Working@duke - June/july, 2009
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RECESSION OUTLOOK Uncertainty over the recession’s depth, future value of Duke’s investments and full effects of cost-saving complicate economic forecast.
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PARKING RENEWAL Parking permit renewal begins in late June with an emphasis on using alternative transportation to save on costs, help the environment.
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SUSTAINABLE DUKE The historic drought that ravaged North Carolina in 2007 and into 2008 is over, but Duke is still cutting its water consumption.
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Faculty –In– Residence ACROSS DUKE, 14 FACULTY MEMBERS LIVE WITH STUDENTS TO ENHANCE COMMUNITY AND ENGAGEMENT t was one of the warmest days in months, and Kevin and Jane White’s backyard – the Few Quad barbecue pit – was an ideal setting to mingle with their neighbors: Duke undergrads. Over pulled pork and hush puppies, the Whites, with their labradors Marley and Clancy in tow, chatted with students about the ACC women’s tennis tournament, plans for summer and Durham as a destination city. As a faculty-in-residence and Vice President and Director of Athletics, White lived among students in Few residence hall with his wife this year, joining 13 other faculty who participated in Duke’s Faculty-In-Residence Program. “It’s helped us to really discover Duke,” Kevin White said. “Every day is fun here.” The Faculty-In-Residence program, developed 25 years ago by Professor Benjamin Ward, enables undergraduate students to interact with professors in a less formal setting, one largely free of the traditional teacherstudent formalities. Each spring, an It’s helped invitation is sent to all eligible faculty us to really soliciting applications for the role, typically a three-year commitment with housing discover Duke. Every provided to facilitate engagement. day is fun here.” “The Faculty-In-Residence program is — Kevin White important because it is a unique way to Vice President and connect students and faculty outside the Director of Athletics classroom,” said Steve Nowicki, dean and vice provost for undergraduate education. “It brings faculty into the everyday lives of students and gives students the opportunity to get to know faculty as people, which is especially important for our first-years. There are many strong faculty contributors who are interested in these positions, and we have more qualified applicants than we have positions.” Ward, the professor who started the program at Duke and teaches philosophy and German, has lived among students for the past two decades, raising twin boys on campus. His original apartment in Trent Hall was quite modest, but Ward now resides in the Arts Theme House in Edens on West. It has room for two grand pianos.
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2009, 2008, 2007 Gold Medal, Internal Periodical Staff Writing 2007 Bronze Medal, Print Internal Audience Tabloids/Newsletters
Top Left: Kevin White, Duke’s vice president and director of athletics, talks with students who live in Few residence hall during a recent barbecue. Above: White and his wife, Jane, participated in the Faculty-In-Residence program and feel at home in their Few apartment.
“I like the easy interaction with students and the opportunity to affect them in a whole range of ways that you’re not necessarily aware of at the time,” Ward said. “People have come to me over the years with all kinds of personal issues. That sense of trust develops.” Kevin and Jane White were invited to live in the apartment of newly renovated Few Quad, which re-opened in January, for a shorter term while their house in Durham was being built. The Few apartment has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a conference room for student events. It’s the newest addition to the Faculty-In-Residence program, which includes 12 residences on East Campus and two on West.
>> See FACULTY IN RESIDENCE, BACK PAGE
This paper consists of 30% recycled post-consumer fiber. Please recycle after reading.
Editor’s Note LEANORA MINAI
Newsbriefs
[email protected]
Learning and development catalog moved online
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f you’re a Duke sports fan(atic), get your hands on an Employee Athletic Pass. The season ticket pass is on sale now, offering a deep discount to cheer for the Blue Devils at all home football and women’s basketball games. I talked with Bart Smith, director of marketing and promotions for Duke Athletics, and he said sales of the passes are on the rise, increasing from 581 sold in 2006 to 2,688 last year. “The biggest part of that was the excitement about a new football coach and the continued growth and success of women’s basketball,” Smith said. “Coach Cutcliffe and Coach P did a lot to help get the word out to employees.” Attendance at football and women’s basketball games is also up. Four separate football games last season drew more than 30,000 people to each, and 93,174 fans walked through Cameron Stadium’s doors for women’s basketball. “We want to continue to have it grow,” Smith said. The cost of each season pass is tiered, ranging from $100 to $250, depending on the sport and number of seats. Read the story below for pass details. Football season kicks off at home Sept. 5 against University of Richmond. One perk of the pass is the opportunity to attend a men’s basketball game in Cameron. Last year, Duke Athletics released tickets to six games, and Duke employees with a pass could buy the sought-after tickets. To order your Employee Athletic Pass, visit GoDuke.com, or call the ticket office at (877) 375-3853. Go Duke!
Duke’s Learning & Organization Development workshop schedule through December is now available online. Faculty and staff can visit hr.duke.edu/train to learn more about the latest learning opportunities for computer, management and other work skills. Learning & Organization Development is also offering more workshops in shorter formats at lower costs to help departments stretch training budgets. “We provide learning opportunities for individuals and teams to achieve their personal and organizational goals,” said James McPherson, director of Learning & Organization Development. “When an individual is able to achieve his or her personal goals, it creates a stronger commitment to the organization.” For more information, call (919) 613-7600.
Stay informed about Duke’s response to the H1N1 virus A website is available to provide faculty, staff and students with the latest information about Duke’s plans and preparations for dealing with H1N1 and the potential for a pandemic. Duke has engaged a comprehensive internal team from across the University and Health System that meets regularly to assess new information and provide updates regarding any developments. The website is updated regularly as information changes. The Duke community is asked to continue to take precautions, including frequent hand washing, covering nose and mouth when coughing and staying home with flu-like symptoms. Visit the website at duke.edu/flu2009
Two preferred international travel agencies selected To support Duke’s global initiatives and provide resources for Duke international travelers, Duke has selected two preferred agencies: Ovation Corporate Travel and Cardinal Travel Service. The agencies assist in planning and obtaining required documentation such as visas and locating faculty, staff and students
who travel abroad. The agencies also ensure Duke meets requirements for appropriate spending of sponsored research travel funds. “We encourage faculty and staff to use one of these vendors to make their international travel arrangements,” said Jane Pleasants, assistant vice president for Procurement at Duke. “They offer onestop shopping, from most favorable negotiated rates for flights, accommodations, and car rentals, to assisting travelers with required travel documentation a country might require upon entry. Most importantly, we want to make international travel as worry and risk free as possible for our faculty, staff, and students.” For more information, visit www.procurement.duke.edu.
Free tips to cope with stress, chronic pain Staff and faculty can learn how to reduce stress and improve health during free workshops at Duke Integrative Medicine. Upcoming workshops include “Calming the Anxious Mind” with Jeff Brantley, director of Duke’s Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on July 16. The workshop is 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m at Duke Integrative Medicine on the Center for Living Campus near the intersection of Erwin Road and Cameron Boulevard. Pre-registration is required. Call (919) 416-3853. For more information, visit dukeintegrativemedicine.org
Let creativity shine in employee art show Share your artistic side by entering the Duke Employee Art Show, sponsored by the Health Arts Network at Duke (HAND) and Duke Human Resources. Submit watercolors, sketches, oil paintings and other twodimensional artwork for the juried show, which will be judged Aug. 26. Prizes will be awarded, and the winning works will be displayed on campus in September. Registration forms must be submitted by 5 p.m. Aug. 3. to the HAND office, 122 Hanes House, or through campus mail: Sam Morrison, 3017 DUMC. Forms are at Hospital and Clinics Information Desks or by contacting Sam Morrison, [email protected].
Letters to the Editor must include name and contact information. E-mail letters to [email protected] or mail them to Working@Duke Editor, Box 90496, Durham, NC 27708. Fax letters to (919) 681-7926. Please keep length to no more than 200 words.
Get in the game for less EMPLOYEE ATHLETIC PASS OFFERS DISCOUNT FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL TICKETS uring its Rose Bowl games of the 30s and 40s and winning seasons in the 80s under former coach Steve Spurrier, the Duke football team was at the top of its game. Jerry Mansell thinks he’ll be around for the next winning era of Duke football under coach David Cutcliffe.
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That’s why Mansell – who’s signed up for the pass since he arrived at Duke two years ago – is excited to purchase the Employee Athletic Pass, which offers faculty and staff reduced prices on season tickets to every Duke football and women’s basketball home games. “Coach Cutcliffe is making a large effort to involve everybody at Duke and I certainly want to be supportive,” said Mansell, a low vision coordinator at the Duke Eye Center.
