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1. Deadline Friday: Important Info on TechSelect 2009 Enrollment |
submitted by the Benefits Office
On-line enrollment will end midnight on Friday, Dec.5. If you do not complete online enrollment by then, your benefit package will default to HuskyCare HSA, with no dental/vision coverage for 2009 and 2010, and your Flexible Spending Accounts will not continue into 2009.
If you or a dependent have other medical insurance in addition to your Michigan Tech medical coverage, under IRS rules, you cannot enroll in the HuskyCare HSA. Examples of other coverage (but not a complete list) include Medicare, tribal insurance, MPSERS retiree insurance, student health insurance, state employee insurance and Tri-Care.
Important facts about deductibles under the PPO and HSA plans
1. For HuskyCare PPO, if you are covered as a family, there is a $1,000 family deductible. However, once one family member meets the single deductible ($500), expenses for that person will start being paid by the plan. The other family members' expenses will go toward the second $500 deductible. Hospitalization expenses (in- and outpatient) are included in the deductible.
2. For HuskyCare HSA, the IRS requires that the full family deductible of $3,000 be met before the plan can begin paying expenses for any family member. There is no individual deductible to satisfy within the family deductible. If you are covered as a single individual, the individual deductible is $1,500. All expenses (except preventative) are included in the deductible.
Important facts about out-of-pocket maximums under the PPO and HSA plans
1. The out-of-pocket maximum under the PPO is $1,500 for an individual and $3,000 for a family for in-network expenses (includes deductible). Once the out-of-pocket maximum is met, the plan will pay 100 percent of all services except prescription drugs and emergency room co-pays. Once one family member meets the single out-of-pocket maximum ($1,500), expenses for that person will start being paid at 100 percent (with the above exceptions). The other family members' expenses will go toward the second $1,500 out-of-pocket maximum.
2. The out-of-pocket maximum under the HSA is $2,500 for an individual and $5,000 for a family (which includes deductible). Under a family plan, all family members' expenses will go toward the $5,000 out-of-pocket maximum. There is no individual out-of-pocket maximum to satisfy within the family limit. After the out-of-pocket maximums are met under the HSA, all expenses will be paid at 100 percent (including prescriptions and ER visits).
3. Wellness visits (one per calendar year) will be covered at 100 percent under both the HuskyCare PPO and HuskyCare HSA. This includes the preventative screenings done in conjunction with a preventative visit (same benefit as in 2008).
The HuskyCare PPO and HSA Benefit summaries have been updated online. Please refer to the site http://www.admin.mtu.edu/hro/TechSelect/index.shtml for more information on the 2009 open enrollment.
If you have any questions, please call the Benefits Office at 487-2517 or email Renee Hiller at rlhiller@mtu.edu . |
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2. Reminder: Campus Forum Today |
President Glenn Mroz will host a campus forum today, Thursday, Dec. 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Memorial Union Ballroom.
Release time will be provided for the hourly staff with the approval of their supervisor. Everyone is encouraged to attend. |
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3. Staff Profiles: Ashley Hokenson, Patti Myllyoja, Erin Ross and Mike Morelli |
In recognition of Staff Appreciation Week, Tech Today is publishing profiles of staff members submitted by Staff Council. Rozsa Center staff profiles are featured today.
The major functions of the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts are
• to present nationally and internationally known arts and entertainment groups in an effort to foster creativity and provide culturally valuable experiences to students, staff, faculty and the community at large;
• to provide a state-of-the-art facility in which students of all majors can participate as performers, crew or audience members;
• to create a focal point for arts and culture in the area through cooperation, collaboration and consideration when programming events so that community wishes for entertainment are recognized and considered as arts calendars evolve;
• to develop new ways to integrate students into projects that have national and international reach; and
• to represent Michigan Tech in the artistic community locally, regionally and nationally.
The Rozsa Center has between 40 and 50 volunteers, both students and community members, who contribute more than 1,000 hours annually; seven staff members--six full-time and one part-time; and 30 to 40 student employees.
