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General Business Services

Travel - Before You Go: Administrative Forms Proposals / Contracts / Grants Administrative and Other Departmental Contacts Payroll / Personnel / Benefits Orientation - Office Space and Keys

Purchasing - Before You Buy: Ergonomics and Safety Computing Equipment Office Supplies Student Services

Ergonomics and Safety

Sandy Bowne is the Department Safety Officer.  Soon after you settle in, Sandy will want to set up a few minutes with you to go over Safety Training.  You may also request an Ergonomic Workstation Evaluation with Sandy. If you are driving to the CARMA site or visiting any high altitude location, read this page about altitude sickness.

Computing

The Astronomy Computing Facility in 501B provides research and instructional computing services for graduate students, post-docs, affiliated researchers and faculty.  The facility is managed by Systems Manager Kelley McDonald. Direct your general questions and troubleshooting requests to Kelley in room 543 or to Bill Boyd in room 527, or e-mail them at central@astro.  Please check the Astronomy web pages for more details about computing on campus and in the department.

To establish an account, complete a Computer Use Authorization form – available in the copy/mailroom or online at http://astro.berkeley.edu/resources/computing/ – and return the completed and signed form to Kelley or Bill.  The Undergraduate Computing facility in 705 provides computing resources to declared majors in Astrophysics. 

Equipment

• Copiers: We have two Lanier copiers in room 665.   One copier is a color copier/Fax/Scanner.  The other is a high speed black and white copier.  Black and white copies are .06/each.  Both machines use the same copy code to operate.  See the front desk person in 601 to obtain your copy code.  If you are a GSI or a Reader for a class, ask them for the instructional copy code for class copying.  Report any problem with the machines to Caroline Danmeier in 601.
• FAX: Use the Lanier color copier to send Faxes now.  FAX header sheets are near the FAX binder attached to the shelf; please complete one each time you send a FAX, and place it in the Black binder on the shelf.
• AV: The department VCR is in 544.  See Sandy for the key if you need to move it.  Portable overhead projectors and slide projectors are in locked cabinets.  Either Kelley McDonald or Bill Boyd can provide you with this equipment.  For a modest fee, Campus Media Services can usually provide what the Department does not have.
• Laser Pointer: This is available from Kelley or Bill.
• Typewriters: A typewriter is available in 601 during business hours.

Office Supplies

Some basic supplies are kept in the copy/mailroom cabinet.  White Board Markers and Transparencies are kept in the front office.  Please sign out what you take; if you don’t see what you need, ask Caroline Danmeier in 601.   For other items, please see the Purchasing page.

Student Services

Dexter Stewart is responsible for a variety of functions in support of the academic mission of the Department.  Dexter is the person to talk to for any information related to undergraduate advising and graduate student services.  Dexter Stewart advises students on academic regulations and deadlines set by the campus; and acts as a liaison between students, the College, the Graduate Division, and other campus units.  See her for any issues regarding student academic life, and all financial matters concerning tuition, stipends, registration fees, and fellowships.

Payroll / Personnel / Benefits

Hiring:  Patrice Stone and Lorraine Dowling (room 613) prepare hiring paperwork for all academic, staff and student appointments.  Go to administrative forms (on the Astronomy website), print the Request for Appointment form and turn it in to Lorraine or Patrice.  They will not start the process until they receive an approved Request for Appointment form.  Patrice provides information on health benefits and other personnel issues.  

Timesheets for Hourly Employees:  Blank timesheets are available in the copy/mailroom. Submit to Patrice monthly prior to the deadline (listed on the timesheet). 

Visas:  Regulations change often and are stringent and unyielding!  Know what the limitations may be on your visa status!  Check with Patrice before making any plans, changes, or promises regarding visas for employment of international candidates. 

Workers Comp/Injuries:  Work related injuries MUST be reported within 24 hours of the injury. See Patrice immediately if you are injured, or are the supervisor of an injured person. 

Listing Academic Positions:  Normally this activity is coordinated through the College of Letters and Science.  See Patrice as far in advance as possible when you know you will be recruiting or hiring, particularly if a visa may be required.  Approval by the Dean is often required and this may take several days.