“I feel he deserves every bit of my support because he’s going to turn this ship around.” Last year, about 2,700 employees took advantage of the pass, nearly double the number from the 2007 season. New this year is tiered pricing, based on sports team: • Single employee pass, football only – $100 • Single employee pass, football and women’s basketball – $125 • Family employee pass, four tickets for football only – $199 • Family employee pass, four tickets for football and women’s basketball – $250 Employees can add a person to a family plan for $49.75. Each pass holder also receives a free Duke T-shirt and multiple chances to purchase men’s basketball tickets. “Employees get to experience the pageantry and excitement of college football and basketball in some of the best venues in the country for an extreme discount,” said Bart Smith, director of marketing and promotions for Duke Athletics. “We’re always looking for ways to show our appreciation to the Duke employees and give them the best deal possible when it comes to supporting Duke athletics.” — By Bryan Roth Writer, Office of Communication Services
Rent a Stadium Seat at Wallace Wade When fans pack into Wallace Wade Stadium for the 2009 football season, they’ll have an opportunity to be more comfortable while they watch the Blue Devils from the bleachers. Fans can rent cushioned stadium seats for all home games. The seat, which includes a steel frame, is made of water-resistant vinyl with padding on the back and bottom. The one-time cost to rent a seat for the season is $30 before July 1 and $40 after that date. “We’re excited to give fans a new option of comfort and convenience at Wallace Wade Stadium,” said Bart Smith, director of marketing and promotions for Duke Athletics. Proceeds from seat rentals support Duke Athletics. The seats are provided by ISP Stadium Seating. Blue Devil fans can order a seat online or by the phone throughout the season. After providing a section, row and seat number, a royal blue seat with a Duke football logo will be permanently placed in the specified bleacher seat for the season. Order a stadium seat at DukeSeats.com or call (800) 510-5614.
2 To order your Employee Athletic Pass, visit GoDuke.com or call the ticket office at (877) 375-3853.
Economic outlook clouded by uncertain market forces Duke University Endowment T $7 $6 $5
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he University has worked deliberately since last fall to close a $125 million budget shortfall over three years, but unknowns exist: the depth of the recession, the future value of Duke’s investments and the full effects of cost-saving measures underway. “We have created a comprehensive plan to address the issues,” said Kyle Cavanaugh, vice president for Duke Human Resources. “But there are several chapters yet to unfold.” Administrators are not mincing words when it comes to the forecast for 2010 and beyond, as they manage declining endowment returns from the market meltdown. “I don’t think next year is going to be better,” said Tallman Trask III, executive vice president. “If I had to guess, it may be a little worse. Because of the way the money flows, we have not seen the full impact.” The flat $1.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2009-10 reflects costsavings such as a moratorium on new construction for at least two years, and longer-term savings such as moving to paperless payroll for employees with direct deposit. But a large portion of savings has to come in labor costs, which account for 60 percent of Duke’s operating budget. To help reduce labor costs, Duke implemented a compensation freeze for staff and faculty earning more than $50,000 and drastically reduced the number of vacant positions being filled. Duke also offered a voluntary retirement incentive to 825 University employees participating in the Employee’s Retirement Plan, a traditional pension plan for bi-weekly-paid staff. Trask said the voluntary retirements, along with attrition and a careful management of vacant positions, could mitigate the potential for involuntary layoffs. “As much as I would like to say that workforce reduction is not a possibility, we are not ready to say that yet,” he said. “But we can say it will be one of the very last possibilities.” Duke will protect employee benefits as much as possible, Trask said. “We have no plans to reduce any of them next year.”
$4 $3 $2
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$1 $0 2004
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The drop in market value of the endowment will be felt for several years because Duke averages the value over a three-year period to determine how much money is available from the endowment for operating expenses each year. The endowment values in the chart are calendar year-end values.
While the full effect of cost-saving efforts is tough to predict now, administrators are fairly certain that income from Duke’s endowment will remain low for another year or two. “We have a policy of using a three-year average to calculate the amount of money we receive from the endowment each year,” said Hof Milam, vice president for Finance. “Now that we are in a declining market, we are going to see this three-year average trend down over the next two or three years.” Administrators remain committed to employees, faculty excellence and the quality of the undergraduate and graduate student experience and programs, and will carefully monitor the endowment and implementation of cost-saving efforts. But no one has a crystal ball to forecast the unknown. Said Trask, “We will have to see how a lot of things play out.”
Retirement incentive application deadline is July 6 T he staff retirement incentive plan offers a larger pension and earlier eligibility for retiree health insurance for those who accept it. The incentive is offered to University staff in selected positions who are active participants in the Employee’s Retirement Plan; age 50 or older during 2009; are scheduled to work at least 20 hours per week and have more than 10 years of credited service, as of March 31, 2009. The deadline for enrollment is July 6; Health System employees are not eligible for the incentive. “This one-time incentive program will help reduce the number of overall positions at the University, reducing overall compensation expenses and limiting the potential for involuntary layoffs later,” said Kyle Cavanaugh, vice president for Human Resources. Cavanaugh shared his thoughts on a few questions raised since the retirement incentive was announced at a Primetime employee forum in April. Q: How much is the incentive worth? The financial impact of the staff voluntary retirement incentive will be based on a combination of how many people choose to participate and how many positions are eliminated. The incentive credits eligible staff in the Employees Retirement Plan with five extra
years of service and five extra years of age. Each employee’s calculation is based on his or her salary history and years of service. The incentive provides each employee an enhanced pension. Q: Where is the money coming from?
The Employees Retirement Plan is a pension plan that is funded through money that is separate from the annual operating budget. This money cannot be used for purposes other than providing retirement benefits. Q: Is Duke going to offer a retirement incentive to exempt faculty and staff? We are exploring a variety of models related to an incentive plan for people enrolled in the Faculty and Staff Retirement Plan. However, that plan is different from the plan for staff in the Employees Retirement Plan. The Employees Retirement Plan is a pension plan paid entirely by Duke. The Faculty and Staff Retirement Plan is funded by staff and Duke’s contributions and is more susceptible to market forces depending on asset allocation. Work continues on the possibility of a plan for exempt faculty and staff, and a final decision should be made soon.
Seated, left to right: A panel that included Provost Peter Lange, Executive Vice President Tallman Trask III, Vice President of Finance Hof Milam and Vice President of Human Resources Kyle Cavanaugh discussed the impact of the economy at Duke during the Primetime employee forum in April. Cavanaugh announced the voluntary staff retirement incentive plan during the forum.
— By Marsha A. Green Writer, Office of Communication Services
3 Learn more about Duke’s financials at duke.edu/economy
Parking permit renewal begins NO INCREASE IN MONTHLY RATES FOR 2009-10 o save on commuting costs, Alaina Hopler parks in a remote lot and rides a campus bus to her Duke South office. It’s a 10-minute bus ride, but she saves at least $42 each month by not parking closer to the office. “Parking a little ways off campus saves me a ton of money each year, so it’s definitely worth it,” said Hopler, 25, a data technician in Geriatric Psychiatry. While parking rates for Hopler and other faculty and staff will not increase in 2009-10, administrators continue to urge employees to use alternative transportation to save money and help reduce Duke’s carbon footprint. Despite increased operating costs for parking lot maintenance, bus fuel and other expenses, administrators decided to hold rates steady to reduce the impact on employees during the economic downturn. “The demand for limited parking space continues to grow, and adding capacity will increase the cost,” said Kemel Dawkins, vice president of Campus Services. “The best way to manage the future cost of parking and reduce our environmental impact is for more people to adopt alternative ways of getting to work and around campus. We are continuing to develop more alternatives to commuting alone.” Parking permit renewal for Duke faculty and staff To help manage future increases, Duke is also exploring begins in late June. New parking permits must be innovative ways to curtail expenses, such as evaluating campus bus displayed starting Aug. 16. routes to improve efficiency and offering alternative transportation incentives such as discounts for local and regional bus passes and With Payroll Deduction free parking permits for cyclists and people who carpool. • If your parking location has not changed, “Each time someone opts to use alternative transportation, your permit will be automatically renewed it helps keep the budget down for maintaining parking lots or and mailed to your home address. If you have building new garages,” said Melissa Harden, assistant director for moved, changed parking locations, bought a Parking & Transportation. new car or want to confirm your mailing Hopler, the data technician who parks in the H-6 lot for address, visit parking.duke.edu for instructions $6.80 per month, also rides her bike to work several times a week on how to update your parking account. Your during nice weather. NetID is required. Once your account has been “The money I’m saving by cutting my fuel costs and parking updated, your permit will be renewed and in a remote lot is helping me pay off student loans, which is mailed. Payroll deduction will continue at the much more important to me than parking closer to my office,” same rate. she said.
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How to Renew
2009-10 Monthly Parking Permit Rates University Remote Lots - $9.65 Gated/Proximate Lots $30.50 Premium Lots - $62.50
Without Payroll Deduction
Universal Access - $80 Reserved Spaces - $96.50
Hitch an alternative ride
Medical Center Remote Lots - $6.80 Gated/Proximate Lots $34.75
• If you do not use payroll deduction, you must complete an application available online at parking.duke.edu. The form can be sent through campus mail to Parking & Transportation Services Box 90644, along with payment. Or, visit the Coal Pile Drive office before Aug. 15. The office accepts cash, personal checks, Visa and MasterCard. For more information, call (919) 684-7275.
ick of fighting traffic and hunting for parking? If you’re looking for a new way to get to work, consider these easy and environmentally-friendly options provided for faculty and staff. “Not driving alone in a car each day is one of the easiest, most effective ways to help Duke reduce its carbon footprint by cutting emissions and saving green space,” said Tavey McDaniel Capps, director of Duke’s sustainability program. Free emergency rides are available for people who use alternative transportation and register with gotriangle.org. Learn more at gotriangle.org.
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Garages - $52.25 Premium Lots - $62.50 Universal Access - $80 Reserved Spaces - $96.50
Discount Bus Pass
Vanpool
GreenRide
Duke offers discount city and regional bus passes at a savings of up to 60 percent for students, staff and faculty. Bus passes can be purchased through Duke for transportation with Durham Area Transit Authority, Triangle Transit Regional and Triangle Transit Express. Passengers with a regional or Express pass can also board a Capital Area Transit bus for connections to Durham Area Transit Authority and Triangle Transit buses. By signing up for automatic monthly renewal, faculty and staff can pay through payroll deduction and save more.
