UofA Global Campus Professional Development Network (2014 Schedule)
September 30, 2013
Programs are presented at the Global Campus at Rogers, 3300 Market Street, Suite 402 or online as indicated.
Workforce Readiness Newsletter August 2013
July 30, 2013
The Workforce Readiness Committee would like to thank the following companies for participating in our Job Shadow Sessions that our committee put together for the Upward Bound students from the University of Arkansas and Northwest Arkansas Community College.
Department of State Releases Visa Bulletin
July 13, 2013
riority dates for the Employment Based 2nd Preference category for foreign nationals from India advanced in the August Visa Bulletin to January 1, 2008. This is a jump of almost 3-1/2 years (from September 2, 2004 in July's Visa Bulletin).
ANNOUNCING THE NOARK BOOK CLUB - Earn Recertification Credits
July 08, 2013
Your NOARK Certification Committee is excited to announce the NOARK Book Club. In March 2013, SHRM added yet another opportunity to earn recertification credits throughreading HR related books. We are capitalizing on that opportunity through the book club.
Free live E-Verify Webinars--Ongoing Webinars
July 08, 2013
U.S. law requires companies to employ only individuals who may legally work in the United States – either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization. This diverse workforce contributes greatly to the vibrancy and strength of our economy, but that same strength also attracts unauthorized employment.
PPACA employer mandate delayed until 2015
July 08, 2013
The Obama administration unexpectedly announced Tuesday it is delaying the employer mandate under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act until 2015.
First GINA Lawsuit Settled for $50,000
June 12, 2013
In early May, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) settled an employment discrimination lawsuit involving a violation of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (“GINA”). Although GINA has been in effect for several years – the law became effective in 2009 and final regulations were issued on November 9, 2010 – the case represents the first lawsuit ever filed by the EEOC alleging genetic discrimination under GINA.
Workplace mental health Focus a growing issue -- David Duerr contributes
June 08, 2013
With depression reported as a leading cause of lost productivity in the United States, a new initiative encourages companies to invest in their workforce to gain healthier, more productive employees, as well as achieve decreased disability costs, less turnover and better retention of valued employees, according to the national coalition Employers Health.
US Department of Labor's OSHA seeks applications for $1.5 million in Susan Harwood safety and health training grants
May 16, 2013
US Department of Labor's OSHA seeks applications for $1.5 million in Susan Harwood safety and health training grants
NOARK Leaders Receive Prestigious Awards
May 10, 2013
The Arkansas Society for Human Resource Management recently presented several prestigious awards to NOARK leaders, Thomas Dunlap and Broderick Daniels, at the 2013 annual conference held in Hot Springs.
NOARK Receives Distinguished Award
April 29, 2013
NOARK's leadership has not gone unnoticed! The Society for Human Resource Management has awarded the NOARK chapter the EXCEL Silver Award for 2012.This award recognizes outstanding achievements in chapter operations and a commitment to providing meaningful programs and services to its members. It also recognizes the continued growth and development as a business leader, capable of developing strategies that lead to business success!
IS THE FLU COVERED BY WORKER'S COMP? BY AMY ESTES TURNER
March 23, 2013
The Arkansas Worker’s Compensation Law has a number of primary purposes, one of which is to pay disability benefits and reasonable and necessary medical expenses to all legitimately injured workers who suffer an injury or disease arising out of and in the course of their employment. A.C.A. § 11-9-101. In determining whether these laws cover the Flu, the two key phrases to look at are “injury or disease” and “arising out of and in the course of employment”.
Perfomance Appraisals...PA's for Short by Ed Wheeler, PHR
March 23, 2013
“Performance Appraisals”.........PA’s for short. That phrase strikes fear in the hearts of Managers and Supervisors every year. Unfortunately, what they often forget about is the real value that PAs can have.
4 PILLARS OF BACKGROUND SCREENING by Jeannie Baker
March 23, 2013
A question often asked, “What is the most thorough inexpensive Criminal background check?”
The Benefits of Professional Association Membership By Patti Barnes, SPHR
March 23, 2013
When people ask if there are benefits to joining a professional association, my immediate response is a resounding, “YES, let me count the ways”.
Developing a Personal Growth (Development) Plan By Patti Barnes, SPHR
March 23, 2013
Okay. Your manager mentions at the department meeting that this year’s annual review will include a discussion of your personal development plan. “YIKES”, you say. “I don’t know how to create a personal development plan. I’m not even sure what I want to develop.” Don’t panic. It is easier than you think. Let me explain.
How To Select Effective Reference Sources by Patti Barnes, SPHR
March 23, 2013
Job searches begin with preparing or updating a resume. A lot of thought goes into the resume preparation to ensure it concisely captures the knowledge, skills, and abilities that make someone the preferred candidate for a position. Be sure your reference sheet receives the same careful consideration and preparation as your resume. You should have a prepared reference sheet, separate from your resume, to provide upon request. A prospective employer will ask for work references once an applicant is considered a strong candidate for a position. Often this is requested following an interview. Do NOT submit your reference sheet along with your resume.
PerformanceGPA: Achieving High Performance Through Service Program
March 13, 2013
This session will introduce the concept of Grandslam Performance as a performance mindset and volunteer service as a talent development platform. It will also present the ROI of this mindset and platform as it relates to enabling and accelerating the performance of the workforce, workplace, and marketplace.
