Winter 2011
d10cocoll
MSHROD Newsletter
www.mshrod.emich.edu
From the Co-Director Linda Isenhour
Inside This Issue:
Message from the Co-Director
1
Update on MSHROD China
2
Professional Development
2
Non-Credit Courses
3
MGMT 681: Traverse City
4
Spring/Summer/Fall Courses
4
Fall Practicum Orientation
5
Graduates & New Students
6
Student News/Announcements 7
Alumni & Student Updates
8
MSHROD Alumni Association
8
Winter 2011 Practicum Projects 9
EMU Student Chapter of SHRM 12
Focus on Faculty & Lecturers
12
MSHROD Development Fund
14
2011 Arbor Awards
15
MSHROD Student Interview
15
MSHROD Alumni Interview
16
SHRM Annual Conference
17
SHRM State Conference
17
Edited by:
Dr. Linda Isenhour, GPHR,
It is easy to see the impact of new technology around us daily,
from the latest Smart Phones we carry to our “always on” internet
connections. Indeed, it seems that we barely acclimate to one change
before the next wave hits. In 2001 Ray Kurzweil* noted this trend and
drew on Moore’s law of exponential computer chip speed growth to
suggest that exponential growth in technology in general has led to
“technological change so rapid and profound it represents a rupture in the
fabric of human history.”
What does this have to do with Human Resource Management,
which focuses on people, not technology? In truth, Human Resource
Management has been caught up in technological change since the
automation of payroll following World War II. That automation was
prompted by tax changes that impacted the people in our organizations.
We wanted to pay people correctly, and machines helped us do that.
Because HR professionals care about people, we have added faster
computers, more sophisticated software, such as SAP and PeopleSoft,
and the internet to help us enhance HRM productivity and increase the
quality of service to people in our organization. We are even adding
technology specialists who speak “bits and bytes,” as well as HRM.
Charged with more effective human capital management, HR
professionals have witnessed accelerated use of technology for many
traditional HRM functions. For example, the paradigm for business
training for most of the 20th century was in-house, face-to-face
classrooms with instructors. However, with the proliferation of the
internet, computers, and video technology, business training
expenditures in the U.S. have changed to include on-site, instructorcontrolled and a learner-controlled environment, allowing business
people access to remote webinars or self-paced, online training 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in the world. Moreover, the HR
professional can demonstrate that such changes offer broader choices
for keeping employee training up-to-date at a lower cost to the firm. This
is certainly a strategic perspective applauded by executives!
What else does this ever-accelerating rate of technological
change mean for HR professionals? Certainly, our expertise in change
management will be in greater demand to ensure that people in our firms
execute the technological changes successfully to win in the competitive
marketplace. Of course, HRM policies and procedures will also change
more rapidly to keep pace and help balance the too slow (for Gen X and
Y employees) and too fast (for Boomers) change of pace
Anything else? Well, IBM’s Watson computer just beat two
humans on Jeopardy, and Artificial Intelligence is on the horizon, so stay
alert! Technological change is everywhere, and it’s coming to an HR
department near you!
Dr. Eric Schulz, and
Pamela Christian
Prepare yourself and embrace strategic technological change to
help people in your firm succeed!
Winter 2011 MSHROD Newsletter
Page 1 of 17
Update on MSHROD in China
Dr. Fraya Wagner-Marsh, SPHR, GPHR
The MSHROD in China program that started eight years ago is going strong. The sixth cohort of
students began their classes last week. There are 24 students in this new cohort. Dr. Morgan Milner
(known as Dr. Morgan) and I (Dr. Fraya) traveled to China and taught classes from March 3-7. We taught
MGMT505 and MGMT509. We live in the dormitory during the week of classes, and we teach from
Thursday through Monday so the students do not have to miss more work days. We fly into Beijing (20
hour flight) and get to spend one day in Beijing before the folks from Tianjin University of Commerce
University come to take us to Tianjin. It is a wonderful experience, and the Chinese students are like “little
sponges” anxious to soak in the knowledge, including information about the USA. They are mostly very
respectful of professors and often thank us for taking the time to teach them.
The fifth cohort of students in the MSHROD in China has 14 students and will be finishing up
classes later this month. Dr. Eric Schulz (Dr. Eric) and I (Dr. Fraya) will teach classes from March 24-28.
A small group of these students and the Dean of the International Education College, Dean Qiao, will be
visiting EMU the first of May for about ten days. The fifth cohort of students will be participating in a
graduation ceremony on June 11, 2011. Dean Mielke (COB Dean), Dan Gaymer (Associate Dean of
Extended Programs), and I will be traveling to participate in the graduation activities.
Professional Development Courses
Global human resource certification preparation
Featuring the SHRM Global Learning System®‚ the new standard for Global HR, this intensive sevenweek program is designed primarily for individuals seeking certification as a Global Professional in
Human Resources (GPHR®). The course fee of $995 includes the SHRM Global Learning System print
modules, online learning software and access to the online Resource Center, instructor handouts and 21
hours of classroom instruction.
Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® Program
The oldest and most respected professional credential in the employee benefits and
compensation field is CEBS—Certified Employee Benefit Specialist. The CEBS program
provides certification choices for employee benefit and compensation professionals. You
can earn specialty designations as a Group Benefits Associate (GBA), Retirement Plans
Associate (RPA) and Compensation Management Specialist (CMS), or establish yourself as a total
compensation professional by attaining the CEBS designation.