Duke works with Triangle Transit to organize a vanpool program for employees. Not only do Triangle Transit vans park for free in a reserved space at Duke, but Triangle Transit provides the van, pays for gas and insurance, and arranges, oversees, and pays for all maintenance. Riders pay a low monthly fare based on monthly round-trip mileage. The primary driver does not pay. Each rider receives 24 daily parking passes for times they need to drive separately. Coming soon this summer is the benefit of pre-tax payroll deduction for the monthly vanpool fare, which keeps more money in participants’ pockets. Learn more at parking.duke.edu.
With GreenRide, you can find Duke carpool buddies by registering for free online. Find other Duke employees in your neighborhood you can ride with and start saving gas and money. The more people who register, the greater chance of finding others to share the daily commute. Enroll at parking.duke.edu.
4 Pick your alternative transportation at parking.duke.edu.
Develop speaking, leadership skills through Toastmasters Toastmaster Meetings essica Colquhoun wasn’t planning to give a speech when she attended a recent meeting of the new Blue Devil Toastmasters Club. But when her name was called to give a twominute impromptu talk, she gamely rose from her chair and walked to the front of the room. Mind racing, she turned and faced two dozen people in the audience. The topic: “Why are you here today?” “I’ve been thinking seriously about joining Toastmasters for two years,” she said, smiling shyly. She took a deep breath and continued.
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Jennifer Sider, development officer for the Duke Federal Credit Union, hones her public speaking skills at a recent Toastmasters meeting.
“I came to my first meeting a few weeks ago, and I thought I would be too scared to come back, but here I am!” Gathering her thoughts, Colquhoun noted the convenience of the new club’s lunchtime campus meeting, and told the audience that Toastmasters allows her to practice and perfect skills she doesn’t use often in her daily job as an outpatient clinic manager. When a timekeeper flashed a yellow card indicating 90 seconds had passed, Colquhoun quickly wrapped up: “I’m looking to learn more about how to structure a speech. It’s just not something I do routinely.” Giving impromptu speeches is part of each Toastmasters meeting, but the educational curriculum provided by Toastmasters International also develops communication and leadership skills one step at a time. The “Competent Communication Manual” describes ten projects that coach club members through speeches that focus on organization, body language, inspirational speaking and voice modulation. Two to three members offer prepared speeches at each meeting, while others take leadership roles, including joke-master, presenter of the word of the day, timekeeper, speech evaluator and “um” counter – the person who reports on filler words each speaker uses. Club members gather twice a month: the original Duke Toastmaster Club meets
Duke Toastmaster Club 1st and 3rd Wednesday 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Duke Credit Union Conference Room Erwin Square Tower, 2200 West Main St. Durham Blue Devil Toastmaster Club 2nd and 4th Friday Noon to 1 p.m. Trent Hall, Room 144 Wednesdays at 7 a.m., and the new Blue Devil Club meets Fridays at noon. Membership is $59 for the first six months, then $39 every six months. The formal structure of Toastmaster meetings creates a safe place for speakers to practice the art of public speaking, and to learn the art of evaluating others, said Carolyn Turner, a Duke Toastmaster Club member who assisted the new club in its early meetings. “We learn by doing,” said Turner, a specialist in Duke’s Office of Research Support. “We gain confidence by speaking, by listening, and by taking turns leading – important skills to have no matter what your job is.” — By Marsha A. Green Writer, Office of Communication Services
For more information about Toastmasters clubs at Duke, visit www.hr.duke.edu/train/toastmasters.htm
Understanding humankind’s place in nature through fossils Department: Division of Fossil Primates Years at Duke: 32 years Who they are: The Division of Fossil Primates is a part of the Duke University Lemur Center and houses more than 24,000 fossils from some of the earliest primates and animals from Egypt, Madagascar, India and Wyoming. The staff regularly travels to those locations to take part in studies of fossils with other universities and governments. What they’re known for: About 30 species of primates have been found and named by the division since its inception. In 2005, the division found teeth and jawbones that belonged to a nocturnal primate named “Biretia megalopsis” because of its teeth and large eyes. The fossils were found in Egypt and determined to be 37 million years old. Many other kinds of animals have also been found, including human ancestors, the earliest elephants and early relatives of the modern sea cow. Duke’s collection of lemur fossils is one of the best in the world because it has full skeletons of early lemurs, something other research organizations don’t have. These collections can be studied inexpensively by a large number of researchers and students without extensive travel.
Photo courtesy of Division of Fossil Primates.
What they can do for you: Duke employees can visit the Division of Fossil Primates at its office at 1013 Broad St. by appointment for free tours and lectures about fossils. Number of employees: Three, plus part-time volunteers and student staff. Hidden department fact: Elwyn L. Simons, director of the Division of Fossil Primates, and Prithijit Chatrath, head curator, were elected as “Knights of the National Order” by the government of Madagascar in 1998 for their contributions to worldwide education about fossils. The knighthood is considered one of the highest honors given by the government of Madagascar to educators. Significant achievement: The Division is the only group in the United States with an agreement to share finds and discoveries with Egypt and Madagascar. Between the Division of Fossil Primates and the Lemur Center, Duke has the most extensive collection of lemurs outside of Madagascar. Simons, the director, has negotiated unique contracts that allow Duke to permanently acquire half of all fossil collections made outside this country in Egypt and Madagascar. Big goal: “To better understand humankind’s place in nature,” Simons said. “This is self-evident because everyone is at least somewhat interested in how we came to be and how we stand where we are.” How they make a difference: “Many scientific and academic papers are based on the research and projects performed by the Division of Fossil Primates,” Simons said. “The history of primates, represented by the primate fossils in our collection, documents a considerable part of this story.” Interview by Bryan Roth, writer, Office of Communication Services
5 Learn more about the Division of Fossil Primates at fossils.duke.edu. Have ideas for other Duke department spotlights? Send e-mail to [email protected]
Mapping your financial success inancial success is not determined by how much you earn, but by the choices you make, according to Scottie Dowdy. “Financial success means being in control of your money instead of letting it control you,” said Dowdy, a financial consultant at the Duke Credit Union. Dowdy knows how helpful it can be to have a map to navigate the twists and turns of financial choices. That’s why she enjoys presenting the Credit Union’s seminar on “10 Steps to Financial Success” to faculty and staff, and their family members. For Rochelle Medley, a recent seminar was a lot like viewing a map of a familiar place: no big surprises but a new perspective on how different aspects of finances fit together. “The class integrated things I am already doing,” said Medley, a staff assistant for Arts & Sciences Information Science and Technology department. “I’m trying to think long term, and a class like this makes sure I am on the right track.” Dowdy said that despite the scary economic news, the key to success is saving. “That doesn’t mean putting money in a savings account and then taking it right back out to pay the bills,” she said. She recommended a three-tiered saving plan: easily available money worth two to eight months of
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essential living expenses; savings for purchases in the next two to five years; and long-term savings for retirement and education. “You have two things to think about when you are trying to save – income and expense,” she said. “Since it isn’t easy to increase your income, then the need is to concentrate on reducing your expenses.” Controlling debt is one of the fastest ways to save. Dowdy advocated creating a debt worksheet listing creditors, amount owed, monthly payments and interest rates. “Putting it in writing can help you see where to focus in planning a strategy for reducing debt,” she said. Medley, the staff assistant, appreciated the seminar’s emphasis on saving. Her parents taught her the importance of living within one’s means, “but now I’m trying to figure out how to teach my son about saving,” she said. One way is paying her son to mow the lawn and automatically setting aside a portion in a savings jar for him. “Big savings aren’t going to happen overnight, or even in two or three months,” Dowdy said. “But small adjustments can help you change lifelong financial habits. The important thing is to do something, not nothing.” — By Marsha A. Green Writer, Office of Communication Services
Upcoming Seminars Staying on Track in a Volatile Market 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 16 Searle Center
Solving the Mystery of Credit Reports 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 23 Searle Center To register for a seminar, visit dukefcu.org and select “seminar signup” under Quick Links; send e-mail to [email protected] or call (919) 660-9745. Can’t make it to a seminar? Contact Scottie Dowdy to arrange for the Duke Federal Credit Union to bring the seminars to your department.
VIDEO: Learn more about fiscal fitness and watch a financial counselor explain 10 steps to fiscal success at hr.duke.edu/financialfitness
PERQS E M P LOY E E D I S CO U N TS
SUMMER FUN DISCOUNTS NORTH CAROLINA ZOO
Splash into summer savings
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t’s easy to save on summer fun: check out the Duke discounts available for the North Carolina Zoo and water parks like Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe.
Last year, Heather Rabalais, a staff assistant in the Department of Pathology, was among many Duke faculty and staff members who purchased more than 4,000 discount tickets to Wet ‘n Wild through PERQS, Duke’s employee discount program.
WET ‘N WILD EMERALD POINTE
She plans to beat the heat again this summer and repeat last year’s successful trip to Wet ‘n Wild with her husband and two daughters.