Ashley Hokenson, box office and client services manager
Number of years at Michigan Tech: 11
My responsibilities include the overall management of the Rozsa Box Office and front-of-house operations, as well as the management of all internal and external lobby and performance-hall rentals; the management of ticket sales for all events presented by resident and non-resident tenants; and the management and negotiation of specialized-ticketing contracts with internal and external clients.
My typical day at the Rozsa Center consists of meeting with rental clients and coordinating events.
I believe I have one of the best jobs on campus. My main duty is coordinating facility rentals for various functions and events such as University productions, lectures/presentations, student events and receptions/dinners. I have the privilege of working with culturally diverse groups of people from around the world. It's a demanding job, but I find it very interesting and challenging. The days are never boring with juggling and coordinating rental activities.
One of the most satisfying experiences is working on performances from start to finish. From the time the show is booked to when tickets go on sale to the day of the show when the performance hall is sold out, it gives me a great sense of accomplishment. On the evening of performances, my job is to wrap up ticket sales and troubleshoot so the performance begins on time and our patrons have an enjoyable experience. My success is due to working with great co-workers and student staff who are dedicated to providing the best customer service so our patrons leave the Rozsa Center with a memorable experience.
Patti Myllyoja, senior staff assistant
Location: Rozsa 106
Number of years at Michigan Tech: starting the 15th year
Our office is responsible for the Great Events Series at the Rozsa. In brief, that entails everything from projecting performance account budgets and processing contracts to providing transportation and hospitality for the performers. There are a lot of details that we manage for each show, such as making sure we have the specific items that are required on a performer's hospitality rider, from bath towels and bar soap to stocking the tour bus after the show. We are the folks behind the scenes, and it's amazing how much is involved with each show. We have weekly production meetings with our staff and a teleconference with a representative from the show to make sure that everyone is in the loop and all requirements for the show are being met.
At the end of a typical day, as they say, "The show must go on!"
I enjoy working at Michigan Tech because of the variety of people with which I have the opportunity to associate. From first-year students that I meet and watch mature into extraordinary people, who then go out and do amazing things as alums of the institution, to performers that travel the world and share their experiences. There are so many wonderful stories that people share, and working at Michigan Tech, in a campus environment, is a very rewarding experience.
Erin Ross, office assistant 5, Class Acts coordinator
Location: Rozsa 104
Number of years at Michigan Tech: first year
My typical day includes balancing the cash drawers, selling tickets at the box office, processing invoices and planning shows for the Class Acts Series.
I enjoy working at Michigan Tech because we have such a great staff at the Rozsa Center. The people that I work with are a lot of fun, and I get to meet a lot of interesting people every day. Seeing the excitement on the faces of children that come out of one of our Class Acts shows is one of the greatest experiences for me.
Mike Morelli, director of the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts
Number of years at Michigan Tech: one
Typically, I work with colleagues across the campus and the country to bring cultural events to the Rozsa Center.
I enjoy working at Michigan Tech and the Rozsa Center because I can see firsthand the impact we have on the campus and community by bringing in international and national cultural events. |
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4. Jung Named All-American Honorable Mention |
by Ian Marks, assistant director of marketing and athletic communications
Senior Jen Jung was named to the 2008 American Volleyball Coaches Association NCAA Division II All-American Honorable Mention Team. Jung is the first All-American selection for Michigan Tech since Marisol Mosquera was named to the first team in 1997.
"This is a tremendous honor for Jen," said head coach Krista Mikesch. "She has helped elevate our program every year and will be missed for her leadership both on and off the court."
Jung, a 6-1 middle hitter, finished with a school-record 569 career blocks. This season she recorded 148 blocks, third best in the nation. She also finished fourth in the GLIAC in hitting percentage (.331). The Andover, Minn., native holds the school record for most career blocks with 569. She was also named to the All-GLIAC team four times in her career, including her third first-team selection this year.
Michigan Tech finished the season 19-11 overall and qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the seventh time in school history. |
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5. Michigan Tech Preschool Enrollment Open |
submitted by Michigan Tech Preschool
Michigan Tech Preschool is currently enrolling children ages three to five for the winter term. Classroom activities focus on hands-on learning with opportunities for circle time, independent playtime, one-on-one teacher-directed activities and daily outdoor playtime. Michigan Tech Preschool has 50 years of excellence in early-childhood education.