FORM I-9 Revised and New
March 08, 2013
The new, revised Form I-9 will contain a revision date of “(Rev. 03/08/13)N.”
NOARK Honored as a 2012 SHRM Foundation Champion
March 07, 2013
Congratulations are in order! As a result of the fundraising efforts in 2012, NOARK chapter has been designated as a 2012 SHRM Foundation Champion. The support provided by the chapters and councils allows the Foundation the ability to provide opportunities available to fellow HR professionals that they may not have had otherwise, including:
Arkansas Diversity Council presents NORTHWEST ARKANSAS WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM
March 06, 2013
“Women Leaders as Architects of Change”
Interviewing - Your look represents your state of mind.
March 01, 2013
When you show up for an interview in wrinkled pants and a shirt with a stain on it, the hiring manager immediately forms an opinion of you. You won’t get the chance to discuss your three different degrees and revolutionary work processes. The recruiter won’t be able to get past that stain...on your front pocket....it looks like ketchup maybe..Here are my absolutes for your first and last impression at your interview.
The hunt has paid off – it is now time for the interview, what do I do?
March 01, 2013
Do your research. Not doing research on the company you are interviewing with is a major strike against you in the eyes of the hiring manager. When the interviewer asks the question, “What do you know about us”? The interviewee really needs to be able to focus on what they have learned and be able to point out, if possible, a couple of interesting facts from the website or recent new releases to show the hiring manager that you have done your homework. Linkedin.com, Facebook, Pintrest, Google and many other resources are available for the job seeker to really be able to go in depth to research the company’s culture, job descriptions and some sights will actually have former employee feedback about the company. “I know someone here that can put in a good word for me”. Most recruiters would highly dissuade you from making that call, at first. Should you ask your friend for that word and then you do not like the job or worse, you do not receive the offer, then that could put your friend in an awkward situation with his/her manager. Make sure that you want the job, after the interview, before you reach out to friends and ask them for that word of recommendation. Most recent fashions trends are not always what make the most sense for a professional interview. Lay out two or three choices from your wardrobe and think about it for a moment. If you can see the company’s Facebook or other profile pages check out the dress of the employees, but keep in mind that you only have one shot to make that first impression. Black, dark blue or dark gray are always safe colors. One thing you must do – ask for the job. Hiring managers want to hear that you are interested in the position and you want the job. Do not leave them guessing. A nice thank you goes along way. When you are done with your interview, it is always advisable to have a hand written thank you note ready to be mailed as soon as you leave the interview. Your name, a day later, can boost your chances of hearing back from the company.
NOARK To Host 'PerformanceGPA' Book Release
February 27, 2013
Springdale, AR--NOARK will be hosting a book release party for Dr. Adam Arroyos' book, "PerformanceGPA™: Achieving High Performance Through Service".
NOARK Member Recognized in Arkansas Business
February 27, 2013
Jeannie Baker has been recognized as "Affiliate of the Year" by the National Association of Residential Property Managers.
Employer Expectations for 2013 and Beyond: Post-Election Update via Webinar March 7, 2013
February 20, 2013
Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C. is partnering with Lighthouse Compliance Solutions to offer this webinar in an effort to increase your access to an important legal update. No matter where you are located, you can join us online.
Congratulations: Four NOARK Members Pass SPHR
February 19, 2013
Congratulations to the following people at the University of Arkansas who passed the SPHR certification exam during the Winter testing window:
NOARK Mourns the Loss of Russell Gunter of Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus
February 11, 2013
It is with heavy hearts that NOARK announces the passing of colleague and friend Russell Gunter, one of NOARK's greatest advocates and friend to us all. Russell died peacefully on Feb. 9, 2013, with family and friends at his side, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 62 years old.
2013 Federal FMLA Changes & Impact
February 11, 2013
The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a final rule implementing two important expansions of Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protections.
Check Out NOARK's Legislative Blog!
February 07, 2013
The NOARK Legislative Blog offers literary tidbits on state and federal legislation as it relates to the Human Resources field. Because employment laws are constantly changing, staying up-to-date is imperative as an HR Professional. We hope you find this blog a useful tool for answering questions and raising awareness of legislative issues.
How Does a Group Health Insurance Plan Work?
February 07, 2013
group health insurance plan is an insurance plan provided by an employer. A group plan is different than an individual plan. A group plan must cover things that an individual plan does not cover such as pre-existing conditions provided you have had previous credible coverage. A group plan cannot “rate up” any individual in the group based on their health conditions.
Resources for SHRM & Arkansas SHRM Foundation Scholarships
January 21, 2013
There are resources available for scholarships for your professional growth with your certification or a degree. Here are a few:
Author and CEO to Conduct Book Release April 2nd
January 17, 2013
Springdale, AR--Grandslam Performance Associates, LLC
Elizabeth Farmer of Tyson's Acknowledged as NOARK President
January 14, 2013
The Northwest Arkansas Business Journal has acknowledged the appointment of Elizabeth Farmer as the President of the Northwest Arkansas Human Resources Association, Inc., an area affiliate of the Society of Human Resource Management.
New! HR Certification for Reading Select HR Books!
January 03, 2013
For the first time, you can receive HR Certification Institute recertification credit for reading select HR books!