources that employees may use as necessary. Mindful by BlueKC, the EAP and TAO are completely confidential.

Mindful by BlueKC

Mindful by BlueKC is a behavioral health initiative dedicated to reducing stigma around behavioral health in our communities while making care accessible and affordable for members. Mindful by Blue KC is a commitment to covering the health needs of the whole person and comes to life as a set of tools and resources to address stress, depression, anxiety, substance use and more. This ensures that members can access and afford the behavioral health care they need. 

Mindful Advocates are available 24/7 and are licensed behavioral health clinicians who match members to providers and guide care plans. Mindful Advocates may be contacted at 833.302.6463. For more information, visit Mindful by BlueKC initiative.


Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

All Northwest employees are eligible to use Ability Assist Counseling Services sponsored by The Hartford. Click here to read about the benefits this program offers.


TAO-Therapy Assistance Online

This is a private online library of behavioral health resources. It is a free and confidential resource available to Northwest employees and students. For more information, visit TAO-Therapy Assistance Online. 

Wellness Services is offering a variety of online programing. Follow Wellness Services on Twitter and Instagram at @nw_wellness for updates.


Lucet resource program center

The center provides reliable information about a variety of mental and behavioral health topics. For more information, visit Lucet Health Resources.

For information about a specific substance use, visit Lucet Substance Use Disorders Center or call the Substance Use Disorder Hotline at 877.326.2458.

If you have questions, email healthybearcat@nwmissouri.edu.

Benefits Spotlight

BlueKC SmartShopper Program: Earn cash reward for shopping and saving on medical procedures

Northwest partners with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) to offer employees a share of the savings – in cash – when you shop for a medical procedure and select a cost-effective, in-network provider using SmartShopper.

Medical procedures can have vastly different costs depending on where you receive care. SmartShopper makes it easy to shop and save on a procedure and earn a cash reward for doing so. Here’s how it works:

When a doctor recommends a medical procedure, follow these steps: 

  1. Log in at MyBlueKC.com and select Find Care
  2. Select Find Doctors, Specialists & Hospitals
  3. Click the Find Care button in the pop-up
  4. Select the SmartShopper Rewards tile for your search
  5. Receive care at a SmartShopper-eligible, in-network location of your choice.
  6. After the claim is paid, SmartShopper will mail you a reward check.

See below for additional information about the program.

Benefits & Wellness Information

Spring Walking Challenge

Northwest employees are invited to join a spring walking challenge via the MoveSpring fitness app, Wednesday, April 1, through Thursday, April 30. This individual challenge offers two fitness levels from which to choose. The goal is to achieve at least 8,000 or 10,000 steps or converted activities per day.

Remember, all movement counts, not just steps. Sync a device or manually enter and convert activities. Individuals that successfully meet their goal 27 out of 30 days will be entered into a prize drawing. As the weather warms up, get outside and get moving!

Click here to join the spring walking challenge.


Foster Fitness Center participation incentives

Employees who sign in to exercise or walk at the Foster Fitness Center, Student Recreation Center or Hughes Fieldhouse at least 30 times by May 1 will be entered into a prize drawing.

The top 20 percent of employees who exercise or walk most frequently will each receive a T-shirt.


Blue KC now offering Medicare advisor services

Blue Cross is now offering Medicare guidance for eligible employees that include one-on-one consultations, enrollment guidance and transition, and general Medicare education.

Click this link to learn more about services offered and reach out to a representative. (PDF)


BlueKC prescription drug list updates

The Blue KC Medical and Pharmacy Management Committee reviews and maintains the prescription drug list. The Committee, consisting of practicing physicians and pharmacists in the Kansas City area, holds quarterly meetings to evaluate new drug therapies and review drug utilization issues. Medications are evaluated based on drug safety and costs.

Click here for a complete list of premium formulary updates, effective July 1, 2025. (PDF)

How BlueKC will communicate these changes

Blue KC is taking proactive steps to limit disruption, including:


Financial wellness resources

Northwest’s 403b plan administrator OMNI/TSAGC has several resources available to employees on topics such as retirement savings plans, managing personal finances, college funding options and how to navigate Social Security and Medicare.

Calculators, videos and informative content on various topics can help guide employees in their planning process. To explore the Financial Wellness Center, visit their website here.

Click here to read the Fall 2025 employee newsletter.


Hartford offering empathy life essentials services

The Hartford is now offering empathy life essentials services to our employees in addition to the employee assistance program. Some of these services include funeral planning, will preparation and bereavement support. To learn more about services offered, click here. (PDF)


Benefits Resource Center

USI's Benefits Resource Center is a free resource service for employees and encourages you to reach out for any information, questions or help with insurance or benefits.

