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Dec. 3, 2020

Contents

  • A Note to @PimaNews Readers
  • College Updates
    • Info for Students, Employees and Community on Pima’s COVID-19 Web Page
    • COVID-19 Drive-thru Testing at Desert Vista and West Campuses
    • COVID-19 Health and Safety Considerations During the Holidays
    • Draft Administrative Procedures
    • Annual Leave Buyout Two-week Limit Restriction Lifted Through December
    • Show Tell Give, Dec. 3
    • Non-Exempt and Exempt Staff Performance Evaluations Due by Dec. 15
    • Project EPIC Google Workshop Series
    • Free Retirement Planning Meetings with Fidelity Dec. 16
    • College Office of Dispute Resolution Is Here to Help
    • Employees Honored for Years of Service, Time Capsule Shown Dec. 15
    • Grease Collection and Recycling Event at Pima's West and Northwest Campuses Jan. 9
    • Cababi Art & Literary Magazine Seeks Submissions
    • Adobe Flash Player Support Ends Dec. 31
    • Library FRANK Talk
    • Pima Library Research Award
    • Bring Back Your Pima Library Items
    • Library Online Request and Curbside Pickup Improvements
    • Library Course Reserve Textbook Scanning Appointments
    • Changes to Improve Network Security
    • EvaluationKIT Online Course Evaluation and Survey System
    • Virtual Web Intelligence Interactive Reports Training
    • College Simplifies the Purchase Card Process
    • Volunteers to Be Trained to Support New Title IX Compliance
    • UA Special Offer for Taking Arizona Online Courses
    • Faculty Services and Resource Centers Available Virtually
    • Exempt Employees: Consider Joining the ACES Group
  • Pima People
  • Pima Arts
  • Employee Wellness
    • Sign Up for Employee Wellness Virtual Workshops and Challenges
    • Employee Wellness Resources and Program Info

A Note to @PimaNews Readers

Because of the COVID-19 crisis, @PimaNews is highlighting recent COVID-19-related policy and procedure changes. These will be revised and updated as the situation warrants. College leaders are committed to communicating with employees early and often during this uncertain time. However, they realize that the amount of information and details sometimes can be overwhelming.

College Updates

Info for Students, Employees and Community on Pima’s COVID-19 Web Page
The latest information and employee notices at pima.edu/covid19 include a link to the FAQs about the self-reporting requirement under the temporary COVID-19 personnel policies, plus a link the Employee Handbook.

Also at pima.edu/covid19 are Student Notices. Employees and students should regularly check their College email.

For health-related info visit:

For up-to-date COVID-19 trackers and dashboards visit:

COVID-19 Drive-thru Testing at Desert Vista and West Campuses
Pima’s Facilities, Police and Environmental Health and Safety partnered with the Pima County Health Department and Arizona State University to open new COVID-19 drive-thru testing sites. Appointments are required. When registering for your appointment, use agency code “SALIVATEST.” If you have scheduling issues or questions, email COVID19info@ASU.edu.

COVID-19 Health and Safety Considerations During the Holidays
This holiday season, consider ways you can modify your plans to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep friends, families and communities healthy and safe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers this guidance:

The Pima County Health Department also offers healthy recommendations to protect you and your loved ones.

Draft Administrative Procedures
The following items are available for the 21-day review and comment period:

AP 1.01.01: Development of Board Policies and Administrative Procedures — Revised

AP 1.01.02: Development and Revision Process for Board Policies and Administrative Procedures — Revised

AP 1.01.03: Development and Revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) — New

AP 3.25.05: Program and Service Review — Revised

AP 3.46.06: Complaint Procedure for Students with Disabilities — Revised

AP 4.01.04: Grants — Revised

Annual Leave Buyout Two-week Limit Restriction Lifted Through December
The annual leave buyout two-week limit restriction has been lifted through the end of December. College employees who have not been able to use annual leave, do not want to lose accrued hours or who need funds to cover additional expenses may request a leave buyout provided that the remaining balance after the buyout is at least 40 hours.