Monthly tuition rates are $62 for the three-year-old program and $95 for the four-year-old program. Tuition discounts are available for families living in Daniell Heights.
For more information, visit www.mtupreschool.org or call Michigan Tech Preschool Registrar Brita Odegard at 482-5193. |
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6. University Winter Break Hours, Send Irregular Holiday Hours to Human Resources to Be Posted Online |
submitted by Chris Mattson, Human Resources
The University will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 24, and Thursday, Dec. 25, and Wednesday, Dec. 31, and Thursday, Jan. 1. The University as a whole will not hold regular hours during the winter break (Dec. 24 through Jan. 4). Regular business hours will resume on Monday, Jan. 5.
For units that are considered to be critical operations, regular hours and shifts will be held as usual for the entire winter break. If you need help in determining whether you or your area is considered critical operations, please check with your supervisor.
Human Resources will post winter break hours of operation for the campus community at www.admin.mtu.edu/hro/ . If your department will hold irregular or limited hours, please email them to Chris Mattson, cmattson@mtu.edu , in the HR Office. If we do not hear from you, we will assume that your area will be open for the entire week, so your department will not be listed.
Questions pertaining to the holiday schedule or posting holiday hours can be directed to Mattson at 487-2281. |
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7. Library Holiday Hours Begin Dec. 20 |
Winter break hours for the J. R. Van Pelt/Opie Library follow:
* Dec. 20-21: closed
* Dec. 22-23: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
* Dec. 24-28: closed
* Dec. 29-30: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
* Dec. 31-Jan. 4: closed
Interlibrary loan/document delivery services may be delayed in the processing and delivery of materials requested after Dec. 12. |
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8. Here Comes Santa Claus: A Gift from Fleet Services |
by John Gagnon, promotional writer
Pete Pelissero is getting into the spirit of the season.
With gas prices plunging faster than Santa Claus can tumble down the chimney, Pelissero, manager of Fleet Services, is lowering the rent on Michigan Tech's fleet of vehicles by five cents per mile.
The new rates range from 45 cents per mile for a sedan to 74 cents per mile for a 12- to 15-passenger van with a hitch.
The new rates will also apply to those customers who rent vehicles throughout the year on a monthly basis.
Please refer to the following website for current rates and the surcharge rates, which were effective Dec. 1: www.admin.mtu.edu/fm/motorpool .
Pelissero says that Fleet Services has 70 vehicles; on a typical day, 75 percent are in use.
He says the gas rates haven't changed since September 2007, when regular was $3.23 a gallon.
At this time of year, according to reliable sources at the North Pole, cheaper fuel is much better than a lump of coal. |
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9. Reminder: Fill Gift Bags for First-Year Women at University Women's Connection Holiday Gathering Dec. 10 |
Women in the Michigan Tech community are invited to the University Women's Connection annual holiday gathering on Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the University Residence, 21680 Woodland Road, Houghton.
Members and guests will fill gift bags to give to first-year women students, a University Women's Connection tradition. They'll also share delicious holiday treats and recognize Board of Control member Ruth Reck, whose generous contribution provided gift-bag goodies this year.
Members pay $10, guests $15.
The University Women's Connection provides opportunities for women to meet in fun and friendship, to develop interests and to use their many talents in service to the community. The organization awards two $750 scholarships each year, welcomes newcomers with a helpful list of community services, sponsors fall, spring and holiday gatherings, and fills gift bags for first-year women at the holiday season.
RSVP to UWC President Gail Mroz, gamroz@mtu.edu . |
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10. MSE Seminar Friday |
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Assistant Professor Ryan Gilbert (Biomedical Engineering) will give an MSE seminar Friday, Dec. 5, from 3 to 4 p.m. in M & M 610, "Spinal Cord Regeneration--A Materials Approach." |
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11. Chemistry Seminar Friday |
James R. Kincaid, Pfletschinger Habermann Professor from the Department of Chemistry at Marquette University, will present a seminar, "Freeze Frame Flicks of Fleeting Intermediates in Heme Enzyme Reactions", Friday, Dec. 5, at 3 p.m. in Chem Sci 101. A discussion period will follow. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome to attend.
