News from Human Resources

Extended Health Coverage Benefits for Children 

Dependent children who are 26 are able to continue their health insurance coverage up to age 29 through the Young Adult Option.  There will be no contribution from the employer and the young adult will be required to pay the full cost share for health insurance.  Young adults can enroll within 60 days of the date they lose coverage.  Enrollment forms can be found in the Office of Human Resources.  If you have any questions please contact Audra Cornelius, ext. 7194.

Summer Work Schedule

Just a reminder that summer hours (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.  with a half-hour lunch) began on May 12 and end on Friday, August 15. 

Set a Summer Goal to Quit Smoking!

There are numerous health and financial benefits associated with kicking the nicotine habit.  Think of spending your time outdoors this summer in the clean, fresh air.  Think of the money you can save and use for fun adventures. 

There are numerous resources to assist you in this endeavor.  You don’t have to face it alone.  Begin your journey to living a smoke-free life by visiting the New York State Smokers’ Quitline at nysmokefree.com/NYSAction/PublicPage1.aspx or by calling 1-866-697-8487. 

Remember, the first few weeks off cigarettes can be tough, but things do improve. Though symptoms may be strong at first, they will go away. Tell yourself you are recovering from smoking, not in withdrawal. The symptoms are your body’s way of telling you it is on the mend!

1. Keep busy: When you distract yourself by doing something else, the urge to smoke may go away.
2. Use positive self-talk to help you through the tough times.  Statements like “I will not smoke no matter what” and “My body is telling me it is getting better” can help you master times of strong cravings.
3. Don’t forget your Butt Jar. Keep it someplace where you can see it as a reminder you are not putting that stuff into your body anymore.
4. Don’t forget the Five D’s:

• Delay
• Drink water
• Do something else
• Deep breathe
• Discuss your feelings

1. Most important, don’t worry about what it will be like without a smoke a month from now. Try to stay in the moment and focus on not smoking just for today. When you get up tomorrow, commit to not smoking for that day. The days will add up fast! 

Hang in there. You can do it!

BJ’s Membership Renewal

If it is time for you to RENEW your BJ’s Membership, please complete the BJ’s RENEWAL application 2014.

Be sure to enter your Membership Number. Once your renewal application and payment is received by Tina, your Membership Card will be extended with the new expiration date (including 3 month bonus). You will not receive a new membership card.

The next open enrollment period to become a NEW member will be in September.

The Inner Circle Corporate Membership is available to our employees and includes a $10 savings off the $50 annual membership, a free second card for a household member and three free months. The cost of the 15-month membership, for two-household cards, is $43.50.

To apply for membership (both new–Sept. 2014 only–and renewing), you must complete the application and mail the application and payment (if paying by check) to our BJ’s representative (address is on the application). Please DO NOT bring application/payment to club location, it must be mailed to Tina Van Buren.

Defensive Driving 

The Office of Human Resources is accepting registrations for the upcoming National Safety Council’s Defensive Driving Course being offered Monday, June 9, 2014, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Employees must obtain their supervisor’s permission prior to registration to ensure there is proper coverage in their department.

To register for class, bring your payment to Human Resources (Kunsela Hall – A011). Make checks payable to The College Association. The cost is $20 for SUNYIT employees and retirees–State, Research Foundation and College Association—students and alumni; and $30 for non-employees. A class might be offered in the fall. We DO NOT have a date at this point.

By taking the NSC’s six-hour class, you will save money for three full years by receiving up to a 10% discount on your vehicle collision and liability insurance premiums each year. This discount applies to the base rate of your automobile and motorcycle insurance premiums providing you are listed as the principal operator.

The same six-hour class may allow you to receive up to a four-point reduction on your driving record with the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles. The class may be taken once every 18 months for point reduction.

The best benefit you can receive from our six-hour defensive driving course is a safer, smarter way of driving. Taking this course is priceless and can help save lives.