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<title>National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Human Resources (OHR) News Releases</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/about/news.htm</link>
<description>The news and events page delivers up-to-the-minute news and information on the latest stories from the NIH Office of Human Resources.</description>
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<title>National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Human Resources (OHR) News Releases</title>
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<description>OHR delivers up-to-the-minute news and information on the latest stories from the NIH Office of Human Resources.</description>
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<item>
<title>SMARTHR Simplifies Awards Activity and Exit Survey Monitoring</title>
<link>http://intrahr.od.nih.gov/smarthr/</link>
<description>Starting June 30th, IC staff will have a new, simplified way of monitoring their organization's performance against NIH Awards spending limits and Exit Survey information. The HR SAID Analytics Team has been hard at work these past months developing new dashboards and reports in the new Self-Monitoring Analytics Reporting Tool, also known as &lt;a href=&quot;http://intrahr.od.nih.gov/smarthr/&quot;&gt;SMARTHR&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
SMARTHR facilitates on-demand business intelligence to OHR and IC customers via a web-based user interface that is secured by Single Sign-On authentication and Role-Based permissions. Users may export the information as Adobe PDF or MS Excel documents.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
SMARTHR provides a unique capability for bridging reporting gaps across multiple HR and non-HR systems.  By linking disparate data-sources, SMARTHR promotes a more complete assessment of the organization. This capability will be further augmented in future releases by enabling analytics modeling for scenarios surrounding key elements across different areas, a feature expected to be integrated into SMARTHR in the future.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The NIH Cash Awards Activity Dashboard will enable OHR and IC customers with the ability to manage their processed and pending cash awards against previously defined NIH target levels. Cash Awards include: SES Individual Cash Awards Ratings Based, T42 Individual Cash Awards Ratings Based, Non-SES Individual Cash Award Ratings Based, Individual Cash Award Non-Ratings Based, Group Cash Awards, Suggestion/Invention Awards, and Referral Bonuses. NIH Cash Awards Activity Dashboard will be refreshed bi-weekly.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The NIH Exit Survey results module benefits the NIH community by providing custom IC reports in addition to the traditional NIH-wide report. The module also allows IC and HR users to access historical Exit Survey reports and separation data.  This information is critical to the development of strategic retention and workforce plans, and promotes efforts to improve employee satisfaction and reduce the turnover of critical and valuable staff. NIH Exit Survey results will be refreshed quarterly.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Additional reports that will be added in the future include:  HR Systems Support Survey Results, Training Survey Results, and dashboards for compensation, Time Off Awards activity and QSIs.
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the event that users don't have access to a computer, SMARTHR may also be accessed via latest smart-phones, although the mobile user experience has been optimized for latest Blackberry and iOS devices (iPhones / iPads). 
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
SMARTHR, which automates specialized reporting tasks performed by the HR SAID Analytics Team and increases efficiency in the use of resources, supports OM and OHR strategic initiatives for data driven decision making, risk management, communications, workforce retention, and empowering a mobile workforce.</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 05 July 2012 11:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>SMARTHR</category>
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</item>
<item>
<title>Benefits Q&amp;A</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/</link>
<description>&lt;p&gt;EVENT:  Benefits Q  &amp;amp; A  &lt;br /&gt;
DATE:  5/23/2012&lt;br /&gt;
TIME:  10:00 a.m. –  12:00 p.m.&lt;br /&gt;
LOCATION:  Natcher  (Bldg 45)/Atrium&lt;br /&gt;
COMMENTS:   Representatives from the Benefits &amp;amp; Payroll Liaison Branch will be  available to answer benefits/retirement questions.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 09:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Benefits</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Service Day</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/</link>
<description>&lt;p&gt;EVENT:  Federal  Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Service Day  &lt;br /&gt;
DATE:  5/17/2012&lt;br /&gt;
TIME:  11:00 a.m. –  1:00 p.m.&lt;br /&gt;
LOCATION:  Natcher  (Bldg 45)/Atrium&lt;br /&gt;COMMENTS:   Representatives from the following health plans will be on-site to  answer individual questions:  AETNA, Blue  Cross/Blue Shield, GEHA, Kaiser, Mail Handlers, &amp;amp; MD IPA&lt;/p&gt;</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 09:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Benefits</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Financial Planning Seminars</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/Benefits/news/financialplanevent.htm</link>
<description>&lt;p&gt;EVENT: Financial Planning Seminars&lt;br /&gt;
DATE:  5/16/2012&lt;br /&gt;
TIME:  See schedule  at &lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/Benefits/news/financialplanevent.htm&quot;&gt;http://hr.od.nih.gov/Benefits/news/financialplanevent.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
LOCATION:  Natcher  (Bldg 45)/Balcony A, B &amp;amp; C&lt;br /&gt;
COMMENTS:  Topics include general financial pitfalls, estate planning/wills &amp;amp; trusts, debt management, and setting financial priorities.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 09:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Benefits</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/Benefits/news/financialplanevent.htm</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>2012 Payroll Calendar</title>
<link>http://www.nih.gov/employee/payrollcalendars/2012.pdf</link>
<description>&lt;p&gt;The new payroll calendar is now available.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:30:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Payroll</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.nih.gov/employee/payrollcalendars/2012.pdf</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Annual Leave – Use It or Donate It!</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/documents/UseorLoseMemo.doc</link>