For more information, visit www.chemistry.mtu.edu/pages/seminars/index.php . |
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12. Proposals in Progress |
Mike Morley (TED), "Enhanced Biomorphic Helmet," University of Michigan/Michigan Universities Commercialization Initiative (MUCI)
Jeffrey D. Naber and Scott A. Miers (ME-EM, APSRC, CFA), "Research Collaboration with Argonne National Laboratories for Graduate Student Research in Internal Combustion Engines," Argonne National Laboratory LLC
William I. Rose and Simon A. Carn (GMES/RSI), "Planning Visits for Volcanology Research and Workshop, Indonesia," NSF Office of International Science and Engineering
Nancy French (MTRI), "Linking NASA Satellite Data and Science to Enhance Fire Emissions within the EPA's National Emissions Inventory," National Institute of Aerospace
Michele Miller (ME-EM), Chris S. Anderson (Institutional Diversity), Jackie Huntoon (Graduate School), Jim Turnquist (Career Center) and Christopher Wojick (CEE), "Michigan Tech SSEED: Sustained Support to Ensure Engineering Degrees," NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Colin Brooks (MTRI), "Predicting Scenarios of Future Endangered Species Habitat Due to Climate Change in Great Lakes Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems," NASA (ROSES A.18)
Jindong Tan (ECE/CISSIC), "Framework and Architecture for the Coordination of Human and Robot Formations," University of Michigan
Jason R Carter (ESHPE/BRC), "Aerobic Capacity of Elite Collegiate Hockey Players: Sport-Specific Assessment," Portage Sports Medicine Institute
Robert Shuchman, Colin Brooks and Charles Hatt (MTRI), "Multi-Scale Assessment of Water Quality Using a Refined Chlorophyll, Dissolved Organic Carbon and Suspended Minerals Algorithm for the Great Lakes Hydrologic System," NASA
Jindong Tan, Michael Roggemann, Gerry Tian, Roger Kieckhafer (ECE/CISSIC), William Helton, J. Chris Brill (Cognitive and Learning Sciences) and Bo Chen (ME-EM), "Equipment for Rapidly Deployable Networking and Sensing Infrastructure," US Department of Defense-Air Force Office of Scientific Research
Shiyue Fang (Chemistry/BRC), "Block Gene Expression Using a Hybridization-Forced Cross-Linking Approach," NIH
Tammy Haut Donahue (ME-EM/BRC), "The Response of Meniscal Tissue to Altered Loading," Aircast Foundation
Zhijun Zhao, Michael C. Roggemann and Christopher T. Middlebrook (ECE/CISSIC), "Extending the Useful Range of Optical Communication Through the Atmosphere," US Department of Defense-Office of Naval Research
Keat Ghee Ong (BME/MTTI) and Zhanping You (CEE/MTTI), "Embedded Sensors for Moisture Monitoring in Transportation Systems," National Academies-Transportation Research Board
Robert Shuchman, Colin Brooks, Chuck Hatt (MTRI) and Martin Auer (CEE), "Determining the Feasibility of Mapping and Monitoring the Extent of Cladophora in the Laurentian Great Lakes with Multi-Scale Remote Sensing," NASA
Robert E. Froese (SFRES/ESC), "Timber Inventory Plot Design for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources," State of Michigan-Department of Management and Budget
Rod Chimner (ESC/SFRES), "Sustainable Management and Restoration of Montane Meadows in the Sierra Nevada, California," Colorado State University (pass through from Sierra Nevada Conservancy)
Ossama Abdelkhalik (ME-EM/MuSTI), "Algorithm and Software Package Development for Optimal Dynamic Reconfiguration of Satellite Constellations for Cost-Effective, Continuous Data Collection of Highly Dynamic Set of Targets," NRO
Ryan Gilbert (Biomedical Engineering), "Chondroitinase ABC and NT-3 Releasing Biomaterials for Spinal Cord Repair," PVA Research Foundation
Jeffrey S. Allen (ME-EM/APSRC), "Stability, Cellular Structure and Heat Transfer of Evaporating Films in Normal and Reduced Gravity," University of Washington
Laura Chavez (MTRI), "Identifying Locations and Assessing Forested Vernal Pool Functions," Michigan Natural Feature Inventory-Michigan State University
Jacqueline Huntoon (Graduate School), "Fostering Inclusiveness in a STEM-Dominant University: A Strategy for Success in Graduate Education," Council of Graduate Schools Peterson's Award
Keat Ghee Ong (Biomedical Engineering/TED) and Michael Morley (TED), "A Wireless Sensor System for Detecting Knee Arthroplasty Implant Failure Due to Polyethylene Wear," MUCI
Shiyue Fang (Chemistry) and Michael Morley (TED), "Michigan University Commercialization Initiative (MUCI) Proposal for Purification of Oligonucleotides," University of Michigan/MUCI
Paul Bergstrom, Chris Middlebrook and Jindong Tan (ECE), "MIIE Match: Developing the Point of View Wearable Video Future Systems," V.I.O. Inc.