In the event an employee uses this provision and their leave balance subsequently is exhausted, the employee will be ineligible to receive donated leave until the unpaid leave status exceeds the number of weeks paid under this provision or until a new fiscal year commences.

Employees may request a payout of up to 80 hours of annual leave per pay period (requests must be made in one- or two-week increments). To request a payout of annual leave, complete and send the Covid-19 Leave Payout Request Form to ESC@pima.edu. Employees must have completed their new hire probationary period. If you have questions, contact the Employee Service Center.

Show Tell Give, Dec. 3
The Show Tell Give 10th Anniversary Celebration is today from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Zoom (enter passcode 236612).

Show Tell Give is an end-of-semester celebration, reading and community outreach event. The event features creative writing students in a storytelling contest led by Writing Faculty Molly McCloy. Students are encouraged to enter and tell a story about persistence. Everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite holiday attire and display their favorite holiday Zoom background.

This year, Show Tell Give is also encouraging donations to the Pima Foundation. For more information, contact Josie Milliken, jlmilliken@pima.edu.

Nonexempt and Exempt Staff Performance Evaluations Due by Dec. 15
All nonexempt and exempt staff performance evaluations for 2019/2020 are due by Dec. 15. Supervisors must initiate the performance evaluation by completing the “Manager Review” to include setting goals and performance measures. Employees must complete the “Self Review.” Both parties then must sign the completed evaluation. To access your staff’s performance evaluations, log in to MyCareerCenter and go to Performance > Performance Reviews. If you have questions, refer to the frequently asked question-and-answer document or contact your HR Consultant. Note: This due date excludes performance evaluations for full-time/adjunct faculty and administrators.

Project EPIC Google Workshop Series
Have you grappled with virtual environments and need tips and tricks to improve your workflow? Join the Project EPIC team this month for workshops covering some Google apps available through Gmail. Register online to attend. All faculty and staff are welcome. If you have questions, email pcc-projectEPIC@pima.edu.

Free Retirement Planning Meetings with Fidelity Dec. 16
College employees can attend a virtual question-and-answer group session and a one-on-one consultation with Fidelity’s Certified Financial Retirement Planner Nick Maly on Dec. 16. The group session is at 8 a.m. and the one-on-one sessions can be scheduled between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. To schedule a meeting, go online or call 800-642-7131.

College Office of Dispute Resolution Is Here to Help
The College’s Office of Dispute Resolution offers employees, students and community members a way to have complaints, grievances or concerns addressed in an independent, fair and objective manner. ODR does intake and triage, investigates and analyzes complaints and grievances, and assists other College units in identifying process improvements.

To talk with a member of the ODR team or file a complaint call 206-4686 or email resolution@pima.edu, or file an anonymous report with EthicsPoint, either online or by calling toll-free 1-855-503-8072.

Employees Honored for Years of Service, Time Capsule Shown Dec. 15
Save the date of Dec. 15 for the virtual Chancellor’s Special All College Meeting: Employee Anniversary Celebration and Time Capsule Presentation.

The event will be livestreamed from 3 to 4 p.m., on the PCC TV YouTube Channel. All employees soon will be receiving an email with details. If you have questions, email collegeevents@pima.edu.

Grease Collection and Recycling Event at Pima’s West and Northwest Campuses Jan. 9
Pima’s Facilities and Environmental Health and Safety is partnering with the Pima County Wastewater Reclamation Department to collect household grease from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Jan. 9 at West and Northwest campuses. The collected grease will be recycled into biodiesel fuel. For more information and additional site locations, visit pima.gov/grease.

Cababi Art & Literary Magazine Seeks Submissions
Cababi Art & Literary Magazine is looking for art and literary submissions for the 2020-2021 edition. Cababi is the official Pima publication that features art, literature and special projects by full-time and part-time faculty, staff and administrators. Cababi is seeking submissions in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, all visual arts and live performances through Jan. 13. Visit cababiartliterarymagazine.submittable.com/submit.

