When Human Resources officials addressed layoffs, career counseling, stress and other budget-related issues during a staff forum on July 9, they were not only addressing an audience of 500 people in Freeborn Hall but perhaps well over a thousand more online.

Media Works logged nearly 2,000 “requests” from computer users who clicked open the live Webcast.

Now, the Webcast is available online for viewing at any time. (See below for information on where you can find the links.)

Media Works reported 1,873 “requests” for the live Webcast, and an average viewing time of just over an hour and a half during the 2 1/2-hour forum.

Seven people comprised the HR panel. Here are selected comments:

Karen Hull, associate vice chancellor, Human Resources, talking about the Voluntary Separation Program, or VSP — “This program was designed to hopefully motivate people who may be thinking of retirement or going on to a different activity in life within the next couple of years, to have them consider making that choice earlier and in so doing helping to avoid layoffs that might impact other staff who don’t have that same degree of flexibility.”

Elizabeth Meyer, director, Employee and Labor Relations — “Layoff is related to elimination of functions. It is not about people’s performance, it’s not about favoritism, it’s not about a lot of things it might feel (like) when it’s happening, but it really is first and foremost a business decision.”

Gil Sebastian, acting manager, Employee Benefits — “One of the big myths around right now is that if you take the VSP, or if you get laid off, or if you get terminated, (that) you can’t retire. Well, that is indeed a myth, because you certainly can retire (if eligible).”

Irene Horgan-Thompson, director, Compensation, Benefits and Employment — “Our motto in HR is, we want to try to keep people employed” — and one way to do that is through the Special Transfer Opportunity Program, or STOP, for people who have been laid off.

Carina Celesia-Moore, director, Staff Development and Professional Services (career counseling) — “Some of us have been here a long time and may not have a resume. It’s OK to come in with a blank slate.”

Beth Cohen, director, Academic and Staff Assistance Program (counseling) — “So far what we are seeing is not only a significant increase in our own utilization (for anxiety and layoff issues), but also the concerns of the not knowing” — not knowing how the economy will affect people’s jobs and families. She reminded people that ASAP also provides counseling for immediate family members.

Matilda Aidam, director, Mediation Services (conflict management) — “You may notice already that your work environments are exhibiting a lot more tension. … This is entirely expected and normal.” However, employees should not simply “hunker down” in the face of conflict. Instead, take advantage of Mediation Services, she advised.

More information on all these topics, plus the Webcast links.