What is your name and how long have you been in your current position?
Juli Thomas – 5 years this May!
What is your current role in University Housing?
Payroll & Benefits Specialist – Advanced
How long have you been with University Housing? Other positions on campus?
Almost 5 years, and this is the only position I’ve held on campus.
What do you do on a typical day in your job?
Like many jobs in our division, there’s really no “typical” day. I think a good way to look at my job is on a weekly basis, since everything in my wheelhouse revolves around payroll processing. On a payroll processing week, we are uploading our division’s time and absence data to our payroll processing system (HRS) and then the payroll team audits what was uploaded against what’s in Kronos/any other expected pay. On a non-payroll week, I focus on benefits meetings, various annual processes, and correcting any post-payroll action items.
What’s your favorite thing about working with students who are living on campus?
I enjoy our HR student employees – they always have a fresh outlook on processes, and it’s fun to hear about their day-to-day when we are in the office. Most students are kind, hard-working, and come with a sense of humor which I always appreciate.
What is a past work accomplishment that you’re proud of?
The ground-breaking, totally virtual Open Enrollment of October 2020! That was quite a challenge for our division because we have such a diverse workforce when it comes to being comfortable with technology, but we did it! And we did it well all things considered.
What is a secret talent that your co-workers may not know about?
I love to shoot trap. The best score I’ve ever gotten is 23 out of 25 clays shot. A very close family friend introduced the sport to me about 10 years ago, and I discovered I had a natural ability.
Where did you grow up?
Hartland, Wisconsin (Go Arrowhead Warhawks!)
Where is your favorite place in the world?
I have been riding horses for 20+ years, so I would have to say my favorite place is anywhere in nature while I am the saddle!
What are you passionate about?
Gardening! Also conservation and being mindful of our earth and environment.
What is your favorite TV show, movie, or book?
TV Show: Futurama
Movie: Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Book: The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
What is your favorite family/home tradition?
Every late summer, I go to visit my parents, and we can “dilly beans” – they are green beans we grown in our garden, and we can/pickle them. They’re delicious!
If you would like to see one of your coworkers featured in a future issue, email marketing@housing.wisc.edu with your coworker’s name and their supervisor’s name.