KINGS DOMINION
“Last year was a break-through year for my youngest daughter, as she was finally tall enough to do most of the rides,” Rabalais said. “She almost chickened out on the Dragon’s Den, but after the first time we rode it, she was hooked.” Savings off each admission to Wet ‘n Wild in Greensboro range from $5.99 to $9.49, depending on height and age.
CAROWINDS
Heather Rabalais and her family used the PERQS discount to enjoy a float down the Lazee River after the thrills of high-speed water rides at Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe.
Kim Bowman and her family have made a tradition of the discount at Wet ‘n Wild, where she hosted her daughter’s birthday party a few years ago. She’s also bought discount tickets through PERQS for Carowinds in Charlotte and Durham Bulls games in Durham.
ORANGE COUNTY SPEEDWAY
“Especially with a family, the cost of entertainment can add up quickly,” Bowman said. “But these discounts save us a fortune. And now that they’ve added Kings Dominion, my husband thinks maybe that should be our next stop.” — By Marsha A. Green Writer, Office of Communication Services
6 Visit hr.duke.edu/discounts to find all discounts, including other summer fares, and to sign up for e-mail updates of special discounts.
Sustainable uke YO U R
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U.S. SEASONAL DROUGHT OUTLOOK
夝 NORTH CAROLINA
WHAT YOU CAN DO The Drought Outlook through the end of July is generally pessimistic in western sections of the country, with the likelihood of improvement increasing farther east. Mid-April precipitation should reduce impacts of the moderate drought in the mid-Atlantic region and the interior Southeast, and typical seasonal increases in precipitation should bring improvement to the Florida Peninsula and the Great Lakes region later in the forecast period. Farther west, odds favor drier than normal May-July conditions and therefore persisting drought across the interior West, and the low precipitation amounts typical of this time of year along the Pacific Coast and in Hawaii should keep drought intact across those areas as well. Source: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Water Use Drops Williams Field is not the only area cutting back on he historic drought that ravaged North Carolina in consumption. The Sarah P. Duke Gardens recently installed 2007 and into 2008 may be over, but Duke is still a new computerized watering system that uses satellites to preparing to take on the threat of another longtrack weather conditions and determine precise watering lasting dry spell by using reclaimed water, cutting back needs in some sections of the gardens. The initiative should on irrigation and implementing new technology at Sarah help reduce water consumption by 30 to 40 percent in 28 P. Duke Gardens to track rainfall. spots in a five-acre segment around the Doris Duke Center. Overall water consumption at the University this spring Information about each of the 28 zones’ soil was down about 50 percent since 2007. conditions, incline and sunlight exposure feed In fact, from June 2008 to February of a controller to determine how much water to this year, Duke used 100 million fewer Duke is send to each zone. gallons than the year before. That’s the determined to “Were trying to be proactive about this to equivalent of providing the daily stay ahead of the game try to save water for the university, the gardens recommended 64 ounces of water for and the community,” said Greg Nace, director each Durham resident every day for two- in conserving water.” of horticulture at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. and-a-half years. — John Noonan “This is something that I think will be a “Duke is determined to stay ahead Associate Vice President positive step forward.” of the game in conserving water,” said Facilities Management This summer, Duke will install tanks John Noonan, associate vice president that can gather and hold up to 10,000 for Facilities Management. “We haven’t gallons of storm, cistern and reclaimed water let up in looking for ways to save water that will be pumped or trucked to the tanks. The water through maintenance or ideas for new facilities or will be used to irrigate portions of West Campus, maintenance systems.” including Koskinen stadium. The Triangle area has received relatively normal Faculty and staff can also take action to help conserve precipitation for this time of year, said Brian Fuchs, a water by turning water off while washing hands and climatologist for the National Drought Mitigation Center. reporting leaks, dripping faucets and running toilets. Typically, 16.35 inches fall by mid-May, but the region Fixing leaks and dripping faucets can save hundreds of had received 14.76, which is 1.59 inches below normal. gallons a year. Trouble spots are Eastern and Western North Carolina, “It’s the small steps that each of us can take that end which are abnormally dry. up making a big difference,” said Ryan Pfirrmann-Powell, Duke isn’t taking any chances. This February, two education and outreach coordinator for Duke underground holding tanks were installed at Williams Sustainability. “We can take personal responsibility for Field on East Campus. The tanks collect water from an helping Duke and the environment.” irrigation system at the field hockey field and a storm line that flows from nearby Bell Tower Residence Hall. This — By Bryan Roth Writer, Office of Communication Services will allow about 80 percent of the water used at the field to be collected and reused.
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Stay informed about sustainablility at duke.edu/sustainability
䡵 Keep showers under five minutes and save up to 1,000 gallons per month. 䡵 Turn off faucets while washing hands or brushing teeth. 䡵 Wash full loads in dishwashers and washing machines and save up to 1,000 gallons a month. 䡵 Replace shower heads with a low flow model. 䡵 Report leaks, dripping faucets and running toilets. For University buildings, 684-2122; residence halls, 6845320 (East), 684-5486 (West), 684-5813 (Central); medical center, 684-3232. 䡵 Make a conscious effort to do one thing every day at Duke to conserve water. Every drop counts.
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WORKING@ DUKE
HOW TO REACH US Editor: Leanora Minai (919) 681-4533 [email protected]
dialogue@Duke “The historic drought may be over, but what are you doing at home or at Duke to conserve water this summer?”
Assistant Vice President: Paul S. Grantham (919) 681-4534 [email protected] Graphic Design & Layout: Paul Figuerado Photography: Bryan Roth, Office of
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I’m part of a community garden near my house, and I use a wheel barrow to carry four water barrels I have at home to collect water from my house to the garden. When I take a shower, I’ll plug the drain and scoop extra water out of the shower and put it in the toilet to save water. If I fill the kiddie pool, I always dump the water out on my garden afterward. I have very little lawn to water as well.”
Michael Goldman Rabbi, Freeman Center for Jewish Life 4 years at Duke
Communication Services; and Duke University Photography.
Working@Duke is published monthly by Duke’s Office of Communication Services. We invite your feedback and suggestions for future story topics. Please write us at
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First of all, I check the toilet to make sure it’s working OK and I’m not losing water anywhere. I make sure I close all the faucets very tight so nothing drips. The showers I take are very quick in the mornings. I have a big backyard and front yard, but I don’t use a lot of water for our lawn or plants.” Gladys Mayer Staff specialist, Organization for Tropical Studies 7 years at Duke
[email protected] or
Working@Duke, Box 90496, 705 Broad St., Durham, NC 27708 Call us at (919) 684-4345. Send faxes to (919) 681-7926.
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Our department doesn’t use a lot of water at Duke, but we’re impressed with what the university has done to help us save water. We use low-flush toilets and anti-bacterial spray in bathrooms instead of the faucet. We’re definitely aware of conserving water. At home, I try to water the lawn less because it can just be a waste.”
Kelley Lawton Head, Lilly Library 14 years at Duke
Got a story tip? Write
[email protected] or Call — By Bryan Roth Writer, Office of Communication Services
681-4533
Faculty In Residence CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “The Faculty-In-Residence program is a strong element of our community and undergraduate experience,” said Joe Gonzalez, associate dean of residence life. “Our resident assistants collaborate with faculty members to host pizza gettogethers, guest speakers and cultural events.” The Whites, who have five children, were thrilled about the opportunity to live among students. Living among university Meet the students reminds the Whites of their own Faculty-In-Residence children and brings comfort, they said. Their youngest daughter, Mariah, is finishing her Fall 2009 senior year in South Bend, Indiana, making this the first time the Whites have been Hsiao-mei Ku (Pegram) empty nesters. She will be a first-year at Brenda Neece (Epworth) Duke this fall. Carol Flath (Wilson) They often eat out – a favorite for Kevin White is Cinelli’s, but he likes to pop over to Bob Cook-Deegan (Alspaugh) the Bryan Center. “I’m a big hotdog guy at Anthony Kelley (Brown) the carts,” he said. The Whites said their apartment is Michele Rasmussen (Gilbert-Addoms) quiet and remarked on how comfortable Julie Tetel (Randolph) they are living among students. They’ve both had careers on college campuses, so Zbigniew Kabala (Southgate) the residence hall was an easy transition for John Brown (Bell Tower) them. They think the students appreciate their presence, especially those who miss Katherine Ewing (Giles) their parents. On the last day of class in John Martin (Blackwell) April, an undergrad approached Jane White Benjamin Ward (Edens) and gave her a hug. The Whites have gotten to know some Orin Starn (Bassett) students in Few but wish they had more time Hwansoo Kim (Few) to spend getting to know everyone. Both travel to as many away games as possible to support Duke teams.
D U K E T O D AY
Kevin and Jane White walk around campus with their labradors, Marley and Clancy.
Nicole Schneider, a junior and member of the Few Quad Council, arranged the barbecue in April, so the Whites could have a chance to meet more students. She said having daily interaction, however casual or fleeting, makes administrators seem less distant. “I think it’s really good,” she said of the Whites living in Few, “especially with his being new to Duke and having such a high profile.” Kevin White is only half-joking when he says he wishes they could stay in the Few apartment forever. He has a short commute to his athletics office and has brought students from the business course he teaches at Fuqua School of Business for gatherings in the apartment conference room. The Whites will remain in Few until late summer. In the meantime, they’ll continue taking twilight strolls through campus with their dogs and connecting with students. — By Elizabeth Shestak Working@Duke Correspondent
For daily news and information, visit duke.edu/today
RECESSION OUTLOOK Uncertainty over the recession’s depth, future value of Duke’s investments and full effects of cost-saving complicate economic forecast.
