150 reasons why Vanderbilt is a great place to work
Vanderbilt University is a great place to work.
There are a lot of reasons for this, and that's what this list is about.
Vanderbilt, the largest private employer in Nashville, combines great benefits, the cultural advantages of a major university, and the financial clout that makes staff and faculty coveted customers for local retailers.
Every item on this list is available to a substantial number of us--although not everybody is eligible for everything. Some things are only for full-time people, some things have a length-of-service requirement, and, obviously, if you don't have children, the children's tuition benefit isn't of much interest to you. But generally, these are all things that lots of us are eligible for and can use to save money, learn things, get healthier, and improve our lives.
Some of the items listed are only for Vanderbilt people; some are Vanderbilt programs that are available to both people inside and outside the institution; some are community programs or businesses that offer special deals to Vanderbilt people. And some are sort of intangible items that fall somewhere beyond this classification, but seemed to belong on the list anyway. But the bottom line is, these are all reasons, some large, some small, that contribute to Vanderbilt being a great employer.
Which brings us to a very important part of this introduction, the weasel words: featuring Cyrus, the official House Organ weasel. Or possibly otter.
Weasel words, part one: This is NOT a list of EVERY reason why Vanderbilt is a great place to work. We know some things are left off. Weasel words, part two: We have tried to be sure that what we say is accurate, but the final decisions about what programs are available to who rest with the people who manage those programs. We provide phone numbers and/or e-mail addresses with most items so that you can ask questions or contact people who know more. Our descriptions here are by necessity brief, and you may need to contact somebody to get more details.
Weasel words, part three: These items are categorized by subject, but are not in any particular order. Just because an item is listed as number 56, that doesn't mean that we are saying it is better than item 57 and not as good as item 55. In a place this big, with all our individual backgrounds and interests, such a ranking would be impossible, and we didn't try.
1 Health benefits--Vanderbilt offers competitive medical benefits, with a choice of health plans. 322-8330. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/jobs/bensum.htm.
2 Occupational Health Clinic--For everything from on-the-job injuries to a case of the sniffles, OHC provides acute care visits for staff and faculty at no charge. You can also call 936-0955 24 hours a day to reach a nurse for any health care questions. www.vanderbilt.edu/ HRS/wellness/occhealth.htm.
3 The Kim Dayani Center--The Dayani Center has a great location for people who work at the Medical Center. Members have access to classes, exercise equipment and a pool, and memberships are discounted for staff and faculty. 322-4751. www.dayanicenter.org.
4 Student Rec eligibility--Memberships in the Student Recreation Center--a comprehensive state-of-the-art exercise facility--are available to staff and faculty and their families. 343-6627. www.vanderbilt. edu/CampusRecreation.
5 Pharmacy discount--Staff and faculty get a 10 percent discount on "cash" prescriptions at the Vanderbilt Outpatient Pharmacy, at 1815 The Vanderbilt Clinic, and the Medical Arts Pharmacy. You can also pay for your purchases via payroll deduction. Outpatient: 322-6480, Med Arts: 936-1040. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/general/discount.htm#pharmacies.
6 Discount orthodontics--The Vanderbilt Orthodontic Center, 3400 Village at Vanderbilt, gives a 10 percent discount for staff and faculty and their families. A payroll deduction is available. 343-0633.
7 Free Personal Wellness Report--One of the many services of Health Plus, the staff and faculty wellness program. A Personal Wellness Report can help identify potential health problems before they become actual health problems, and may point you in directions to help you live a more healthy life. The report can be completed online at www.vanderbilt.edu /HRS/wellness/hpopintro.htm. 343-8943.
8 Free use of swimming pool--Part of the Health Plus package is also use of the pool at the Campus Recreation Center, which is open to Health Plus members at scheduled times on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, around lunchtime every day, and Saturdays. Health Plus: 322-7946. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/wellness/hpaquatics.htm. Student Recreation Center: 343-6627.www. vanderbilt.edu/CampusRecreation/aquatics/index.html.
9 Discounts at Vanderbilt Optical--Staff, faculty, and students get 20 percent off at Vanderbilt Optical Services, located on the eighth floor of Medical Center East. 936-1340. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS /general/discount.htm.
10 Free aerobics classes--Lots of them--some low impact, some in water, some early, and some late. And all available for full time staff and faculty at no charge. 343-8943. www.vanderbilt.edu/ HRS/wellness/hpclasses.htm#DailyClasses.
11 Pilates--Pilates builds core body strength and flexibility, it's relaxing, and you can take classes in it offered by Health Plus at Light Hall or at the Memorial Gym facility. 343-8943. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/wellness/hpclasses.
12 Free skin screenings--The VUMC division of Dermatology regularly sponsors skin cancer screenings, which provide an opportunity to have your skin examined by an expert who can tell you if there's something you need to be concerned about. 343-7270.
13 Work/Life Connections-EAP--A resource of Vanderbilt faculty and staff meeting various life challenges. Confidential, professional assessment, short-term counseling, and referrals to community resources are provided as an employee benefit. Problems may range from personal/work stress, parenting, couples issues, elder care, or family concerns to depression, substance abuse, and domestic violence. There also is a Hardship Fund to help employees who are suffering from temporary financial hardships. 936-1327. www.vanderbilt.edu/ HRS/wellness/wlc.htm.
14 Discount mammograms--The VUMC Breast Center offers mammograms at reduced cost to Vanderbilt staff, faculty, and spouses. It costs less, and it may save your life or the life of somebody you love. 343-0745.
15 Free vaccines--Those seeking to avoid the flu, not to mention afflictions such as hepatitis A and B, chicken pox, rubella, and other communicable diseases, have a friend in the Occupational Health Clinic. The service offers free vaccines, based upon your occupational risk, for Medical Center staff and faculty. 936-0955. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/wellness/ ohcimm.htm.
