Name: Ken Titus
Title: Employee Relations Manager
Department: Division of Human Resources
Background: Native of Lynchburg, S.C.; bachelor's degree, political science, 1989, The Citadel; former administrative officer trainee/personnel manager, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Columbia; former equal opportunity manager, S.C. Department of Public Safety, Columbia; former director of staff development and training, S.C. Commission for the Blind, Columbia. Joined USC as employee-relations manager, July 2002.

Tell us about your job. The Employee Relations Office handles workplace questions ranging from supervisor-employee issues to policy and procedure matters. My office also manages disciplinary actions, grievances, reductions in force, and the Employee Performance Management System (EPMS). The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) also is sponsored by this office. We make an effort to be proactive through training and other means of communication to address employee concerns and issues in the workplace.

Do you deal with faculty? Primarily the policies I deal with are geared toward the staff. However, there are times we deal directly with faculty who supervise staff or if they have general questions regarding human resources polices. Faculty members are governed by the Faculty Manual and are referred to the Ombudsman's Office for workplace issues.

How would you characterize working with the faculty and staff of the University in comparison to other places you have worked? In some ways it is much easier and in other ways it is more difficult. The University is a very large statewide entity and that makes communication more challenging. We stay busy, but the job is rewarding, especially when you can help employees understand or resolve workplace difficulties. Sometimes you see immediate results, which is very rewarding. On top of that, I get to meet and deal with a lot of interesting people and that can be a lot of fun. The Employee Assistance Program is very helpful in discussions with employees' work and personal issues and makes this job more manageable.

If somebody has a problem in the workplace, should they turn to your office or the Employee Assistance Program? My office deals with policies and procedures of the University and advises employees, gives them feedback, and coaches them though specific situations. If we are presented with any issue we do not handle, we will refer the employee appropriately, sometimes to the EAP. The EAP deals with employees' issues at work, and personal issues that may impact an employee's performance, like financial difficulties or going through a divorce. If somebody isn't sure where to turn, they can call this office (7-7550) and we'll assist them. We deal with every level of concern at the University.

What job skills are most valuable for you in your position? The ability to communicate with people regardless of their position on campus. Anyone can have a problem with which they might need help.

How do you unwind when you're not working? Other than watching Citadel football, I enjoy restoring old cars, like to hunt deer, fish fresh water ponds in Lee and Orangeburg counties, and spend time with loved ones, especially my 10-year-old daughter.

10/07