<description>&lt;p&gt;At this time of year, employees should review their  annual leave balances, with the carryover (240 hours for non-SES members)  limitation in mind.  Annual leave in  excess of the carryover limitation is considered &amp;ldquo;use or lose&amp;rdquo; annual leave and  must be used before the end of the leave year (Saturday, December 31, 2011) to  avoid forfeiture.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Supervisors are to assist employees in planning and  scheduling the use of annual leave during the entire leave year.  If circumstances arise which prevent an  employee from taking previously approved leave due to sickness, an  administrative error or an exigency of public business, the leave may be  restored.  In order for leave to be  considered for restoration, the leave must be: 1) requested and approved in  ITAS before the start of the third biweekly pay period prior to the end of the  leave year; 2) cancelled by the supervisor; and 3) cannot be rescheduled prior  to the end of the leave year.  Therefore,  &amp;ldquo;use or lose&amp;rdquo; annual leave must be scheduled no later than Saturday, November  19, 2011.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Employees may also consider a leave donation under the  Voluntary Leave Transfer Program (VLTP) or the Voluntary Leave Bank  Program.  These programs allow employees  to donate accrued annual leave to others who are faced with a personal or family  medical emergency.  NIH colleagues who  have been approved for either program have exhausted their own leave and have a  medical emergency that prevents them from working. VLTP donations are made to  specific individuals, while Leave Bank donations are made to a &amp;ldquo;pool&amp;rdquo; from  which leave bank members can withdraw leave.   The Leave Bank can accept annual leave donations from any NIH employee;  however, only NCI, NIAID and NHGRI employees are eligible to become members and  receive donations during leave year 2012.   If you have &amp;ldquo;use or lose&amp;rdquo; leave that you don&amp;rsquo;t plan to use this year,  please consider a donation to others in need of paid leave.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;For more information about VLTP, please visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://intrahr.od.nih.gov/vltp/default.htm&quot;&gt;http://intrahr.od.nih.gov/vltp/default.htm&lt;/a&gt; or &lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/leave/vlbp/default.htm&quot;&gt;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/leave/vlbp/default.htm&lt;/a&gt; for information about the Leave Bank.   Should you have questions regarding any of the above information, please  contact your Administrative Officer or VLTP coordinator.  Remember to use it or donate it…but don&amp;rsquo;t  lose it!&lt;/p&gt;</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 3 Oct 2011 08:30:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Benefits</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/documents/UseorLoseMemo.doc</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>NIH Telework Festival</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/workingatnih/telework/default.htm</link>
<description>&lt;p&gt;Support Scientific Discovery from Offsite Locations – TELEWORK!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;You are invited to join us on Tuesday, November 22nd from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm in the Natcher Conference Center/Building 45 for the NIH Telework Festival.  Learn how teleworking can be part of the solution to help NIH:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Support employee work/life balance&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Improve NIH’s ability to retain high quality staff&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Maintain NIH performance during emergency situations without reducing productivity &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Decrease traffic congestion caused by BRAC &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Meet DHHS and NIH sustainability goals&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Hear first hand from senior scientific and business leaders on how they have integrated telework into their operations.  Participate in our interactive telework technology demonstrations by CIT, NIH, and NIMH.  Show your creativity and enter the Telework Poster Contest!  Salute the NIH winners of the HHS Green Champion awards. Visit exhibitors from OHR, ORS/ORF, and other telework related organizations. For more information and to register visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://meetings.nigms.nih.gov/meetings/TeleworkFestival/&quot;&gt;http://meetings.nigms.nih.gov/meetings/TeleworkFestival/&lt;/a&gt;, or view via videocast at &lt;a href=&quot;http://videocast.nih.gov&quot;&gt;http://videocast.nih.gov&lt;/a&gt;.  Onsite registration is available.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 1 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Working at NIH</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/workingatnih/telework/default.htm</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>October 2011 NIH Benefits Information Newsletter - Did You Know?</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm</link>
<description>What&amp;rsquo;s New?
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/calendar.htm&quot;&gt;Benefits Calendar of Events&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/bBenefits/news/default.htm#2012&quot;&gt;The 2012 Premiums For The Federal Employees  Health Benefits (FEHB) Program Are Announced&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#ITAS&quot;&gt;ITAS/DFAS Leave Balance Reconciliation  Initiative&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
Topics Of Interest:
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;ol start=&quot;4&quot;&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#Tips&quot;&gt;Tips For Being An Active Member Of Your Health  Care Team&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#LES&quot;&gt;Review Your Leave And Earnings Statement (LES) Each Pay Day To Ensure Accuracy! It’s Important!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#Debt&quot;&gt;Where Can I Find Information On Debt Collections And Garnishments?&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#mypay&quot;&gt;Why Do I Need A myPay PIN And How Can I Get One?&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#payleave&quot;&gt; Where Can I Find Information On Pay And Leave?&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
Where Do I Go If I Have Questions About My Benefits?
