Osprey Update for Faculty and Staff

Open enrollment begins 8 a.m. ET Monday, Oct. 14, and ends 6 p.m. ET Friday, Nov. 1. Check out the benefit guide for the "Six Reasons to Pay Attention During Open Enrollment." Make changes online in People First or call the People First Service Center weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET at (866) 663-4735 or TTY (866) 221-0268.

• Avoid the rush: Make changes early and online
• Review your personalized benefits statement carefully: Includes your current selection and options for the next plan year, including monthly cost
• Make changes as many times as you'd like during the open enrollment period: Selections become final 6 p.m. ET Friday, Nov. 1
• If you don’t make changes during open enrollment, all of your previous elections will continue into the new plan year, including the dollar amount deductions toward your healthcare flexible spending account (FSA), limited purpose FSA, dependent care FSA, and/or health savings account (HSA)

If you make changes, you will receive a confirmation statement in the mail or you may view your confirmation statement online in People First. Select the "Insurance Benefits" tile on your home page, then "Confirmation Statement." Be sure all changes are correct. Confirm you’ve enrolled your eligible dependents and removed those who are now ineligible (e.g., as a result of divorce). For further information regarding this year's Open Enrollment, visit the Division of Management services page.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced Thursday, Oct. 10, that the 2020 Social Security wage base will be $137,700, which is an increase of $4,800 from $132,900 in 2019; view the SSA fact sheet. As in prior years, there's no limit to the wages subject to the Medicare tax; therefore all covered wages are still subject to the 1.45% tax. As in 2019, wages paid in excess of $200,000 in 2020 will be subject to an extra 0.9% Medicare tax that will be withheld only from employees' wages; employers won't pay the extra tax. The FICA tax rate, which is the combined Social Security tax rate of 6.2% and the Medicare tax rate of 1.45%, will be 7.65% for 2020 up to the Social Security wage base. The maximum Social Security tax employees and employers will each pay in 2020 is $8,537.40, an increase of $297.60 from $8,239.80 in 2019.

All Banner applications will be unavailable from 5 a.m. to noon Sunday, Oct. 27, to perform maintenance. No changes to the interface are expected. Students, faculty and staff will still be able to access Canvas and email in myWings during the downtime.

Beginning 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, two-factor authentication (powered by Duo) will be required when logging into myWings, Canvas, email and most UNF applications. If you don't enroll with Duo, access will be denied. When logging in, have with you the device that you used to enroll, so you can validate your identity. Be aware that though the ITS Help Desk will be experiencing a much higher than normal volume of calls Oct. 23 thru Friday, Oct. 25, everyone will be doing their best to assist users as quickly as possible.

After a successful participation at the Benefits Fair, the Jacksonville Zoo has decided to extend its 10% discount for Zoo membership through the end of October. To receive the discount, the employee will need to be a named adult on the membership and show employee ID at time of purchasing at the membership window. 

In preparation for the 2019 W-2 wage and tax statements to be distributed in January, the previous years' online W-2 wage and tax statements will be taken offline from myWings Employee Self-Service Monday, Oct. 28. After that date, employees requiring a copy of their W-2 wage and tax statements should contact the Payroll Office.

Week Four of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month focuses on securing personal data. Using two-factor authentication, a second layer of security, will keep an account secure even if a password is compromised. Starting Wednesday, Oct. 23, you must use two-factor authentication (powered by Duo) to verify your identity before accessing myWings, Canvas and other UNF applications. If you haven't done so already, enroll with Duo.  

Tip of the Week: Two-factor authentication combines something  like a phone or token with something you know - your password. It protects against phishing and password brute-force attacks as well as secures logins from attackers exploiting weak or stolen credentials. Keep secure by using two-factor authentication on all your accounts such as social media, financial services and personal email. 

The Division of State Group Insurance has been made aware that some employees are receiving spam phone calls and emails designed to obtain personal information. The calls are from in-state and out-of-state area codes asking for personal information to enroll in a health plan or approve a prescription; the emails reference open enrollment and ask recipients to click on links for more information. Be cautious about disclosing confidential information or clicking on attachments or links that may contain viruses. Employees can learn more about open enrollment by visiting the website. DSGI and plan providers offering benefits to employees in the State Group Insurance Program will continue to monitor spam activity.

