Human Resources offers new feature on the web, reminds departments to file employment forms

Staff and faculty can now use the Human Resources self-service web site to let supervisors and other University officials know whom to call in the event of an emergency at work. The Emergency Contact Information option allows staff and faculty members, as well as student employees, to list the name, address, and phone number of the emergency contact.

The information can be updated as needed by the employee at any time. Only departmental and University administrators with a high clearance level will be able to view the emergency information, and they will be able to access only the emergency information. Employees without easy access to the web site may update the data by way of their departments.

Staff and faculty are encouraged to visit the self-service site at http://hris.uiowa.edu/selfservice (from there, click on the Emergency Contact link) and check the listing for accuracy. Various units that already maintain emergency contact information for employees have joined with Human Resources in maintaining this resource.

Filing I-9 forms

Especially after the events of Sept. 11, it’s very important that all new employees complete an Immigration and Naturalization Service I-9 form for employee-eligibility verification and that departments promptly return them to the University Payroll Office, says Joe Joynt, University payroll manager.

Hiring departments are required to file the form within three business days of the first day of employment. Failure to file a valid form will result in termination of the employee, in addition to penalties and fines that are the liability of the hiring department.

A completed form should be sent to the Payroll Office as soon as a new employee has filled it out. Some large units, such as the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and the College of Medicine, already have procedures in place to review all I-9 forms to make certain they are filled out correctly and delivered on time, and therefore do not send their forms directly to Human Resources.

To assist departments in monitoring compliance, a report is available at www.uiowa.edu/~eforms/hr/i-9.pdf.