16 Yoga classes--Both the Kim Dayani Center and Health Plus offer yoga classes for those wishing to slow down and limber up. Dayani: 322-4751. www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/rehab/dayani.html. Health Plus: 343-8943. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/wellness/hpclasses.htm.
17 Hepatitis B peace of mind--Medical Center staff and faculty who have completed the Hepatitis B vaccine series in the previous six months can get a free blood test at the Occupational Health Clinic to determine if they have developed immunity. 936-0955. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/wellness/ohcimm.htm#HepatitisB.
18 "Hold the Stuffing" program--"Hold the Stuffing" is an annual program from health Plus to help staff and faculty avoid weight gain during the holidays. The average American gains weight during the holidays, the average "Hold the Stuffing" participant loses weight during the holidays. Coincidence? You bethe judge. 343-8943. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/wellness/hpevents#HoldtheStuffing.
19 Vanderbilt Swim School--If you have a child who needs to learn how to swim--or if you managed to reach adulthood without knowing how to swim--the Vanderbilt Swim School teaches how to swim, or how to swim better. It's been around 37 years--so long that people who learned how to swim at the Vanderbilt Swim School are now bringing their own children. 322-7946. www.vanderbilt. edu/HRS/wellness/hpaquatics.htm.
20 Breast Center luncheons--Every October, in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Vanderbilt Breast Center and the Vanderbilt Cancer Center host a series of informational luncheons designed to provide the most up-to-date information on the fight against breast cancer. 343-0745. www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/ health/centers/breast.html.
21 Free depression screening--If sometimes you wonder if you may have clinical depression or substance abuse problems, the Work/Life Connections-EAP offers free, anonymous telephone and online screening for staff, faculty, and their families. (800)-999-1824. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/wellness/wlc.htm.
22 Weight loss opportunities--The Vanderbilt Weight Management Program is available on campus to help you lose weight and eat in a healthier manner. Complete the program and receive a cash reimbursement from Health Plus. Dayani: 322-4751. Health Plus: 343-8943. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/wellness/healthplus.htm.
23 Smoking cessation classes--Smokers who want to be ex-smokers can get help and support at the Kim Dayani Center. Health Plus provides 100 percent reimbursement for program costs to full-time staff and faculty. 322-4751. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/wellness/hpclasses.htm#smokingcessation.
24 Psychological and Counseling Center--The center provides counseling and psychological services to staff, students, and faculty. There is a fee for most services; insurance sometimes covers some of those fees. 322-2571. www.vanderbilt.edu/pcc.
25 Pet insurance--Staff and faculty have the option to purchase medical insurance that covers veterinary care for their dogs and cats, which is pretty good to have if your furred beast needs some major surgery or treatment. 322-8330. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/forms/BEF%20-%202004.pdf. 26 Nurse and Physician Wellness Programs--Being a health care provider can be stressful, and people who give so much of themselves every day at work sometimes need a little support of their own. The Work/Life Connections EAP has specialized programs for nurses and physicians that are designed to help people in those professions. 936-1327. Physician program: www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS /wellness/eappw.htm. Nurse Program: www. vanderbilt.edu/HRS/wellness/eapnwp.htm.
27 Dental insurance--Comprehensive dental benefits are available to staff and faculty, with two different plans being offered through Human Resource Services. Your teeth will thank you. 322-8330. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/benefits /housestaffsummary.htm.
28 Walking Club--For a few weeks in the spring and fall, Health Plus sponsors a Walking Club that meetsat the Medical Center North shuttle drop off at noon. Participants walk for a half-hour (through the tunnels if it's raining), then return to work feeling a little better and with a few more steps on the pedometer. And possibly humming the Neil Young song "Walk On." www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS /wellness/ wellness.htm.
29 Ergonomic worksite checkup--The Occupational Health Clinic ergonomist will come to your worksite and check it out to be sure it is as safe as possible. The time to call is before you hurt. 343-9279. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/wellness/hpergonomics.htm.
30 Go for the Gold program--This program through Health Plus allows full- time, benefits eligible staff and faculty to earn a monthly wellness credit of $10 (Bronze Level) for filling out a Health Risk Assessment, and $15 per month (Silver Level) for filling out a Health Risk Assessment and participating in five Wellness Categories. You are healthier and richer, too. 343-8943. www.vanderbilt. edu/goforthegold.
31 Vanderbilt Maternity Discount Program--Staff and faculty and their covered spouses who have insurance through one of Vanderbilt's health care plan options can use the "insurance only" program on normal deliveries, including Cesarean section deliveries. This discount doesn't cover doctor bills, any additional hospital charges, and the deductible must be met before the initiation of the insurance only program. Not quite "born free," but not bad. 322-8330. http://www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/general/discount.htm.
32 Vanderbilt Center for Cosmetic Plastic Surgery--Since cosmetic procedures usually aren't covered by insurance, it's good to know you can get a 10 percent discount from this center. 936-2700.
33 Tai Chi--This Chinese art of gentle movement and relaxation is both physically invigorating and an aid to meditation--and classes in it are offered by Health Plus at Light Hall. 343-6576. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/wellness/hpclasses.
34 Blood pressure screenings--The Occupational Health Clinic and Health Plus offer free blood pressure screenings. Good numbers to know, and easy and free to find out. OHC: 936-0955. Health Plus: 343-8943. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/wellness/hplinks.htm.