Cababi also is hosting an Adobe Photoshop workshop on preparing digital photos for submission to Cababi. The workshop will be 3:45 to 4:30 p.m., Dec. 4 at meet.google.com/vxf-qszd-exw or by calling 520-800-2783; enter PIN 505 462 174. In this workshop, participants will learn how to adjust contrast, color, size and resolution, and do cropping, minor touch up and vertical and horizontal skew. Some alternative apps and applications also will be discussed.

Adobe Flash Player Support Ends Dec. 31
Adobe Flash officially will come to the end of its life on Dec. 31. In early 2021, Microsoft will begin rolling out an update that removes Flash from all Windows and Mac operating systems. So, employees should not use Flash Player after Dec. 31. Adobe strongly encourages users to migrate to other open web standards, such as HTML5. To learn more about the Adobe Flash Player end-of-life roadmap, visit the Adobe Flash Player EOL General Information Page.

Library FRANK Talk
The College Library will host an AZ Humanities FRANK Talk, “Our Right To Assemble: The History of Protest and Civil Disobedience in the U.S.,” from 10 to 11 a.m., Dec. 11. This online discussion will explore such questions as who has engaged in protest? What is civil disobedience? Does everyone have the same right to assemble? How do race, power and class impact access to free speech and the right to assemble? Register online to attend. If you have questions, contact akopkowski@pima.edu.

Pima Library Research Award
Spread the word to your students that they can earn free classes by demonstrating their library research skills! Up to five winners will be awarded the Pima Library Research Award, worth up to 15 credit hours of tuition. Please encourage students to apply. Application deadline is Dec. 15.

Bring Back Your Pima Library Items
Pima Library items now are being accepted in the book drops located at each campus. Please be sure to return all overdue library items before the end of the year. The book drops are open 24/7.

Library Online Request and Curbside Pickup Improvements
While the campus libraries remain closed, you still can borrow books and DVDs using the Books and More search option on the Library’s homepage. Additional options for daytime and evening pickup options at West Campus now are available.

Library Course Reserve Textbook Scanning Appointments
Students now can make an appointment to use one of the Library Course Reserve Textbooks to scan, photograph, take notes from or read. Appointments can be scheduled between 4 and 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and noon and 2 p.m. on Wednesdays. For more information, go to libguides.pima.edu/course_reserves.

Changes to Improve Network Security
In the interest of protecting student data, the following applications now require employees to connect to the College’s Virtual Private Network (VPN):

  • Student Academic Profile
  • Student Academic History Classlist
  • Veterans Dashboard
  • PLA Workflow (application used by employees)

If you need to request VPN access, submit a service ticket by selecting ”VPN Access“ under Popular Services on MyPima.

EvaluationKIT Online Course Evaluation and Survey System
Over the past few months, the Office of Strategy, Analytics and Research (STAR), the Faculty Evaluation Workgroup and the D2L team have been working to streamline the process of capturing student feedback with EvaluationKIT. EvaluationKIT, a web-based course evaluation and survey software, has been implemented for some courses this fall. Full implementation is planned for the spring. If you have questions or concerns regarding course evaluations/EvaluationKIT, email pcc-feedback@pima.edu.

Virtual Web Intelligence Interactive Reports Training
Organizational Effectiveness & Development is offering a Virtual Web Intelligence (WebI) Interactive Reports Training workshop. In this course, participants will learn how to find, customize and filter reports, and how to sort, delete, restore and convert simple tables to simple charts and more. To register, log into MyPima and MyCareerCenter. For questions or assistance, email Organizational Effectiveness & Development or Ozlem Kacira. To request a reasonable accommodation to participate, email esc-ada@pima.edu.

College Simplifies the Purchase Card Process
In an effort to improve the purchasing card (P-Card) reconciliation and internal auditing process, the College is implementing Concur Company Bill Statements. With this program, P-Card transactions automatically will be captured in detail and pre-populate Company Bill Statements based on a monthly reconciliation period.