N E WS YO U CA N U S E
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PARKING RENEWAL Parking permit renewal begins in late June with an emphasis on using alternative transportation to save on costs, help the environment.
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SUSTAINABLE DUKE The historic drought that ravaged North Carolina in 2007 and into 2008 is over, but Duke is still cutting its water consumption.
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Faculty –In– Residence ACROSS DUKE, 14 FACULTY MEMBERS LIVE WITH STUDENTS TO ENHANCE COMMUNITY AND ENGAGEMENT t was one of the warmest days in months, and Kevin and Jane White’s backyard – the Few Quad barbecue pit – was an ideal setting to mingle with their neighbors: Duke undergrads. Over pulled pork and hush puppies, the Whites, with their labradors Marley and Clancy in tow, chatted with students about the ACC women’s tennis tournament, plans for summer and Durham as a destination city. As a faculty-in-residence and Vice President and Director of Athletics, White lived among students in Few residence hall with his wife this year, joining 13 other faculty who participated in Duke’s Faculty-In-Residence Program. “It’s helped us to really discover Duke,” Kevin White said. “Every day is fun here.” The Faculty-In-Residence program, developed 25 years ago by Professor Benjamin Ward, enables undergraduate students to interact with professors in a less formal setting, one largely free of the traditional teacherstudent formalities. Each spring, an It’s helped invitation is sent to all eligible faculty us to really soliciting applications for the role, typically a three-year commitment with housing discover Duke. Every provided to facilitate engagement. day is fun here.” “The Faculty-In-Residence program is — Kevin White important because it is a unique way to Vice President and connect students and faculty outside the Director of Athletics classroom,” said Steve Nowicki, dean and vice provost for undergraduate education. “It brings faculty into the everyday lives of students and gives students the opportunity to get to know faculty as people, which is especially important for our first-years. There are many strong faculty contributors who are interested in these positions, and we have more qualified applicants than we have positions.” Ward, the professor who started the program at Duke and teaches philosophy and German, has lived among students for the past two decades, raising twin boys on campus. His original apartment in Trent Hall was quite modest, but Ward now resides in the Arts Theme House in Edens on West. It has room for two grand pianos.
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2009, 2008, 2007 Gold Medal, Internal Periodical Staff Writing 2007 Bronze Medal, Print Internal Audience Tabloids/Newsletters
Top Left: Kevin White, Duke’s vice president and director of athletics, talks with students who live in Few residence hall during a recent barbecue. Above: White and his wife, Jane, participated in the Faculty-In-Residence program and feel at home in their Few apartment.
“I like the easy interaction with students and the opportunity to affect them in a whole range of ways that you’re not necessarily aware of at the time,” Ward said. “People have come to me over the years with all kinds of personal issues. That sense of trust develops.” Kevin and Jane White were invited to live in the apartment of newly renovated Few Quad, which re-opened in January, for a shorter term while their house in Durham was being built. The Few apartment has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a conference room for student events. It’s the newest addition to the Faculty-In-Residence program, which includes 12 residences on East Campus and two on West.
>> See FACULTY IN RESIDENCE, BACK PAGE
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Editor’s Note LEANORA MINAI
Newsbriefs
[email protected]
Learning and development catalog moved online
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f you’re a Duke sports fan(atic), get your hands on an Employee Athletic Pass. The season ticket pass is on sale now, offering a deep discount to cheer for the Blue Devils at all home football and women’s basketball games. I talked with Bart Smith, director of marketing and promotions for Duke Athletics, and he said sales of the passes are on the rise, increasing from 581 sold in 2006 to 2,688 last year. “The biggest part of that was the excitement about a new football coach and the continued growth and success of women’s basketball,” Smith said. “Coach Cutcliffe and Coach P did a lot to help get the word out to employees.” Attendance at football and women’s basketball games is also up. Four separate football games last season drew more than 30,000 people to each, and 93,174 fans walked through Cameron Stadium’s doors for women’s basketball. “We want to continue to have it grow,” Smith said. The cost of each season pass is tiered, ranging from $100 to $250, depending on the sport and number of seats. Read the story below for pass details. Football season kicks off at home Sept. 5 against University of Richmond. One perk of the pass is the opportunity to attend a men’s basketball game in Cameron. Last year, Duke Athletics released tickets to six games, and Duke employees with a pass could buy the sought-after tickets. To order your Employee Athletic Pass, visit GoDuke.com, or call the ticket office at (877) 375-3853. Go Duke!
Duke’s Learning & Organization Development workshop schedule through December is now available online. Faculty and staff can visit hr.duke.edu/train to learn more about the latest learning opportunities for computer, management and other work skills. Learning & Organization Development is also offering more workshops in shorter formats at lower costs to help departments stretch training budgets. “We provide learning opportunities for individuals and teams to achieve their personal and organizational goals,” said James McPherson, director of Learning & Organization Development. “When an individual is able to achieve his or her personal goals, it creates a stronger commitment to the organization.” For more information, call (919) 613-7600.
Stay informed about Duke’s response to the H1N1 virus A website is available to provide faculty, staff and students with the latest information about Duke’s plans and preparations for dealing with H1N1 and the potential for a pandemic. Duke has engaged a comprehensive internal team from across the University and Health System that meets regularly to assess new information and provide updates regarding any developments. The website is updated regularly as information changes. The Duke community is asked to continue to take precautions, including frequent hand washing, covering nose and mouth when coughing and staying home with flu-like symptoms. Visit the website at duke.edu/flu2009
Two preferred international travel agencies selected To support Duke’s global initiatives and provide resources for Duke international travelers, Duke has selected two preferred agencies: Ovation Corporate Travel and Cardinal Travel Service. The agencies assist in planning and obtaining required documentation such as visas and locating faculty, staff and students
who travel abroad. The agencies also ensure Duke meets requirements for appropriate spending of sponsored research travel funds. “We encourage faculty and staff to use one of these vendors to make their international travel arrangements,” said Jane Pleasants, assistant vice president for Procurement at Duke. “They offer onestop shopping, from most favorable negotiated rates for flights, accommodations, and car rentals, to assisting travelers with required travel documentation a country might require upon entry. Most importantly, we want to make international travel as worry and risk free as possible for our faculty, staff, and students.” For more information, visit www.procurement.duke.edu.
Free tips to cope with stress, chronic pain Staff and faculty can learn how to reduce stress and improve health during free workshops at Duke Integrative Medicine. Upcoming workshops include “Calming the Anxious Mind” with Jeff Brantley, director of Duke’s Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on July 16. The workshop is 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m at Duke Integrative Medicine on the Center for Living Campus near the intersection of Erwin Road and Cameron Boulevard. Pre-registration is required. Call (919) 416-3853. For more information, visit dukeintegrativemedicine.org
Let creativity shine in employee art show Share your artistic side by entering the Duke Employee Art Show, sponsored by the Health Arts Network at Duke (HAND) and Duke Human Resources. Submit watercolors, sketches, oil paintings and other twodimensional artwork for the juried show, which will be judged Aug. 26. Prizes will be awarded, and the winning works will be displayed on campus in September. Registration forms must be submitted by 5 p.m. Aug. 3. to the HAND office, 122 Hanes House, or through campus mail: Sam Morrison, 3017 DUMC. Forms are at Hospital and Clinics Information Desks or by contacting Sam Morrison, [email protected].
Letters to the Editor must include name and contact information. E-mail letters to [email protected] or mail them to Working@Duke Editor, Box 90496, Durham, NC 27708. Fax letters to (919) 681-7926. Please keep length to no more than 200 words.
Get in the game for less EMPLOYEE ATHLETIC PASS OFFERS DISCOUNT FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL TICKETS uring its Rose Bowl games of the 30s and 40s and winning seasons in the 80s under former coach Steve Spurrier, the Duke football team was at the top of its game. Jerry Mansell thinks he’ll be around for the next winning era of Duke football under coach David Cutcliffe.
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That’s why Mansell – who’s signed up for the pass since he arrived at Duke two years ago – is excited to purchase the Employee Athletic Pass, which offers faculty and staff reduced prices on season tickets to every Duke football and women’s basketball home games. “Coach Cutcliffe is making a large effort to involve everybody at Duke and I certainly want to be supportive,” said Mansell, a low vision coordinator at the Duke Eye Center.
