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UMass HR Insider—August 2025 | Volume 3, Issue 8

August 19, 2025 Community

Content

Join Us For Lunch on the Lawn—This Thursday! 

Take a break and soak up some summer fun at our annual Lunch on the Lawn, cohosted by Human Resources and the Office of the Chancellor. This relaxed get-together is your chance to step away from your desk, catch up with colleagues, and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our award-winning culinary team—all free. 
 
Bring your coworkers and make the most of the lawn games, photo booth, giveaways, and music. It’s a simple way to recharge and reconnect before the semester picks up again. 

Have questions or need accommodations? Contact Community Relations and University Events at 413-577-1101 or events [at] umass [dot] edu (subject: ) (events[at]umass[dot]edu). 

Thursday, August 21 
11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
Haigis Mall 


Human Resources Launches Recruitment Optimization Project

UMass Amherst is taking an important step to improve how we recruit faculty and staff. This summer, we will transition from a shared PageUp hiring system (our current recruitment tool used by several UMass campuses) to our own dedicated PageUp system. This move will allow us to take advantage of features that were previously unavailable, streamline processes, and enhance the experience for both hiring teams and candidates. 

What’s Changing 

With a dedicated system designed specifically for our needs, the focus will be on improving workflows, enabling helpful new tools, removing outdated or redundant elements, and strengthening reporting, such as tracking time-to-fill metrics. The current shared system will remain active during the transition to ensure a smooth cutover. 

Who’s Involved 

A core project team of experts from Human Resources, Information Technology, and the Office of the Provost will guide the work. Specialized functional groups focused on communications and training will keep stakeholders informed and provide ongoing support and resources throughout the project implementation. 

Timeline 

The project will begin in late August with a tentative go-live in early December 2025. The shared system will remain live for a period to wrap up ongoing searches.. 

Why It Matters 

This dedicated PageUp instance will give UMass Amherst more control, flexibility, and insight, helping us recruit the best talent more efficiently while providing a better experience for everyone involved. 


The Partnership for Worker Education 

Fall Learning Opportunities Now Available 

Registration is open for the Partnership for Worker Education’s fall 2025 classes, with more than 30 ways to learn, grow, and connect with colleagues across campus. Whether you want to sharpen professional skills, explore new topics, or approach your work in fresh ways, you will find courses that fit your interests and schedule.

This fall’s offerings include Workplace English, Workplace Computers, Building Bridges, Wellness and Resilience, Respectful Workplace, Career Growth, Career Ladders, Writing, Special Events, and more—delivered in person, online, and in hybrid formats.

PWE is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive space where employees can build careers, discover new ideas, and strengthen our campus community. Browse the offerings, choose what inspires you, and make this fall your time to learn something new.

Click here to register.


Workplace Learning and Development 

Workshops to Help You Connect, Communicate, and Keep Up

Join us this September for three sessions designed to boost your confidence, spark conversation, and make sense of new tools shaping the workplace. 

Three Things You Need for Conversational Confidence—September 17 
In our work, we regularly engage in conversations that can be sensitive, complex, or just plain tricky. It’s not always easy to know what to say or when to say it. In this session, you’ll explore three key aspects of having a conversation that can help you approach difficult topics with greater effectiveness, clarity, and confidence. 

Best Practices for Generative AI in HR—September 22 
Come to this session for an overview of the Generative AI tools available to HR staff at UMass, example uses for the tools, and best practices for use. While the materials will focus on the application of the tools in the HR space, all staff and faculty are welcome to attend. 

From Shy to Sly: Small Talk Hacks for Quiet Types—September 25 
Does the thought of small talk make you cringe? Do you wish you had better questions and responses for those awkward moments with people you barely know? You’re not alone. Many people would rather run from small talk than jump into it. Join this workshop to gain tips, handy scripts, and empathy from your introverted facilitator to boost your confidence in casual conversations. 

Sign up today!


Faculty Success Platform Now Live

The new Faculty Success platform is now available to all faculty and librarians—a single, easy-to-use space to manage and share scholarly, teaching, and service activities. It will also serve as the tool for generating and certifying the 2024–2025 Annual Faculty Review (AFR) ahead of the October 15 deadline. 

A variety of resources are available on the Faculty Success support site, including step-by-step guides, short how-to videos, FAQs, and tips for getting started. Weekly office hours take place every Wednesday at 3 p.m., and the Faculty Success Import Team is available to assist with building out profiles using information from CVs or bibliographic tools. 

In the months ahead, additional training and support opportunities will be offered to help the campus community make the most of the platform. This important new tool will help highlight and celebrate the full scope of faculty and librarian contributions across campus. 


Thrive at Five: Summer Yoga and Mindfulness Series 

Presented by the Okanagan Wellbeing Collective, Thrive at Five is a free yoga and mindfulness session designed to help you unwind, recharge, and reconnect this summer.

Tuesday, August 19 | 5–6 p.m.
Orchard Hill Pavilion
Open to all UMass faculty, staff, and students

Held in the tranquil setting of Orchard Hill Pavilion, this session offers guided movement and mindfulness to support your well-being.

Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this is a great opportunity to take a break and prioritize your wellness. Don’t forget your yoga mat, towel, and water bottle!

Learn more and register.


Save the Date—the 35th Springfield Puerto Rican Parade

Sunday, September 14, 2025

The UMass Henry M. Thomas III Center in Springfield is proud to participate in the 35th Springfield Puerto Rican Parade. Mark your calendars for this vibrant celebration, which draws more than 4,000 marchers and over 10,000 spectators each year—a wonderful opportunity to honor culture and community.

This year’s theme, Afro-Boricua, celebrates and recognizes the importance of this heritage. The Center remains committed to strengthening its ties with the greater Springfield community and expanding UMass’s presence among its neighbors.

Transportation from campus will be provided. Pick-up time and location will be shared with registered participants.

Register here.

Get Involved—The UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center Needs YOU!

The UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center in Springfield invites you to participate in its Monthly Center Advisory Working Group meetings, held every third Thursday at 3:00 p.m. in person at 1500 Main Street, Suite 260, Springfield, MA 01115. Join the conversation, share your work, and learn about other initiatives currently underway.

Reach out to lriveraearly [at] umass [dot] edu (Lidya Rivera-Early), Director of Government Relations and Springfield Partnerships or klgreen [at] educ [dot] umass [dot] edu (Keisha Green), Director of Civic Engagement and Research for more information.
 


 

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