As spring is the time when life begins anew, it is an excellent opportunity to “spring into action” to put a fresh face on payroll documentation starting with the I-9 ahead of June 30’s National ESIGN Day. Traditionally, maybe not the most exciting topic, payroll documentation and new hire paperwork, the Shared Services Center is excited to integrate the Earth-friendly application, the DocuSign Agreement Cloud and eSignature, to our on-boarding processes.
One small step for the SSC, but a greater leap forward for the planet, in partnership with Human Resources, and in compliance with 2000’s federal ESIGN Act, we are beginning to turn to electronic signatures and documents to secure our audit trails. While on its face, it may not be the first document we think of when refreshing a process, the I-9 Employment Eligibility Form will be the first piece of this puzzle. Ideal because it changes annually, the I-9 is a sensitive document because it includes identifying information including social security numbers, but also passport numbers, license numbers, and the sort of thinks we tend not to publish on our social media profiles, for example, and hence, requires special attention.
The key piece for hiring managers is that the I-9 needs to be completed within three days of the start of employment meaning the first day the employee actually works, the first day that we will pay them for their new jobs. Taking the document electronic does hasten the speed in which it is processed, however, it will require the collection of email addresses up front in the hiring process, an action that is likely already happening in a less pronounced way.
DocuSign was an ideal solution for UMBC because it has proven to be so secure and user-friendly in its intuitiveness and straightforward graphic use interface. The web-based application easily routes documents to the appropriate parties for signature and allows for review and approval through a user-defined predetermined route that also allows for carbon copies to be delivered. It is key to remember to alert recipients that documents will arrive via an email that will link into a DocuSign secure account, matching your UMBC username, where users can record their own signatures manually or with the use of a font.
The SSC is proud to incorporate DocuSign into our processes this spring. Never hesitate to reach out to our team with any questions or concerns, especially as we get used to the new tool in our belts that helps with our onboarding processes. We look forward to successful implementation so that we can take more steps towards more data in the clouds, more trees in the forest, and less paper across our desks.
For common questions regarding the usage of DocuSign, check out their FAQ at https://support.docusign.com/en/
]]>Public health and other emergencies can inspire a range of emotions, including but not limited to anxiety about our own health, fear for others in our community, concern for affected family and friends, and other concerns.
Here are some resources for self-help and to understand when to seek outside help for managing these emotions. If you or someone you know has high distress that does not seem to be lessening, talk about it with others or come to the Counseling Center.
Recognizing Distress - A Self-Check List
· Increased anxiety, worry, fear, and feelings of being overwhelmed
· Depressive symptoms (e.g., sadness, feelings of guilt, crying more than usual) that persist and/or intensify
· Difficulty with focus or concentration accompanied by decreased academic performance
· A feeling of hopelessness and/or a paralyzing fear about the future
· Sudden anger/irritability and disruptive behaviors or noticeable changes in personality
· Sleep difficulties
· Isolating or withdrawing from others, fear of going into public situations
· Unhealthy coping (e.g., increased alcohol or drug use, engaging in risky/impulsive behaviors)
Psychological Health Tips
· Acknowledge reactions. Allow yourself time to reflect on what you are feeling and how you may be reacting to any fears and uncertainties about the future.
· Maintain your day-to-day normal activities and social outlets. Resist withdrawing and isolating yourself from the support and caring that others can provide.
· Seek accurate information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and try to limit exposure to social media and news reports that provide no new information.
· Pay attention to positive news instead of only focusing on negative and fear-producing reports.
· Follow the protection and prevention tips given by medical professionals such as the University Health Services here on campus, national medical authorities, and your own medical doctor.
· Practice calming rituals: Stay grounded in the present moment, which can help you maintain an internal sense of stability and balance when outside events feel threatening.
· Seek supports and utilize campus resources. Reach out to friends and family and learn about available campus resources. If you or someone you know has high distress that does not seem to be lessening, talk about it with others or come to the Counseling Center. We are here to help!
Avoid Stigmatizing or Generalizing
· Avoid making assumptions about individuals who you believe may or may not have been exposed to the virus. There have been individuals at colleges and universities who reported encountering discrimination and harassment due to biased assumptions and overreactions. We value our international community members, students of color, and everyone who may be affected by this situation. We want to remind everyone to embody UMBC’s inclusive culture by providing understanding and support during this challenging situation. Be aware of your thoughts and fears and don’t let them lead to actions that undermine the welcoming of all of UMBC’s inquisitive minds.
·
(adapted from University of Indianapolis coronavirus resources, 2020)
Name: Hafsa Shahzad
Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Shady Grove Hospital
Position Title: Medical Intern
Major(s)/Minor(s): Biology Major, Psychology Minor, Pre-Medicine.
Current Class Level: Sophomore
Work Term: Summer 2019
Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities.
My day to day responsibilities as an intern involved a variety of things. Some days would be packed, long and stressful while others stayed relatively calm. Some of my duties included having to check in patients and have them fill out questionnaires. Other times I would be asked to restock the supply closet, attend to patients, and assist patient families.
Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
The process was relatively simple since I previously volunteered at the hospital. I had a good connection with my coordinator who landed me the position.
What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization?