GBA 1
GBA 2
RPA 1
RPA 2
CMS 1
CMS 2
Group Health Plan Design (Required for the GBA and CEBS designations)
Group Benefits Management (Required for the GBA and CEBS designations)
Retirement Plan Design (Required for the RPA and CEBS designations)
Retirement Plan Management (Required for the RPA and CEBS designations)
Human Resources & Compensation Mgmt (Required for the CEBS and CMS designations)
Compensation Concepts & Principles (Required for the CEBS and CMS designations)
The fee for one course is $395 per course, $375 per course if enrolling in more than one course at the
same time. The course fee does not include study materials; participants must purchase materials from
the CEBS program prior to the start of class.
For more information on any of these professional development courses contact EMU Extended Programs &
Educational Outreach at www.extended.emich.edu/ppat, call 800-777-3521, or email extended.programs@emich.edu.
Winter 2011 MSHROD Newsletter
Page 2 of 17
Looking for Non-Credit HRCI Recertification or Business Foundation
Financial Management for HR Professionals is a six-week, hybrid non-credit class
taught by Dr. Morgan Milner. This course teaches you the fundamentals underlying the
flow of financial information used for the preparation and interpretation of financial
statements. Learn to present proof that return on investment in human capital is
valuable to the profitability of the company. The course includes three classroom
meetings (Oct 17, 31, and Nov 14) with online assignments for the three weeks in
between those dates. The face-to-face classes are located at EMU Livonia. This course
will count toward the Accounting/Finance Business Foundation requirements for the
MSHROD and counts as 16 recertification Strategic Business Management credits. The
cost is $550 including your books and materials. For more information contact Dr. Fraya
Wagner-Marsh, SPHR, GPHR at fwagnerm@emich.edu
Business Ethics for the HR Professional is a six-week, online non-credit class taught
by Toni Knechtges, SPHR. This course explores the area of ethics and related
problems from the HR professionals’ perspective. The course uses case studies,
podcasts, videos, class discussions and activities to help the HR Professional
understand the ethical implications of many business decisions. The class is offered
April 18-May 27, 2011, and the cost is $550. This course is worth 18 recertification
strategic business management credits. For more information contact
toni.knechtges@emich.edu
Understanding Unions: Everything you always wanted to learn about working in a
union environment is a four-week, online non-credit class taught by Toni Knechtges,
SPHR. This course presents the background necessary to examine top management
strategic decision-making regarding unions as well as day-to-day union workermanagement interactions. Labor contract administration and grievance management, as
well as mediation and arbitration handling, will be studied together with methods and
skills necessary to implement change in management-union relationships. The course
runs from May 2-27, 2011, and the cost is $425. This course is worth 12 recertification
strategic business management credits. For more information contact
toni.knechtges@emich.edu
SHRM Learning System Course for PHR/SPHR Certification: EMU offers HRCI
Exam prep courses every Fall (Sept-Nov) and Winter (Feb-April). The next courses will
start the second week of September, and there are classes in Livonia, Ann Arbor,
Southfield, Troy, Lansing, and online. This is the best course to help you be successful
in passing the PHR or SPHR examination. For more information contact Dr. Fraya
Wagner-Marsh, SPHR, GPHR at fwagnerm@emich.edu.
Graduate Study Fellowship Available - If you already hold a PHR or SPHR from the
Human Resource Certification Institute you might want to apply for the Susan Meisinger
Fellowship for graduate studies in HR. At least one fellow will receive as much as
$10,000 annually for up to two years. The deadline to apply is April 30, and you can get
more information at www.shrm.org/meisinger.
Winter 2011 MSHROD Newsletter
Page 3 of 17
MGMT 681: Strategic Performance Management –
Yours, Theirs, and the Team’s Best Value
Come join us in Traverse City for the dynamic new class
Strategic Performance Management.
Strategic Performance Management creates a significant impact on how effective organizations achieve
the outcomes that the organization intends to produce. The importance of performance management as
a concept to support organizational effectiveness cannot be underestimated.
The course will focus on Performance Management competences that drive individual and organizational
performance. We will cover topics such as the value of strategic individual, team, and global
organizational performance alignment, an engaged workforce, productive feedback, performance
analytics (going beyond a traditional performance appraisal), ethical performance management, coaching
and mentoring, and development of an innovative performance culture.
The class will consist of the examination of theory, case studies, organizational applications, research,
and individual exploration. Research projects can be adapted to major areas of study (for example: HR
students can focus on HR applications; management students can focus on managerial issues). The
instructor (Christine R. Day, Ph.D.) is a certified and practicing organizational and performance
management coach.
Students arrange their own housing. Options include the dorm, renting a condo, leasing a larger home
(for a large group), or staying at a local hotel. EMU has arranged for housing discounts for EMU students
at Day’s Inn and the Great Wolf Lodge.
