News From ERAC

The first meeting of ERAC was held on September 6th with Toni Lee Febbo, Director of HR Services, informing the committee about new Lehigh University Retirement Plan and upcoming Wellness Program.  She told us that TIAA-CREF financial counselors will be on campus frequently during the fall to provide informational sessions as well as one-on-one appointments to help you ensure that you are working towards a secure retirement. ERAC strongly encourages everyone to avail themselves of these services provided to University employees.  

After brief introductions, suggestions were solicited on what people would like ERAC to explore this upcoming year.  Topics ranged from unused vacation time to employee involvement and how ERAC can work more effectively within the Lehigh community. 

Resources to Engage, Accomplish, Connect & Help (REACH) completed its second successful year and will continue on in 2013-2014. This interdepartmental and university-wide program aims to foster professional relationships and networks among faculty and staff. By connecting Lehigh employees with each other and providing opportunities to learn about the university, REACH seeks to advance multiple goals of Lehigh's strategic plan, including investing in faculty and staff, as well as the university's core values and the aims of the Council on Equity and Community.  

Also on the agenda this year will be brown bags on topics such as iPad/Android tablet use at Lehigh, the 150th Anniversary of Lehigh University, the South Side Bethlehem community, Social Media and more.  

If you have any suggestions for brown bag presentations, please don’t hesitate to contact your members of ERAC. You can find their contact information here. We are here for you.  It is our mission to serve your needs and concerns on employee relations and other primary concerns including communications.

Wishing you a very productive fall semester.

Denise Stangl
Chair