University Spotlight
Reimagining Higher Education with Empathy, Equity, and Belonging are Key Components for Success
Tiffany Townsend grew up with the dream and goal of changing people’s lives.
She believed becoming a clinical psychologist would be the best way to bring help, healing and understanding to others.
As she continued her journey through academia, she wondered how she could make a larger impact, especially for underserved student populations and scholars of color in higher education institutions.
“I started asking, ‘How can I increase access? What can I do to have a broader impact?’ During the COVID-19 pandemic we realized that we don’t have to be in the same place to work together,” says Townsend, who serves as Purdue Global’s chief diversity officer and vice president of organizational culture. “I started thinking differently about my work, work environments and ways technology can help to increase access.” Read more about Tiffany.
PG News and Updates
December Updates from HR
Payflex to HSA Bank:
HSA Bank will be the new HSA/FSA vendor for 2024. The last day to use your Payflex FSA debit card will be December 31, 2023. Payflex FSA debit cards will be deactivated on January 1, 2024. You will need to submit paper claims for reimbursements on your 2023 qualified expenses.
If you would like to transfer your Payflex HSA to HSA Bank, you will need to complete the HSA Bank Direct Transfer Request Form (as communicated to you in the November 1, 2023 email from the Human Resources Benefits Team) and submitted to the Benefits Service Center through their secure email at www.purdue.edu/hrhelp. Forms must be received via email no later than December 15, 2023.
New Payroll SuccessFactors Training:
The last Payroll SuccessFactors training session is on December 13, 2023 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm ET. The session will be recorded and sent out at a later date along with additional resources and QRGs. Questions? Please email pghr@purdueglobal.edu.
Concur Users moving to Oracle Expense:
As a reminder, we are moving from Concur to Oracle Expense. Please take the time to review the Oracle Expense User Guide and the Purdue Global Users Only-Banking document that walks you through how to add your direct deposit information into the new system. Questions? Please email pghr@purdueglobal.edu.
Feedback Requested Via Open Enrollment Survey
The Purdue Human Resources-Benefits team is eager to hear your thoughts on open enrollment and the wellness offerings we provide. You can share your insights via a brief, two-part survey by following this link. Responses are requested by December 15, 2023.
Employee Town Hall on December 12
Join Chancellor Frank Dooley on December 12 at 3:30 pm ET for the next employee town hall meeting. In this session, we will announce this year’s Purdue G.L.O.B.A.L. Awards winners. Learn more about the awards and previous winners.
Holiday Schedule Reminders
As a reminder, the Purdue Global offices will be closed December 25 and January 1. As a result, there will be no Monday Minute newsletters published on December 25 or January 1. Should you have an end of year content submission, the deadline is end of business on Wednesday, December 13 for publication on December 18. Happy holidays!
Across the University
Purdue Global Signs Educational Partnership with Epic Flight Academy
Purdue Global is proud to announce its educational partnership with Epic Flight Academy, which will connect students with the opportunity to pursue an online bachelor’s degree in aviation management or professional flight through the Purdue Global Aviation program.
“We are pleased to partner with Epic Flight Academy through recognition of prior learning in both the professional flight and aviation management programs,” said Sara Sander, Purdue Global Vice President, Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Interim Dean of the School of Aviation. “This partnership will help both parties work together to address the need for more pilots, as well as those who work in the aviation industry.” Learn more about this newest partnership.
Tiffany Townsend Selected to UPCEA DEI Committee
Tiffany Townsend, Vice President of Organizational Culture and Chief Diversity Officer, joins the UPCEA Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Committee as a member for its 2024 - 2025 term. UPCEA is the online and professional education association. Its members continuously reinvent higher education, positively impacting millions of lives. They proudly lead and support through cutting edge research, professional development, networking and mentorship, conferences and seminars, and stakeholder advocacy. Their collaborative, entrepreneurial community brings together decision makers and influencers in education, industry, research, and policy interested in improving educational access and outcomes. Congratulations, Tiffany!
