Meet William Marcotte
What is your name?
William Marcotte (but please call me “Will”)
What’s your job title?
Senior Associate Vice President, University Human Resources & Head, Campus HR Solutions and Services
Years/Months at NYU:
24 years as of August 9, 2023
What’s your hometown?
Went to high school in Mission Viejo, California
What kind of projects do you work on?
Anything from workforce planning, employee and labor relations issues, and otherwise supporting University leadership’s organizational initiatives and priorities.
Why NYU?
This may sound cliché but I still feel excited by the energy of the University: The students, the faculty and staff, the sights, the conversations that we have with one another and as a larger community (sometimes tough, but always thought-provoking). I still learn something new every week here, both personally and professionally, even after nearly 24 years, and I’m not sure you can say that about many organizations.
Any advice for new administrators?
Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions to learn more about your role and your team and how they fit into the “bigger picture” at NYU. Definitely also focus on building relationships with colleagues and clients early on wherever you can.
What does your typical day look like?
While no day is typical in HR, I routinely check my email from overnight on the train ride into work (or while eating breakfast on my approved remote work days). If I don’t have an early morning meeting, and assuming no urgent or time-sensitive matters to attend to immediately, I try to use the first 30 to 60 minutes of the day composing or responding to emails that I couldn’t quickly respond to on my phone, and then go through my to-do list or prepare for meetings as needed. I try to make a point of ensuring I get one “major” item crossed off my to-do list each day where possible, with admittedly mixed success some weeks.
Is there an NYU benefit or perk that you use or think everyone should know about?
This is going to sound like a nerdy, HR-y answer, but in all seriousness, immediately take advantage of contributing to your Retirement Plan as soon as you are eligible, even if it is a small contribution at first. If you have questions about the Plan, call the NYU Retirement Plans Helpline at TIAA at 844-NYU-TIAA (844-698-8422).
Name your favorite spot on campus.
Whenever I am in Kimmel, I make a point of taking the stairs down, especially on a snowy day, to get that priceless view of Washington Square Park.
What is your go-to app on your phone right now?
I admit I still play Candy Crush Saga pretty regularly. I also use the SiriusXM subscriber app to listen to ‘80s on 8’ (80s rock and pop) or ‘1st Wave’ (80s alternative music) on my walk to and from the train.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee with half-and-half, please.
Favorite travel destination?
A few places: Prince Edward Island, Canada; Paris, France; and Cape Cod/Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts.
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