35 Retirement plan--This is a good deal. The retirement plan is mandatory for staff and faculty after one year of service when staff work at least 20 hours a week or faculty have a full-time appointment. There is a mandatory retirement contribution of 3 percent (6.47 percent for VMG members) and it is matched at 3 percent, whether the individual has to put in 3 percent or 6.47 percent. And another two percent is matched dollar for dollar. So if you contribute 5 percent, so does the University, and you're saving 10 percent of your salary for retirement. There are more than 2,000 investment choices, so you can tailor your retirement fund to meet your needs. 322-8330. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/policies /retirement.htm.
36 Flexible Reimbursement Account--People who have worked full-time for Vanderbilt for five years have $25 per month deposited in their FRA. This money may be used for dental, hearing, vision, and medical expenses. 322-8330. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/jobs/bensum.htm.
37 Savings at Credit Union--Members of the Vanderbilt Employees' Credit Union--and all full-time staff and faculty are eligible to join--can have savings deducted from paychecks. With the money going directly into your saving account, it's easier to save because you never see the money. And the interest rate on the money is better than at local banks. 936-0300. www.vanderbiltcu. org/services.htm.
38 Free traveler's checks--Members of the Vanderbilt Employees' Credit Union--and all staff and faculty are eligible to join--can get traveler's checks with no processing fee. 936-0300. www.vanderbiltcu.org/services.htm.
39 Good deals on loans--Members of the Vanderbilt Employees' Credit Union have access to VERY competitive rates on car loans, boat loans, signature loans, and other loans. 936-0300. www.vanderbiltcu. org/loans.htm.
40 U.S. Savings Bonds--Payroll deductions for the purchase of U.S. Savings Bonds are available, and your money can build up before you know it. 322-8330. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/ general/paydeductions.htm.
41 Financial Planning Workshops - Human Resource Services brings retirement investment companies on campus regularly for educational workshops and to answer your questions related to retirement planning. Some of the programs are free and some of them have a small fee, but all of them can help you best plan how to save and invest for those days when you no longer have to come to work every day. Watch for the campus mail post card invitations. 322-8330.
42 Personal Spending Account for medical expenses and dependent day care expenses--Full-time staff and faculty can hold back a portion of their pay, pre-tax, to pay for medical expenses or for day care for children or dependent older adults. This puts worth-more, pre-tax dollars to work on these predictable expenses. 322-8330. www.vanderbilt. edu/HRS/benefits/housestaffsummary.htm.
43 Save money at the bank--Four local banks--AmSouth, Bank of America, First Tennessee, and SunTrust--offer discount programs to Vanderbilt employees. Check the Faculty/Staff Discount list, see what bank has the best deal or the most convenient locations for you, and start saving on banking services. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/general /discount.htm.
44 Tuition discounts for staff and faculty--Staff and faculty receive a 70 percent tuition discount for one course per semester. The course doesn't have to be job-related, and can be in pursuit of a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. So you can work here and pursue your education at the same time. 322-8330. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/benefits /tuition.htm.
45 Free course auditing for staff and faculty-- You may audit one Vanderbilt class, and tuition will be waived. This applies to any course of up to three hours per semester, including a fourth hour for lab, if applicable. You must have the instructor's permission to attend. 322-8330. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS /policies/ educationassist.html.
46 Help with courses at other institutions--The Vanderbilt tuition reimbursement is not just limited to Vanderbilt. It also applies if, with your supervisor's approval, you take a job-related course at another accredited institution. If you get a C or better in the course, 70 percent of your tuition (up to 70 percent of the equivalent Vanderbilt tuition, whichever is less) will be refunded. If the course is job-related, you get a tax benefit, too. What is "job-related"? Check with Human Resource Services. 322-8330. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/policies/educaionassist.html.
47 Training and Organization Development classes--Human Resource Services' division of Training and Organization Development conducts classes that help people who work at Vanderbilt learn new skills and further careergoals. Sample classes: How to Schedule Meetings, How to Manage and Office, and the ever-popular Dealing with Difficult People. 322-8320. www.vanderbilt.edu /HRS/train/training.htm.
48 Cancer Answer Evenings--This regular series of informal conversations with cancer experts is a way to learn about topics relating to cancer. A couple of programs a month are scheduled throughout the school year, and are held in VUMC's Preston Building. They usually have refreshments. If you want to smoke, you have to go outside. 936-5855. www.vicc.org.
49 Holocaust Lecture Series--Vanderbilt hosts the longest continuous Holocaust Lecture Series at any American university. Every year a group of theologians, philosophers, historians, artists, and Holocaust survivors bring their perspectives to examining and remembering this stain on human history. Remembering is the first step to making reality the cry, "Never again." 322-2457. www.vanderbilt.edu/religiouslife/holocaustlectures.html.
50 Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Series--The MLK Series, at it's fondly known--has lectures and events designed to educate the Nashville and Vanderbilt communities about King's life and legacies of peace, justice, and equality.322-2457. www.vanderbilt.edu/mlk/.
51 Vanderbilt Police educational programs--The VUPD's office of Crime Prevention provides educational programs on a variety of topics to the Vanderbilt community. Whether your office or group wants to know about personal safety, the Rape Aggression Defense System, travel safety, or other security related topic, they've got you covered. 322-2745. http://police.vanderbilt.edu/edprograms.htm.
52 Master of Liberal Arts and Science program--MLAS --is a degree program for working adults. Classes meet one night per week, one class per semester, and are taught by some of the best professors at Vanderbilt. After nine semesters, students get to put on the cap and gown, shake the Chancellor's hand, and put a Vanderbilt master's degree on the wall. And with the staff and faculty discount, MLAS classes are $548 per semester. 343-3140. www.vanderbilt.edu/mlas.
53 Tuition discounts for spouses--Spouses of staff and faculty members can receive a 47 percent tuition discount. This applies to a single three-hour course per semester, including a fourth hour for lab, if applicable, provided they are not pursuing a degree and are not enrolled in a full-time program. 322-8330. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS /benefits/tuition.htm.
