Information for Staff

From Frances Wrocklage, Director of Workplace Learning & Development, February 7, 2008

We wish to confirm the goals of the university for AY 2007 - 2008, and to remind you to conclude the mid-year PMP reviews by the end of February. The mid-year review provides an opportunity for managers and staff members to update each other on progress made on these plans, provide coaching and feedback to staff members based on the progress that has been made, and engage in problem solving to overcome obstacles that may be impeding progress. The responsibilities of managers and staff during the mid-year review phase of the performance management cycle are as follows:

Phase
Mid-Year Reviews due by 2/29/2008

Manager
Conduct one formal mid-year feedback session with each staff member to discuss progress and identify difficulties they might be experiencing. Discuss progress towards the planned expected outcomes and competencies and revise or update performance expectations as needed. Ask staff member to document progress online in the performance management database for your review.

Staff
Be prepared to discuss progress towards the planned expected outcomes and competencies. Document progress in the online performance management database for review by manager.

For assistance with the performance planning process or with accessing PMP worksheets, or for information regarding PMP training, please email pmp@american.edu. If you would like to set up a one-on-one meeting to discuss the PMP program, please contact me at wrocklag@american.edu or 202-885-2569.

Download a copy of the university and division goals for AY 2007-2008.

From Human Resources

The Taxation Considerations section of the Educational Benefits Policy has been changed to comply with IRS provisions and the differences in policy are noted below. The educational benefits policy, in its entirety, can be found at my.american.edu/finances/HR: Benefits Manual.

Taxation Considerations

Current IRS provisions generally permit the exclusion of certain employer-provided educational assistance from taxable income as outlined below:

Undergraduate Benefits:
Employee: not taxable per calendar year; spouse: not taxable per calendar year; domestic partner: all taxable; dependent children: not taxable.

Graduate Benefits: Employee: taxable after $5,250 per calendar year; spouse: all taxable per calendar year; domestic partner: all taxable; dependent children: all taxable.

As in the past, when tuition remission is deemed taxable tuition will be included as income to the employee during the semester in which the user is enrolled in the course(s)

Employees receiving tuition remission benefits are encouraged to review their individual situation with their tax advisor. Please contact HR at either TRAmend@americna.edu or call (202) 885-3400 if you have questions about this change.

Please contact HR if you have any questions about this new policy.

Want more information? Have questions or comments? Please email or call us at (202) 885-2300.
This page last updated April 15, 2008, by Aaron Tobler.