Course Offerings
Spring 2011 Course Offerings
MGMT505 (Organizational Theory and Behavior) Online (Frye)
MGMT509 (Strategic Human Resource Management) Ypsilanti – Monday (Camp)
MGMT621 (Benefits Administration) Ypsilanti – Tuesday & Thursday (Schulz)
MGMT625 (Management in Unionized Settings) Livonia – Saturday (Knechtges)
MGMT638 (Building Continuous Improvement Teams) Ypsilanti – Monday & Wednesday (Day)
LAW540 (Employment Law) Online (Defebaugh)
Spring Livonia Schedule
Classes meet during the following days and times:
MGMT 625
Friday
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm 5/6, 5/20, 6/3, 6/17
Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm 5/7, 5/21, 6/4, 6/18
MGMT 696
Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
5/7, 5/21, 6/4,
6/12, 6/18
Summer 2011 Course Offerings
MGMT509 (Strategic Human Resource Management) Online (Milner)
MGMT616 (Negotiation and Influence) Ypsilanti – Monday & Wednesday (Day)
MGMT622 (Current Issues in HR) Livonia – Saturday (Camp)
MGMT681 (Special Topics: Strategic Performance Management) Traverse City (Day)
Summer 2011 Livonia Schedule
Classes meet during the following days and times:
MGMT 622
Friday
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm 7/8, 7/22, 8/5, 8/12
Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm 7/9, 7/23, 8/6, 8/13
Winter 2011 MSHROD Newsletter
Page 4 of 17
Fall 2011 Course Offerings
Core Classes
MGMT505 (Organizational Theory & Behavior) Ypsilanti – Thurs., Online (Frye), Livonia – Sat. (Camp)
MGMT509 (Strategic Human Resource Management) Online (Isenhour)
MGMT602 (Theory and Technique of Organizational Development) Ypsilanti – Thursday (Huszczo)
MGMT610 (Diagnostic Techniques & Research Methods) Ypsilanti – Tuesday (Milner) or Livonia – Sat. (Endres)
MGMT628 (Human Resource Development) Livonia – Saturday (Blanchard)
MGMT688 (Practicum in HR & OD) Ypsilanti – Tuesday (McEnery)
MSHROD Pre-approved Electives
MGMT611 (Human Resources and Technology) Ypsilanti – Wednesday (Isenhour)
MGMT616 (Negotiation and Influence) Livonia – Saturday (Tubbs)
MGMT618 (Staffing Organizations) Online (Camp)
MGMT620 (Compensation Management) Ypsilanti – Saturday (Schulz)
MGMT625 (Management in Unionized Settings) Ypsilanti – Tuesday (Tanguay)
MGMT638 (Building Continuous Improvement Teams) Livonia – Saturday (Day)
MGMT 648 (Communication & Organizational Development) Livonia – Saturday (Vielhaber)
LAW540 (Employment Law) Online (Defebaugh)
Fall 2011 Livonia Schedule
Classes meet during the following days and times:
MGMT 505
Saturday
9:00 – Noon
9:00 – 3:30
9/10 & 12/17
10/1, 10/29, 11/12
MGMT 610 & MGMT 638
Saturday
9:00 – Noon
9:00 – 3:30
9/10 & 12/17
9/17,10/1,10/15,10/29,11/12,12/10
Livonia Campus
MGMT 616, MGMT 620, & MGMT 628
Saturday
12:30 – 3:30
9:00 – 3:30
9/10 & 12/17
9/24,10/8,10/22,11/5,11/19,12/3
Practicum Orientation for Fall 2011
The dates for the Fall 2011 term orientation to MGMT 688 (Practicum) are:
Wednesday, March 23, 2011, 5-6 pm
Management Department’s Conference Room 465
OR
Saturday, March 26, 2011, 8-9 am
Refreshments will be served!
Anyone who is registered for or will register for Practicum Winter, 2010 is strongly recommended to
select one of the sessions above to attend. The sessions will describe Practicum expectations and
will encourage students to complete some work early so the Practicum term is manageable.
Please RSVP to Dr. Jean McEnery at jmcenery@emich.edu if you will attend and when.
I look forward to meeting you all!
Winter 2011 MSHROD Newsletter
Page 5 of 17
Congratulations to our
Graduates!!!
Fall 2011 MSHROD
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Irina Butler
Maya Davis
Holly Demosiuk
Michelle Dufek
Jennifer Elarton
Curtishia Ferguson
Amanda Fritz
Archana Mahadik
Gerard Morin
Misty Sanchez
Nada Shafique
James Wiser
Stacy Spondike
Dana Tilden
Uditi Vyas
Ashley Walicki
Qikun Wang
Fall 2011 HR Certificates
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Deborah Apsley
Melanie Ferren
Dion-Yel McCrary
Sami Naser
Shawn Rule
Tanisha Thibodaux
Fall 2011 OD Certificate
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Michelle Abd’Elaziz
Christy Hicks
New MSHROD and Graduate
Certificate Students
Rudy Acuna, BS, Eastern Michigan University
Ahmed Aledreessi, BBA, Eastern Michigan University
Rene Beiza Vargas, BA, California State University Fullerton
Jaclyn Bessley, BS, Eastern Michigan University
Stacey Boise, BA, Wright State University Dayton
Germaine Calvetti, BA, Hope College
Kendra Clark, BFA/BS, Eastern Michigan University
Staci Conlin, BA, Eastern Michigan University
Jordan Davis, BBA, Western Michigan University
Lauria Dempsey, BS, Central Michigan University
Edwina Dortch, BS, Western Michigan University
Jason Dowd, BS, Admas State College
Angela Eddins, BS, Eastern Michigan University
Cerynthia Edwards, BS, Eastern Michigan University
Jennifer Emrick, BBA, Western Michigan University
Danielle Gabryel, BBA, Northwood University Michigan
Christopher Gilbert, BBA, Western Michigan University
Laurie Graham, BS, Eastern Michigan University
Latrice Green, BBA, Eastern Michigan University
Christy Hicks, MA, Michigan State University
Ramieka Hill, BBA, Eastern Michigan University
Aniseh Issa, BBA, Eastern Michigan University
Karen Jackson-Young, BS, Siena Heights University
Ashley Jarmusevich, BS, Central Michigan University
Darrin Johnson, MA, Eastern Michigan University
Sharonda King, BS, Eastern Michigan University
Tasia Lee, BS, Central Michigan University
Jennifer Leight, BS, Oakland University
Asia Love, BS, Eastern Michigan University
Abe McKinstry III, BS, Eastern Michigan University
Rebecca Merritt, BBA, Eastern Michigan University
Sami Naser, BAA, Davenport University
James Nemeth, BS, Eastern Michigan University
Mutia Ozen-Erig, BS, Eastern Michigan University
Tiffani Pace, BA, Univ Michigan Ann Arbor
Nicholas Pacific, BBA, Eastern Michigan University
Angela Parker, BBA, Cleary University
Douglas Parton, BA, Spring Arbor University
Jennifer Potter, BS, Eastern Michigan University
Sythinia Pryor, BBA, Cleary University
Keandra Randall, BS, Eastern Michigan University
MacKenzie Roberts, BBA, Grand Valley State University
Kimberly Robison, BA, Eastern Michigan University
Molly Salvi, BS, Johnson & Wales University
Alexandra Shorkey, BS, Michigan Tech University
Jessica Sterling, BA, Michigan State University
Chrissa Swanson, BS, Eastern Michigan University
Ashley Swilley, BBA, Eastern Michigan University
Geana Tatum, BS, Eastern Michigan University
John Torres, BA, Oakland University
Lana Valentine, BA, Eastern Michigan University
Ramona Ward, BBA, Univ Michigan Ann Arbor
Donna Welch, BBA, Univ Michigan Ann Arbor
Cynthia Williams, BA, Western Michigan University
Natasha Williams, BBA, Eastern Michigan University
Michelle Williamson, BBA, Eastern Michigan University
Erika Wright, BS, Central Michigan University
Welcome to EMU!