54 GED class--This class prepares staff and adult immediate family members to earn a General Equivalency Diploma and improve math and reading skills. For people who, for whatever reason, didn't finish high school, this is a second chance at a leg up in education and life. 322-8320. http://www.vanderbilt.edu/stop /training/training_locator.php?act=sel&form_id=39.
55 Presentations covering a variety of health education topics or work place safety can be provided in your department by the Occupational Health Clinic staff. 936-0955.
56 Craft classes and work areas--Classes in crafts and arts such as photography, pottery making, jewelry-making, and weaving are available at Sarratt Center, as are facilities, such as a darkroom and a pottery room. 322-2471 or 343-0491. www. vanderbilt.edu/sarratt/art/index.html.
57 Life Phases Series--Presentation series designed to help support the quality of work life by providing programs to help manage areas of our lives other than work.http://www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/wellness/hpevents.htm.
58 ESL class--For Vanderbilt employees for whom English is a second language, this is a class in speaking, reading and writing that can help the participant's job performance, as well as everyday life. 322-8320 http://www.vanderbilt.edu/stop/training/training_locator.php?act=sel&form_id=152.
59 Vanderbilt Dance Group--Classes in all kinds of dancing--ballet, modern, tap, ballroom, even line dancing--are offered to staff, faculty, and students. 322-2471.www.vanderbilt.edu/sarratt/dance.
Cool Stuff
60 Employee Celebration Month--September is the month set aside by the University to honor the people who work here. There are lectures, events, dances, food, fun, and ceremonies, all designed the recognize the "Heart and Soul" that employees bring to the place. www.vanderbilt.edu/employeecelebration/.
61 Rites of Spring--Every spring there are several days of music and gaiety perfect for getting out in the warm sunshine and letting the winter bake out of your bones. 322-2471. www.vanderbilt.edu/ros/.
62 Blair concerts--Vanderbilt's Blair School of Music has several concerts or recitals a month featuring faculty and guests. For music lovers, having this many talented people performing here is a real treat. 322-7658. www.vanderbilt.edu/Blair /concertseries/index.html.
63 Rental of recreational equipment--The Student Recreation Center has a wide variety of recreational equipment--stuff like backpacks, volleyballs, and camping tents--available for rental to staff and faculty. The Center also organizes recreational trips. 343-6627.www.vanderbilt.edu/CampusRecreation/informal/equipment.html.
64 Movies--Sarratt Cinema, in Sarratt Student Center, shows good movies several times a week and has good popcorn, too. And don't forget that discount passes to Carmike theaters are for sale at the Medical Bookstore in Light Hall, the Rand Hall bookstore, and the Vanderbilt Valet locations in the Medical Center North and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. Sarratt Cinema: 322-2425. www.vanderbilt.edu/sarratt/cinema/. Rand Bookstore: 322-2994. Medical Bookstore: 322-3348.
65 Sarratt Gallery--Monthly exhibitions of works by distinguished artists, available at no charge and within walking distance of the Medical Center. 322-2471. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/vts/services.htm.
66 Vanderbilt University Theater--Student productions of plays, in Neely Auditorium on campus. 322-2404. wwww.sitemason.vanderbilt.edu/site/iDdYME/home.
67 Cultural Enrichment--VUMC's Office of Cultural Enrichment puts on exhibits of art, programs of music, and other activities that make the Medical Center more pleasant for our patients, as well as staff and faculty. Pleasant surroundings are better for patients and the rest of us, too. 936-1234.
68 Get crafty--The Needles and Pins craft fair issponsored every year by the Medical Center Staff Advisory Council. It's a festival of food, music, and crafts, and the money raised benefits staff and patients of VUMC. 343-2834. www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/root/.
69 Discounts on athletic tickets--Full-time staff and faculty are eligible for two reduced-price tickets on Vanderbilt football, baseball, and women's and men's basketball tickets. 322-3544. www.vanderbilt.edu/commodores/facsta.htm.
70 Vanderbilt Art Gallery--Located in the Fine Arts Building (The Old Gym), the gallery features exhibitions from guest artists and displays from the university's permanent art collection. 322-0605. www.vanderbilt.edu/gallery/collection.
71 What's Opera, Doc?--Tickets to performances sponsored by the Nashville Opera Association are 10 percent off for Vanderbilt employees who present their IDs at the box office. 832-5242. www.nashvilleopera.org.
72 Free use of libraries--People who work at Vanderbilt can use their staff ID card or badge as a library card that gives them access to all the libraries in the University system--hundreds of thousands of books, journals, and videos full of stories, pictures, and facts. The collective memory of the human race and the riches of the world. Central: 322-2800. www.library.vanderbilt.edu/central/. Eskind Biomedical Library: 936-1410. www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/ biolib Acorn: www.library.vanderbilt.edu /acornhelp/index.shtml.
73 Vanderbilt Concerts--Popular music of all varieties comes to campus through the promotion of Vanderbilt concerts, and staff, faculty, and students get discounts on tickets. 343-3361. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/general/discount.htm.
74 TPAC discounts--On some selected shows, Vanderbilt people can save 20 percent at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. The password for the discount is "vandytix." 726-3372. www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/groupsales.
75 Great Performances at Vanderbilt--Jazz, dance, classical music, and theater are all a part of the annual programs of Great Performances at Vanderbilt, a catch-all title for a wonderful collection of culture and entertainment. Staff, faculty, and students get tickets at a discount. 343-3361. www.vanderbilt.edu/sarratt/great/index.html.
