On August 3, I sent an email to all faculty and staff unveiling a new expression of the Seattle Pacific brand. The new brand direction is intended to emphasize and strengthen our position in higher education’s competitive space. The new fresh visuals and messaging will clarify the value and difference we offer to prospective students through our location in Seattle, Christian faith, and academic rigor.

I invite you to watch my short video introducing our new branding efforts, and visit the website for more information.

Computer and Information Systems is installing system upgrades to the Single-Sign On system to facilitate authentication to various campus systems (such as Banner, Canvas, and many others). Visit the CIS blog to learn more, and also how to identify a fake login page.

King County has placed a ballot drop box on the north side of the bookstore on West Nickerson Street. Ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Visit the website for more ballot drop box locations.

The library will be closed Wednesday, August 29, for its annual staff retreat.

The 10th of each month is the last day to make changes to your upcoming payroll check. Do you need to add or remove your spouse and/or children from your health care plans? If so, contact Human Resources (HR) to complete the appropriate form. Changes might include events that are expected to impact your benefits and deductions, such as your spouse or children gaining or losing coverage due to employment, birth, marriage, etc. Additionally, any changes you wish to make to your 403(b) account contributions must be made by the 10th of the month. For changes to your 403(b) account, contact Transamerica Retirement Solutions at 1-888-676-5512 (5 a.m.–6 p.m. PST), or 1-800-755-5801. If you have any other benefits-related changes, call Mardeth Hughes in HR at 206-281-2816.

The Nickerson Repaving project will return for its third segment of construction. This will affect primarily the area leading up to the Ballard Bridge area around 14th and 15th Streets. Please expect delays and detours between August and October, and plan your commute to SPU accordingly to allow for extra time. Visit the Seattle Department of Transportation website for more information.

Bloodworks Northwest will host a blood drive on campus Friday, August 10, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. near the entrance of Tiffany Loop. Schedule an appointment online.

You have until 9:59 a.m. on Tuesday, August 7, to have stationery orders delivered Tuesday, August 14. Stationery orders are delivered once a month. Orders made after 10 a.m. on August 7 will be delivered in September. Due to the upcoming University rebranding, 2017–18 stationery prices will remain in effect throughout the summer. For more information, contact Hope McPherson in University Communications at hmcpherson@spu.edu.

The Faculty/Staff Bulletin is published every other week during the summer. If you have information or event news, send it as soon as possible to Bulletin editor Tracy Norlen at fsb-editor@spu.edu. Submissions may be edited for clarity. The next deadline is Thursday, August 16. The next Bulletin will be published Monday, August 20. 

Please join the Office of Human Resources in welcoming the following new staff members. 

Dillon Hubble, technology support analyst, Computer and Information Systems
Lisa Ishihara, University chaplain, University Ministries
Tony LaBrum, technology support analyst, Computer and Information Systems

The Office of Human Resources would like the SPU community to congratulate these staff members in their new appointments:

Cathy Dominguez, assistant director, transfer admissions, University Recruitment & Admissions
Michael Simonson, interim head women’s basketball coach, Athletics

Professor Emeritus of Languages and Linguistics Kathryn Bartholomew was interviewed by local NPR station KUOW-FM (94.9) on July 25 about “discourse markers" in conversation. She also talked about texting as a form of speech rather than writing, and that young women tend to be at the forefront of creativity in language. Listen to the interview.