University to conduct family care assessment

University to conduct family care assessmentSeptember 10, 2008SU News ServicesSUnews@syr.edu

Syracuse University will conduct a family care assessment at the end of September that is intended to provide valuable data on the University community’s needs relating to child, elder, spouse, partner and other types of dependent care. Staff members’ participation in this survey can help shape the future of family care services and support at SU.

The Family Care Advisory Committee, an extension of the WorkLife and Organizational Development team in the Office of Human Resources, is working with the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment (OIRA) to design and implement the confidential Web assessment tools. This online survey will be launched via e-mail to benefits-eligible faculty and staff. A paper format will be available to SEIU members and upon request from OIRA.

“This is a great opportunity for faculty and staff to lend their voices to an important discussion that impacts family life now and in the future,” says Mickey Lord, director of WorkLife and Organizational Development. “It is so important that we hear from every voice, regardless of current child or elder care needs, to fully inform assessment results. Managers will have a unique view on how family care intersects the workplace. Colleagues can comment on how specific family care resources could improve their work environment, as well as their personal situations.”

The data collected through this confidential process will be reviewed by the Family Care Advisory Committee and form the basis for a report to the University’s administration with recommendations for enhancing family care services and support.

Staff members who have specific questions about family care support currently available to faculty and staff should visit the family care website at http://humanresources.syr.edu/worklife/family_care.html or contact Lisa Brennan at 443-2099.