News Briefs
News About Employee Benefits; Information Meetings Scheduled
Faculty and staff are encouraged to look for an email message soon from the Human Resources Office about the next open enrollment for employee benefits, which will take place from Nov. 30 through Dec. 11 for coverage effective Jan. 1, 2010. The message will outline details regarding a new preventive dental benefit, a lower cost opportunity for coverage for eligible 19- to 25-year old dependents, and no change in the health insurance employee premium share. The HR Office has scheduled benefits information meetings, open to all faculty and staff, at the following times:
• 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, Jones Auditorium
• 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Nov. 19 Jones Auditorium
• 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Thursday, Nov. 19, Jones Auditorium
Physical Plant Changes Name as Part of Re-organization
The Physical Plant is changing its name. As of Nov. 1, the department will be known as Facilities and Service Management, announced Doug Dice, director. “This name change is part of an overall re-organization of the department and is a more current representation of the department’s commitment to its customers,” says Dice. Other planned changes include new uniforms utilizing school colors, a new “Energy Management Engineer” position, and a new work order tracking and reporting system. “We will continue to improve as we work toward the goals that Alma College sets for the future,” says Dice.
'Tear Down This Wall'

Students build a replica of the Berlin Wall on McIntyre Mall to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the wall's demise.
MLK Task Force Sponsors Charity Auction
As part of the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in January, the MLK Task Force is organizing a silent charity art auction consisting of pieces of donated art. The art may represent the ideals of King's dream or be totally unrelated. The pieces may be old or new, shown before or never shown. Auction pieces will be on display in the Alma College Library starting in December. The silent auction will start Monday, Jan. 18 and finish at 7 p.m. Jan. 21. For more information about donating art or the auction, contact Skip Traynor at traynor@alma.edu or 463-7232.
Food Drive Continues
The Sodexo "Helping Hands Across America" food drive continues until Thursday, Nov. 12th, reports Ann Ritz, service learning coordinator. All food collected will be distributed locally via the Gratiot County Food Collaborative. Collection areas are in the 1st floor SAC faculty lounge and faculty dining room.
Posted: Thu, November 5th, 2009 at 10:24AM