76 Gaylord Entertainment Center discounts--On some selected shows and concerts, the GEC cuts Vanderbilt people a deal. This is usually last-minute stuff, so you need to pay attention to your e-mail. Sometimes free tickets become available; this is how, over the past couple of years, lots of your co-workers have had sunshine on a cloudy day with the Temptations and partied like it's 1999 with Prince.
77 Discounts on tennis--Staff and faculty can purchase an annual membership at the Vanderbilt Tennis Center for $50, which is half price over the community rate. So for less than a buck a week, you get free use of one of the nine outdoor courts (some are lighted until 10 p.m.), or use of the indoor courts for the discounted price of $16 an hour. 322-6068.www.vanderbilt.edu/commodores/ mentennis/mtennisfacility.html.
78 Tailgate--Every fall there is a University-wide tailgate party, featuring food, games, getting together with family, and a Vanderbilt football game. It's quite a blowout. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/wellness/hpevents#Tailgate.
79 Cheap laughs--Zanies Comedy Club offers discount ticket books, good for $250 worth of admissions, for $70. And you don't even have to buy a whole book--they'll sell you a half book. The tickets admit two for every show at the club except 7 and 9 p.m. Saturday shows and some special events; for Saturday at 7 and 9 p.m. and special events, the tickets are good for buy-one-get-one-free tickets. 797-4659, or e-mail zanielady@cs.com.
80 Golfing at Legends--The University owns the Legends Club golf course in Franklin, Tenn., and the course offers reduced rates to staff and faculty. Greens fees are $45 (you'll need to book 24 hours in advance), and the staff and faculty rate on regular membership at Legends is a $7,200 initiation fee, with monthly dues of $205 for a single membership or $251 for a family membership. 791-8100. www.legendsclub. com/fw/main/Membership-1453.html.
Kids and Families
81 Tuition discounts for children--Eligible dependent children may qualify for tuition benefits if you have been a full-time member of the Vanderbilt staff or faculty for the past five continuous years, or have equivalent service at another accredited college or university within three months of joining Vanderbilt. For Vanderbilt, the discount is 70 percent; for courses at other accredited universities or colleges, the benefit is tied to that school's tuition amount. 322-8330. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/benefits/tuition.htm.
82 Lactation rooms--To support moms who would like to breast feed or express breast milk after returning to work, there is a dedicated employee lactation room in Medical Center East, and rooms shared with new moms who are patients are also available in VUH and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital. 936-1414.
83 Child Care--On-site child care services support working parents while providing care and education for the children enrolled. Vanderbilt offers early childhood education/child care at two locations, both sites serving children aged six weeks to 5 years. 936-1990 or 322-8076. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/wellness/childcare.htm.
84 Sibling at Birth program--Brothers and sisters aren't left out when it comes to welcoming the addition to the family--this program prepares children to be present to welcome a new baby into the world. 936-1414.
85 Summer Camps--The Vanderbilt campus is brimming every summer with camps to keep youngsters amused and to teach them new skills. There are music camps, a baseball camp, football camp, basketball camps for both boys and girls, soccer camps, lacrosse camp, tennis camp, science camps, and engineering camp, and Camp Rec, which is based at the Student Recreation Center. www.vanderbilt.edu/cngr /summer_programs/.
86 Faculty and Staff Swim Nights--Health Plus offers free Swim Nights, when staff and faculty can bring a friend or family members and splash around and have fun. 322-7946. http://www.vanderbilt.edu /HRS/wellness/hpevents.htm#FacultyandStaffSwimNight.
87 If you need to, you can see a doctor fast--The Vanderbilt Family Appointment Program (V-FAM) offers medical appointments to staff, faculty, and their immediate families within 48 hours for the treatment of acute/chronic problems. This doesn't necessarily mean you'll see your regular doctor, but you are guaranteed to see somebody who can help, and R.N. and a patient services coordinator guide you through when you call. 343-8863.www.sitemason.vanderbilt.edu/site/k674qY/physical.
88 Domestic partner coverage--Vanderbilt extends its health and other benefit coverage to same-sex domestic partners. This is important for gay and lesbian employees, of course, but it's an important statement about the values of non-discrimination the University stands for, too. 322-8330. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/policies/domesticpart_textonly.htm.
89 "Reaching for the stars--Dyer Observatory, at 100 Oman Drive (near Radnor Lake), and the Stevenson Observatory, on the 10th Floor of Stevenson Center (next door to Medical Center North), each have programs on astronomical phenomena and make their telescopes available for public viewing from time to time. Get acquainted with some of the local planets, stars, and galaxies. 373-4897. www.dyer.vanderbilt.edu.
90 Babies and You" program--The "Babies and You" program of Health Plus offers information and support to staff, faculty, or spouses who are expecting. Successful completion of the program also nets the newborn a U.S. Savings Bond, so they have a jump on college costs. 343-8943. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/ wellness/hpclasses#BabiesYou.
91 Adoption Assistance--The University will reimburse up to $3,000 per child for eligible expenses toward adopting up to two children. The cost of childbirth has always been covered, and now some of the costs of growing a family through adoption are covered, too. 322-8330. http://www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/policies /Adoption%20Assistance.htm.
92 Family Therapy--All the insurance plans available to VU faculty and staff cover family therapy, in addition to individual therapy. Sometimes the best way to deal with a problem is to have the whole family in on the solution, and this coverage recognizes that.
93 Theme park discounts--Heading to Disney World, Six Flags, Busch Gardens, Nashville Shores, or other big time theme parks? Check out the discounts in the Faculty/Staff Discount Program before you go and save some bucks. www.vanderbilt.edu /HRS/general/discount.htm.
Stuff You Hope You Never Need
94 Life Insurance for staff and faculty--Staff and faculty have group term life insurance equal to annual salary as part of their benefits package. Those who wish to purchase more may do so, up to an additional three times annual salary. 322-8330. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/benefits/life.htm.
