HR Initiatives
The Department of Human Resources is committed to strategic improvement efforts throughout the University by working with departments and division leaders with the development and implementation of Human Resource initiatives, policies and processes that effectively utilize resources and enhance services.
Below are projects that are in progress or have recently been completed, and that impact the University in a positive way.
Current initiatives
View 2022 (ongoing)
Redesign of our compensation program
At the University of Mississippi, we seek to be a model employer so we may continue to attract, engage, and retain the best talent. Part of this is having the right approach when providing equitable compensation with clarity and responsible stewardship. The new classification and compensation structure, based upon current up-to-date practices, will offer a user friendly, easy to navigate platform that provides clear pathways for advancement. Read more!
Pulse Survey (ongoing)
The Department of Human Resources launched a pilot of the first-ever, staff-wide pulse survey. Pulse surveys are a widely used tool for getting quick “pulse checks” that can help leaders determine efforts to strengthen and empower our employees. The pulse survey invites staff members to rate their experiences within their work environment. The survey will be distributed quarterly by email and will be open for completion for one week. The timing of the pulses will allow time to analyze the aggregated data and evaluate university-wide trends.
360 Degree Feedback (launching in a pilot phase soon)
360 degree feedback is a performance development approach that uses input from an employee’s direct reports, co-workers, and campus partners. These are the individuals who work most closely with an employee and experience the employee’s behavior in settings and circumstances that a supervisor may not. In late summer 2022, the Department of Human Resources hosted a series of focus groups with employees from various departments to help HR design the feedback-gathering process. More information coming soon!
Chronicle of Higher Education (ongoing)
HR to automatically post jobs to The Chronicle
The University of Mississippi is committed to recruiting, selecting, and retaining a diverse and highly engaged faculty and staff community. The Department of Human Resources has negotiated special discounted rates with an additional publication, The Chronicle of Higher Education, in addition to our existing recruitment source, HigherEdJobs.com.
As we post, edit, or delete job postings to our careers website (careers.olemiss.edu), all changes are updated on the online version of the Chronicle of Higher Education, saving time and ensuring that all job opportunities reach a national diverse audience. This process occurs automatically and there is no cost to the department for the job advertisements. More information can be found here.
Great Colleges to Work For by the Chronicle of Higher Education (ongoing)
For the 13th year, the University has been named a “Great College to Work For” by the Chronicle of Higher Education. Great Colleges to Work For is one of the largest and most esteemed workplace recognition programs in the country. UM was also named to the Great Colleges Honor Roll, a status granted to only 42 colleges each year that are highlighted most across the recognition categories.
The university was recognized in the following categories: Faculty and Staff Well-Being, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, Faculty Experience, Mission and Pride, Supervisor/Department Chair Effectiveness, and Shared Governance.
2022 – completed initiatives
Total Compensation Calculator (completed September 2022)
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Mississippi provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line. It’s important to know exactly what your total compensation package includes. Use the Total Compensation Calculator to tally your total compensation.
Crosschq (completed September 2022)
Reference Checking Vendor
A new cloud-based reference check system, Crosschq, has been integrated with our Recruiting module (within connectU/SAP SuccessFactors). Crosschq is efficient, easy to use, and provides more detailed information about a final recommended candidate. More details and instructions can be found in the “Recruiting Resources” tile on the connectU homepage.
Virtual Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Deer Oaks (completed June 2022)
We are pleased that as of June 1, 2022, the University offers two Employee Assistance Programs to provide confidential assistance to employees and their household members covering a wide range of family, marital, work-life challenges, and mental health issues: an on-campus counselor at the University Counseling Center and RebelWell’s supplemental employee assistance program through our partner, Deer Oaks EAP, which offers counseling, coaching, financial/legal assistance, work-life benefits, and more. Find out all about these important benefits here.