• UNF students building Bluetooth-enabled cars for kids with disabilities: UNF students are building specialized car toys for children with disabilities. The class is a mix of engineering and physical therapy majors who are involved in the Adaptive Toy Project, which is now in its sixth year. Students told Action News Jax that the project is fun and fulfilling. 
• UNF professor using gaming site to help students: Chemistry professor, Dr. Josh Melko, is tapping into the trend of online gaming. He’s making himself available to students on a popular streaming platform for gamers -- called Twitch. He's been using Twitch for office hours for more than a year and says the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. He shared his unique teaching method with WJXT Ch. 4.
• Inside the Southern Living Idea House: UNF graduates Matthew Birdwell and Jarrod Knox of Riverside Homes were an integral part in the development of the Southern Living Idea House for Southern Living magazine. They shared about their experience on the "Completely Booked" podcast.
• Healthy vending machine options bring in more money: The American Heart Association is pushing for healthier vending machine options in all city-owned buildings in Jacksonville. To assess the impact, the American Heart Association teamed up with UNF and Brooks Rehabilitation to conduct a study on healthy vending options and revenue. The story was covered by WJXT Ch. 4.
• Florida alligator hunters stalk reptiles during harvest window: Dr. Adam Rosenblatt, an ecologist and assistant professor of biology who specializes in alligators, told the Orlando Sentinel that unregulated alligator hunting took place from the mid-1800s until the 1950s.

For more stories about UNF faculty, staff and students, go to "Featured Stories." 

Spaces on the second floor of the Fine Arts Center Parking Garage, Garage 44, will be reserved for guests attending Media Week, as follows: 

• Monday, Oct. 21: 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; six spaces
• Tuesday, Oct. 22: 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; 12 spaces
• Wednesday, Oct. 23: 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; 25 spaces

Applications are being accepted for Cohort 4 of the Community Engagement Research Faculty Fellowship; submit applicant information to unfcares@unf.edu by 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2. Application and research proposal requirements as well as eligibility, benefits and commitments information can be viewed on the CER Faculty Fellowship webpage.

Faculty planning to attend the upcoming commencement ceremony must rent regalia through the UNF Bookstore on or before Friday, Oct. 25. Order online via the commencement website, or visit the UNF Bookstore; those serving as a marshal or reader should email the commencement coordinator.

The application deadline for the 2020 Environmental Center Seed Grants is 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27. A total of three grants ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 will be awarded. Further guidelines and the application form are available on the Environmental Center website.

The Society for Research in Human Development (SRHD) will host its biennial conference at the University in March. Students and faculty who conduct research relevant to human development are encouraged to submit abstracts for poster and paper presentations; deadline for submissions is Friday, Nov. 1.​

Meet the men's and women's basketball teams, get autographs and watch practice as well as hear from the coaches, enter a raffle and shop at the UNF Athletics gear sale. Season ticket holders and Osprey Club members can pick up credentials, parking passes and tickets. 

Cheer on the volleyball team as it hosts Kennesaw State University; doors open at noon. View ticket information.

Cheer on the volleyball team as it hosts Stetson; doors open at 6 p.m.  Halloween candy will be given out to trick-or-treaters under age 13. BOGO tickets: children wearing Halloween costumes; parents wearing a Parents Weekend badge. View ticket information.

Cheer on the women's soccer team for Senior Night as it hosts Jacksonville University; doors open at 5 p.m. The first 100 fans will receive a free T-shirt. BOGO tickets (child free with adult ticket purchase) for Florida Elite Night; view ticket information.

Chase your prey as a zombie or run for your life to receive a prize. The Healthy Osprey ambassadors are looking for zombies, runners and volunteers for the annual Zombie Run. Applications are available, Student Wellness Complex, Building 61, Room 1200, at the front desk.   

Free, rapid HIV Testing will be provided by our community partner, JASMYN. 