“I feel he deserves every bit of my support because he’s going to turn this ship around.” Last year, about 2,700 employees took advantage of the pass, nearly double the number from the 2007 season. New this year is tiered pricing, based on sports team: • Single employee pass, football only – $100 • Single employee pass, football and women’s basketball – $125 • Family employee pass, four tickets for football only – $199 • Family employee pass, four tickets for football and women’s basketball – $250 Employees can add a person to a family plan for $49.75. Each pass holder also receives a free Duke T-shirt and multiple chances to purchase men’s basketball tickets. “Employees get to experience the pageantry and excitement of college football and basketball in some of the best venues in the country for an extreme discount,” said Bart Smith, director of marketing and promotions for Duke Athletics. “We’re always looking for ways to show our appreciation to the Duke employees and give them the best deal possible when it comes to supporting Duke athletics.” — By Bryan Roth Writer, Office of Communication Services
Rent a Stadium Seat at Wallace Wade When fans pack into Wallace Wade Stadium for the 2009 football season, they’ll have an opportunity to be more comfortable while they watch the Blue Devils from the bleachers. Fans can rent cushioned stadium seats for all home games. The seat, which includes a steel frame, is made of water-resistant vinyl with padding on the back and bottom. The one-time cost to rent a seat for the season is $30 before July 1 and $40 after that date. “We’re excited to give fans a new option of comfort and convenience at Wallace Wade Stadium,” said Bart Smith, director of marketing and promotions for Duke Athletics. Proceeds from seat rentals support Duke Athletics. The seats are provided by ISP Stadium Seating. Blue Devil fans can order a seat online or by the phone throughout the season. After providing a section, row and seat number, a royal blue seat with a Duke football logo will be permanently placed in the specified bleacher seat for the season. Order a stadium seat at DukeSeats.com or call (800) 510-5614.
2 To order your Employee Athletic Pass, visit GoDuke.com or call the ticket office at (877) 375-3853.
Economic outlook clouded by uncertain market forces Duke University Endowment T $7 $6 $5
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he University has worked deliberately since last fall to close a $125 million budget shortfall over three years, but unknowns exist: the depth of the recession, the future value of Duke’s investments and the full effects of cost-saving measures underway. “We have created a comprehensive plan to address the issues,” said Kyle Cavanaugh, vice president for Duke Human Resources. “But there are several chapters yet to unfold.” Administrators are not mincing words when it comes to the forecast for 2010 and beyond, as they manage declining endowment returns from the market meltdown. “I don’t think next year is going to be better,” said Tallman Trask III, executive vice president. “If I had to guess, it may be a little worse. Because of the way the money flows, we have not seen the full impact.” The flat $1.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2009-10 reflects costsavings such as a moratorium on new construction for at least two years, and longer-term savings such as moving to paperless payroll for employees with direct deposit. But a large portion of savings has to come in labor costs, which account for 60 percent of Duke’s operating budget. To help reduce labor costs, Duke implemented a compensation freeze for staff and faculty earning more than $50,000 and drastically reduced the number of vacant positions being filled. Duke also offered a voluntary retirement incentive to 825 University employees participating in the Employee’s Retirement Plan, a traditional pension plan for bi-weekly-paid staff. Trask said the voluntary retirements, along with attrition and a careful management of vacant positions, could mitigate the potential for involuntary layoffs. “As much as I would like to say that workforce reduction is not a possibility, we are not ready to say that yet,” he said. “But we can say it will be one of the very last possibilities.” Duke will protect employee benefits as much as possible, Trask said. “We have no plans to reduce any of them next year.”
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The drop in market value of the endowment will be felt for several years because Duke averages the value over a three-year period to determine how much money is available from the endowment for operating expenses each year. The endowment values in the chart are calendar year-end values.
While the full effect of cost-saving efforts is tough to predict now, administrators are fairly certain that income from Duke’s endowment will remain low for another year or two. “We have a policy of using a three-year average to calculate the amount of money we receive from the endowment each year,” said Hof Milam, vice president for Finance. “Now that we are in a declining market, we are going to see this three-year average trend down over the next two or three years.” Administrators remain committed to employees, faculty excellence and the quality of the undergraduate and graduate student experience and programs, and will carefully monitor the endowment and implementation of cost-saving efforts. But no one has a crystal ball to forecast the unknown. Said Trask, “We will have to see how a lot of things play out.”
Retirement incentive application deadline is July 6 T he staff retirement incentive plan offers a larger pension and earlier eligibility for retiree health insurance for those who accept it. The incentive is offered to University staff in selected positions who are active participants in the Employee’s Retirement Plan; age 50 or older during 2009; are scheduled to work at least 20 hours per week and have more than 10 years of credited service, as of March 31, 2009. The deadline for enrollment is July 6; Health System employees are not eligible for the incentive. “This one-time incentive program will help reduce the number of overall positions at the University, reducing overall compensation expenses and limiting the potential for involuntary layoffs later,” said Kyle Cavanaugh, vice president for Human Resources. Cavanaugh shared his thoughts on a few questions raised since the retirement incentive was announced at a Primetime employee forum in April. Q: How much is the incentive worth? The financial impact of the staff voluntary retirement incentive will be based on a combination of how many people choose to participate and how many positions are eliminated. The incentive credits eligible staff in the Employees Retirement Plan with five extra
years of service and five extra years of age. Each employee’s calculation is based on his or her salary history and years of service. The incentive provides each employee an enhanced pension. Q: Where is the money coming from?
The Employees Retirement Plan is a pension plan that is funded through money that is separate from the annual operating budget. This money cannot be used for purposes other than providing retirement benefits. Q: Is Duke going to offer a retirement incentive to exempt faculty and staff? We are exploring a variety of models related to an incentive plan for people enrolled in the Faculty and Staff Retirement Plan. However, that plan is different from the plan for staff in the Employees Retirement Plan. The Employees Retirement Plan is a pension plan paid entirely by Duke. The Faculty and Staff Retirement Plan is funded by staff and Duke’s contributions and is more susceptible to market forces depending on asset allocation. Work continues on the possibility of a plan for exempt faculty and staff, and a final decision should be made soon.
Seated, left to right: A panel that included Provost Peter Lange, Executive Vice President Tallman Trask III, Vice President of Finance Hof Milam and Vice President of Human Resources Kyle Cavanaugh discussed the impact of the economy at Duke during the Primetime employee forum in April. Cavanaugh announced the voluntary staff retirement incentive plan during the forum.
— By Marsha A. Green Writer, Office of Communication Services
3 Learn more about Duke’s financials at duke.edu/economy
Parking permit renewal begins NO INCREASE IN MONTHLY RATES FOR 2009-10 o save on commuting costs, Alaina Hopler parks in a remote lot and rides a campus bus to her Duke South office. It’s a 10-minute bus ride, but she saves at least $42 each month by not parking closer to the office. “Parking a little ways off campus saves me a ton of money each year, so it’s definitely worth it,” said Hopler, 25, a data technician in Geriatric Psychiatry. While parking rates for Hopler and other faculty and staff will not increase in 2009-10, administrators continue to urge employees to use alternative transportation to save money and help reduce Duke’s carbon footprint. Despite increased operating costs for parking lot maintenance, bus fuel and other expenses, administrators decided to hold rates steady to reduce the impact on employees during the economic downturn. “The demand for limited parking space continues to grow, and adding capacity will increase the cost,” said Kemel Dawkins, vice president of Campus Services. “The best way to manage the future cost of parking and reduce our environmental impact is for more people to adopt alternative ways of getting to work and around campus. We are continuing to develop more alternatives to commuting alone.” Parking permit renewal for Duke faculty and staff To help manage future increases, Duke is also exploring begins in late June. New parking permits must be innovative ways to curtail expenses, such as evaluating campus bus displayed starting Aug. 16. routes to improve efficiency and offering alternative transportation incentives such as discounts for local and regional bus passes and With Payroll Deduction free parking permits for cyclists and people who carpool. • If your parking location has not changed, “Each time someone opts to use alternative transportation, your permit will be automatically renewed it helps keep the budget down for maintaining parking lots or and mailed to your home address. If you have building new garages,” said Melissa Harden, assistant director for moved, changed parking locations, bought a Parking & Transportation. new car or want to confirm your mailing Hopler, the data technician who parks in the H-6 lot for address, visit parking.duke.edu for instructions $6.80 per month, also rides her bike to work several times a week on how to update your parking account. Your during nice weather. NetID is required. Once your account has been “The money I’m saving by cutting my fuel costs and parking updated, your permit will be renewed and in a remote lot is helping me pay off student loans, which is mailed. Payroll deduction will continue at the much more important to me than parking closer to my office,” same rate. she said.
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2009-10 Monthly Parking Permit Rates University Remote Lots - $9.65 Gated/Proximate Lots $30.50 Premium Lots - $62.50
Without Payroll Deduction
Universal Access - $80 Reserved Spaces - $96.50
Hitch an alternative ride
Medical Center Remote Lots - $6.80 Gated/Proximate Lots $34.75
• If you do not use payroll deduction, you must complete an application available online at parking.duke.edu. The form can be sent through campus mail to Parking & Transportation Services Box 90644, along with payment. Or, visit the Coal Pile Drive office before Aug. 15. The office accepts cash, personal checks, Visa and MasterCard. For more information, call (919) 684-7275.
ick of fighting traffic and hunting for parking? If you’re looking for a new way to get to work, consider these easy and environmentally-friendly options provided for faculty and staff. “Not driving alone in a car each day is one of the easiest, most effective ways to help Duke reduce its carbon footprint by cutting emissions and saving green space,” said Tavey McDaniel Capps, director of Duke’s sustainability program. Free emergency rides are available for people who use alternative transportation and register with gotriangle.org. Learn more at gotriangle.org.
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Garages - $52.25 Premium Lots - $62.50 Universal Access - $80 Reserved Spaces - $96.50
Discount Bus Pass
Vanpool
GreenRide
Duke offers discount city and regional bus passes at a savings of up to 60 percent for students, staff and faculty. Bus passes can be purchased through Duke for transportation with Durham Area Transit Authority, Triangle Transit Regional and Triangle Transit Express. Passengers with a regional or Express pass can also board a Capital Area Transit bus for connections to Durham Area Transit Authority and Triangle Transit buses. By signing up for automatic monthly renewal, faculty and staff can pay through payroll deduction and save more.
