Emory Retirement Plan Class-Action Lawsuit Settled – Some Employees Will Receive Deposits to Their 403(b) Account
Emory recently settled a class-action lawsuit involving allegations about the management of the Emory University Retirement Plan and Emory Healthcare, Inc. Retirement Savings and Matching Plan (the 403(b) Plans). Emory agreed to settle the claims that remained rather than continue with an expensive trial and appeal process. The settlement put an end to the lawsuit and provides some financial benefits to 403(b) Plan participants.

As a result of this settlement, some employees will receive a deposit into their 403(b) account from the settlement fund. Only those employees who were members of the settlement class are eligible to receive the deposit.

The settlement class is defined as: “All persons who participated in the Emory University Retirement Plan or the Emory Healthcare, Inc. Retirement Savings and Matching Plan (the “Plans”)  at any time from August 11, 2010 through June 11, 2020.  If you were not a participant in the Plans prior to June 11, 2020, you are likely not a member of the settlement class. 

The individual deposit amounts from the settlement fund will be calculated by a third-party settlement administrator—not Emory—based on the terms of the settlement agreement between Emory and the plaintiffs in the litigation. 

If you are entitled to a share of the settlement proceeds, you will receive notification from your retirement vendor(s): TIAA, Fidelity Investments, and/or Vanguard in early April.  More information is available at www.emory403bsettlement.com. You may also contact the settlement administrator directly at (877) 320-1298.

Learning and Organizational Development Updates
Learning and Organizational Development invites you to take time for your own professional development by utilizing some of our upcoming programs designed to help you build your skills and expand your learning!

• Learning Playlists (NEW!)
• General Enrollment Courses
• Staff Training Series
• Supervisory Series

Single Mingle: Thursday, March 25, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Springtime is here, but the pandemic is still creating challenges, especially for people who live alone. Come together with other single Emory staff and faculty to make new friends, share how you are doing and chat about creative coping strategies as you "spring forward!" Led by the Emory Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP). Register in advance to receive Zoom link.

Weekly Refresh
Join FSAP every Wednesday at 4:30pm for a 15-minute virtual meditation or resilience tip for the day. Access @ https://zoom.us/j/271917067.

Emory Designated a “Voter Friendly Campus” 
Emory University is one of over 231 campuses nationwide to be honored with the title “Voter Friendly Campus.”  
  
The Voter Friendly Campus initiative, led by nonpartisan organizations Campus Vote Project and NASPA, held participating institutions accountable for planning and implementing practices that encourage their students to register and vote in 2020 elections and beyond.  
  
Emory was evaluated based on the Emory Votes Initiative’s plan for registering, educating, and turning out student voters in 2020, the ways we facilitated voter engagement, and a final analysis of our efforts—all carried out amid the upheaval of a pandemic. On its way to this seal of approval, Emory promoted information and voting through TurboVote, incorporated civic engagement and voting in its first-year PACE orientation class, and held a university-wide National Voter Registration Day webinar, to name a few highlights. 
  
“We are thrilled to receive this recognition,” said Alex Bolton, assistant professor of political science and member of the Emory Votes Initiative steering committee. “It’s a strong affirmation of Emory’s commitment to civic engagement and democratic values in all aspects of its mission. We’re excited to join this nationwide network of universities promoting civic participation and to build on all the voter engagement work in our community over this past election cycle.”  
  
The Voter Friendly Campus designation is valid through December 2022. Its mission is to bolster efforts that help students overcome barriers to participating in the political process. Institutions designated Voter Friendly Campuses are located in 37 states and the District of Columbia, representing a wide range of two-year, four-year, public, private, rural, and urban campuses. The program ultimately serves millions of students. 

Summer Camp and Learning Programs Spotlight
Discover the many different summer camp and learning activities that are available for school-aged children in the metro-Atlanta area. The 2021 summer camp guide highlights some of the local summer camp and learning programs from Emory's 2021 Summer Camp and Learning Expo that was held last week. View Summer Camp Spotlight.

Webinar: Building Resilience: Raising Happy and Successful Kids
Children are born with resilience, but we can do so much to strengthen this set of critical life-long skills. In this live workshop, you will learn about the connection between resilience and school and life success, how to nurture resilience in your children, and how to help your child manage adversity. Suggested for: Parents/guardians of children 0-12.

• March 24, 2021 | 7:00 p.m. ET | Register: http://bh.social/Mar24Webinar 

Webinar: Switching off: Preventing Digital Burnout
April 6, 2021, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
The modern working world is driven by rapid advancement in technological growth. The way we communicate in this digital world has transformed working behaviors, compelling workers to be plugged in 24/7 and having a direct interaction with stress, anxiety and burnout. This seminar will provide attendees with a powerful insight into the true impact of living and working in a reactive, fully connected world where failing to switch off both digitally and mentally poses a very real risk to their mental health. Register.

New Pandemic Family Webinar Series from Bright Horizons
Working from home, staying in place, socializing online, learning remotely, and creating pods — the way families live, work, and learn looks a bit different these days. Are you looking for new resources and ideas as we move into 2021? Join our family webinar series to hear from parents who will share personal insights about working and parenting young children during the pandemic, and get new ideas to power you up for the year ahead. Register here for live webinars or register to watch on demand

Webinar: Strategies to Reduce Working-Parent Stress and Guilt
Chasing the elusive work/life balance has always been a challenge for working parents. The COVID-19 pandemic has left parents scrambling to juggle school and childcare responsibilities in an ever-changing landscape. In this live workshop, you will learn strategies for letting go of working-parent guilt, approaches on alleviating stress, and how to maximize time with your child.

• April 15, 2021 | 12:00 p.m. ET | Register Here: http://bh.social/Apr15Webinar
  
  
• May 18, 2021 | 3:00 p.m. ET | Register Here: http://bh.social/May18Webinar

Explore a Degree in Theology on April 6
Since we can’t host in-person campus events right now, Candler School of Theology’s Office of Admissions and Financial Aid has developed engaging virtual events to help you explore your next steps in theological education and take advantage of your Emory courtesy scholarship:

• Maximize Your Leadership Potential: Enhance your ability to serve as a worship leader, youth or camp minister, pastoral counselor, missions coordinator, community organizer, and more. Candler’s Master of Religious Leadership provides Christian leaders with the biblical, theological, historical and practical foundation critical for their work in ministry settings, all on a two-year timeline. Join us for Candler Close-Up: MRL Degree Exploration on April 6, from 5:00-5:45 p.m. EST. Register here.
  
  
• Explore the Dynamics of Faith in The Public Sphere: Candler’s Master of Religion and Public Life can help you relate to the different faiths you encounter in your work. Designed for professionals in law, healthcare, social work, education, public service, and other fields, the MRPL lets you explore the interdisciplinary nature of religion and theology by taking courses at Candler and across the university. Join us for Candler Close-Up: MRPL Degree Exploration on April 6, from 12-12:45 p.m. EST. Register here.

Juris Master Lunch and Learn Webinars
Juris Master Lunch and Learn Webinars - Put the Law to Work for Your Career! Emory University School of Law offers a Juris Master degree designed to enhance your career and academic background with a legal perspective. On-campus and online formats are available. Join us to learn more about the Juris Master and speak with representatives from the Office of Admission. Select from multiple dates:

• Thursday, March 25 @ 12pm
• Wednesday, April 7 @ 12pm
• Thursday, April 22 @ 12pm