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New HR Web site is now online
By SUE WUETCHER
Reporter Editor
The university has developed a new Web site for its human resources functions that is designed to reflect the new strategy, goals and structure of University Human Resources, as well as provide easier access to HR information for faculty and staff.
The site is live and can be accessed at http://hr.buffalo.edu.
The project, part of the HR Transformation initiative of the UB 2020 strategic planning process, removes HR information from the UBBusiness Web site and locates it within the "Info, Services & Advice" section of the new HR Web site.
UBBusiness, which provides information on the university's business-related functions, such as internal audit, procurement and travel, will continue to operate, although the HR-related content will be disabled at the beginning of next week. Referral pages will help users navigate to the new HR site.
The new site is designed to serve the needs of current faculty and staff, as well as to help promote UB to prospective faculty and staff, and to advertise and promote the university's commitment to those who work at UB to the general public, says M. Scott Morris, head of the Organizational Development & Training function of University Human Resources and a principal architect of the new Web communication strategy.
The goal, Morris says, is to create a "destination site." He points to a variety of things that are being done to achieve that goal, including robust search tools for policies, forms and documents, and calendars, and the creation of a reference library for professional development materials. "We believe the site will make it easier for people to find answers to their questions," he says.
Morris says HR administrators also are looking into implementing a "live chat" function that will allow users multiple options, including email and phone, for contacting University HR and talking with a specialist.
"We will continue to add and develop new tools as we grow and expand the new operating groups within the unit," he adds.
He encourages faculty and staff to provide feedback about the site, noting that the announcements section on the home page contains a link to a feedback form.
Anyone with questions about the new site can contact the University HR Customer Service at 645-7777 or HRadministration@business.buffalo.edu.
The creation of the HR Web site is one of numerous changes being made as part of the university's ongoing HR Transformation initiative. Others include the addition of an Organizational Development & Training group that has a charge from the UB administration to focus on professional development opportunities for faculty and staff; creation of a shared service center for all HR transactions; creation of a wellness program and a new focus on creating work-life balance programs; expansion of and new investment in the Employee Assistance Program; and the reorganization of 61 campuswide HR services into three divisional units.
The HR Transformation initiative recognizes that "people are a critical element of the UB 2020 plan," Morris notes. "University HR is leading with initiatives that support the growth of the staff and faculty by improving recruiting, retention and professional development programs. We're playing an active and involved role in helping UB to grow."