95 Long-term disability insurance--If you are disabled and are not able to work, this coverage picks up six months later, and provides 60 percent of your salary--a key piece of financial security for your family in case something terrible happens. 322-8330. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/benefits/housestaffsummary.htm
96 Life insurance for dependents--Vanderbilt provides life insurance for your spouse and eligible children. Coverage for a spouse is $5,000 and coverage for a child from birth to 19 years(23 years if a full-time student and eligible dependent) is $2,500. 322-8330. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/benefits/life.htm.
97 "Living" benefit--The "living" benefit is for people with Vanderbilt life insurance with coverage of at least $20,000. If you are diagnosed as terminally ill with less than six months to live, you may apply for an advance benefit of up to half of your life insurance. 322-8330. www.vanderbilt.edu /HRS/benefits/life.htm. 98 Accidental death and dismemberment insurance--Vanderbilt makes this coverage available to staff and faculty as part of its benefit package. The prospect isn't much fun to think about, but it's good to know the coverage is there if it's needed. 322-8330. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/benefits/ housestaffsummary.htm.
99 Sick leave is applicable to family members--Vanderbilt sick time may be used to care for family members who are sick, which gets you out of trying to weasel around and claim to be sick when you actually have a sick child. This strikes a blow for the importance of caring for children, as well as for honesty. 322-8330. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/policies/archive/sicktime1-1-03.htm.
100 Hardship Fund--Faculty and staff who are facing a one-time financial hardship can apply for money from this fund to help get back on their feet. 936-1327. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/wellness/eaphfund. htm. |
101 Long-Term Care Insurance--this insurance can be purchased for you, your spouse, your parents or parents-in-law and can be used to pay for custodial care when the person covered can no longer care for him/herself. This happens more often than we'd like to think just because we're all getting older. 322-8330.
102 Tornado/Violent Storm siren--The threat, though remote, is always around that dangerous weather can come our way. The University has an early warning weather alert system that sounds in conjunction with the Nashville/Davidson County warning siren. Vanderbilt sounds its siren, a three minute "wail tone," whenever a tornado is on course to strike the campus within 15 minutes as a warning for staff, faculty, and students to take cover and protect our patients.
103 Full retirement payments after long-term disability--If you have the misfortune to need to leave your job due to long-term disablilty, you don't have to lose out on your retirement. Vanderbilt contributes 10 percent of your salary to your retirement account until you are well enough to come back to work, or through age 65. 322-8330.
104 Bereavement leave--It's good to know that you can take up to three paid days off if there is the death of a spouse, son, daughter, mother, father, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister, brother, grandparent, or grandchild. 322-7259. www. vanderbilt.edu/HRS/policies/adminleave.htm.
Convenience/ Quality of Life
105 The Vanderbilt Valet--This service is a real time saver. At no extra cost to you, The Vanderbilt Valet arranges to handle errands such as cleaning pick up and drop off, oil changes, film developing, car washing and detailing, and others. 343-8254 (Medical Center North office); 936-8253 (Children's Hospital office). (This service is for Medical Center employees only). www.errandsolutions.com.
106 Free bus rides to and from work--Staff and faculty can ride Metro Transit Authority buses to and from work for free, using only their ID badges. A great deal for those who live near the bus line, but good for those who live elsewhere, too, because there is a park and ride option. And this gives you an opportunity to sit on the bus and hum the old Edgar Winter Group song "Free Ride." 862-5969. www.nashvillemta.org/.
107 The Campus--The Vanderbilt Campus is--let's not mince words--beautiful. It has 330 acres, 6,400 trees, and 220 buildings, and is classified as an arboretum by the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta. The Peabody section of campus has been a Registered National Landmark since 1968. Both the Peabody and main campuses are wonderful places to walk through the shade, sit in the sun, or listen to birds in an oak. And this is your workplace.
108 Bookstore discounts--Staff and faculty get a 10 percent discount at Vanderbilt bookstores. This also applies to cool stuff like T-shirts and other Vanderbilt gear. Rand: 322-2994. Medical: 322-3348.
109 Faculty and Staff Discount Program--A couple of times a year Human Resource Services compiles a list of merchants who give discounts and special deals to people who work at Vanderbilt. While the University is not endorsing these businesses, giving these folks your business can save you some money. 322-8322. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/general /discount.htm.
110 University calendar of events online--There's so much stuff going on around campus--sports, parties, musical events, and other things--that it's hard to keep up with it all. Luckily, you don't have to. http://calendar.vanderbilt.edu. And for Medical Center seminars, don't forget http://bret.mc.vanderbilt.edu/bret/seminar/seminar_series.asp.
111 Get a haircut at work--The Vanderbilt Hair Salon in Medical Center North offers quality, reasonably priced haircuts and other salon services and products. And Emma knows everything that's going on, too. 322-3433. www.vanderbilt.edu/roof/vumc.php? site=hairsalon&doc=728.
112 Access to information--The University and Medical Center work hard to keep staff and faculty informed about what is going on. There are publications, including House Organ, VUMC Reporter, the Register, and EQ Employee Quarterly, (an insert into the Reporter) devoted to employee features and news. And there are the University and Medical Center Web sites, which are the gateway to HR information and policies and a plethora of information and links to individual departments and divisions within the University. Reporter: www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/reporter/. House Organ: www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/houseorgan. Register: www.vanderbilt.edu/register/.
113 A month off a year--After five years of service for salaried staff and six years for hourly paid staff, the minimum amount of vacation anybody who works here full time gets is three weeks, which, combined with the holidays and personal days you get off, adds up to more than a month of days off every year. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/ertopics/vacation.htm.
