UMass HR Insider—August 2026 | Volume 4, Issue 8

Content

Welcome Back! Get Ready for the New Academic Year 

The fall semester is just around the corner, and campus will soon be welcoming thousands of students back to Amherst. As activity picks up across campus, employees can expect increased traffic, more activity in and around campus facilities, and a full calendar of events and programs.

A few things to keep in mind as the semester begins: 

• Plan for increased traffic and stay informed. The return of students to campus can mean heavier traffic and longer travel times, particularly around move-in and the start of classes. Check UMassTransportation Services for parking and transportation information and UMPD Alerts and Advisories  for current traffic, safety, and other campus alerts. 
• See what's happening across campus. Welcome events, student activities, athletics, and other programs will bring more energy to campus throughout September. Check the UMass Athletics schedule for upcoming home games and the UMass Amherst Events Calendar  for upcoming events and activities, including opportunities specifically for employees.
• Make the most of campus resources. The start of the academic year is a good time to explore the resources, services, and opportunities available to employees across campus. From professional development and wellness programs to recreation and other employee resources, there’s plenty to take advantage of throughout the year. 

As we head into the fall, a little advance planning can make the transition easier for employees and help everyone settle into the rhythm of a new academic year. 

Celebrating Service Milestones at UMass Amherst 

Congratulations to the more than 400 UMass Amherst employees who were recognized at the Length of Service Awards on Tuesday, August 18, for reaching notable milestones ranging from 10 to 55 years of service.

The celebration recognized the dedication and contributions of our employees and the lasting impact they have made across the university. It was also an opportunity to celebrate the sense of community that makes UMass Amherst such a special place to work.

Educational Opportunities Available for All UMassAmherst Employees 

Take the next step in your personal or professional development with the Partnership for Worker Education (PWE). UMass employees can choose from a diverse selection of learning opportunities offered throughout the year; registration is now open for this fall’s classes. 
 
From one-time workshops and hands-on training to multiweek courses and personalized career advising, PWE offers flexible ways to learn, connect, and pursue your goals. Whether you are building technology skills, preparing for a career transition, focusing on well-being, or discovering a new interest, you will find opportunities designed to fit your schedule and needs.

Here are just a few of this fall’s offerings: 

• Building Bridges: Showcasing Worker Artists at UMass — Connect with fellow employee artists while helping plan campus exhibitions that celebrate the creativity and experiences of UMass staff.
• Design with Canva — Learn how to create eye-catching flyers, presentations, and social media graphics using Canva’s intuitive design tools.
• Résumés and Cover Letters — Update your résumé and develop a cover letter that highlights your experience and helps you prepare for future opportunities.
• Intermediate–Advanced Workplace English — Advance your workplace communication skills through practical, real-world activities designed to support professional growth and career advancement.
• Stress-Busting Practices: Mindfulness and Nutrition for Workplace Wellness — Discover practical strategies to manage stress, build resilience, and support your overall well-being.
• Opening Doors to Homeownership: Fair Housing & Down Payment Assistance — Learn about loan programs, fair housing information, and resources that can help make homeownership more attainable.
• Having Difficult Conversations: Moving to Solutions — Strengthen your communication skills through strategies for active listening, constructive feedback, and respectful dialogue. 

Be sure to explore the full catalog to find courses and workshops that align with your interests, support your goals, and enhance your experience at UMass Amherst!

Just Announced! 

PWE will present the 10th Anniversary Building Bridges Showcase Event on April 13, 2027, at the Randolph W. Bromery Center for the Arts, from 12–7 p.m. Learn more about Building Bridges.

Reminder: Performance Goals for Non-Unit Employees Are Due August 31

The 2026–2027 Performance Management Program is now open in NEOED Perform for non-unit professional employees, non-unit academic administrators, and non-unit classified employees. 

As part of the goal-setting process, employees should enter three to five SMART goals in NEOED Perform that describe what they plan to accomplish during the 2026–2027 evaluation year. The program emphasizes ongoing feedback, meaningful conversations, and goal alignment throughout the year, helping employees and managers maintain a shared understanding of priorities, expectations, and professional development.

By Monday, August 31, employees and managers should complete the following: 

• Employee goal entry 
• Manager goal review and approval 
• Employee acknowledgment signature 

You’ll find quick-reference guides, videos, FAQs, and practical tools to support you throughout the performance management cycle on the  Performance Management Resource Center website . Questions about the performance evaluation process can be directed to your HR Business Partner. For technical assistance with NEOED Perform, submit a ticket through AskHR. 

Get Involved: Three Ways to Give Back 

Looking for ways to get involved beyond your day-to-day work? Several upcoming opportunities will give UMass Amherst employees a chance to connect with colleagues, support local organizations, and make a difference in the community. 

MassImpact: A UMass Day of Service 

On Saturday, September 19, hundreds of UMass Amherst faculty, staff, and students will come together for MassImpact, a day of service supporting local nonprofit organizations. The event will bring members of the UMass community together to volunteer their time and talents throughout the area.

Registration opens in August and closes September 10. Faculty and staff are encouraged to sign up and join colleagues across campus for this day of service. Transportation, T-shirts, and lunch will be provided.

UMACC Launch and Nonprofit Fair 

The UMass Amherst Community Campaign (UMACC) will kick off on Tuesday, September 29, in Old Chapel from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a launch event and Nonprofit Fair. The event will provide an opportunity to connect with representatives from local nonprofits , find volunteer opportunities, and learn how you can support causes that matter to you.

Through UMACC, faculty, staff, and retirees can support the causes they care about with a single gift that can be divided among as many nonprofits as they’d like. Donations can be made through payroll deduction, check, or credit card, and more than one million organizations are eligible to receive gifts through UMACC. UMass Amherst does not retain any portion of your donation.  

For questions about UMACC or the Nonprofit Fair, contact jengallant [at] umass [dot] edu (subject: ) (jengallant[at]umass[dot]edu).

SAVE THE DATE! Pack the Pantry in November 

UMACC will partner with Basic Needs Initiatives and UMass Athletics for a campuswide food drive benefiting the Campus Pantry. The Pack the Pantry food drive will run November 9–19, creating an opportunity for employees across campus to unite in support of our community. Donation collection sites will be available across UMass throughout the drive—in numerous buildings and at athletic events. Join in helping ensure that UMass students, staff, and faculty have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.

Join UMass Amherst at the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade

Show your UMass pride at this year’s Springfield Puerto Rican Parade on Sunday, September 13! 

The parade is a great opportunity to celebrate Puerto Rican culture and heritage while connecting with the Springfield community. The Henry M. Thomas III Center at Springfield plays an important role in strengthening UMass Amherst’s presence in the city and the region, and the parade is another opportunity to be part of the community. 

Learn more about the parade and how to participate on the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade website.

Help grow UMass Amherst’s presence in Springfield. We hope to see you there!

Navigate Discounts with UMass Compass!

There are many benefits that come with working at UMass Amherst, and some can help you save on expenses you make every day. 

UMass Compass gives employees access to special discounts and offers on a wide range of products and services, including electronics, auto rentals, and home and auto insurance.

Take a quick look before making a purchase, planning a trip, or looking for ways to save. You may find a discount simply because you’re a UMass employee!

Check out UMass Compass and see what’s available to you.

Career Opportunities—Tell a Friend

Access Coordinator

The access coordinator supports a caseload of students with a wide range of disabilities and temporary impairments by facilitating an interactive process to determine eligibility for appropriate accommodations and ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations, adjustments, and modifications as mandated by federal, state, and local laws.