(or students changing to these majors) who need to be advised should contact the IS Department in ITE 404
or by calling the IS Department at 410-455-3206. IS and BTA advising
hours may differ from engineering and computer science advising hours.
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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