UM system moves departments to end space constraints

COLUMBIA — Two departments that serve the University of Missouri System’s faculty and staff will move off campus in September.

The offices of Faculty and Staff Benefits and Human Resources Systems Administration will move from MU’s Heinkel Building to 1000 W. Nifong Blvd.

Services will begin in the new location Sept. 10.

Associate Vice President of Benefits Michael Paden said the decision to change locations was made because of space constraints.

Last year, University Hospital’s staff benefits services merged with the UM faculty and staff benefits, creating space problems for both departments.

There were no spaces available on campus for the department to move, Paden said.

In the new location, there will be more space to protect employee records, Paden said. Also, a private counseling area will be added, he said.

The new location will also include employee enrollment kiosks and an education training facility.

Currently, faculty and staff can only submit paperwork by fax, but Paden said the departments will move to an online, self-service enrollment.

During enrollment change periods, the office’s busiest times, UM faculty and staff benefits will be on campus and at University Hospital to help employees.

Tentative plans are underway for other departments to move to the Nifong location, Paden said.