Winter 2011 MSHROD Newsletter
Page 6 of 17
Student News and Announcements
Prerequisite Reminders
Business Foundation courses: For MSHROD
students if you need an Accounting or Finance
business foundation course, you might want to
consider the 6-week, noncredit Financial
Management for HR Professionals course that
Dr. Milner teaches in the Fall semester at EMU
Livonia Center on Thursday evenings.
MGMT610 requires an undergraduate statistics
course as a prerequisite. If you try to register
and get a prerequisite error message, contact
the COB Graduate Advising Office.
GRE/GMAT: The University is now putting on
an Academic Hold if you are a Graduate
Certificate in HR or OD student and have taken
at least 15 credit hours. You will not be able to
register for additional courses until you take an
exam or submit documentation to show that
you have already registered to take the GMAT
or GRE.
Preapproved Electives: Be sure that you are
registering for pre-approved electives. If you
register for a class that is not on the list without
approval from Dr. Wagner-Marsh, it will not
count toward graduation.
EMU Student Chapter of SHRM
Upcoming Events
Student Chapter Workshop
Increasing the Odds for a Successful
Team Project
By: Dr. Gregory Huszczo
Wednesday, March 30th, 2 pm – 4 pm
Student Chapter Meeting
Topic: "Top Ten HR Mistakes"
Tuesday, March 22nd at 5:15 p.m.
Emilie Stawiarski, Internet2
EMU College of Business, Room 315
Elections for the 2011 – 2012
Academic Year
Elections for the new Student Chapter
Board will take place on Tuesday,
March 22nd at 4:30 p.m. in Room 315,
EMU College of Business
Spring/Summer/Fall 2011
Registration Begins!
Graduate Students are able to register
beginning on Tuesday, March 15. Your
registration appointment is based on
the number of credit hours completed
as of your registration date.
Time
8 a.m.
11 a.m.
2:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
Earned Hours
50 or more
30-49
10-29
0-9
Login to my.emich.edu to register.
Winter 2011 MSHROD Newsletter
Graduate Assistantship
Application Process
If you are interested in applying for a GA
position in our department, please send
your resume and application to the
Management Department, 466 Owen. You
must also fill out the online application for
the Graduate School. GA positions in the
Management Department require 10-15
hours per week during the Fall and Winter
semester and a commitment to work either
Spring or Summer terms. Full-time GA
positions include the payment of 18 tuition
credit hours plus a stipend. For more
information, contact Dr. Fraya WagnerMarsh at (734) 487-3240 or at
fwagnerm@emich.edu.
Page 7 of 17
Alumni & Student Updates!!!
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Sally-Ann Cooke, MSHROD graduate, is in the process of moving back to
Canada where she will pursue her career as an HRIS professional. She also
plans to resume her volunteer efforts with the Canadian association focused on
HRIS (http://www.hrmsp.org).
Graduate Assistant Nikki Fury earned her PHR Certification!
Norma Ibarra-Palmer, MSHROD graduate, is President-Elect of the OD
Exchange, succeeding another MSHROD graduate Molly Prater, current
President.
MSHROD graduate Sonja Renita Parkinson earned her PHR Certification!
Graduate Assistant Nick Pacific earned his PHR Certification!
MSHROD graduate Kostas Voutsas is now teaching in Bismarck, ND, for DSU
and has received tenure. He has presented “Making Diversity Work” at several
conference and professional organizations. The course is preapproved from
HRCI for 2 strategic credits.
James Wiser, MSHROD student of the year for 2010, has written an article
about resume writing and had it published online at
http://www.examiner.com/career-transition-indetroit/yes-you-do-have-experienceshow-it-on-your-resume. He also earned his PHR Certification and has accepted
a position as HR Administrator for Spectrum Human Services at their Calumet
Center in Highland Park, MI. He will be working with Don Fields, also
MSHROD!
New Job? Married? Baby? We want to know what is new for you.
Please contact Dr. Isenhour, Dr. Schulz, or Dr. Wagner-Marsh
MSHROD Alumni Association
The Board of the MSHROD Alumni Association is working to increase its membership.