114 Quality of Work Life Task Force--Vanderbilt has a task force dedicated to looking at the needs of employees attempting to balance work and family. It's an informal group who meets to study our problems and suggests solutions to people who can make things happen. They're on the side of the angels. http://sitemason.vanderbilt.edu/site/k674qY/.
115 Anytime Teller Machines at work--Convenience is king, with ATMs in The Vanderbilt Clinic, Medical Center North, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital, and other campus locations.
116 Free fingerprinting--Sometimes for licensing, citizenship or internship applications you need to send in a copy of your fingerprints. Where the heck can you get THAT done, short of, like, getting arrested? The Vanderbilt Police has a free fingerprinting service for times when you need to prove who you are when your mom's not around to vouch for you. 322-2745. http://police.vanderbilt.edu/finer.htm.
117 Connect to HR--Human Resource Services operates a Web site that allows staff and faculty to access payroll information, leave balances, and other information that--you know this is true--you can get an intense need to know in the middle of the night. https://webapp-a.mis.vanderbilt. edu/c2hr/.
118 Proximity to Hillsboro Village--The Village has great places for lunch, banks, a cook store, a hardware store, a place to pick up some beverages, and lots of other cool places--all within walking distance.
119 Commodore Awards--People who work at Vanderbilt who have made it a better place are eligible for the yearly Commodore Awards. There is honor involved. There is cash involved. 322-7441. www.vanderbilt.edu /HRS/commodoreaward2004.htm.
120 The VUH Gift Shop--The Gift Shop on the VUH mezzanine is the ideal place to pick up items from the greeting cards, magazines, candy bar part of the spectrum. Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 322-3422. www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/giftshop.
121 Check cashing--Cashing a check is easy for people who work here. In VUMC, the Cashier's office off the hospital lobby is the place to go. If you happen to be at Rand Bookstore, the check cashing office there is on the second floor. VUH cashier: 322-0115. Rand Hall: 322-2994. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/vts/services.htm.
122 Crime prevention--We know that the best way to deal with crime is to prevent crimes from happening, and Vanderbilt Police has a person dedicated to teaching staff, faculty, and students how to avoid being victimized. It's good to have an employer that takes protecting its employees seriously. 322-2745. http:// police.vanderbilt.edu.
123 University Club Membership--Staff and faculty are eligible for membership in the University Club, located just behind the Medical Center on Garland Ave. The club offers a daily lunch buffet, dining and meeting facilities, and a bar. Membership for staff and faculty is $30.76 per month after a $50 initiation fee. 322-8564. www.uclubnashville.org.
124 Holiday turkeys--The Medical Center, for the past few years, has provided a turkey to its staff and faculty members at holiday time, and now the University is in on the act as well. This is great if you like turkey, but even if you don't, the extras are donated to a local charity.
125 Photography service (and more) --VUMC's Medical Art Group provides services such as photography (even passport photos), illustration, and graphic design. They do good work. 322-2183. www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/medartgrp/home/home.html.
126 Help for those from abroad--The Office of Student and Scholar Services is here to help international staff, faculty, and students at Vanderbilt. That help may include immigration matters, orientation, or cross-cultural workshops. 322-2753. www.vanderbilt.edu/isss/staff_faculty.html.
127 Computer kiosks available--The Occupational Health Clinic provides computers in the waiting room for faculty/staff who want to check their e-mail or complete the online Health Risk Assessment. Health Plus also has a computer available for completion of the online Health Risk Assessment or the Silver Level Wellness Category Sheet. Staff members at both sites are available to assist faculty and staff.
128 Proximity to West End--Vanderbilt is in a great location to get things done during lunch--including renting movies at Tower or Blockbuster, picking up a gift at Scarlett Begonia or Borders, or getting your bike repaired at Cumberland Transit.
129 Eats on campus--The Medical Center has McDonald's, the Courtyard Cafe, and the food court at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital (which includes a Subway), but it's possible to branch out culinary-wise without leaving campus. There are eateries at Rand Hall, the Schulman Center for Jewish Life, the Divinity School Refectory, Carmichael Towers East, Hill Student Center on the Peabody Campus, and Sarratt Student Center--all beckoning to the adventurous palate.
130 Convenient Ticket Master outlet--If you want to buy tickets to area concerts, sporting events, tractor pulls, or whatever, it's good to know there is a Ticket Master outlet right on campus, at the Sarratt main desk. 343-3361.www.vanderbilt.edu/sarratt/ticketmaster.html.
131 Staff recognition ceremony--Each year Human Resource Services recognizes those who have served the University and Medical Center for at least 10 years, proceeding in increments of five years up to as much as 50 or even 55 years of continuous service. It's an honor to the people who show up every day, do their jobs well, and make the place special. 322-7441.
132 Campus Copy--Full and self-serve copying and binding are available at both the Rand Hall location and the Chestnut Street location of Campus Copy. You have to pay for the work, but pick up and delivery are free. Rand: 322-6849. Chestnut Street: 936-4646.
133 Massage therapists at work--There is nothing more relaxing than a good massage, and both Health Plus and the Kim Dayani center have massage therapists available to help work out the tensions of the day. Health Plus: 343-8943. www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/wellness/hpevents.htm. Dayani Center: 322-4751. www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/rehab/dayani.html.
134 Free internet access--A dozen or so terminals at the Eskind Biomedical Library provide (very fast) Internet access. 936-1410. www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/tutorial.