Duke works with Triangle Transit to organize a vanpool program for employees. Not only do Triangle Transit vans park for free in a reserved space at Duke, but Triangle Transit provides the van, pays for gas and insurance, and arranges, oversees, and pays for all maintenance. Riders pay a low monthly fare based on monthly round-trip mileage. The primary driver does not pay. Each rider receives 24 daily parking passes for times they need to drive separately. Coming soon this summer is the benefit of pre-tax payroll deduction for the monthly vanpool fare, which keeps more money in participants’ pockets. Learn more at parking.duke.edu.
With GreenRide, you can find Duke carpool buddies by registering for free online. Find other Duke employees in your neighborhood you can ride with and start saving gas and money. The more people who register, the greater chance of finding others to share the daily commute. Enroll at parking.duke.edu.
4 Pick your alternative transportation at parking.duke.edu.
Develop speaking, leadership skills through Toastmasters Toastmaster Meetings essica Colquhoun wasn’t planning to give a speech when she attended a recent meeting of the new Blue Devil Toastmasters Club. But when her name was called to give a twominute impromptu talk, she gamely rose from her chair and walked to the front of the room. Mind racing, she turned and faced two dozen people in the audience. The topic: “Why are you here today?” “I’ve been thinking seriously about joining Toastmasters for two years,” she said, smiling shyly. She took a deep breath and continued.
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Jennifer Sider, development officer for the Duke Federal Credit Union, hones her public speaking skills at a recent Toastmasters meeting.
“I came to my first meeting a few weeks ago, and I thought I would be too scared to come back, but here I am!” Gathering her thoughts, Colquhoun noted the convenience of the new club’s lunchtime campus meeting, and told the audience that Toastmasters allows her to practice and perfect skills she doesn’t use often in her daily job as an outpatient clinic manager. When a timekeeper flashed a yellow card indicating 90 seconds had passed, Colquhoun quickly wrapped up: “I’m looking to learn more about how to structure a speech. It’s just not something I do routinely.” Giving impromptu speeches is part of each Toastmasters meeting, but the educational curriculum provided by Toastmasters International also develops communication and leadership skills one step at a time. The “Competent Communication Manual” describes ten projects that coach club members through speeches that focus on organization, body language, inspirational speaking and voice modulation. Two to three members offer prepared speeches at each meeting, while others take leadership roles, including joke-master, presenter of the word of the day, timekeeper, speech evaluator and “um” counter – the person who reports on filler words each speaker uses. Club members gather twice a month: the original Duke Toastmaster Club meets
Duke Toastmaster Club 1st and 3rd Wednesday 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Duke Credit Union Conference Room Erwin Square Tower, 2200 West Main St. Durham Blue Devil Toastmaster Club 2nd and 4th Friday Noon to 1 p.m. Trent Hall, Room 144 Wednesdays at 7 a.m., and the new Blue Devil Club meets Fridays at noon. Membership is $59 for the first six months, then $39 every six months. The formal structure of Toastmaster meetings creates a safe place for speakers to practice the art of public speaking, and to learn the art of evaluating others, said Carolyn Turner, a Duke Toastmaster Club member who assisted the new club in its early meetings. “We learn by doing,” said Turner, a specialist in Duke’s Office of Research Support. “We gain confidence by speaking, by listening, and by taking turns leading – important skills to have no matter what your job is.” — By Marsha A. Green Writer, Office of Communication Services
For more information about Toastmasters clubs at Duke, visit www.hr.duke.edu/train/toastmasters.htm
Understanding humankind’s place in nature through fossils Department: Division of Fossil Primates Years at Duke: 32 years Who they are: The Division of Fossil Primates is a part of the Duke University Lemur Center and houses more than 24,000 fossils from some of the earliest primates and animals from Egypt, Madagascar, India and Wyoming. The staff regularly travels to those locations to take part in studies of fossils with other universities and governments. What they’re known for: About 30 species of primates have been found and named by the division since its inception. In 2005, the division found teeth and jawbones that belonged to a nocturnal primate named “Biretia megalopsis” because of its teeth and large eyes. The fossils were found in Egypt and determined to be 37 million years old. Many other kinds of animals have also been found, including human ancestors, the earliest elephants and early relatives of the modern sea cow. Duke’s collection of lemur fossils is one of the best in the world because it has full skeletons of early lemurs, something other research organizations don’t have. These collections can be studied inexpensively by a large number of researchers and students without extensive travel.
Photo courtesy of Division of Fossil Primates.
What they can do for you: Duke employees can visit the Division of Fossil Primates at its office at 1013 Broad St. by appointment for free tours and lectures about fossils. Number of employees: Three, plus part-time volunteers and student staff. Hidden department fact: Elwyn L. Simons, director of the Division of Fossil Primates, and Prithijit Chatrath, head curator, were elected as “Knights of the National Order” by the government of Madagascar in 1998 for their contributions to worldwide education about fossils. The knighthood is considered one of the highest honors given by the government of Madagascar to educators. Significant achievement: The Division is the only group in the United States with an agreement to share finds and discoveries with Egypt and Madagascar. Between the Division of Fossil Primates and the Lemur Center, Duke has the most extensive collection of lemurs outside of Madagascar. Simons, the director, has negotiated unique contracts that allow Duke to permanently acquire half of all fossil collections made outside this country in Egypt and Madagascar. Big goal: “To better understand humankind’s place in nature,” Simons said. “This is self-evident because everyone is at least somewhat interested in how we came to be and how we stand where we are.” How they make a difference: “Many scientific and academic papers are based on the research and projects performed by the Division of Fossil Primates,” Simons said. “The history of primates, represented by the primate fossils in our collection, documents a considerable part of this story.” Interview by Bryan Roth, writer, Office of Communication Services
5 Learn more about the Division of Fossil Primates at fossils.duke.edu. Have ideas for other Duke department spotlights? Send e-mail to [email protected]
Mapping your financial success inancial success is not determined by how much you earn, but by the choices you make, according to Scottie Dowdy. “Financial success means being in control of your money instead of letting it control you,” said Dowdy, a financial consultant at the Duke Credit Union. Dowdy knows how helpful it can be to have a map to navigate the twists and turns of financial choices. That’s why she enjoys presenting the Credit Union’s seminar on “10 Steps to Financial Success” to faculty and staff, and their family members. For Rochelle Medley, a recent seminar was a lot like viewing a map of a familiar place: no big surprises but a new perspective on how different aspects of finances fit together. “The class integrated things I am already doing,” said Medley, a staff assistant for Arts & Sciences Information Science and Technology department. “I’m trying to think long term, and a class like this makes sure I am on the right track.” Dowdy said that despite the scary economic news, the key to success is saving. “That doesn’t mean putting money in a savings account and then taking it right back out to pay the bills,” she said. She recommended a three-tiered saving plan: easily available money worth two to eight months of
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essential living expenses; savings for purchases in the next two to five years; and long-term savings for retirement and education. “You have two things to think about when you are trying to save – income and expense,” she said. “Since it isn’t easy to increase your income, then the need is to concentrate on reducing your expenses.” Controlling debt is one of the fastest ways to save. Dowdy advocated creating a debt worksheet listing creditors, amount owed, monthly payments and interest rates. “Putting it in writing can help you see where to focus in planning a strategy for reducing debt,” she said. Medley, the staff assistant, appreciated the seminar’s emphasis on saving. Her parents taught her the importance of living within one’s means, “but now I’m trying to figure out how to teach my son about saving,” she said. One way is paying her son to mow the lawn and automatically setting aside a portion in a savings jar for him. “Big savings aren’t going to happen overnight, or even in two or three months,” Dowdy said. “But small adjustments can help you change lifelong financial habits. The important thing is to do something, not nothing.” — By Marsha A. Green Writer, Office of Communication Services
Upcoming Seminars Staying on Track in a Volatile Market 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 16 Searle Center
Solving the Mystery of Credit Reports 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 23 Searle Center To register for a seminar, visit dukefcu.org and select “seminar signup” under Quick Links; send e-mail to [email protected] or call (919) 660-9745. Can’t make it to a seminar? Contact Scottie Dowdy to arrange for the Duke Federal Credit Union to bring the seminars to your department.
VIDEO: Learn more about fiscal fitness and watch a financial counselor explain 10 steps to fiscal success at hr.duke.edu/financialfitness
PERQS E M P LOY E E D I S CO U N TS
SUMMER FUN DISCOUNTS NORTH CAROLINA ZOO
Splash into summer savings
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t’s easy to save on summer fun: check out the Duke discounts available for the North Carolina Zoo and water parks like Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe.
Last year, Heather Rabalais, a staff assistant in the Department of Pathology, was among many Duke faculty and staff members who purchased more than 4,000 discount tickets to Wet ‘n Wild through PERQS, Duke’s employee discount program.
WET ‘N WILD EMERALD POINTE
She plans to beat the heat again this summer and repeat last year’s successful trip to Wet ‘n Wild with her husband and two daughters.