To maximize the social networking of our MSHROD alumni group, we will soon be
establishing a site presence on LinkedIn to expand the reach of our Alumni group.
Watch for announcements in the coming weeks as we launch this initiative to utilize this
technology.
Please send an e-mail to Zachary Fairchild zfairchil@emich.edu if you are interested in
a leadership role with the alumni group or if you are interested in learning about the
MSHROD Alumni Association on LinkedIn.
Winter 2011 MSHROD Newsletter
Page 8 of 17
Winter 2011 Practicum Projects
Candace Bean is assisting a Michigan-based University in the selection of a third party vendor to conduct
an Employee Engagement Survey. She will be completing a needs analysis to determine what the
University requires of vendors, creating a selection matrix, researching vendors, writing a request for
proposal, and finally, making recommendations for the 3-5 vendors that the request for proposal should
be sent to.
Kavitha Bhandari is working with a large automotive supplier in Detroit to develop best practices in
retention of co-ops and interns with the intent of hiring them as full time employees after internships. She
will be analyzing current practices and making recommendations for their retention.
Ryan Boehm is working with MTU Detroit Diesel to determine a more efficient performance management
system for evaluating employees. Ryan will be evaluating the current needs of the organization and
proposing several performance management systems that will fit those needs.
Brigitte Burke is working with Ann Arbor Housing Commission Section 8 operations to reengineer core
business processes to align with their mission and Housing & Urban Development requirements. Working
with key stakeholders, she will facilitate the analysis of standard operating procedures for key functions,
define performance objectives using internal and HUD metrics, design new processes and determine if a
restructure of jobs is necessary to execute the new business processes.
Latisha Cunningham is creating competency-based performance appraisal forms for the Detroit nonprofit organization, Arts & Scraps. Latisha is developing a set of core competencies for each job
description, position specific competencies and appraisal forms. Following the creation of the forms,
Latisha will conduct an on-site training session on performance appraisals.
Mikaela Davis is working with the non-profit NSF International in auditing their current organizational
charts to identify discrepancies between the charts and employee reports. To resolve discrepancies, she
will meet with the VP’s and Quality Assurance representatives to develop strategies for organizational
charts that are in compliance with standards. She will also provide recommendations for the creation of
organizational charts and future audits.
Nicole Fury is working with The Buster Foundation: Pit-bull Education and Rescue to create a handbook
for the Board of Directors. She will be conducting individual interviews with board members as well as
working with the whole executive board to define the overall expectations of board members, as well as
create job descriptions and contract terms for each of the executive board positions.
Terry Hannah is working with an expanding metro area dental business. Terry is gathering data to create
job descriptions for various positions within the dental office. Terry will also describe their application in
hiring, training, evaluation, and discipline.
James Hendee is working with Motor City Guitar in Waterford, Michigan. James is helping to diagnose
problems and propose recommendations for changes to improve the effectiveness of the company and its
web site. A consulting report will be delivered to the business with recommendations for implementation
and institutionalization of the organizational change.
Ramieka Hill is developing a set of procedures and guidelines for program managers to follow when
documenting incidents of prohibited misconduct in the workplace. Ramieka is also creating a training
guide that will provide a pre-training assessment, examples of various misconduct, exercises to help
recognize, document, and report misconduct, as well as a post training assessment.
Winter 2011 MSHROD Newsletter
Page 9 of 17
Aniseh Issa is working with the Public School Academies that are managed by Global Educational
Excellence to develop an inclusive employee handbook with recommendations on how to implement the
policies and procedures. She will work with administrators at nine different public school academies to
gather data to develop the employee handbook to be compliant with state and federal laws.
Karen Jackson-Young is working with a local medical center. Karen will conduct a training needs
analysis (TNA). A final consulting report with a summary of conclusions from the TNA and training
recommendations for the leadership team will be given to the HR Director.
Jennifer Karteczka is working with The ODeXchange, a society for OD professionals, to develop a 2-day
conference. She will analyze the population to determine the appropriate timing and market, design,
execute, and analyze a needs analysis survey, and lead a committee of volunteers to advertise for the
upcoming event and publicize the survey to the identified population. She will then provide design
recommendations to The ODeXchange for the upcoming conference.
Erika Koski is working with a local medical center on designing and developing a paid time off (PTO)
program. Erika is compiling benchmark data on PTO programs and will work directly with members of the
administration on the design and development of the new PTO program based on her research of best
practices.
Tiffany Kulpa is creating a new employee handbook for FIGO Salon in Birmingham, Michigan. The
handbook will encompass current written and unwritten standards and regulations.
Stephanie Likens is developing Standard Operating Procedures for each of the three parasitoid wasps
that are currently being mass reared by the United States Department of Agriculture in Brighton, MI.
These wasps are the natural predators of emerald ash borer, a destructive species of beetle that has
spread throughout the Midwest causing significant ecological damage. These SOPs will be a resource for
existing employees, as well as a training tool for new employees.
Andrew Little is developing an orientation program for a new spine hospital that has recently opened in
Omaha, Nebraska. Drew is gathering data and interviewing individuals to see what needs to be improved.
Based on his analysis of the data, he will propose a new orientation program.
Asia Love is working with a telecommunications company to help reduce turnover rates. Asia will develop
a questionnaire for former employees and will analyze the results of this survey along with internal
company data to find the causes of their turnover. Based on this information and research on employee
satisfaction and retention, Asia will deliver a consulting report summarizing her findings and
recommendations. Asia will also be providing an exit interview process and form.