"Neighborhoods," an exhibition on loan from the Museum of Science and History, is on display now through Sunday, Dec. 1, Carpenter Library, Building 12. The exhibit consists of illustrated text panels that trace the historical development of Jacksonville's neighborhoods.

A screening of the film "Happy Together" will be followed by a discussion moderated by Dr. Nicholas de Villiers, professor of English and film, and featuring guest respondent Dr. Yongan Wu, associate professor of Chinese. This event is part of "Cross-Cultural Encounters," the International Studies Program fall film series.

Enjoy Spook-A-Thon, a marathon of spooky movies and a pumpkin painting station. Due to this event's nature, early arrival is highly recommended.

Celebrate the fire arts at the Fall Iron Pour where attendees can create an iron piece by making a scratch block in sand and having it cast in iron; no prior experience necessary. Entry is free and open to the public; parking will be available in Lots 9 and 10.

In this free, three-hour basic vehicle maintenance workshop, learn how to navigate your owner's manual, check main fluid reservoirs, understand warning lights, jump-start your car, check the tire air pressure and safely change a tire. To sign up, call Officer Karen Livingston. 

Roger McNamee, co-founder of Elevation Partners and author of 'Zucked: Waking Up to the Facebook Catastrophe,' has been a Silicon Valley investor for 35 years and served as a technical advisor for HBO’s "Silicon Valley," seasons two through five. This event is a part of the Distinguished Voices Lecture Series.

In recognition of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the ITS Security Team is hosting a webinar workshop to overview the University's new technology and processes to keep you safe. Register online or in person. 

A lecture titled "More that Just Mosaics: The Ancient Synagogue at Huqoq in Israel's Galilee" will be presented by Dr. Jodi Magness, Kenan Distinguised Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism, Department of Religious Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The Science Cafe will present "Sustainable Development Goals: Origins, Impacts and Prospects for a Greener Future," featuring Dr. Joshua Gellers, political science associate professor. For questions, contact Stephanie Race, University librarian.

Visiting Artist Eric Stephenson, an American sculptor based in Chicago, will lecture on his work and workflow: virtual reality, CAD 3D modeling and ceramic shell casting.

Visiting artist Katerina Nissa Sanerib will discuss her work and the inner workings of a professional artist studio. View the artist's website.

Meet representatives from the Enterprise company and discuss their "Boots to Business" program.

The documentary "Deconstructing My Religion" is the story of "exvangelicals," those who are leaving the Evangelical Christian neighborhood reconstructing new cultures. A panel discussion featuring Dr. Julie Ingersoll, religious studies professor, and Dr. Chrissy Stroop, who both appear in the film, will follow the film screening; a light dinner will be served. This is part of Interfaith Week's Neighborhood Film Fest.

Celebrate the Festival of Lights, one of the most significant festivals in Indian culture, with Asian Students in Alliance (ASIA) and Osprey South Asian Association (OSAA). Learn about the significance of this holiday through traditional dancing, Indian food and more.

In observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, purple ribbons and bows will be displayed throughout campus to raise awareness and honor those who have been impacted. A limited number of purple lapel pins to wear throughout October are available at the Women's Center, Founders Hall, Building 2, Room 2100.

The documentary "Of Many" tells the story of a Jewish rabbi and Muslim imam who, in the midst of conflict, bring their university students together and create a new interfaith neighborhood. A dialogue with local faith leaders will follow the screening; a light breakfast will be served. This event is part of Interfaith Week's Neighborhood Film Fest.

Trans Talks is a peer led discussion group that allows transgender, nonbinary and gender nonconforming individuals to meet and discuss a wide range of topics associated with being transgender. As a peer discussion group, no mental health counselor or other accredited professional is available at this event. Trans Talks participants must be currently enrolled in classes at the University; special considerations will be made for college students at FSCJ, JU or other college/university.

Fill out a brief survey to share feedback regarding dining services on campus by Thursday, Oct. 31. To receive a thank you coupon for a free Starbucks tall drip coffee, include your email address on the last page when submitting the survey; coupons will be emailed Friday, Nov. 1.