The position has not only given me experience but has also deepened my knowledge within the medical field which serves to be very beneficial since I am a Pre-Med student. Everyone at the hospital was willing to help and work with me allowing me to learn more.
How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
I believe I allowed the staff at the hospital to be less overwhelmed when it came to dealing with patients and answering questions.
What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
I would say it is best to call instead of email since most times emails are usually missed. Phone conversations can help you get your answer faster and allows you to directly communicate with the coordinator.
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Want to be the next Intern of the Week? Make sure to fill out this form and stay tuned. New interns are announced every Friday!
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After 41 years at UMBC, Suzanne Ostrand-Rosenberg, professor emerita of biological sciences, retired in August 2018 and moved to Utah to enjoy the mountains with her spouse. But she couldn’t stay away from her research and mentoring for long. “I just can’t quit it,” Rosenberg says. “I realized I really did not want to stop.”
That attitude is emblematic of Rosenberg’s dedication to the field of cancer immunotherapy—using the human immune system to fight cancer. It also reflects her commitment to the next generation of researchers. Now, she has been recognized by the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) as a Distinguished Fellow, a very small, international group of scientists known for their deep and lasting contributions to immunology.
“This honor correctly recognizes Sue as a leader in the field of cancer immunotherapy and her early insight that the immune system could be made to target cancer cells more effectively,” says Philip Farabaugh, professor and chair of biological sciences. “It was exciting for me, over the last 20 years, to watch how her lab homed in on this target.”
Part of the reason for Rosenberg’s unabated enthusiasm is that “right now the whole cancer immunotherapy field is at such an exciting stage,” she says. Rosenberg started on this work in the 1970s, and at that time, “nobody thought that the immune system would have any efficacy against cancer.” But in just the last 10 years, a lot has changed. Major advances have led to immunotherapies being used successfully with real patients.
“My generation of researchers in cancer immunology really set the groundwork to enable the type of advances that we’re seeing now in the clinic,” Rosenberg says. “For the people who’ve been in this field a long time, it’s very rewarding.”
Suzanne Ostrand-Rosenberg (far right, back row) and her lab members in 2013. Lucas Horn, Ph.D. ’17, is third from left in the back row (bright blue shirt). Photo courtesy Suzanne Rosenberg.
For Rosenberg, the success of her research and the success of her students have always been inextricably linked. “The students are the ones that made the success possible,” she says.
Lucas Horn, Ph.D. ’17, biological sciences, was one of Rosenberg’s final UMBC graduates and is currently a postdoc at the National Cancer Institute. “The lab environment really was a synergistic blend of ideas from all the students and Sue,” he reflects. “The open flow of ideas was often crucial in solving complicated problems, but also helped the students to develop the confidence to suggest ideas and control the direction of their projects.”
Rosenberg equally valued all members of the lab. “I always felt like an important part of the team,” says Lydia Grmai ’11, M19, biochemistry and molecular biology, who participated in undergraduate research with Rosenberg. Rosenberg’s high expectations of her students “gave us the chance to rise to the occasion,” Grmai adds. “She taught me how to really take ownership of a research project, which was instrumental as I began to envision and plan my career as an independent scientist.”
Grmai gives her experience in Rosenberg’s lab, and especially the frequent opportunity to travel to conferences, credit for her rapid advancement through graduate school at the New York University School of Medicine and to her current role as a postdoc at Johns Hopkins University.
“Science communication and professional networking remain two of the most valuable skills in my research career,” Grmai says, “and getting to hone these skills as an undergrad accelerated my growth that much more once I got to grad school.”
Lydia Grmai. Photo courtesy Lydia Grmai.
Rosenberg is grateful for the UMBC environment that emphasizes both research and education. That’s why she made UMBC her home for her 41-year professorial career. Many immunology labs are located in medical schools, research institutes, or hospitals , outside of undergraduate academic settings, but Rosenberg knew that connecting with undergraduate students would be a significant part of her career.
“It was really a combination of the quality and enthusiasm of the students, and being in an environment where I could both be involved with student activities and do research,” she reflects. “The undergrads drive the intellectual atmosphere of the lab as much as the grads and the postdocs do. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had undergraduates in my lab who have just been dynamite people.”
Despite her long-term commitment to her field, and significant contributions to immunotherapy research, Rosenberg remains humble. “I was shocked by the company I’m keeping as a Distinguished Fellow,” she says. “I think UMBC is in very good company. It feels good to be right up there with some of the other major players.”
Suzanne Rosenberg examines research data. Photo by Marlayna Demond ’11 for UMBC.
Rosenberg held the Robert and Jane Meyerhoff Chair for Biological Sciences at UMBC for many years, which provided significant financial support that allowed her to send students to conferences and otherwise enhance the lab’s impact. That experience, and the generally supportive environment at UMBC, are top of mind for Rosenberg. “I never would have gotten this award if it hadn’t been for UMBC,” she says. “That’s absolutely true—providing the resources, the support, the students…I’m very grateful to UMBC.”
Driven by her endless curiosity and inspired by her time at UMBC, Rosenberg is involved in research, writing grants, and graduate education at the University of Utah School of Medicine. With the next big breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy right around the corner, she says, “I just can’t bring myself to quit.”
Banner image: Sue Rosenberg opens the super-cold sample storage. Photo by Marlayna Demond ’11 for UMBC.
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