Karla Kitalong (Humanities), "Water's Journey Through the Everglades Formative Evaluation," University of Central Florida
David Watkins and Heather Wright Wendel (CEE), "Environmental Sustainability and Urban Rehabilitation in Developing Communities-Heather Wright Wendel," NSF
Yun Hang Hu (MSE), "Promoting Effects of Anions on Hydrogen Storage Reactions of Li-N Based Materials," NSF (Energy for Sustainability: PD 08-7644)
Colin Brooks (MTRI), "Freight Flow Study," Ohio State University
Colin Brooks (MTRI), "Demonstrating Applications of Geospatial Techniques and Remote Sensing to Improve the Transportation Corridor Planning Process," Mississippi State University
Terry McNinch (LTAP/TDG/MTTI), "TAMC Training 2008," Michigan Department of Transportation
Kim Fook Lee (Physics/BRC), "Optical Phase-Space-Time-Frequency Tomography for Biomedical Applications," NSF
Mark Stuff (MTRI), "Long-Range Target Identification SBIR" and "RF Tomography for Reduction of IED Thread SBIR," Integrity Applications Incorporated
Tammy Haut Donahue (ME-EM/MuSTI), "New Methodologies in Design of Small Blood Pumps," Penn State
Miguel Levy (Physics), "Manufacturability of Multi-Function Photonic Integrated Circuits," Srico Inc.
Yun Hang Hu (MSE), "Catalytic Activation, Spillover and Storage of Hydrogen on Transition-Metal/Metal-Organic-Frameworks," NSF (Catalysts and Biocatalysts, PD 08-1401)
Kurt Paterson, Veronica Griffis and David Watkins (CEE/D80/SFI), "International: Developing Global Engineers and Scientists through Collaborative Technology Innovation for Public Health Improvements in Tanzania," NSF
Lanrong Bi (Chemistry/BRC), "High Fidelity DNA Sequencing Using Solid Phase Capturable Dideoxynucleotides and MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry," NSF
Joseph H. Holles (Chemical Engineering/SFI), "Overlayer Catalysts for Sustainable Hydrogen Production from Lactose," NSF
Fernando Ponta (ME-EM/APSRC), "Collaborative Research: Dynamical Analysis of Vortex Wakes," NSF
Amitabh Narain (APSRC/ME-EM), "Fundamental Forced Flow Condensation Research that Facilitates Development of Space-Based Two-Phase Thermal Systems," NASA
Max Seel (Physics), "Potential Surfaces Important in the Development of New High-Energy Chemical Lasers, New Energy Functionals for Protein Simulations and New Biosensors," Oak Ridge Associated Universities
Joe Burns (MTRI), "Ground-Based RBR," Sensis
Terry McNinch (LTAP/TDG/MTTI), "MERL 2009," MDOT
Roshan D'Souza (ME-EM), "CRI II-New: Data-Parallel Platform for Large-Scale Simulation of Agent-Based Models in Systems Biology," NSF
Seyed (Reza) Zekavat (ECE/CISSIC), "Smart Antenna Dynamic Beam Pattern Technology," NSF
Laura Chavez (MTRI), "Vulnerability and Resiliency of Black Spruce Forests in a Changing Climate and Fire Regime," University of Maryland
Gregory M. Odegard (ME-EM/MuSTI), "Multi-Scale Modeling of Liquid Crystalline/Nanotube Composites," University of Dayton
Jeffrey Naber, Seong-Young Lee and Scott Miers (ME-EM/APSRC), "Michigan Tech Support of Navistar Inc. Lead Proposal Entitled 'Advanced Fuel-Engine Modeling for Clean and Efficient Combustion,'" Navistar Inc.