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;ol start=&quot;9&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#contacts&quot;&gt;How Can I Get In Touch With My Benefits Contact?&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#previousemails&quot;&gt;Previous NIH Benefits Information - Did You Know? E-mails&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 2011 01:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Benefits</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Hot News - eOPF System Restored</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/hrsystems/benefits/eopf/default.htm</link>
<description>The Department has notified us that the Electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF) system, which houses the employment histories of civilian Federal Government employees, is currently available to all HHS employees including those at NIH.  HHS worked diligently to bring the system back up and appreciates your patience.  If you have any questions, please contact HR Systems Support at (301) 451-1436.</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 1 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>HR Systems</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/hrsystems/benefits/eopf/default.htm</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Hot News - eOPF System Outage</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/hrsystems/benefits/eopf/default.htm</link>
<description>The Department has notified us that the Electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF) system, which houses the employment histories of civilian Federal Government employees, is currently unavailable to all HHS employees including those at NIH.  HHS is working to bring the system back up and anticipates it being available sometime today.  Staff will be notified once eOPF is available.  If you have any questions, please contact HR Systems Support at (301) 451-1436.</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 1 Sep 2011 09:51:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>HR Systems</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/hrsystems/benefits/eopf/default.htm</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Quick Guide To NIH Information For Inclement Weather/Emergency Dismissals</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/leave/weather.htm</link>
<description>Visit the Office of Human Resources website for additional details about the operating status for all NIH locations: Washington, DC, Metro Area (includes all Montgomery County), Baltimore, MD, Metro Area, Research Triangle Park, NC, Hamilton, MT, and Frederick, MD. </description>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:55:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Benefits</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/leave/weather.htm</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>NIH Hoteling Program</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/workingatnih/hoteling/</link>
<description>&lt;strong&gt;What is Hoteling?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;p&gt;&quot;Hoteling&quot; is the practice of providing office space to employees on an as-needed rather than on the traditional, dedicated basis.  Hoteling changes the traditional model for how office space is used. Rather than assign permanent office space to each employee, hoteling is a system for assigning just-in-time temporary office space to employees.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why is the practice spreading?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Hoteling minimizes the square footage of the office. The lower the square footage of an office, the lower the cost to lease the space.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Many of today's knowledge workers spend more than half their time away from their offices (travel, meetings, annual/sick leave, and/or flexible work arrangements).&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Office hoteling provides employees with the flexibility to work from more than one location.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Allows for more flexible staffing options.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Enhances quality of work life for employees.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/workingatnih/hoteling/&quot;&gt;Read about NIH best practices, resources, and the NIH Hoteling pilot!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;p&gt;;&lt;img alt=&quot;NIH Telework Program Poster&quot; src=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/images/telework/teleworkposter6.jpg&quot;&gt;</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Aug 2011 08:45:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Working at NIH</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/workingatnih/hoteling/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>NIH Telework Program has a New Look</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/workingatnih/telework/</link>
<description>&lt;p&gt;You can now easiliy view &lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/workingatnih/telework/eligibility.htm&quot;&gt;Telework Eligibility&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/workingatnih/telework/application.htm&quot;&gt;Application and Agreement&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/workingatnih/telework/resources.htm&quot;&gt;Telework Resources&lt;/a&gt;, and &lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/workingatnih/telework/training.htm&quot;&gt;Telework Training&lt;/a&gt; information.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Are  you tired of driving around looking for a parking space?   Spending hours  in traffic jams on the beltway? Not getting your project   completed  because of constant interruptions? Telework can be a good   solution for  these and many other issues, whether you work from home or   a telework  center, and whether you do so every day, once a week, once a   month, or  a few times a year.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The resources on this website will  help you explore telework at   NIH, decide whether telework is a good  option for you or your   employees, and learn more about working with and  managing teleworkers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;img alt=&quot;NIH Telework Program Poster&quot; src=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/images/telework/teleworkposter1.jpg&quot;&gt;</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Aug 2011 08:30:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Working at NIH</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/workingatnih/telework/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>August 2011 NIH Benefits Information Newsletter - Did You Know?</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm</link>
<description>What&amp;rsquo;s New?
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/calendar.htm&quot;&gt;Benefits Calendar of Events&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
Topics Of Interest:
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;ol start=&quot;2&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#UnsolicitedContacts&quot;&gt;Unsolicited Contacts By An Outside Vendor&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#ImportantBenefits&quot;&gt;Important Benefits Notes For Administrative Officers!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#FEGLI&quot;&gt;Will My Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Premiums Increase Over Time? 
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#FERS&quot;&gt;Legislation Impacts The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)! 
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#PersonalBenefits&quot;&gt;How Can I Verify My Personal Benefits Information? 
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#mypay&quot;&gt;Why Do I Need A myPay PIN And How Can I Get One?&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#payleave&quot;&gt; Where Can I Find Information On Pay And Leave?&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
Where Do I Go If I Have Questions About My Benefits?
