HR Update

Jeff Novak in Coffman Union
Meet Jeff Novak

Jeff Novak has worked in Dining Services for 26 years this February. Over his quarter-century with the University, he’s witnessed a lot of changes, worked in four different buildings, and seen thousands of students come and go. “Working at Wilson Library was my favorite–all types of people go through there,” he said.

He first came to the University because he was going to take a class. “So I decided to work here!”

He hasn’t taken another class since, but when he does go back to school he has a class in mind. “I’d like to take an Arabic class because I have friends who speak Arabic.”

He’s had several great experiences at the University, from seeing an eagle up close at Raptor Center to going to the Nutcracker Fantasy at Northrop Auditorium. “My first favorite memory, though, was my niece being born at the University hospital 45 years ago this November. . . . She had a head full of blonde hair and a loud cry."

In his time off Jeff likes to garden, growing perennial flowers, rosemary, lavender, and mint. “My lavender plant’s going crazy, so I’ll make it into a nice tea.”

You can find Jeff at Einstein Bros. Bagels in Coffman Union, where his order is an everything bagel with lox.

Learn more about Dining Services jobs at M Food Co.

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Effective May 28, 2023, non-exempt 9 and 10-month University employees will no longer be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits between academic terms.

The Canvas-housed “Fundamentals of Disability Accommodations and Inclusive Course Design” has a completion deadline of June 18, 2023, for all instructors.

The University is rolling out a new online sexual misconduct prevention course for employees who have not completed the prior sexual misconduct course.

Employees who violate the University’s Drug-Free policy, Smoke-and Tobacco-Free policy, or Code of Conduct and perform work while impaired due to the use of controlled substances are subject to disciplinary action.

The anticipated legalization of recreational marijuana in Minnesota will not impact employee performance expectations.