Gopal Jayaraman (ME-EM), "FEM Evaluation of Effectiveness of Football Helmets for Direct Versus Indirect Impacts," National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment
Karla Saari Kitalong (Humanities), "Formative Evaluation of 'Dancing the Earth: A Metaphor Laboratory for Environmental Science,'" University of Central Florida
Tammy L. Haut Donahue (ME-EM/BRC) and Gregory M. Odegard (ME-EM), "The Biomechanical Response of Meniscal Tissue to Pathological Loading," NSF
Bo Chen (ME-EM), "An Artificial Immune System-Based Sensor Network Framework for Autonomous Structural Health Monitoring," NSF
Donald Secor (ECE) and Rick Berkey (Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies), "Senior Design: Radar Communications Simulator," MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Ulrich H. E. Hansmann (Physics), "Probing Folding and Assembly of Proteins through High-Performance Computing," DOE
James R. Wood (GMES), "Novel Configurations and Methods for Widespread Geothermal Energy Extraction," Fleis and VandenBrink Engineering
Ramakrishna Wusirika (Biological Sciences/BRC), "Identification and Characterization of Bidirectional Promoters from Maize," National Institutes of Health ROI Program
Laura Bourgeau-Chavez and Colin Brooks (MTRI),"“USFWS Task Order 1," USFWS
Liza Liversedge (MTRI), "Bering Glacier Web Portal Hosting and Upgrades," BLM
Zhanping You (CEE/TMRC/MTTI), Gregory M. Odegard and Qingli Dai (ME-EM), "Collaborative Research: Nanocomposite Modified Asphalt Materials," NSF
Ravindra Pandey (Physics), "US-Southeast Asia Workshop on Frontiers of Science, Technology and Education at Nanoscale," NSF
Vladimir D. Tonchev (Mathematical Sciences), "Combinatorial Designs and Hamada's Conjecture," NSF
Miguel Levy (Physics/MSE/MuSTI) and Amir A. Jalali (Physics), "Degenerate Bandgaps in Magneto-Photonic Crystals and Biochemical Sensors," NSF
Keat Ghee Ong (Biomedical Engineering/BRC) and Zhanping You (CEE), "Passive, Wireless Strain Sensors for Non-Destructive Stress Evaluation in Pavements," NSF
Lesley Lovett-Doust (Provost's Office/SFI), John Sutherland (ME-EM/SFI), Chris S. Anderson (Institutional Diversity/SFI), Mark Gockenbach (Mathematical Sciences/SFI) and John Irwin (School of Technology/SFI), "Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program in Sustainability (STEPS)," NSF
Qingli Dai and Zhanping You (CEE/MTTI), "Collaborative Research: Understanding the Mechanism of Internal Frost-Induced Damage of Concrete from Microstructure Objects," NSF |
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13. Job Posting |
Staff job descriptions are available in the Human Resources Office or at http://www.admin.mtu.edu/hro/postings . For more information regarding staff positions, call 487-2280 or email jobs@mtu.edu .
Faculty job descriptions can be found at www.admin.mtu.edu/hro/facpers/facvac.htm . For more information regarding faculty positions, contact the academic department in which the position is posted.
Staff Job Posting
12/04/08-12/10/08
Office Assistant 4
Human Resources/Payroll Services
UAW internal and external posting
Michigan Technological University is an equal opportunity educational institution/equal opportunity employer. |
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