On October 11, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a further extension of the flexibilities on Form I-9 compliance requirements that have been in place since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance was set to expire October 31, but has now been extended through July 31, 2023.
CUPA-HR General Counsel Ira Shepard’s overview this month includes a federal court rejecting the EEOC’s demands that a university turn over documents related to an internal investigation concerning pay equity claims, a university golf coach’s retaliatory termination claim for raising concerns around gender inequity in the college’s athletics department, a California appeals court ruling that the COVID-19 pandemic has broadened where employees may sue for job bias, and more.
In the wake of the Great Resignation and talent recruitment challenges, heavy workloads have led to stress and burnout for some employees. Building psychological safety and bringing the fun back to work can reduce the impact of overwork and burnout. So what is psychological safety, and how can HR integrate it and the elements of fun and play into the workplace?
Onboarding programs consisting of a brief history lesson about the institution and instructions for how to get a parking pass aren’t likely to inspire new hires. Here are three elements of onboarding programs that go beyond the basics to create a deeper understanding of campus culture and a sense of belonging.
On September 12, CUPA-HR submitted comments in response to the Department of Education’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend Title IX. The NPRM seeks to rollback and replace the Trump administration’s 2020 Title IX rule, specifically with respect to its grievance procedures, and establish expanded protections against sex-based discrimination to cover sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy or related conditions.
CUPA-HR General Counsel Ira Shepard’s overview this month includes a coach’s First Amendment retaliatory discharge claim, an appeal on gender dysphoria coverage under the ADA, a class action suit against West Virginia for denial of gender-affirming care, and more.
In higher education, we must plan for many worst-case scenarios, including tornados, fires, active-shooter situations, and, as we now know, pandemics. Among this wide range of difficult scenarios that could present themselves on our campuses at any time, suicide is one that deserves more attention and discussion. Here are four ways HR can take the lead on awareness and prevention efforts.
On Oct. 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education announced a change to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program rules for a limited time as a result of the COVID-19 national emergency. Millions of non-profit and government employees have federal student loans and may now be eligible for loan forgiveness or additional credit through the limited PSLF waiver. But they need to act fast. The special waiver expires October 31, 2022.
On August 18, the Department of Homeland Security published in the Federal Register its anticipated Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on optional alternative examination practices for employers when reviewing an individual’s identity and employment authorization documents required by the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. Interested stakeholders can submit comments on the NPRM through October 17.
When August arrives, Congress leaves D.C. and heads to their home districts for the annual August recess period. To keep CUPA-HR members apprised of recent and future actions on the Hill and in federal agencies, here are highlights of the latest actions by Congress, nominations they’ll have to consider when they return, and regulations that may be issued throughout the month.