KINGS DOMINION
“Last year was a break-through year for my youngest daughter, as she was finally tall enough to do most of the rides,” Rabalais said. “She almost chickened out on the Dragon’s Den, but after the first time we rode it, she was hooked.” Savings off each admission to Wet ‘n Wild in Greensboro range from $5.99 to $9.49, depending on height and age.
CAROWINDS
Heather Rabalais and her family used the PERQS discount to enjoy a float down the Lazee River after the thrills of high-speed water rides at Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe.
Kim Bowman and her family have made a tradition of the discount at Wet ‘n Wild, where she hosted her daughter’s birthday party a few years ago. She’s also bought discount tickets through PERQS for Carowinds in Charlotte and Durham Bulls games in Durham.
ORANGE COUNTY SPEEDWAY
“Especially with a family, the cost of entertainment can add up quickly,” Bowman said. “But these discounts save us a fortune. And now that they’ve added Kings Dominion, my husband thinks maybe that should be our next stop.” — By Marsha A. Green Writer, Office of Communication Services
6 Visit hr.duke.edu/discounts to find all discounts, including other summer fares, and to sign up for e-mail updates of special discounts.
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U.S. SEASONAL DROUGHT OUTLOOK
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WHAT YOU CAN DO The Drought Outlook through the end of July is generally pessimistic in western sections of the country, with the likelihood of improvement increasing farther east. Mid-April precipitation should reduce impacts of the moderate drought in the mid-Atlantic region and the interior Southeast, and typical seasonal increases in precipitation should bring improvement to the Florida Peninsula and the Great Lakes region later in the forecast period. Farther west, odds favor drier than normal May-July conditions and therefore persisting drought across the interior West, and the low precipitation amounts typical of this time of year along the Pacific Coast and in Hawaii should keep drought intact across those areas as well. Source: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Water Use Drops Williams Field is not the only area cutting back on he historic drought that ravaged North Carolina in consumption. The Sarah P. Duke Gardens recently installed 2007 and into 2008 may be over, but Duke is still a new computerized watering system that uses satellites to preparing to take on the threat of another longtrack weather conditions and determine precise watering lasting dry spell by using reclaimed water, cutting back needs in some sections of the gardens. The initiative should on irrigation and implementing new technology at Sarah help reduce water consumption by 30 to 40 percent in 28 P. Duke Gardens to track rainfall. spots in a five-acre segment around the Doris Duke Center. Overall water consumption at the University this spring Information about each of the 28 zones’ soil was down about 50 percent since 2007. conditions, incline and sunlight exposure feed In fact, from June 2008 to February of a controller to determine how much water to this year, Duke used 100 million fewer Duke is send to each zone. gallons than the year before. That’s the determined to “Were trying to be proactive about this to equivalent of providing the daily stay ahead of the game try to save water for the university, the gardens recommended 64 ounces of water for and the community,” said Greg Nace, director each Durham resident every day for two- in conserving water.” of horticulture at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. and-a-half years. — John Noonan “This is something that I think will be a “Duke is determined to stay ahead Associate Vice President positive step forward.” of the game in conserving water,” said Facilities Management This summer, Duke will install tanks John Noonan, associate vice president that can gather and hold up to 10,000 for Facilities Management. “We haven’t gallons of storm, cistern and reclaimed water let up in looking for ways to save water that will be pumped or trucked to the tanks. The water through maintenance or ideas for new facilities or will be used to irrigate portions of West Campus, maintenance systems.” including Koskinen stadium. The Triangle area has received relatively normal Faculty and staff can also take action to help conserve precipitation for this time of year, said Brian Fuchs, a water by turning water off while washing hands and climatologist for the National Drought Mitigation Center. reporting leaks, dripping faucets and running toilets. Typically, 16.35 inches fall by mid-May, but the region Fixing leaks and dripping faucets can save hundreds of had received 14.76, which is 1.59 inches below normal. gallons a year. Trouble spots are Eastern and Western North Carolina, “It’s the small steps that each of us can take that end which are abnormally dry. up making a big difference,” said Ryan Pfirrmann-Powell, Duke isn’t taking any chances. This February, two education and outreach coordinator for Duke underground holding tanks were installed at Williams Sustainability. “We can take personal responsibility for Field on East Campus. The tanks collect water from an helping Duke and the environment.” irrigation system at the field hockey field and a storm line that flows from nearby Bell Tower Residence Hall. This — By Bryan Roth Writer, Office of Communication Services will allow about 80 percent of the water used at the field to be collected and reused.
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Stay informed about sustainablility at duke.edu/sustainability
䡵 Keep showers under five minutes and save up to 1,000 gallons per month. 䡵 Turn off faucets while washing hands or brushing teeth. 䡵 Wash full loads in dishwashers and washing machines and save up to 1,000 gallons a month. 䡵 Replace shower heads with a low flow model. 䡵 Report leaks, dripping faucets and running toilets. For University buildings, 684-2122; residence halls, 6845320 (East), 684-5486 (West), 684-5813 (Central); medical center, 684-3232. 䡵 Make a conscious effort to do one thing every day at Duke to conserve water. Every drop counts.
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WORKING@ DUKE
HOW TO REACH US Editor: Leanora Minai (919) 681-4533 [email protected]
dialogue@Duke “The historic drought may be over, but what are you doing at home or at Duke to conserve water this summer?”
Assistant Vice President: Paul S. Grantham (919) 681-4534 [email protected] Graphic Design & Layout: Paul Figuerado Photography: Bryan Roth, Office of
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I’m part of a community garden near my house, and I use a wheel barrow to carry four water barrels I have at home to collect water from my house to the garden. When I take a shower, I’ll plug the drain and scoop extra water out of the shower and put it in the toilet to save water. If I fill the kiddie pool, I always dump the water out on my garden afterward. I have very little lawn to water as well.”
Michael Goldman Rabbi, Freeman Center for Jewish Life 4 years at Duke
Communication Services; and Duke University Photography.
Working@Duke is published monthly by Duke’s Office of Communication Services. We invite your feedback and suggestions for future story topics. Please write us at
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First of all, I check the toilet to make sure it’s working OK and I’m not losing water anywhere. I make sure I close all the faucets very tight so nothing drips. The showers I take are very quick in the mornings. I have a big backyard and front yard, but I don’t use a lot of water for our lawn or plants.” Gladys Mayer Staff specialist, Organization for Tropical Studies 7 years at Duke
[email protected] or
Working@Duke, Box 90496, 705 Broad St., Durham, NC 27708 Call us at (919) 684-4345. Send faxes to (919) 681-7926.
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Our department doesn’t use a lot of water at Duke, but we’re impressed with what the university has done to help us save water. We use low-flush toilets and anti-bacterial spray in bathrooms instead of the faucet. We’re definitely aware of conserving water. At home, I try to water the lawn less because it can just be a waste.”
Kelley Lawton Head, Lilly Library 14 years at Duke
Got a story tip? Write
[email protected] or Call — By Bryan Roth Writer, Office of Communication Services
681-4533
Faculty In Residence CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “The Faculty-In-Residence program is a strong element of our community and undergraduate experience,” said Joe Gonzalez, associate dean of residence life. “Our resident assistants collaborate with faculty members to host pizza gettogethers, guest speakers and cultural events.” The Whites, who have five children, were thrilled about the opportunity to live among students. Living among university Meet the students reminds the Whites of their own Faculty-In-Residence children and brings comfort, they said. Their youngest daughter, Mariah, is finishing her Fall 2009 senior year in South Bend, Indiana, making this the first time the Whites have been Hsiao-mei Ku (Pegram) empty nesters. She will be a first-year at Brenda Neece (Epworth) Duke this fall. Carol Flath (Wilson) They often eat out – a favorite for Kevin White is Cinelli’s, but he likes to pop over to Bob Cook-Deegan (Alspaugh) the Bryan Center. “I’m a big hotdog guy at Anthony Kelley (Brown) the carts,” he said. The Whites said their apartment is Michele Rasmussen (Gilbert-Addoms) quiet and remarked on how comfortable Julie Tetel (Randolph) they are living among students. They’ve both had careers on college campuses, so Zbigniew Kabala (Southgate) the residence hall was an easy transition for John Brown (Bell Tower) them. They think the students appreciate their presence, especially those who miss Katherine Ewing (Giles) their parents. On the last day of class in John Martin (Blackwell) April, an undergrad approached Jane White Benjamin Ward (Edens) and gave her a hug. The Whites have gotten to know some Orin Starn (Bassett) students in Few but wish they had more time Hwansoo Kim (Few) to spend getting to know everyone. Both travel to as many away games as possible to support Duke teams.
D U K E T O D AY
Kevin and Jane White walk around campus with their labradors, Marley and Clancy.
Nicole Schneider, a junior and member of the Few Quad Council, arranged the barbecue in April, so the Whites could have a chance to meet more students. She said having daily interaction, however casual or fleeting, makes administrators seem less distant. “I think it’s really good,” she said of the Whites living in Few, “especially with his being new to Duke and having such a high profile.” Kevin White is only half-joking when he says he wishes they could stay in the Few apartment forever. He has a short commute to his athletics office and has brought students from the business course he teaches at Fuqua School of Business for gatherings in the apartment conference room. The Whites will remain in Few until late summer. In the meantime, they’ll continue taking twilight strolls through campus with their dogs and connecting with students. — By Elizabeth Shestak Working@Duke Correspondent
For daily news and information, visit duke.edu/today