Some of the benefits include:

  • One central location to access, review and reconcile all P-Card transactions
  • Elimination of unassigned P-Card transactions
  • More detailed and accurate spending data
  • Greater transparency to card approvers and administrators

Due to continued work with the service provider, the implementation for the Company Bill Statement has changed to Jan. 1. If you have questions, email Graciela Dominguez.

Volunteers to Be Trained to Support New Title IX Compliance
The College is seeking employee volunteers who are familiar with College policies and employee and student processes to serve as advisors or hearing officers in the event a hearing is needed in response to a formal Title IX complaint. Volunteers must be willing to serve in either role. Administrators, faculty, exempt staff and nonexempt staff all are welcome to participate.

Title IX dictates how institutions must respond to incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking. Although Title IX is commonly associated with students’ rights, recent updates to the regulations extend protection to employees and prohibit sex-based discrimination in an institution’s hiring and employment practices. As a result of the changes, the College must provide live hearings and cross examinations, and follow specific processes. A live hearing must be held at the end of the formal grievance process, and the College must provide and train advisors and hearing officers to participate in the process.

If you have questions or would like information on training or to volunteer, email:

  • Diane Deskin, Title IX Deputy Coordinator (Student Affairs - Students), sddeskin@pima.edu
  • Staci Shea, Title IX Deputy Coordinator (Student Affairs - Students), sshea1@pima.edu
  • Michelle Wiltshire, Title IX Deputy Coordinator (Human Resources - Employees), wiltshire@pima.edu

UA Special Offer for Taking Arizona Online Courses
The University of Arizona is partnering with the College to offer 15% tuition discounts on online bachelor programs and 10% tuition discounts on online graduate programs and an application, placement test and student ID fee waiver for Pima employees, their dependents, spouses and domestic partners taking Arizona Online undergraduate and graduate courses. Classes begin in January and March. Learn more online.

Faculty Services and Resource Centers Available Virtually
Campus staff from the Faculty Resource centers and Campus Resource centers are available to assist you. Faculty services and resource centers also have new contact information, Faculty-Services@pima.edu and 520-206-6511.

Exempt Employees: Consider Joining the ACES Group
The Association of Classified Exempt Staff (ACES) invites exempt employees to join ACES. ACES represents all exempt employees to College administration on matters related to wages, salaries and working conditions. For more information about how ACES can support you in your networking and professional development goals, visit pccaces.org.

Pima People

  • Administration of Justice Studies adjunct faculty member Steven Teske, J.D., recently was featured in USA Today for his work in juvenile justice.

Pima Arts

Enjoy a front row seat on the upcoming virtual performances:

  • Pima Theater’s A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol, Dec. 4
    Join Pima Arts alumni Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. for a one-night virtual production of “A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol.” This heartwarming musical will give you all the holiday feels you’ve been craving. The show features a hilarious storyline along with swing arrangements of Christmas standards and four original songs. Proceeds from this production will go toward the Achievement Award fund for low-income new students pursuing theater. Donations are accepted online through the Pima Foundation. $10 minimum. If you have questions, email centerforthearts@pima.edu.
  • Pima Jazz Ensemble, Dec. 8
    This Jazz Ensemble concert features big-band performances. The free concert will be streamed on the Pima Arts YouTube channel at 7 p.m., Dec. 8. Donations are accepted online through the Pima Foundation.
  • Pima Theater’s Project: Our America
    Pima Theater students interviewed people from across the country to see how they were handling this year. They turned these stories into monologues and compiled them into five volumes, released on Wednesdays starting Nov. 11. The last volume will be released at 7 p.m., Dec. 9. Donations are accepted online through the Pima Foundation: $10 for one volume, $45 for all, or (with student discount) $5 for one volume, $20 for all. Proceeds from this project will go toward the new Achievement Award fund for low-income new students pursuing theater. If you have questions, email centerforthearts@pima.edu.
  • Pima Wind Ensemble, Dec. 10
    Join us Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. for the end of the semester Wind Ensemble concert, featuring each family of the band, as well as the entire ensemble, which will close with three selections. This concert will offer a variety of styles, including ragtime, renaissance, baroque and 20th century. This free concert will be streamed on the Pima Arts YouTube channel. Donations are accepted online through the Pima Foundation.
  • Pima Chorale and College Singers, Dec. 11
    Chorale and College Singers’ Fall concert will feature works for small ensembles. Pieces will include the famous duet from “Lakmé,” the quartet “April Is In My Mistress’ Face” by Morely, and several choral pieces, such as “Flying Free” by Besig, “I Carry Your Heart With Me” by Stroope (with solo violin), “Always Something Sings” by Forrest, and many more. This free concert will be streamed on the Pima Arts YouTube channel at 7 p.m., Dec. 11. Donations are accepted online through the Pima Foundation.
  • Pima Dance Dec. 12 and 14
    This semi-annual performance features faculty and student-choreographed dances encompassing many dance styles including contemporary, ballet, pole and jazz. "Silence" is performed on stage, but breaks tradition by stripping away the music. The performance will include a playlist of suggested music tracks for the audience to select. Early viewing will be available Dec.12 for those who donate $20. Non-donors can view Dec. 14. Both performances will be at 7 p.m. on the Pima Arts YouTube channel. Donations are accepted online through the Pima Foundation.
  • Pima Orchestra, Dec. 13
    Pima Orchestra will present a program for strings accompanied by piano. One major work is the “Concerto for Strings in C minor” by Antonio Vivaldi. This work is in three movements and is one of the most beautiful Baroque compositions for strings Vivaldi composed. This free concert will be streamed on the Pima Arts YouTube channel at 7 p.m., Dec. 13. Donations are accepted online through the Pima Foundation.
  • Pima Musical Theatre Workshop, Dec. 14
    The Musical Theatre Workshop Showcase will highlight various musicals, including pieces from “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Miserable,” “The Secret Garden,” “Little Women,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and more. This free concert will be streamed on the Pima Arts YouTube channel at 7 p.m., Dec. 14. Donations are accepted online through the Pima Foundation.
  • Sculpture-On-Campus Exhibit
    Seven new works of art have been added to the Sculpture-On-Campus exhibit at East Campus. The artists are Olivier Mosset, Willie Ray Parish, Kevin Caron, Joan Waters, Jorge Caballero and Ivan Castro, Carlton Bradford, and Piper Bast, SOC’s first Pima art student selection. View the new sculptures and hear from the artists behind them on the PCCTV YouTube
  • Louis Carlos Bernal Gallery – Reimagining Still Life
    This exhibit features 21 artists and more than 200 images from the Dan Leach collection, as well as works from 11 independent artists, including Louis Carlos Bernal, Susan Conaway, Diane Dale and Ernesto Esquer. Additional artwork from many of these artists will be on display at Tucson International Airport – American Airlines arrival gate area. For more information, email dandres@pima.edu.

Employee Wellness

Sign Up for Virtual Workshops and Challenges
Sign up online for Employee Wellness virtual workshops and challenges:

Employee Wellness Resources and Program Info
Visit the Employee Wellness Intranet page to access free resources and tools. Employees also are encouraged to visit the Employee Wellness website for additional resources, news and information on the Pima Healthy Rewards Program and wellness-related activities that qualify for Pima Wellness Activity points. You also can keep current on the latest wellness news.

@PimaNews is an electronic newsletter for employee news of Pima Community College. It is published by the Pima Community College Marketing office. @PimaNews is published Thursdays, except when the College is closed, during the semester and every other week during the summer. Please send announcements and news items – 75 words or fewer ─ to pimanews@pima.edu by noon on Monday. Back issues are available on the @PimaNews Web page. The newsletter also accepts submissions about Pima employee accomplishments.

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