On Tuesday, Feb 6th we had Lyn Pletta and Colette Erickson from the NDSU
Human Resources Department talk to us about "Life as an HR Professional".
They both did a great job of explaining, in detail, the daily tasks they
encounter.

Colette is the Assistant Director of HR and together with the 11 other ND
universities they follow certain HR policies specific to higher education.
Colette talked about how it's hard when people aren't getting paid what they
really deserve in an academic setting, but she noted that many of them are
there (they have to be) for other reasons.  Colette's job duties include a
WIDE range of activities, but she primarily keeps busy with recruitment
(career fairs), individual employee questions and concerns, and education
training.

Lyn is the Benefits and Recruitment Specialist.  She is amazing!!  Her
job requires her to see EVERY new employee before they begin work.  Then
she speaks with them about the complicated world of benefits.  She also
orientates them to the campus, both the location of the campus and the
social environment that they'll be in.  Lyn works with MANY specific
questions on a day-to-day basis about individual's benefits packages.
She also is a recruiter, with help from Colette, and she attends
career fairs, contacts placement agencies, and arranges interviews with
the department heads.

These women are extraordinary people; their jobs always keep them
challenged and busy, but they seem to enjoy what they do. :)

At our meeting we also spoke about two volunteer activities, the
Children's Miracle Network Phone-A-Thon and the Relay for Life.  You'll be
receiving specific emails about these two activities; please consider
helping out!!

We also talked about the SHRM Conference in June (24th-27th)!!  The cost
SO FAR is $165, but we're waiting to find out if and how much the Parent
Chapter would be willing to donate!!  I'd HIGHLY encourage each of you to
look in to this; it's a GREAT activity to be involved in and GOOD experience
for your resume and a future job!!

I think that's about it, for now.  If you have ANY questions feel free to
email any of the officers!!  Thanks, and good luck fighting the F/M cold!!

Becky Bloedow
HR Secretary