135 Proximity to downtown--Vanderbilt is centrally located, which means your workplace is actually near all those trendy downtown joints where trendy people go with their trendy friends. You can even go to lunch and get back in an hour. About.\Chapels available--Rhea Chapel in the Medical Center, the Chapel at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital, and Benton Chapel and All-Faith Chapel at the Divinity School are available to staff and faculty for weddings, memorial services, and other events. Rhea: 936-1333. Children's Hospital: 936-4325. Others: 322-2448. www.mc. vanderbilt.edu/pastoral.
137 Religious services--Worship services are held every Sunday from 10 to 10:30 a.m. in the Rhea Chapel, which can be entered from the hospital lobby. In addition, people of the Baptist, Episcopal, United Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Jewish, and Buddhist faiths all have services on campus during the school year. Vanderbilt is a place of learning, and also a place of faith. 322-2457. www.vanderbilt.edu/ religiouslife/worship.htm.
138 Staff Advisory Councils--Both the Medical Center and University have Staff Advisory Councils who act as representatives and informational conduits of information between the non-faculty staff and administration. They are made up of elected representatives who are dedicated to making Vanderbilt a better place. Medical Center: www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/root/ vumc.php?site=mcsac&doc=171. University: www.vanderbilt.edu/usac/.
139 Faculty Senate--One way faculty members make their voices heard in the administration of the University. The Faculty Senate is the representative, deliberative, legislative body of the faculties. It is composed of the deans of the colleges and schools, elected members, and ex officio members, including the Chancellor. Sometimes at their meeetings they do karoke to old Chi-lites records. No, wait, we just made that last part up. www.vanderbilt.edu/facultysenate/.
140 Jump starts and help with lock-outs--Got a dead battery or lock your keys in your car? Good thing you work for Vanderbilt. Staff, faculty, and students may request help with their vehicle (it has to be on campus), and most of the time, Vanderbilt Police are able to help. 322-2745. http://police.vanderbilt.edu/aajs.htm.
141 Benefits Fair--Every fall before the Open Enrollment period Human Resource Services sponsors this event. Vendors, insurance providers, retirement plan providers, and others hand out information and answer questions, all to make sure that you make the best choices in your use of benefits. And since almost every booth has giveaways, you can walk out of this thing loaded down like a pack mule with freebies . You may never have to buy a ballpoint pen again. 322-8330. http://www.vanderbilt.edu/HRS/benefits/OE2004/attendingbenefair.htm.
142 Really good coffee--There are coffee stands with both fancy brews and the ultra-potent wake-you-up-from-a-coma stuff in the Courtyard Café, hospital and Medical Center North lobbies, as well as at the Rand Dining Hall and the Hill Student Center at Peabody. There are also Fido's in Hillsboro Village and two Starbucks within walking distance. You have no excuse for sleeping on the job. Fido's: 777-3436. www.bongojava.com/beans.php?content=fido. Bongo Java: 385-5282. www.bongojava.com/beans.php?content=bongo Starbucks: www.starbucks.com.
143 The Friends Shop--This fine retail establishment, located in the Monroe Carell Children's Hospital, stocks lots of neat stuff for kids and grown-ups, too. 936-6186. www.vanderbiltchildrens.com/interior.php?mid=1531.
144 Employee Satisfaction Surveys--Regular surveys are conducted among both Medical Center and University staff and faculty to find out what people like and don't like about Vanderbilt, so that we can work to make the place better.
145 Alternative work arrangements--Vanderbilt supports alternative work arrangements as viable options for staff in some situations based upon the needs of the job, work group, or organizaton. This may mean telecommuting, job sharing, flex time, or shorter shifts to accommodate the needs of parents. Obviously, not all jobs lend themselves to such arrangements, and both the employee and the department have to be OK with this new way of getting a job done--but sometimes an alternative arrangement is the best arrangment, and the University has a policy for putting it all together. 322-8330. http://www.vanderbilt. edu/HRS/policies/alternativework.htm.
146 State of the Medical Center address--Every year the vice chancellor for Health Affairs gives an update on where the institution stands, outlines plans for the future, and takes questions from anybody who has one. A great chance for everybody to hear from the institution's leadership--and vice versa.
147 Vandy Vans and walking escorts--These are a couple of ways to get safely around campus after dark. Vandy Vans is a shuttle service that operates from dusk to 2 a.m. weekdays and 5 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings. And for the times when a walking escort is needed for safety, the Vanderbilt Police provide that, too. 421-8888. http://police.vanderbilt.edu/vandyvans.htm.
148 Save money on your next car--The Vanderbilt Employees' Credit Union has a program called Gold Key that allows members to buy cars from some local dealers with a pre-negotiated price. And the Vanderbilt Faculty/Staff Discount program also has several car dealers who offer discounts to Vanderbilt people. A car is a big expense; these deals are worth looking into. Credit Union: 936-0300. www.vanderbiltcu.org/services.htm. Staff/Faculty Discount Program: 322-8322. www.vanderbilt. edu/HRS/general/discount.htm.
149 Great co-workers--Vanderbilt has the most diverse workforce in Nashville. You have co-workers from all over the world, co-workers of all races, ages, backgrounds, and sexual orientations. You have co-workers who are fascinating people, co-workers who are involved in their communities, and, if you ask around, probably co-workers who know most of the dialogue to Caddyshack. And, most important, co-workers who are good people to work with. www.imdb.com/title/tt0080487/quotes.
150 Being involved in things that matter--This is an institution dedicated to some of humanity's highest callings: healing the sick, scientific advancement, educating others, making the world a better place. This is an institution that contributes tremendously to our community--as an institution, through staff, faculty, and students individually, and through our economic impact. This is an institution that contributes hundreds of thousands of dollars to the United Way, gives blood to the Red Cross by the gallons, and gives millions in charity care to those less fortunate in our area. All of us who work here--whatever our jobs--are a part of these achievements, and can take pride in the accomplishments and mission of our institution. |