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;ol start=&quot;9&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#contacts&quot;&gt;How Can I Get In Touch With My Benefits Contact?&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#previousemails&quot;&gt;Previous NIH Benefits Information - Did You Know? E-mails&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 1 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Benefits</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>2011 NIH Director's Awards Ceremony</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/performance/awards/empawards.htm#director</link>
<description>All employees are invited to attend the 2011 NIH Director's Awards Ceremony. Each year, we come together to recognize the efforts and successes of the NIH community. The ceremony will be held Tuesday, August 2nd at 2:00 p.m. in the Ruth L. Kirschstein Auditorium of the Natcher Building. Awards will be presented in six categories: Director's Awards (Scientific/Medical, Administrative, and Technical/Clerical/Support), Mentoring Awards, Common Fund Leadership Awards, Clear Communication through Plain Language Award, Commissioned Corps Awards, and EEO Awards. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. A reception will be held after the ceremony in the Natcher dining room.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt; 
Sign language interpreters will be provided. Individuals with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the event should contact Stephanie Bonhomme at 301-496-6211 or &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:bonhommes@mail.nih.gov&quot;&gt;bonhommes@mail.nih.gov&lt;/a&gt; or the Federal Relay at 1-800-877-8339. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt; 
To watch the live videocast, visit: &lt;a href=&quot;http://videocast.nih.gov/&quot;&gt;http://videocast.nih.gov/&lt;/a&gt;. 
</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Performance</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/performance/awards/empawards.htm#director</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Capital HR Access Request form is now all electronic!</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/hrsystems/staffing/caphr/accounts.htm</link>
<description>Starting on July 1, 2011, the HR Systems Support Team (HRSS) will require that all requests for HR systems access be submitted using the electronic access request form also known as HR Systems Access Request form (HRSA). Paper requests will no longer be accepted as a means to request access for HR systems such as Capital HR.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt; Refer to the &lt;a href=&quot;https://my.nih.gov/portal/server.pt?open=18&amp;amp;objID=322739&amp;parentname=Dir&amp;parentid=1&amp;mode=2&quot;&gt;Guide to Submitting HR Systems Access&lt;/a&gt; (NIH Only) for more information on how to fill out the online form. </description>
<pubDate>Fri, 1 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>HR Systems</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/hrsystems/staffing/caphr/accounts.htm</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>July 2011 NIH Benefits Information Newsletter - Did You Know?</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm</link>
<description>What&amp;rsquo;s New?
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/calendar.htm&quot;&gt;Benefits Calendar of Events&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
Topics Of Interest:
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;ol start=&quot;2&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#StateTaxWithholding&quot;&gt;Is Your State Tax Withholding Correct?&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#LES&quot;&gt;View Your Leave And Earnings Statement (LES) Regularly – It’s Important!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#DesignationofBeneficiary&quot;&gt;How Can I Determine If My Designations Of Beneficiary Are Up To Date? 
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#ChildTurningAge26&quot;&gt;What Happens To My Child’s Health Insurance Coverage When He/She Turns Age 26? 
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#ChildTurningAge22&quot;&gt;What Happens To My Child’s Life Insurance Coverage When He/She Turns Age 22? 
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#mypay&quot;&gt;Why Do I Need A myPay PIN And How Can I Get One?&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#payleave&quot;&gt; Where Can I Find Information On Pay And Leave?&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;/blockquote&gt;
Where Do I Go If I Have Questions About My Benefits?
&lt;blockquote&gt;
&lt;ol start=&quot;9&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#contacts&quot;&gt;How Can I Get In Touch With My Benefits Contact?&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#previousemails&quot;&gt;Previous NIH Benefits Information - Did You Know? E-mails&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 1 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Benefits</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>NIH Benefits Calendar</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/calendar.htm</link>
<description>The OHR Benefits Calendar has been updated thru September 2011.</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 1 Jul 2011 11:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Benefits and Pay</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/calendar.htm</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Previous "NIH Benefits Information – Did You Know?"</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#previousemails</link>
<description>&lt;b&gt;Previous Newsletters:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/previousnews/2011/jun11.htm&quot;&gt;June 2011&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/previousnews/2011/may11.htm&quot;&gt;May 2011&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/previousnews/2011/apr11.htm&quot;&gt;April 2011&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/previousnews/2011/mar11.htm&quot;&gt;March 2011&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/previousnews/2011/feb11.htm&quot;&gt;February 2011&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/previousnews/2011/jan11.htm&quot;&gt;January 2011&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 1 Jul 2011 8:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Where Do I Go If I Have Questions About My Benefits?</category>
<guid isPermalink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/default.htm#previousemails</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>OHR New Employee Orientation Calendar</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/workingatnih/newemployee/calendar.htm</link>
<description>The OHR New Employee Orientation Calendar has been updated through August 2011.</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 1 Jul 2011 8:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Working at NIH</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/workingatnih/newemployee/calendar.htm</guid>
</item> 
<item>
<title>NIH Receives a 2011 Telework Exchange Award</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/workingatnih/telework/default.htm</link>