Toll Free: 855.874.0829
Email:BRCMidwest@usi.com 

Benefits Specialists can assist you Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.


MOSERS educational programs

MOSERS offers educational programs to help members learn information about their benefits as they progress through their careers and experience different life events along the way. 

Mid-Career Webinar: Learn how different career and life events may affect your pension benefit.

Ready to Retire Sessions: Learn about the retirement process and how different decisions may impact your pension benefit.

Stay up to date and visit this link frequently for more information, including schedules and how to register. 


MO Deferred Comp retirement plan

The MO Deferred Comp plan is a supplemental retirement savings option available to employees. Visit their website to learn more about the plan, register for upcoming education sessions or find financial planning options.


A Healthier You (AHY)

A Healthier You gives you convenient online and mobile access to wellness tools you can use to live your healthiest life. Plus, you’ll earn points that can be redeemed for chances to win gift cards to some popular retailers.

For more information about the AHY program, click this link.

Miscellaneous

Staff Serving as Adjunct Faculty Policy update

At the March 12 Board of Regents meeting, the Staff Serving as Adjunct Faculty policy was approved. This policy will take effect on July 1, 2026, and will be included in the Employee Handbook.

To read the policy, click here.


Compensation Model update

Visit the Compensation webpage by clicking this link.


Electronic W-2 Option Available

Want to receive your W-2 earlier in January next year by printing your own W-2 through CatPAWS? Follow these steps:

By consenting to receive your W-2 electronically, you acknowledge that the University will not be mailing a paper copy of your W-2. You are consenting to obtain a printed copy of your W-2 by returning to the site and clicking W-2 Wage and Tax Statement.

Your consent will be valid for all subsequent tax years unless revoked by you, or upon termination, or this service is not supported in a future given tax year. You may revoke your consent and receive a paper Form W-2 by accessing this site and unchecking the box.

For more information, contact the Payroll Office at 660.562.1108.


Mail and Printing Services

Need to mail or print something? Mail and Printing Services receives and distributes USPS mail, as well as provides printing services for Northwest and the public. Be sure to contact Mail & Printing Services for any printing or mailing needs.

For more information, contact Mail and Printing Services at 660.562.1109 or mailcpy@nwmissouri.edu, or visit the mail and printing services website.


Bearcat Food Pantry

The mission of the Bearcat Food Pantry is to provide a source of food and necessities for Northwest students and employees experiencing food insecurity and hunger. The food pantry is located in the J.W. Jones Student Union and is accessible the following hours during the spring semester:

Monday: 3-5 p.m.
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 8-10 a.m.
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Northwest accepts food donations for the pantry at the Student Engagement Center and the Office of Student Affairs located on the second floor of the Student Union. Monetary donations to support the food pantry should be directed to the Northwest Foundation and are tax-deductible.

Click this link to view a list of needed items.


Tobacco Free policy

Northwest has implemented an updated Tobacco Free policy. The University is committed to providing an environment that is safe and healthy. Consistent with this policy, the use of tobacco is prohibited on all University-owned or leased property (“University Property”) and in all University vehicles. This policy applies to all students, employees, contractors, volunteers and visitors.

For more information about this policy, click this link.


Family and Medical Leave Act

The University provides family and medical leave in accordance with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993. FMLA requires covered employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to eligible employees. The University requires that employees substitute (run concurrently) accrued paid leave to which employees may be entitled to cover the employee’s FMLA leave, before using unpaid leave under the FMLA.

If an employee is away from work for three or more consecutive days due to medical reasons, contact the Office of Human Resources regarding FMLA and leave requirements.


Workers' compensation reporting procedures

The state Central Accident Reporting Office (CARO) has implemented new reporting system, Origami.

If a workplace injury or incident occurs, employees must complete the following steps:

  1. Report the injury or incident to your supervisor or the Office of Human Resources.
  2. Call the nurse triage line at 800.624.2354.
  3. Submit an injury report to CARO through the online reporting portal.

These steps must be completed before seeking outside medical treatment. If the injury is life-threatening, seek emergency medical care immediately.

A step-by-step Injury Reporting Guide is available and includes detailed reporting information, FAQs and an Authorization to Release Medical Records.

For more information regarding the reporting process, contact Paetyn Turner at paetynt@nwmissouri.edu or 660.562.1123.


Purchase requisition training videos

Purchasing has created instructional videos explaining how to create a purchase requisition in Banner/INB. The videos are available in MyNorthwest, Employee Resources - Finance & Administration, Purchasing Training Videos.