Beginning July 1, 2009, Columbia University will convert all University Officers of instruction, research, administration, the libraries and student officers to a semi-monthly pay cycle.

Changes to New York State law require that all employees below a certain earnings threshold be paid at least semi-monthly. Several pay frequency options were considered and the conversion of all Officers to a semi-monthly cycle was determined to be the most effective way to comply with this law. This change will provide you with earlier and more frequent access to your earnings, giving you more flexibility to manage your money.

Read the full story to find resources and helpful links.

Harris, Rothenberg International, the vendor for Columbia's Employee Assistance Program, offers a multitude of resources, including money management.

This week, HR Benefits highlights an article that can help you with your food budget.

Spend Less on Food and Still Have a Great Time: "If you write down everything you spend on food and drink for a month, you may be astonished at what you learn. And many of your purchases may be quite small: a muffin here, a soda there. But they add up. After you have figured out where your food money goes, you can start deciding where to cut back." Read more ...

As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report findings on Influenza A(H1N1) in New York City and the United States, University leadership is actively monitoring the situation and will post further information as it becomes available.

For the most recent news, please visit Columbia's Preparedness website. HR also recommends visiting the page on flu prevention.

Parents may wish to visit the CDC page on Information for Concerned Parents and Caregivers.

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which raised the monthly transit allowance to $230 for both transit and parking. Transit is increasing from $115 to $230; Parking is increasing from $220 to $230.

You now have an opportunity to enroll in or change your 2009 monthly Transit and/or Parking election.

The new contribution amount will be effective May 1, 2009, provided you enroll before April 22, 2009.

 

Originally posted July 7, 2008

Human Resources and Payroll are pleased to announce that you can now sign up for or modify your current election to directly deposit your pay into your savings account, checking account, or both. Simply log into the myColumbia portal with your UNI and password and choose "View Your Direct Deposit Information" on the Faculty & Staff tab. For help, please see the Direct Deposit Instructions (PDF).