<description>&lt;p&gt;2011 Telework Exchange Award&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Telework Program with Maximum Impact on Government &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Organization: National Institutes of Health (NIH)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Program: NIH/Office of Human Resources (OHR) COOP Project&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Following the snowstorms of 2010, NIH/OHR realized there was  a need for a better COOP plan – one that could more easily be integrated into  operations to allow employees to work the same way during an emergency as they  would in the office. To that end, OHR revised and expanded its COOP  program, ensuring all Mission Critical functions and designated staff are  trained and ready to telework during an emergency. The regular use of telework  and quarterly COOP exercises help sustain a culture of preparedness.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;To address the challenges and make telework a more viable  business practice at NIH, OHR created an implementation plan for transitioning  smoothly between normal and emergency operations, signed detailed teleworking  agreements, fully equipped its staff with remote solutions, created an  emergency preparedness Web site with telework resources, and communicated  expectations for work during emergencies.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The newly-revised COOP plan allows for 100 percent of staff  to be equipped with laptops, saving $170,000 per computer replacement  cycle. Additionally, tools were developed to identify different tiers of  emergencies as well as primary and backup staff trained to support critical  functions. Currently, 57 percent of the staff in OHR telework at least  one day per week, with another five percent teleworking on an ad hoc basis.  OHR also reported improved employee efficiency and  productivity, as well as enhanced work/life balance through increased telework  participation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;OHR's COOP program demonstrated  how telework can be integrated into COOP planning without sacrificing cost savings,  security, or flexibility.&lt;/p&gt;</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 8 Jun 2011 14:15:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Working at NIH</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/workingatnih/telework/default.htm</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>NEW! NIH Telework Program Guidance</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/workingatnih/telework/default.htm</link>
<description>&lt;p&gt;The Telework Enhancement Act of 2010 (Act) was signed into law on December 9, 2010. The passage and signing of this legislation (Public Law 111-92) was a significant milestone in the history of Federal telework. The Act is a key factor in the Federal Government's ability to achieve greater flexibility in managing its workforce through the use of telework.&lt;p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The documents below provide guidance to:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Assist supervisors in determining the telework eligibility of positions and employees within their organization by June 1, 2011&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Notify employees of their telework eligibility and provide written notification to employees who are deemed ineligible to telework by June 1, 2011&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Assist supervisors with efficient and effective methods of implementing telework or continuing the telework program in their organization&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Execute telework agreements&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://intrahr.od.nih.gov/documents/telework/criteria.pdf&quot; title=&quot;NIH Access Only&quot;&gt;Criteria for Determining Telework Eligibility&lt;/a&gt; (NIH Only)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://intrahr.od.nih.gov/documents/telework/eligibilitynotification.pdf&quot; title=&quot;NIH Access Only&quot;&gt;Employee Telework Eligibility Notification&lt;/a&gt; (NIH Only) &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://intrahr.od.nih.gov/documents/telework/tipsforsupervisors.pdf&quot; title=&quot;NIH Access Only&quot;&gt;Telework Tips for Supervisors&lt;/a&gt; (NIH Only) &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://intrahr.od.nih.gov/documents/telework/agreement.pdf&quot; title=&quot;NIH Access Only&quot;&gt;NIH Telework Agreement&lt;/a&gt; (NIH Only) &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;https://intrahr.od.nih.gov/documents/telework/evaluation.pdf&quot; title=&quot;NIH Access Only&quot;&gt;Alternate Worksite &amp;amp; Safety Evaluation&lt;/a&gt; (NIH Only)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;https://intrahr.od.nih.gov/documents/telework/liability.pdf&quot; title=&quot;NIH Access Only&quot;&gt;Liability Coverage for Teleworkers&lt;/a&gt; (NIH Only)&lt;/p&gt;</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 6 May 2011 11:30:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Working at NIH</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/workingatnih/telework/default.htm</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Financial Planning Seminars</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/financialplanevent.htm</link>
<description>In partnership with DHHS, NIH will be sponsoring its 2011 Financial Planning Seminars on Wednesday, May 11, in the Main Auditorium of the Natcher Building (Building 45). Make plans to attend one or more seminars! Registration is not required. The seminars are open on a first-come, first-served basis.  Attendees should obtain their supervisor's approval prior to attending. Speakers will be on hand to provide valuable information on a variety of financial matters such as general financial planning, estate planning, debt management, and investment strategies. If a Sign Language Interpreter or other reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in this event, please contact Peg McCann at &lt;a href=&quot;mailt:mccannp@od.nih.gov&quot;&gt;mccannp@od.nih.gov&lt;/a&gt; via e-mail or at 301-496-4556 (Federal Relay 1-800-877-8339). Accommodation requests should be made at least five days in advance of the event. The schedule can be viewed at &lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/financialplanevent.htm&quot;&gt;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/financialplanevent.htm&lt;/a&gt;.</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 6 May 2011 08:30:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Benefits</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/financialplanevent.htm</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Updated OHR Retirement Information</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/retirement</link>
<description>Check out our new, updated OHR retirement web page!  If you visit us at &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/retirement&quot;&gt;http://www.hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/retirement&lt;/a&gt; you will see that we have made some changes.  The first link still provides NIH employees the ability to quickly and easily request a retirement estimate – a tool powered by WiTS.  The second link now has available all of the retirement forms and information that an employee needs to retire – available in pdf format for easy completion.  Simply click on the appropriate retirement system (CSRS or FERS) – it's all there.  In addition, you will find links to lots of information such as your Federal health plan and Medicare, Thinking About Retirement – things to consider, and New Retiree FAQs.  And the on-line tools will assist you in planning for retirement.  Tools include a calculators for retirement estimates, Federal and state tax, TSP annuities, and life insurance.</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 3 May 2011 08:45:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Benefits</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/retirement</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) Open Season</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/change/openseason/default.htm</link>
<description>FLTCIP Open Season - The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) is having their first Open Season since 2002. It will begin April 4, 2011 and continue through June 24, 2011. During open season, you may apply using the Abbreviated underwriting application. Abbreviated underwriting has fewer health-related questions and a less stringent standard than full underwriting. For detailed information, please refer to the &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.ltcfeds.com/FLTCIP_OpenSeason.html&quot;&gt;FLTCIP Open Season Announcement&lt;/a&gt;.
