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See articles for School Heads, Business & Operations, Advancement, Academic Leadership, and Trustees, in addition to Private School News.
Can Employee Assistant Programs (EAPs) Combat Drug Addictions?
Business and Operations // November 3, 2015
There is a new type of drug user entering corporate (and non-profit) America, reshaping the image of addiction: abusers of prescription medications. Drug screening, clear and updated employee handbooks outlining policies on substance abuse, background checks, and criminal records are tools for reducing risks to your school. However, these tools and methods for protecting your school and your students aren’t enough to combat the growing number of people addicted to prescription medications. Researchers are urging companies to remember the positive impact Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) programs can have.
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Wellness Programs, the ACA, and EEOC
Business and Operations // November 3, 2015
October is a great month to think about your personal and school’s health. It’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, World Blindness Awareness Month, and Bullying Prevention Month. It’s also National Financial Planning Month. And, as you probably know, it’s nearly impossible to think about health prevention without also thinking about your—and your school’s—bottom line. Wellness programs are known to help reduce a school’s health insurance costs. They can be designed to work in several ways that match your mission and reflect your values. However, if your school offers a wellness program either in connection with your health insurance or as a stand-alone program, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) have implemented rules about your program—and the regulations depend on the type of plan you offer.
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Ask ISM’s Risk Manager
Business and Operations // November 3, 2015
Q: Can you share some information that may help clarify the need for a claim form when it comes to International Student Accident Insurance? We have a student covered by an accident and sickness plan, and he has been asked to submit a claim form for a doctor visit due to an illness.
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FAST Answers to Financial Aid Questions
Private School News // October 30, 2015
Q: Okay, last month you explained how financial aid awards should be “mission appropriate.” I think I understand that, but could you talk a little more about what makes awards strategic?
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School Spotlight: U of D Jesuit Student Creates “Stroller” for Paraplegic Mother
Private School News // October 30, 2015
In an online universe populated by news media that seems to thrive on negative stories about violence and hate, it's refreshing to stumble across a gem that restores some faith in the future of our species. This month’s School Spotlight features one such story coming from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy—and a budding engineer who helped make a mother’s dream come true. (Primary image credit to Jacquelyn Gray/Bustle)
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LinkedIn for Administrators, Part Three: The Lawsuit Connection
Private School News // October 30, 2015
Did you receive an email from LinkedIn on October 2nd about a class action lawsuit? Most emails listing you as a possible claimant in a multi-million dollar settlement are phishing scams—but believe it or not, this one is real. Here’s what happened and what this means for LinkedIn.
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Ask ISM's Health Care Reform Specialist
Business and Operations // October 27, 2015
Q: Our health insurance company just sent us a rebate check. What in the world am I supposed to do with it?
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Martian Lessons for Earthbound Business Managers
Business and Operations // October 27, 2015
Several ISM team members are fans of Andrew Weir’s novel, The Martian, which follows a botanist-astronaut’s struggle to survive after finding himself stranded on Mars. (The protagonist, Mark Watney, is basically MacGyver in a spacesuit.) We don’t want to give away too many spoilers, but his struggle in space offers lessons for Business Managers back here on Earth—if you know where to look.
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Five Free Project Management Tools
Business and Operations // October 27, 2015
Free. It’s a beautiful four-letter word, no? There are dozens of free apps out there that claim to help you improve your performance, but you'll still be investing time (if not your money) to test which ones work for you. For your increased efficiency and organization, we've collected five vetted management software tools that offer useful, enjoyable user experiences in their free form—before asking users to commit to a subscription or purchase.
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Eight Ways to Celebrate International Education Week 2015
School Heads // October 20, 2015
What is your school doing the week of November 16-20? Hopefully, you’re all preparing to participate in International Education Week (IEW). 2015 marks the fifteenth anniversary for this joint initiative begun in 2000 as a collaboration between the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. Join schools around the world, and have your students and faculty try out these easy ways to celebrate cultural and educational exchange!
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