Jan Mulcrone is working with a safety net medical center whose mission is to care for all patients,
regardless of ability to pay. Jan will be conducting a work culture assessment, analyze the assessment
data for different subgroups of the organization, and prepare recommendations to leadership on steps
to take to move their culture from the current state to the desired culture.
Nicholas Pacific is creating a procedural manual and on-boarding program for a consulting firm. The
procedural manual will help detail many of the day-to-day tasks and the on-boarding program will
help facilitate socialization of new members into the organization.
Sonja Parkinson is working with a local medical center to ensure their compliance with the Fair Labor
Standards Act. The goal of the project is to determine if the jobs of non-unionized employees are properly
classified as exempt or non-exempt.
Douglas Parton is working with Central Detroit Christian, a community development organization in
Detroit. Doug is helping them design and formalize their employment process and develop a customized
on-boarding program.
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Carla Perez is working with a local public library to create a management skills workshop for supervisors.
The objective of the workshop is to provide training on performance management. She will also develop
the training plan and the training materials for the supervisors participating in the workshop.
Lindsay Preston is researching and developing training on sexual harassment for the Roadhouse
restaurant, a Zingerman’s company located in Ann Arbor. In addition to training development, she will be
creating a leaders’ guide for managers to use during and after training as well as a workbook for
employees to use.
Sidney Saeger is working on a change process project with Fox Run, a retirement community. She is
facilitating a group of interdisciplinary managers to write processes and procedures on ordering and
tracking durable medical goods. Her project includes having the procedures available in an electronic
format on their web page as well as recommendations on how to put the procedures into practice.
Shannon Satchel is conducting a Post-Implementation Review (PIR) for the Electronic Personnel Action
Form (EPAF) project at Eastern Michigan University. She will conduct benchmark studies of eight other
Universities on their experience with the ePaf Self Service Banner system. She will prepare a consulting
report with recommendations for distribution and survey questions for the test groups. Recommendations
for the suggested method of delivery for the ePaf, resources and contact information will also be included.
Robert Sexton is working with the Saline Plastics Plant, Ford Motor to develop a communication
plan/report to drive cultural change and commitment from the hourly and salary work force. The plan will
be developed through research and the best practices and tied to the plant launch of the FPS (Ford
Production System) and CI (Continuous Improvement). The plan will be supported with internal data that
measures productivity, quality, and attendance records.
Laura Sigarto is working with 323Gallery's 1xRUN project to develop a complete on-boarding and
termination package for artists. She will work to develop materials to define the expectations for the
relationship between the artists and the gallery and will deliver a final consulting report upon completion.
Kristin Smith is working with the American Red Cross to develop job descriptions for both paid and
volunteer positions. As a part of her job analysis, she will be utilizing a questionnaire, as well as
completing a period of direct observation and interviewing. In addition to the job descriptions, she will be
providing the American Red Cross with a consulting report that summarizes the approach she used,
along with the templates utilized to develop the job descriptions.
Tanesha Reed is working with Upward Detroit Academy to develop an interview guide used to recruit
potential teachers and administrative staff. Upward Detroit Academy is a proposed charter school located
in Northwest Detroit that will serve students in grades 9-12.
Geana Tatum-Brown is conducting a needs assessment for The Milan Medical Clinic, a small medical
clinic. Based on the results, she is creating a policies and procedures manual.
Tony Trevino is working with a behavioral health facility on the design of a leadership development
program. The objective of the program is to increase the leadership abilities of the current supervisors at
the facility, and be a tool in the acclimation of future employees who are promoted to supervisor positions.
A summary of a needs analysis and the design of the leadership development program will be delivered
to management at the end of the consulting project.
Melissa Vincent is working with Fatou African Store for her consulting project. The objective of the
project is to use the change management approach to improve the effectiveness of the business and to
align the business external strategy with internal strategy.
Virginia Weidenfeller is working on employee incentive plans with the Gift of Life, a non-profit
organization in Ann Arbor. She will conduct a survey of the employees to find out what financial and nonfinancial incentives are important to them. She will also research incentive plans in comparable
Winter 2011 MSHROD Newsletter
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healthcare, not-for-profit organizations. The goal is to recommend employee incentive plans for the full
time, part time and per diem employees.
Chad Zarbaugh is working with a small accounting firm. He is conducting interviews and developing job
descriptions for their accounting and clerical positions. Chad will also develop an interview guide for the
accounting position, including a means to rate those interviewed.
Tian Zhang is developing a diversity training program for University Christian Fellowship (UCF) at
Eastern Michigan University. She will present diversity training for the staff who work with international
students. The goal is to help the participants understand how to attract and retain international students
in their student organization.
EMU Student Chapter of SHRM
The Award Winning EMU SHRM student chapter has been very busy with program meetings, workshops
and tours. The group is working on a teambuilding toolkit that will be available at the end of March and
will be the focus of another workshop.
Speakers and Topics:
November 9 Pam Strohmeyer, PHR, Director of Campus Recruitment Rehmann
Topic: “Ownership to your career”
January 18 Mike Kestly, Kestly Development.
Topic: “Leadership Charisma”
January 31 Zena Zumeta, J.D. Mediation Training & Consultation Institute
Topic: “Conflict Management for HR Professionals”
February 8 Ricardo Resio, SPHR, Principal Human Resources
Topic: "Creating a Strategic Plan for Your HR Department"
March 22
Emilie Stawiarski, Director, Human Resources, Internet2
Topic: "Top Ten HR Mistakes"
Workshops:
Jean McEnery
Theory and Practice: Evaluation, cost/benefit, and Return on Investment
Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010
Toni Knechtges, SPHR
Knowledge Café Management Skills Topics
Monday, Nov. 22, 2010 from 6:30-8:30 pm
The SHRM Group also learned more about HR on the following organizational tours:
January -Zingermans
February -NSF
March -Kohl’s Tour with Marketing
The chapter also held a PHR Study Group from October to December and several students sat for
the SHRM PHR exam.