Try out the Osprey Cafe dining options for just $6 when paying with cash or credit. Learn more about meal membership options via DineonCampus.com/UNF.

Follow @UNF_Dining on Twitter all this month to get access to special Daily Deals, as part of our "Trick or Tweet" promotional series. Every day in October, a special, one-day-only deal will be Tweeted. To redeem, just retweet and show the offer to the cashier at checkout.

The upcoming Center for Instruction and Research Technology workshops are scheduled as follows:

• Tools for Student Engagement in Canvas: 3 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, Honors Hall, Building 10, Room 1102; Register 
• Using Canvas Analytics to Improve Student Success: 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, Online; Register

The upcoming training sessions are as follows:

• Active Shooter Training for Faculty: 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 21, Andrew A. Robinson Jr. Theater, Building 14A, Room 1312
• Excel 2016 Level I - Beginner: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, Hicks Hall, Building 53, Room 1400
• Active Shooter Training for Faculty: 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, J. Brooks Brown Hall, Building 39, Room 2006
• Service Requests - Famis Cloud for Self-Service Users: Wednesday, Oct. 23, Carpenter Library, Building 12, Room 4301, as follows:
  • 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.
  • 10 to 11:30 a.m. 
• Service Requests - Famis Cloud for Department Requesters: Wednesday, Oct. 23, Carpenter Library, Building 12, Room 4301, as follows:
  • 12:30 to 2 p.m. 
  • 2 to 3:30 p.m. 
• CMS Training - Beginner: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, Hicks Hall, Building 53, Room 1400
• Document Compliance Working Labs: Thursday, Oct. 24, Hicks Hall, Building 53, Room 1400, as follows:
  • 9 to 11 a.m.
  • 2 to 4 p.m. 
• Accepting Credit Card Payments - Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards Compliance: 3 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, Carpenter Library, Building 12, Room 4301
• Active Shooter Training for Faculty: Friday, Oct. 25, as follows:
  • 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Schultz Hall, Building 9, Room 1421
  • 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Skinner-Jones Hall, Building 4, Room 1706
• Supervisory Skills - Supervising Students: 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 25, Hicks Hall, Building 53, Room 1420
• Information for Search/Screen Committee Members and Title IX Briefing: 2:30 to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, J. J. Daniel Hall, Building 1, Room 1306

The Student Union is now accepting priority status applications for fall 2020. Events granted priority status are permitted to schedule their space up to two years in advance.

The Alumni Association welcomes alumni, Osprey family, parents and friends back to the Nest as Family Weekend kicks off with a casual reception.

The University Police Department is participating in a statewide initiative to improve pedestrian, bicycle and skateboard safety on campus. In an effort to protect the safety of these most vulnerable road users, UPD will conduct High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) details in the University’s high traffic crosswalks. Funded through a contract in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation's focused initiative, the goal is to increase awareness of and compliance with traffic laws that protect the safety of pedestrians, skateboarders, and bicyclists. Always be mindful and use extra care in crosswalk areas, whether on foot or in a motor vehicle.

First-generation college students, faculty and staff members can visit the Undergraduate Studies table at Market Days to pick up a free "Proud to be First Generation" pin. Wear it proudly on National First-Generation Celebration Day, Friday, Nov. 8. 

The Student Affairs office will host an open house reception to celebrate the upcoming retirement of Mary McConville, executive assistant. Stop by to wish her well and enjoy some light refreshments.

Celebrate Nancy's retirement from the University; RSVP by Wednesday, Oct. 23, to Courtney Moore, office manager.

In conjunction with the annual fall costume parade, 10 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25, the Preschool will host a "Trunk Or Treat." In addition to providing and handing out treats, departments are invited to bring a decorated car. Spaces for vehicles are limited; contact the Preschool now to reserve a spot. A reminder regarding treats: the Preschool is a "nut/peanut butter free" center so be sure the treats are as well. Stickers, small toys and chips are good candy substitutes.

Students and families now can find the most up-to-date information on graduation by following UNF Graduation on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.