In the loop Holiday/winter 2023-2024 edition

Holiday| winter 2023-2024 EDITION

In the loop

#4

Dear Business Services team, It is hard to believe that we are just a few weeks away from the end of 2023!

This year has truly showcased your strength, resilience, willingness to help, hard work, initiative, and positive attitude.

Time and time again, Business Services has risen to the occasion, providing excellent service and support to the community throughout our challenges and successes.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on some highlights from the past year: • • • • • • • • • • •

IMPORTANT INFO

In February 2023, we introduced a new ID card system and new ID card designs in September.

We became the exclusive supplier to the University for print products.

We started working effectively with our print management tool, Docket Manager.

We successfully participated in many on-campus events!

The rollout of the new Blinkay parking equipment and parking software at Loyola was a success.

Tireless efforts to promote our services on and off campus.

Amidst office moves, we navigated changes and challenges.

From one noise issue to another (now hopefully gone, fingers crossed) We implemented regular staff meetings, introduced the jar of gratitude, and started sending out In the Loop (2.0).

We bid farewell to four long term staff members.

But most excitingly, we welcomed three new ones: Liza, Daniel, and Lindsay!

As we approach 2024, we anticipate new successes and challenges for our team. I have full confidence in our ability to handle whatever comes our way while continuously striving to enhance the quality of our services and explore new revenue opportunities.

I am very proud of each of you and the entire Business Services team, and proud to say I am a part of it.

Wishing you all a safe, happy, and restful holiday break, and I look forward to our continued success in the new year!

- Melanie

WELCOME TO THE TEAM We’re excited to introduce Lindsay Deliva as the newest member of the Business Services team. Lindsay assumed her role as Assistant, Business Operations on November 27.

Having previously worked as an assistant at Health Services, Lindsay is now responsible for overseeing parking, lockers, ID cards, and DPrint services at Loyola. Based at Loyola Landing, she will play a crucial role in coordinating our services throughout the campus.

- Steven

WINTER BACK TO SCHOOL. First day of class, Monday, January 15 From January 10 to January 26, students will stop by the Library Building atrium to get their ID cards, with longer service hours.

Back to school info about our services will be on the student hub, in the student newsletters, on the Concordia App, on the student services pages and, on social media.

IMPORTANT INFO

Loyola Landing Regular hours of the Business Services office have been extended. We are now open Monday to Friday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

From January 15 to January 19, office hours will be extended to 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Student Success Centre and campus tours partnerships Mentors from the Student Success Centre will be available from January 8 to January 12, giving campus tours and taking part in a few welcome events at the downtown campus.

Services Fair | Wednesday, January 31

From January 15 to January 19, the welcome crew will be in the LB atrium and SP atrium directing students and handing out information about our services.

With close to 50 services, support resources, and student associations, Business Services will participate in the Services Fair in the EV atrium. Giveaways, a DPrint contest and great conversation.

Don’t forget to share our brochure with students!

This event is always a good opportunity to meet with students and show off our services.

Staff during back to school • Part-time help to emit ID cards in the LB atrium.

• A part-time student at the Print Store and Card Services for the winter term.

DPRINT USER GUIDE Don’t forget to share with students!

Staff Spotlight

Getting to know..

Where did you grow up? In a small city in China. I moved to Montreal when I started university at Concordia and never wanted to leave. I made a lot of friends here, and some of my family members live in the city.

What inspired you to become an accountant? My father was an accountant. He never pressured me to follow in his footsteps, but I was always intrigued by the field. Plus, there’s a lot of opportunities in that line of work.

What is one thing you wish people knew about your job? I can’t do your taxes! People

sometimes don’t realize that there’s different accounting specialties. I’m a budget analyst, I’m all about digging into the numbers, reviewing budgets, assessing spending needs, and offering financial analyses to make recommendations based on my findings.

What motivates you?

Recognition is important, but my main motivation is working together as a team toward a common goal.

