Instant HR: E-Verify down, life insurance update, new separation checklist
Dear Colleagues:
Please note the important updates and reminders below.
Government shutdown effects on hiring processes
VCU uses HireRight’s E-Verify system to complete the employment eligibility check when processing new hires. As a result of the federal government shutdown, the E-Verify system is currently not operational. Therefore, all employment eligibility verifications are being held in a pending status. During this time, the Department of Homeland Security has waived the 3-day requirement for employment eligibility verification through E-Verify. This temporary disruption in E-Verify’s services will not impact our ability to operate and hire as usual. The I-9 and background check should still be initiated during the employment offer. New employees should then produce their verifying documentation for eligibility on or before day three of their employment. Questions about E-Verify or employment eligibility? Contact Sarah Davis, HR Compliance Analyst at emprel@vcu.edu or 828-1588.
Premium Changes for Optional Life Insurance Participants
Approximately 700 employees who participate in the Optional Life Insurance program via payroll deduction will see premium increases beginning with the January 16 paycheck. Premiums are updated each January for employees who received salary increases in the previous calendar year and for employees or covered spouses who entered a higher age range in the premium schedule based on a birthday in the previous calendar year. Affected employees will receive an email notification from VCU Human Resources, Benefits Administration, alerting them to the change. Â
Updated separation checklist
The checklist for employees separating from the university has been updated. As a best practice, please use the checklist to document separation actions as required by university policy. Find the updated checklist on the separating faculty and staff page in Inside HR. Please note that when you separate an employee in Banner, you must also enter the separation date on the I-9 form in HireRight. If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Davis at emprel@vcu.edu or 828-1588.
All my best,
Cathleen C. Burke
Assistant Vice President for Human Resources
Virginia Commonwealth University