UMass HR Insider—July 2026 | Volume 4, Issue 7
Content
Your Guide to What's Happening Across Campus
Summer offers a chance to experience campus from a different perspective. With quieter walkways, longer evenings, and a variety of events open to the UMass community, it's the perfect time to take a break, try something new, or connect with colleagues outside the office. Whether you're looking to unwind after work, spend time outdoors, or enjoy a family-friendly activity, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the season right here at UMass Amherst.
Here are a few events worth adding to your calendar this summer:
Thrive at Five: Summer Yoga and Mindfulness
Take a break at the end of your workday with this weekly outdoor yoga and mindfulness series at Orchard Hill Pavilion. These sessions offer a relaxing way to recharge, enjoy the fresh air, and connect with fellow members of the campus community.
Fun Saturday Mornings!
Looking for a weekend activity with the family? Head to UMass Downtown for Fun Saturday Mornings, featuring free hands-on activities and interactive experiences designed for children and families. It's an easy way to spend a summer morning while exploring the many ways UMass connects with the local community.
Cheer on the Minutemen and Minutewomen
As summer winds down, UMass Athletics returns with exhibition soccer matches that kick off another exciting season. Gather your family, wear your UMass gear, and help cheer on the Minutemen and Minutewomen before the fall semester begins.
Explore Even More
These are just a few of the many events taking place across campus this summer. From lectures and art exhibits to concerts, outdoor recreation, and community programs, there's always something happening at UMass Amherst. Visit the UMass Amherst Events Calendar to explore upcoming events and find something that interests you.
However you choose to spend your summer, we hope you'll take advantage of the many opportunities to learn, connect, and enjoy everything our campus has to offer.
New FMLA Resources and Online ADA Accommodation Request Process
The Office of Human Resources is pleased to share new and improved resources from the Employee Accommodations and Absence Support Team, designed to make it easier for employees and supervisors to access support and navigate leave and accommodation processes.
Updated FMLA Homepage
A new Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) homepage is now available to help employees better understand eligibility, processes, and available support.
The intent of the FMLA is to allow employees up to 12 weeks or 480 hours of job-protected leave to meet medical and family care needs while still maintaining job and economic security.
New Online ADA Accommodation Request Form
We are also introducing a new online Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodation Request Form to streamline the accommodation request process.
This form may be completed by either:
An employee requesting accommodations for themselves
supervisor submitting on behalf of an employee
Learn more about the ADA accommodation process.
Employees can access this information through the Employee Accommodations and Absence Support page on the HR website, as well as through the Support section of the HR website’s main navigation menu.
These updates are part of our ongoing HR modernization efforts to provide clearer guidance, more accessible resources, and a more supportive employee experience.
Join UMass in Springfield for an Evening of Community and Connection
UMass Amherst faculty and staff are invited to join alumni and community members for Community Spirit Central: White Lion PrideLands—an evening celebrating the people, neighborhoods, businesses, and organizations that make Springfield such a vibrant community.
Held at the PrideLands Outdoor Beer Garden at White Lion Brewing Company in downtown Springfield, this event offers a chance to connect with members of the UMass community while enjoying an evening of food, conversation, and fun.
This event reflects UMass Amherst’s commitment to building meaningful relationships throughout the commonwealth. Whether you have long-standing ties to Springfield or are looking to connect with the broader UMass community, this is an opportunity to celebrate the city and the people who help make it special.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Time: 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Location: PrideLands Outdoor Beer Garden at White Lion Brewing Company
1441–1459 Main Street
Springfield, MA 01115
Cost: $10 per person (ages 21+)
Free for guests under age 21
Register today and be part of an evening that celebrates the connections between UMass Amherst and the Springfield community.
Explore UMass Research Through the Summer Seminar Series at UMass Downtown
Interested in learning more about the research happening at UMass Amherst? Join UMass Downtown and the UMass Amherst Graduate School for the inaugural Summer Seminar Series, a new public speaker series that brings campus research into the community.
Held Wednesday evenings from 6–7:30 p.m., the series features UMass graduate students sharing their research, ideas, and discoveries in an engaging and approachable format. Each session offers an opportunity to hear directly from emerging scholars, explore topics across disciplines, and take part in conversations with members of the community.
This summer’s sessions include:
July 29 | Kathleen Mahoney
Playing Is Naturally Scientific: A Case Study of Outdoor Play-Based Science Experiences in Early Childhood Education
Learn how educators use outdoor play experiences to support scientific exploration, inquiry, and learning in early childhood settings.
August 5 | Miranda Lutyens
Private Freewriting in and Beyond the Classroom: What Unedited, Unsurpassed Writing Does for College Students and Their Well-being
Discover research on the practice of private freewriting and how unedited, personal writing may influence students’ relationships with writing, reflection, and well-being.
Take advantage of this opportunity to connect with colleagues, share ideas, and learn from members of the campus community. The Summer Seminar Series provides a meaningful way to stay engaged. Learn more!
Convenient Commuting Options for UMass Employees with UMass Transit
Looking for a convenient way to get to campus, travel between locations, or explore the Amherst area? UMass employees have access to public transportation options through UMass Transit and the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA), providing an affordable and convenient alternative for commuting and getting around the region.
Whether you are a regular transit rider or considering public transportation for the first time, UMass Transit provides resources to help make your commute easier. Employees can access route maps, schedules, and service updates to plan trips to campus, nearby communities, and destinations throughout the Amherst area.
Using public transportation can help employees:
Reduce the time and expense associated with driving and parking
Enjoy a convenient commuting option without needing to find campus parking
Reduce wear and tear on personal vehicles
Choose an alternative transportation option for travel to and from campus
Ready to explore your options? Visit the UMass Transportation website to learn more about routes, schedules, and transit resources available to employees. Learn more about UMass Transit.
Career Opportunities—Tell a Friend: Senior Information Security Analyst
The Senior Information Security Analyst delivers advanced technical and strategic leadership for the University’s hybrid information security program. The role oversees enterprise security operations, including vulnerability management, threat detection, incident response, and digital forensics across on-premises and cloud environments. The analyst leads secure architecture design for major technology projects, conducts complex security audits and risk assessments, and implements safeguards to protect institutional systems. They research emerging security technologies, advise leadership on solution strategies, and collaborate with stakeholders to manage risk, ensure compliance, and advance security policies, training, and metrics. Learn more.