People, Events, Opportunities
Two staff leave policies enhanced
Following the recommendations of the College Benefits Council (CBC), the
College has expanded parental and bereavement leave policies to better meet
employee needs and to maintain a competitive benefits package. The policies,
which went into effect Nov. 1, 2007, apply to regular, benefits-eligible
(non-faculty) employees.
After a mother gives birth, a physician typically recommends that she take
six weeks of medical leave. This time is paid through Dartmouth’s short-term
disability plan. Dartmouth’s new parental leave plan provides birth mothers
with two additional weeks of paid leave, totaling eight weeks of paid leave
time.
Spouses, partners, and adoptive parents are also now eligible for two weeks
of paid parental leave. The time may be taken immediately after the birth or at
any point in the first year of becoming a parent. The leave can be used in
part-time increments or intermittently, if approved by the supervisor.
Qualifying parents can also take additional time off that is unpaid through
the Family Medical Leave
Act.
Also at the recommendation of the CBC, Dartmouth is increasing the number of
paid bereavement days from three to five. The days can be taken in the event of
a death of an immediate family member.
The CBC is a group of faculty and staff representing various areas of
Dartmouth that spent the past year examining benefits and policies typical to
peer institutions.
“These changes demonstrate our focus on maintaining Dartmouth’s position as
a competitive employer that provides for employees at various stages of their
lives,” says Traci Nordberg, chief Human Resources officer. “I am especially
pleased that these changes allow parents some flexibility as they re-enter the
workforce.”
Miranda Pizinger, benefits administrator for the Office of Human Resources, provides
consultation to supervisors and employees to aid in the leave process. She can
be reached on e-mail or at
646-1296.
Traffic cop for conscience
With her jovial manner and in-depth knowledge, Ruth Kilburn helps Dartmouth
students achieve their goal of making a positive difference in the world. Tucker Foundation’s receptionist,
Kilburn guides visitors to such initiatives as mentoring young students in the
Upper Valley, participating in community service on a Native American
reservation, and working at an orphanage in Bangladesh.
 From left: Ben Jastrzembski ’08, student director for
the Cross Cultural Education and Service Program-Nicaragua, Jay Mateo ’09,
civic intern for national and international fellowships, and Ruth Kilburn,
administrative assistant at the Tucker Foundation.(Photo by Sarah Memmi)
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“It’s really exciting to meet people every day who want to reach out and
help,” says Kilburn, who is known for her sharp wit and determination to share
her chocolates. “The students that come in here are just phenomenal. I’m amazed
by what they do.”
In some interactions, Kilburn asks more questions than she answers.
“Sometimes students aren’t sure exactly what they want to do, so I ask them
about their interests, and preferences, and try to point them in the right
direction,” she says. Often, students visit to peruse the books that list
global opportunities for volunteerism. “They’ll just sit and think about where
in the world they want to help.”
Kilburn also serves as administrative assistant to Tucker’s Office of Spiritual and Religious
Life, and she helps to coordinate the work of the United Campus Ministers
and all of the 25 student religious groups. Richard Crocker, College chaplain
and acting dean of the Tucker Foundation, says, “Ruth’s cheerfulness and
helpfulness make the Tucker Foundation a place of hospitality for
everyone.”
Introduction to Entrepreneurship
The Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth Medical School, and the Dartmouth Entrepreneurial
Network will offer an evening mini-course, Introduction to
Entrepreneurship, during winter term. The course, taught by
Gregg Fairbrothers ’76, adjunct professor of business administration at
Tuck and director of the Dartmouth Entrepreneurial Network, is designed to
provide basic education in commercialization of technology, entrepreneurship,
and starting new business ventures. Class will meet Monday evenings from 4:45
to 6:45, Jan. 7 through March 3, 2008. The course is free and open to anyone
eligible for a dartmouth.edu, hitchcock.org, or dartmouth.alum.org e-mail
address. For more information about the course or to register as a noncredit
student, contact Sandy Rozyla
by Dec. 17.
Employee News and Notes features news and information for all Dartmouth
employees and is produced by the Offices of Public Affairs and Human
Resources. To suggest stories, contact Steven J. Smith via e-mail or at
646-0912.
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