What’s your favourite way to start the day? I’m the morning person in the family. I’m the one brewing the coffee, making breakfast and getting everyone out of bed. Mornings can be a bit hectic with the kids, but they’re also super special and a lot of fun.

What is your favourite holiday? Christmas because we get to spend more time together.

We play Elf on the Shelf with the kids, and they absolutely love it. I hid it in different places to surprise them, and my oldest, Arielle, loves looking for him around the house, getting her younger sister, Averie, in on the fun too.

What is one thing on your bucket list?

I want to travel across Europe with my wife. Discover Spain, Italy, Greece, UK,...

DANIEL ZHAO Budget Analyst

What’s your favourite food? I love pizza! In China, big chains like Pizza Hut

and McDonald’s are marketed differently. Pizza Hut is a fancy sit-down restaurant.

The whole experience is different, and I have to say, the pizza here is way better!

What’s your motto? Life is short. Be positive.

Spreading holiday wishes Copies of our Business Services Holiday postcards with a yummy cookie recipe in the back are now up for grabs.

It’s the perfect time to reach out and thank your contacts and vendors.

GET YOUR COPIES TODAY!

Holiday break Wishing you a sweet Holiday season and a Happy New Year !

The University will be closed from December 23 to January 7.

PRINT | ID CARDS | PARKING | LOCKERS

Holiday party a look back

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Joke corner | Submitted by Melanie

Will you validate my parking?”

“You did a great job! Evenly spaced and the perfect distance from the curb.”

“I heard there was music coming from my printer. I opened it to see what’s wrong. Turns out it was just jamming.”

Be part of the fun. Send your jokes to kim.barbier@concordia.ca

Check out the pictures on the Business Services Team channel.

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PARKING UPDATES Google AdWords Did you know that since mid-November the city of Montreal has extended the parking meter hour’s downtown? 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

This change was an opportunity to increase sales and position the FB and LB garages as the parking choices for downtown parking. A Google ad campaign is visible on weekdays after 6 p.m. and on weekends since November 13.

This initiative increased overall entries by 40% on after 6 p.m. on weekdays and 25% on weekends at the LB and 60% after 6 p.m. on weekdays and 24% on weekends at the FB garage for the November 13 to December 11 period.

Recognition ssss I wanted to highlight Alex and Nerissa’s dedication during a fundraising event held at the Oscar Peterson Concert Hall on November 29. They went above and beyond to ensure that everything ran smoothly, including Alex blocking off the P5 parking lot at Loyola campus as early as 5:30 a.m., and Nerissa constantly communicating with the event coordinator.

But that’s not all. Alex recently helped a guest of the Gina Cody Dean find a parking spot for his electric car, enabling him to charge it before his journey back to Quebec City. Despite encountering a snow bank blocking the way, Alex didn’t hesitate to purchase a shovel and clear the snow, allowing the guest to park and charge his car.

To top it off, Alex even gave the shovel to the Dean’s guest as a souvenir!

Once again, thank you for your unwavering dedication.

- Steven New at the LB garage As of January 8, guests will be able to park overnight and a new 24-hour parking rate will be in effect.

Holiday closure The LB parking garage will be closed from December 23 to January 7. The FB garage and Loyola parking lot will remain open.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES Did you know that Human Resources offers courses on a multitude of subjects from Developing emotional intelligence and managing stress to Giving and receiving feedback?

Register for a course To sign up for a course or access the complete list of available options 1. Log in to UNITY’s Learning Management System (LMS) 2. Select “Browse all courses” and register for the course of your choice You also have access to a vast list of online courses with Udemy that are sure to make a difference in your daily life like: I Better Business Writing Skills I Top stress management courses I 3 Minute French - Course 1 | Language lessons for beginners Happy learning !

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Got something you want to share with the group and see it featured in the next In the Loop?

Share your ideas or content with us at kim.barbier@concordia.ca.