Winter 2011 MSHROD Newsletter
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Focus on Faculty and Lecturers
Dr. Nick Blanchard received the Management Department Teaching Award for
2010/11.
Dr. Sanjib Chowdhury and Dr. Stephanie Newell have received a second three-year
appointment as Co-Faculty Program Directors for the Center for Entrepreneurship.
Dr. Christine Day presented a “Motivation without Money” seminar at the University of
Michigan Leaders and Best conference in February. In addition her paper, “EQ and
Social Intelligence Insights in the Job Search” was selected for presentation at the 75th
Annual ABC Convention in Chicago in October. Dr. Day is also working with a small
organization to implement a performance management system. The firm presently has
no performance system, so this is an exciting opportunity to work with the firm and put
what we teach regarding performance appraisal to work in an organization. Dr. Day also
helped recruit students at the EMU Education First Scholars Day.
Dr. Megan Endres received the Management Department Research Award for 2010/11.
Professor Toni Knechtges is teaching a six-week, online non-credit class in Business
Ethics for the HR Professional. The course explores the area of ethics and related
problems from the HR professionals’ perspective. In addition, she is teaching a fourweek, online non-credit class on Understanding Unions: Everything You Always Wanted
to Learn about Working in a Union Environment. Toni will also be taking part in a
deposition scenario at the Institute for Continuing Legal Education (ICLE), 36th
Annual Labor and Employment Law Institute program in April. The session topic is
entitled "When HR and Operations Collide- The Real Impact Gets Revealed in the
Depositions." This is the 5th year that Toni has been involved in the Institute
Conference.
Dr. Jean McEnery and Dr. Linda Isenhour, working with coauthors Hassana M.
Tbach Assi, one of our former students, and her colleague, Hussin J. Hejase, in
Lebanon, have had their paper , “Business Ethics Violations: A Cross-Cultural
Extension of Business Ethics Education,” accepted for presentation at the 2011
International Conference on Industry, Engineering, and Management Systems
conference in Cocoa Beach, FL . In addition, Dr. McEnery earned her SPHR
Certification and received the Management Department Service Award for 2010/11.
Dr. Morgan Milner has developed a six-week, hybrid, non-credit class in Financial
Management for HR professionals. The course teaches the fundamentals of financial
information and helps those professionals learn to present proof that return on
investment in human capital adds to firm profitability.
Dr. Eric Schulz had his paper, “Signing Bonuses: Perspectives of its Impact upon Total
Compensation,” accepted for publication in the peer-reviewed Insights to a Changing
World journal.
Winter 2011 MSHROD Newsletter
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Dr. Steward Tubbs presented his paper with MSHROD student, Erika Koski,
“Utilization and Implementation of the Predictive Index (PI) for Global Leadership
Development,” at the International Business, Finance and Economics Research
Conference last September in Los Angeles. In addition, with coauthors Brock Husby,
University of Michigan, and Laurie Jensen, Henry Ford Health Systems, Dr. Tubbs
presented their paper, “The Ten Most Common Myths about Implementing Continuous
Improvement Efforts in Health Care Organizations,” at the Decision Sciences Institute
Conference last November in San Diego. He has also conducted leadership
development training for the global consulting firm, Accenture, last summer in Europe.
On 2/18 Dr. Tubbs received his award and recognition as MVP, “Most Valuable
Professor,” from the EMU Athletic Department.
Dr. Mary Vielhaber will serve as Marshal of Graduate Students for the EMU winter
semester graduation ceremony on April 16.
Dr. Dianna Wong, Senior Strategic Advisor to the Board of the OD Exchange,
encourages everyone to participate in the OD Summit for organization development
professionals and change agents on Jun e 16/17 in Southfield, MI. MSHROD graduates
Molly Prater (President) and Norma Ibarra-Palmer (President-Elect) look forward to
seeing you. Details on the activities are available at
http://odexchange.posterous.com/pages/events
The MSHROD Development Fund
Please consider a donation to the MSHROD Development Fund. The money that we
receive is used to help sponsor student and alumni events such as the new student
orientation, the practicum orientation, and the annual alumni speaker event. It is also
used to support the MSHROD newsletter and the annual MSHROD student award.
These events and activities help attract students and help alumni stay in touch. Any
amount is welcome! Checks can be made out to MSHROD Development Fund and
mailed to Dr. Fraya Wagner-Marsh, SPHR, GPHR at Eastern Michigan University,
College of Business, Management Department, 300 W. Michigan Avenue, Room 466,
Ypsilanti, MI, 48197. You can also make donations online by going to www.emich.edu
and clicking on Foundation. Be sure to designate the MSHROD Development Fund.
Thanks!
Winter 2011 MSHROD Newsletter
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2011 Arbor Awards
Dr. Fraya Wagner-Marsh, SPHR, GPHR
The Arbor Consulting Group and the MSHROD program at EMU presented the
Arbor Awards for Excellence for innovative approaches and best practices in HR this
past week at a ceremony at the Detroit Institute of Arts. The winners of this year’s
awards are Valassis Communications, St. John Providence Health System, R.L. Polk &
Co., and University of Michigan. Valassis and St. John’s Providence each received an
Arbor Award for Excellence and Polk and UM earned Arbor Special Tribute Awards.