Beginning March 1, 2011, you can download an Open Season Application on the &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.ltcfeds.com/apply/&quot;&gt;FLTCIP website&lt;/a&gt; and submit it by mail or fax. You can also apply online beginning April 4, 2011. If you are currently enrolled in FLTCIP, you can make changes to your coverage at any time by contacting Long Term Care Partners at 1-800-582-3337 (TTY: 1-800-843-3557).  
</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 28 Feb 2011 02:05:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Benefits</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/change/openseason/default.htm</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>It's eOPF Review Time!</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/hrsystems/benefits/eopf/default.htm</link>
<description>It's a new year which means it's time for NIH Federal employees to review their Electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF) and make sure that the documents in the folder are in order! Reviewing eOPFs periodically enables NIH employees, excluding Commissioned Officers, to monitor their own personnel records to ensure accuracy and integrity of the content.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;The following steps should be taken during eOPF record review: verify that any beneficiary forms on file are current; ensure that information included on Notification of Personnel Action forms (SF-50) is accurate; and make certain that all Federal service is documented.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;eOPF can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week using the Internet from an NIH computer or through a VPN connection. To review eOPF records, log into eOPF, at &lt;a href=&quot;https://eopf.nbc.gov/hhs/&quot;&gt;https://eopf.nbc.gov/hhs/&lt;/a&gt; and enter the eOPF ID and password. To obtain an eOPF user ID and password, please visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/hrsystems/benefits/eopf/help.htm&quot;&gt;http://hr.od.nih.gov/hrsystems/benefits/eopf/help.htm&lt;/a&gt;. Quick Reference Guides (QRGs) are available to assist with logging into the system.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;For more in-depth information about logging into eOPF and maneuvering through the system, view the eOPF online training tutorial located on the OHR website at: &lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/hrsystems/benefits/eopf/default.htm&quot;&gt;http://hr.od.nih.gov/hrsystems/benefits/eopf/default.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;If there are additional questions or concerns regarding eOPF, please contact HR Systems Support online at &lt;a href=&quot;https://intrahr.od.nih.gov/helpdeskform.htm&quot;&gt;https://intrahr.od.nih.gov/helpdeskform.htm&lt;/a&gt;.   
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 25 Feb 2011 12:45:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>HR Systems</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/hrsystems/benefits/eopf/default.htm</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>The latest Highlights Newsletter is available</title>
<link>http://trainingcenter.nih.gov/news-highlights.html</link>
<description>Highlights is the Training Center's quarterly printed newsletter. The &lt;a href=&quot;http://trainingcenter.nih.gov/pdf/highlights/NIHTC_Highlts_2Q_FY11.pdf&quot;&gt;Highlights Newsletter&lt;/a&gt; for 2nd Quarter FY11 is now available online.</description>
<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jan 2011 10:20:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>NIH Training Center</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://trainingcenter.nih.gov/news-highlights.html</guid>
</item>   
<item>
<title>NIH Dismissal and Closure Procedures - New Guidance</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/leave/weather.htm</link>
<description>The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has recently updated the &lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/Benefits/documents/closurememo.pdf&quot;&gt;dismissal and closure policies&lt;/a&gt; and announcements for Federal employees in the Washington, DC (DC), metro area. This update introduces a new way for agencies and employees to maintain productivity and continuity of operations during snow and other emergencies. This memorandum supersedes the December 8, 2010, email/memorandum regarding closure of NIH facilities. Please visit the closure memo for more information on NIH dismissal and closure procedures.</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 22 Dec 2010 16:45:30 EST</pubDate>
<category>Benefits and  Pay</category>
<guid isPermalink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/leave/weather.htm</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>2011 Payroll Calendar</title>
<link>http://www.nih.gov/employee/payrollcalendars/2011.pdf</link>
<description>The &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.nih.gov/employee/payrollcalendars/2011.pdf&quot;&gt;2011 payroll calendar&lt;/a&gt; is now available!.</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 Dec 2010 9:25:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Benefits and Pay</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.nih.gov/employee/payrollcalendars/2011.pdf</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>NIH Benefits Newsletter - Did You Know? December 2010</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/previousnews/dec10.htm</link>
<description>What&apos;s New&lt;br/&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/calendar.htm&quot;&gt;Benefits Calendar of Events&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/previousnews/dec10.htm#BenefitsOpenSeason&quot;&gt;The Federal Benefits Open Season Ends On December 13th! 