Maricel Lawrence Selected for IELOL Faculty Role
Maricel Lawrence, Innovation Catalyst, was recently accepted for a faculty role in the OLC - 2024 Institute for Emerging Leadership in Online Learning (IELOL) program. ELOL participants work with colleagues from around the world to explore and understand both the opportunities and barriers to advancing local and global online learning. Program graduates join a growing network of online leaders in higher education focused on improving and advancing the impact of digital learning on all aspects and formats of education. Congratulations, Maricel!
Graduate Dottie Harnish's Comeback Story was 30 Years in the Making
For 30 years, Dottie has had the goal of earning a degree that moves her forward. Now she’s sharing her journey from U.S. Army reservist to military spouse to Purdue Global graduate.
When I joined the military in 1987, I had intended to go back to school as soon as I could. In my case, I chose first to be a supportive mother and military spouse, something I am incredibly proud of. Thirty years later, I decided it was time to finish what I had originally planned to do.
Before joining the U.S. Army Reserve, I earned my certificate in bookkeeping at Hagerstown Business College in 1987, but I never intended to stop there. I always planned to go back for my associate degree in accounting. While in the Army, I went into finance as a way to get a background for my original goal. I thought I would continue on to college right away. It was also in the Army where I met my husband, who was an active-duty member. When we got married, I decided to support him and his military career. Read more about Dottie and her Purdue Global journey.
PG School of Nursing Featured on Sigma Website
While visiting the Sigma Theta Tau International's website, we saw some familiar faces in the image they use on their meetings and events page. From Left to Right: Dr. Lisa Chapman (DNP Faculty), Dr. Amy Daly (DNP Faculty), Dr. Sally Gesembe (DNP grad), Melissa Burdi (Dean and Vice President). Way to go Purdue Global School of Nursing!
Pride@Purdue Global ERG Holiday Meeting
We are excited to announce the upcoming Pride@Purdue Global ERG holiday meeting, which will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 12:00 pm ET. The meeting is open to all Purdue Global Faculty and staff and will be held virtually on Google Meet.
Meeting Agenda:
Honor World AIDS Day, observed on December 1 each year
Introduce the Transanta campaign
Review ERG accomplishments
Update on current projects
Celebrate the end of the year with some fun and games
Will You Be a Transanta?
Transanta has kicked off its fourth holiday season of giving!
Transanta is a mutual aid social media campaign that connects Santas everywhere with trans youth in need. Through anonymous and safe gift-giving, trans and non-binary youth who are unhoused, in foster care, or otherwise without vital support receive the gifts they want and the affirmation they need from people all over the world. Pride@Purdue Global will organize a fundraising opportunity, but you can also participate by visiting https://buy.transanta.com/ and following them on Instagram @transanta.
Purdue Global American Red Cross Blood Drive
PG Red Cross Club Blood Drive.pdfUpcoming Events
Check out more information about upcoming events on the Purdue Global Calendar.
Monday, December 11
11:00 am ET
Join this Purdue Global-wide meditation session to help foster self-care to better serve your family, students, and colleagues. Meditation sessions are open to all at Purdue Global; experience is not required. Students may access the link to enter via announcements in PG411 Help! Student Success Connection.
Tuesday, December 12
12:00 pm ET
Exploring Brightspace Analytics
The Brightspace LMS provides quick access to course analytics. Join this session to explore the class progress, engagement, and access data available in your course. The information provided in these tools can help identify potential issues, prompt student outreach, and highlight positive behaviors.
3:30 pm ET
Employee Town Hall: Purdue G.L.O.B.A.L. Distinction Awards
Join Chancellor Dooley for the announcement of this year’s Purdue G.L.O.B.A.L. Awards winners. Learn more about the awards and previous winners.
Thursday, December 14
2:00 pm ET
Enriching Seminars: Incorporating Guest Speakers and Alternative Hosts
This training provides a comprehensive guide to the technical intricacies of seamlessly integrating guest speakers and alternative hosts into your seminars at Purdue Global. Learn step-by-step strategies and best practices for enhancing your seminar experiences by inviting other voices to share.