Valassis won its award for developing an internal employee-led campaign called
“CelebrateUS” - “You’re in great company.” Activities included Random Acts of
Kindness Days, Earth Day, giving car safety seats to employees with newborns,
sending college care packages to associates’ dependents entering college or giving a
marriage gift. St. John Providence won its award for giving curious career seekers an
inside look at health professionals through an in-depth job shadowing experience. The
participants included second-career seekers to college and high school students. About
200 people went through the program the first year.
Polk won its award for its Polk Wellness Program that includes features such as
an on-site fitness center, access to subsidized personal trainers, a Weight Watchers at
Work program, and yoga and health and fitness seminar topics. UM won its award for
its enrollment process for a retirement savings plan that is making it easier for UM’s
40,000 employees to save for retirement. The Arbor Awards program is in its 11th year.
For more information, visit http://www.arborhr.com.
MSHROD
Student Interview:
Temii
Tellis
education. Anna completed
her undergraduate
degree in Cultural
Studies
at Eastern in the
By:
Pamela
Christian
summer of 2009. After exploring other graduate options at Eastern, Anna chose to enroll in the
After graduating from Eastern Michigan University in 2005 with a degree in Public
Relations, Temii Tellis was focused on finding a job in PR, not HR; but fate intervened
and eventually brought Temii back to EMU and the MSHROD program. Unable to find a
position in Public Relations, Temii sought help from a staffing agency and began a job
as a Deputy District Court Clerk. After being laid off, she returned to the staffing agency
for help and was hired as a Human Resources Assistant with Adecco.
Temii considered pursuing a graduate degree, but was not sure what she wanted to
study or how she would find the time. Another layoff led her to consider graduate school
again, and having enjoyed her job in human resources, Temii decided that the
MSHROD program was the right fit for her.
Temii began the program in the Summer of 2009 and is looking forward to graduating
after the Fall2011 semester. After working as a Graduate Assistant in the Academic
Advising office since beginning the MSHROD program, Temii hopes to pursue a career
as a Career Counselor at a four-year university. Temii is looking forward to using the
skills she has gained in the MSHROD program in her future endeavors.
Winter 2011 MSHROD Newsletter
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MSHROD Alumni Interview: Jeff Tomschin
By: Dr. Eric Schulz
Jeff Tomschin is a Spring 2004 graduate of the Eastern Michigan MSHROD program.
Jeff received his Bachelor’s Degree from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri,
before coming to the MSHROD program. Jeff’s undergraduate degree was in
Communication. In addition to earning his MSHROD, Jeff has also earned his SPHR,
GPHR, CBP, and CCP certifications. Jeff is currently the Vice President of Human
Resources of Phillips Service Industries.
Phillips Service Industries is a holding company with seven subsidiaries whose primary
products are aerospace components. In his capacity as Vice President of Human
Resources, Jeff has oversight for all human resource activities of Phillips Services
Industries. Jeff manages a staff of three and also coordinates with HR Liaisons for each
of the subsidiaries at Phillips Service Industries.
Jeff enrolled in the Eastern Michigan MSHROD program because of the program’s
unique integration of Human Resource Management and Organizational Development.
Jeff first learned of the MSHROD program through his involvement in the Human
Resource Association of Greater Detroit. While networking at the HR Association of
Greater Detroit, Jeff met Dr. Fraya Wagner-Marsh; and her recommendation of the
value of this program convinced Jeff to enter the MSHROD program over other
competing programs.
Specific advice that Jeff suggests for all current MSHROD students is to understand
that the instruction they learn in their graduate program will be needed when they are in
a corporate or other organizational setting. In their responsibilities as an HR or OD
practitioner, line management will look to them as specialists who will be responsible for
communicating about and educating them about HR and OD practices.
Winter 2011 MSHROD Newsletter
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63rd Annual SHRM Conference 2011 Las Vegas, Nevada
Sunday, June 26 – Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Registration has begun for the 2011 SHRM Annual Conference & Exposition. The Annual conference
offers — for the best price in the market today — the most comprehensive and relevant professional
development programs. Attendance will improve your knowledge, skills and abilities as an HR
professional. For more information visit the SHRM website at www.shrm.org.
SHRM's Annual Conference Keynote speakers will motivate and inspire you.
Tony Hsieh
Michael J. Fox
Sir Richard Branson
Ariana Huffington
2011 Annual Student Conference on Saturday, June 25, 2011
More than 300 SHRM student members from dozens of schools will attend this special one-day event.
The 2010 SHRM Student Conference is a terrific opportunity for students and chapter advisors to network
and participate in an educational program geared specifically to their needs. The Student Conference
includes thought-provoking speakers, networking opportunities and an exciting awards program.
Receive a greatly reduced rate to attend the Annual SHRM Conference & Exposition. All concurrent and
general sessions—plus the one-day Student Conference—are included in the student/advisor registration
fee. For more information about the 2010 SHRM Student Conference, including session presenters and
topics, visit and to register as a student member or chapter advisor, use the student registration form
available at http://www.shrm.org/Conferences/annual/Pages/register.aspx
Michigan Council of SHRM 2011 State Conference
The 2011 MISHRM state conference will be held October 5-7, 2011 at Grand Traverse Resort in
Traverse City, Michigan. It is being co-hosted by the Traverse Area HR Association, the Mid-Michigan
HR Association and the Valley Society for Human Resource Management.
Potential speakers are invited to refer to the Call for Presentations, and submit by November 30, 2010
for consideration. Registration will open in July, 2011.
Look for updates online at: http://www.mishrm.org/
Winter 2011 MSHROD Newsletter
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