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/previousnews/dec10.htm#FEHBProgramChgs&quot;&gt;Important Changes To The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/previousnews/dec10.htm#FSAFEDChanges&quot;&gt;Important Changes To The Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAFEDS) Program!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/previousnews/dec10.htm#BPLBStaffChanges&quot;&gt;Important Changes To The Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program! 
&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/previousnews/dec10.htm#TSPLimits&quot;&gt;The 2011 IRS Limits Remain The Same For The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/previousnews/dec10.htm#FEHBSmokingCessation&quot;&gt;FEHB Program Smoking Cessation Benefit!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;/ol&gt;
Topics Of Interest&lt;br/&gt;
&lt;ol start=&quot;8&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/previousnews/dec10.htm#fsa&quot;&gt;What Is The Difference Between A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) And A Health Savings Account (HSA?&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/previousnews/dec10.htm#mypay&quot;&gt;Why Do I Need A myPay PIN And How Can I Get One?&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/previousnews/dec10.htm#payleave&quot;&gt;Where Can I Find Information On Pay And Leave?&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
Where Do I Go If I Have Questions About My Benefits?&lt;br/&gt;
&lt;ol start=&quot;11&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/previousnews/dec10.htm#contacts&quot;&gt;How Can I Get In Touch With My Benefits Contact?&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/previousnews/dec10.htm#previousemails&quot;&gt;Previous NIH Benefits Information - Did You Know? E-mails&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 1 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Benefits and Pay</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/previousnews/dec10.htm</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>The latest Highlights newsletter is available</title>
<link>http://trainingcenter.nih.gov/news-highlights.html</link>
<description>Highlights is the Training Center's quarterly printed newsletter. The &lt;a href=&quot;http://trainingcenter.nih.gov/pdf/highlights/NIHTC_Highlts_1Q_FY11.pdf&quot;&gt;Highlights Newsletter&lt;/a&gt; for 1st Quarter FY11 is now available online.</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 1 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>NIH Training Center</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://trainingcenter.nih.gov/news-highlights.html</guid>
</item>  
<item>
<title>2010 Open Season Announcements</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/change/openseason/default.htm</link>
<description>The Federal Benefits Open Season will begin November 8, 2010 and continue through December 13, 2010.&lt;br/&gt;
The following programs will be participating:&lt;br/&gt;
&lt;ol&gt; 
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/insurance/default.htm#fehb&quot;&gt;Federal Employees' Health Benefits (FEHB) Program&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/insurance/fsa.htm&quot;&gt;Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Program&lt;/a&gt; and&lt;/li&gt; 
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/insurance/default.htm#fedvip&quot;&gt;Federal Employees' Dental &amp; Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP)&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
For additional information, refer to the Open Season Announcements listed below. 
Representatives from the programs will be participating in the Federal Benefits Open Season Fair. 
Scheduled fairs are as follows:&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;  
November 2 - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Bethesda, MD - Natcher Building (Building 45) Atrium,&lt;br/&gt;November 16 - 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Durham, NC - 615 Davis Drive Key Stone Building, Conf Rooms 1003 A&amp;B, 
November 18 - 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. - Baltimore, MD - Biomedical Research Center/BRC Atrium.</description>
<pubDate>Tues, 26 Oct 2010 16:30:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Benefits and  Pay</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/change/openseason/default.htm</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>"Use or Lose" Annual Leave</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/Benefits/documents/UseorLoseMemo.doc</link>
<description>As we approach the end of the calendar year, questions will arise regarding &quot;Use or Lose&quot; annual leave.  Supervisors should discuss &quot;Use or Lose&quot; leave with their employees now while there is still time to schedule it.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Supervisors are jointly responsible with their employees for ensuring that any &quot;Use or Lose&quot; leave is officially scheduled or rescheduled for use during the remainder of the leave year.  In order for leave to be considered for restoration, it must be requested before the start of the third biweekly pay period prior to the end of the leave year.  The 2010 leave year ends on Jan 1, 2011.  Therefore, &quot;Use or Lose&quot; leave must be scheduled no later than Saturday, November 20, 2010.
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 Oct 2010 9:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>HR Systems</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/Benefits/documents/UseorLoseMemo.doc</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>e-Induction has a new look and feel!</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/hrsystems/staffing/einduction/default.htm</link>
<description>On October 1, e-Induction was updated with a new look and feel, and few changes to better assist users! To begin, e-Induction is no longer using the new hire's first and last name, and social security number as the User ID. Instead, the system has redesigned to conform to information security standards and now requires the new hires email address to be used as the User ID. Additionally, all passwords must be 14 characters long and new hires can reset their own passwords without contacting HR. And finally, optional reminder emails for life insurance and health insurance can be scheduled to remind new hires to register for these services 15 days prior to the due date. &lt;strong&gt;(NOTE: These two forms are not due at EOD.)&lt;/strong&gt;</description>
<pubDate>Tues, 12 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>HR Systems</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/hrsystems/staffing/einduction/default.htm</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Upcoming Benefits Events</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/calendar.htm</link>
<description>Upcoming NIH Benefits events ranging from Retirement Seminar, Retirement Readiness – More Than Just A Paycheck, Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS) Service Day, High-Deductible Health Plans Brown Bag Seminar, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Overview Seminar.</description>
<pubDate>Tues, 14 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Benefits and  Pay</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/calendar.htm</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF) at NIH</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/hrsystems/benefits/eopf/default.htm</link>
<description>Some NIH employees have had difficulty accessing the eOPF login screen, and others have received an Internet Explorer (IE) message stating that the, &quot;Page Cannot Be Dis­played.&quot; This is the result of a recent change OPM made to the security settings for accessing the eOPF website. 
</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 9 Aug 2010 09:29:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>HR Systems</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/hrsystems/benefits/eopf/default.htm</guid>
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<item>
<title>The Employee Benefits Information System (EBIS) has now launched.</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/hrsystems/benefits/ebis/default.htm</link>
<description>NIH has launched a new system called Employee Benefits Information System (EBIS). The Employee Benefits Information System provides employees with 24-hour online access to personal and general information about retirement and benefits. To find out more about EBIS please visit the HR Systems webpage.
</description>
<pubDate>Mon, 9 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>HR Systems</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/hrsystems/benefits/ebis/default.htm</guid>
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<item>
<title>The latest Highlights newsletter is available</title>
<link>http://trainingcenter.nih.gov/news-highlights.html</link>
<description>Highlights is the Training Center's quarterly printed newsletter. The &lt;a href=&quot;http://trainingcenter.nih.gov/pdf/highlights/NIHTC_Highlts_4Q_FY10.pdf&quot;&gt;Highlights Newsletter&lt;/a&gt; for 4th Quarter FY10 is now available online.</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:05:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>NIH Training Center</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://trainingcenter.nih.gov/news-highlights.html</guid>
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<item>
<title>NIH Director's Award Ceremony Information</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/performance/awards/empawards.htm#director</link>
<description>All employees are invited to attend the 2010 NIH Director's Awards Ceremony. Each year, we come together to recognize the efforts and successes of the NIH community. The ceremony will be held Thursday, July 15, at 2:00 p.m. in the Ruth L. Kirschstein Auditorium of the Natcher Building. Awards will be presented in five categories: Director’s Awards (Scientific/Medical and Administrative), Mentoring Awards, Common Fund Leadership Awards, Commissioned Corps Awards, and EEO Awards.</description>
<pubDate>Thu, 1 Jul 2010 16:34:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Performance</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/performance/awards/empawards.htm#director</guid>
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<item>
<title>Financial Planning Seminars</title>
<link>http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/financialplanevent.htm</link>
<description>Attend one or more of our seminars to obtain valuable information related to financial and estate planning, debt management and investment strategies.
When: Tuesday – June 15, 2010
Where: Bldg. 10 – Masur Auditorium 
Time: Varying Times 
</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>Benefits and  Pay</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://hr.od.nih.gov/benefits/news/financialplanevent.htm</guid>
</item>   
<item>
<title>NIH Management Intern Program Recruits Class of 2012</title>
<link>http://trainingcenter.nih.gov/news.html#mi</link>
<description>The NIH Training Center is pleased to announce the annual recruitment season for Management Interns. The Management Intern Program has been grooming and developing highly motivated NIH employees for more than 50 years! This two-year career development program gives employees the opportunity to take rotations of three to six months in various career tracks in NIH public service. Graduates of this program move into new career paths, and many former interns have since achieved high-level managerial positions at NIH.</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:17:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>NIH Training Center</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://trainingcenter.nih.gov/news.html#mi</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>NIH wants YOU to join the HHS Mentoring Program!</title>
<link>http://trainingcenter.nih.gov/news.html#mentoring</link>
<description>Those interested in serving as mentors and mentees across the NIH community are invited to join the April 2010 cohort!</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>NIH Training Center</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://trainingcenter.nih.gov/news.html#mentoring</guid>
</item>   
<item>
<title>NIHTC Website Improvement Project</title>
<link>http://trainingcenter.nih.gov/news.html#website</link>
<description>We have begun the process to improve our website and we need your feedback to know how we can better serve you. Please send comments about what you like about the site and what could be improved via email to our &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:clinesmithtruk@od.nih.gov&quot;&gt;webmaster&lt;/a&gt;.</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>NIH Training Center</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://trainingcenter.nih.gov/news.html#website</guid>
</item>   
<item>
<title>The latest Highlights newsletter is available</title>
<link>http://trainingcenter.nih.gov/news-highlights.html</link>
<description>Highlights is the Training Center's quarterly printed newsletter. The &lt;a href=&quot;http://trainingcenter.nih.gov/pdf/highlights/NIHTC_Highlts_3Q_FY10.pdf&quot;&gt;Highlights Newsletter&lt;/a&gt; for 3rd Quarter FY10 is now available online.</description>
<pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST</pubDate>
<category>NIH Training Center</category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://trainingcenter.nih.gov/news-highlights.html</guid>
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