UMass HR Insider—January 2026 | Volume 4, Issue 1
Content
Human Resources Launches New Recruitment System
The Office of Human Resources has launched a refreshed recruitment system designed to make hiring at UMass Amherst clearer, faster, and more consistent for everyone involved. The new system went live on Monday, January 12, and now supports hiring across campus through a dedicated PageUp platform built specifically for UMass Amherst.
Previously, the university shared a recruitment system with other UMass campuses. Operating our own system gives UMass Amherst greater control over how hiring tools function and allows workflows to better reflect campus practices and needs.
A New Careers Page for Applicants
Candidates now apply through a redesigned UMass Amherst careers page with updated branding, simpler navigation, and a cleaner layout. Open positions are easier to find, and the application process requires fewer steps, making it more approachable for applicants at every stage.
Clearer, More Trusted Communication
All automated emails sent through the system now clearly identify UMass Amherst as the sender and reflect university branding. Applicants can more easily recognize official messages and follow the next steps with confidence.
Improved Tools for Hiring Teams
Hiring teams now see helpful visual indicators that highlight key applicant details at a glance, including whether they’re an internal candidate or highly qualified applicant, their union status, and their background check progress. These features support quicker review and more informed decisions.
Streamlined Offer Letters
Offer letters are now managed entirely within PageUp, with Docusign built directly into the system. Hiring teams can create, send, and track offers using standardized language, and candidates can review and sign documents electronically without leaving the platform.
This launch marks an important milestone in Human Resources’ modernization efforts. The new system improves the experience for applicants while giving departments clearer, more reliable tools to manage hiring from start to finish.
Grow Your Skills with Spring 2026 Campus Classes
UMass Amherst staff have a valuable opportunity to build skills, expand workplace capabilities, and connect with colleagues through the Partnership for Worker Education (PWE). PWE offers campus‑based classes each fall and spring tailored especially for unionized campus staff, including members of the Professional Staff Union (PSU), University Staff Association (USA), and American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
Spring 2026 Campus Class Catalog
Writing and Communication: Practice respectful dialogue and learn communication strategies for difficult conversations at work. Another section focuses on creative group writing with supportive feedback.
Workplace English as a Second or Other Language: Multiple levels of English instruction strengthen grammar, vocabulary, listening, speaking, and reading in the workplace and everyday contexts.
Workplace Computer: A range of practical tech classes covers Foxit Editor, Canva, basic computer skills, Microsoft Word, and intermediate Excel.
Wellness: Options include a guided nature walk focused on sensory awareness and mindfulness sessions designed to support stress management and resilience.
Respectful Work Environment: A workshop series helps participants understand and practice strategies for cultivating respectful, inclusive workplace cultures.
Financial Literacy: Workshops address long‑term planning topics such as retirement income, home buying, and using household assets in financial planning.
Facilities and Campus Services Career Ladder: Hands‑on sessions introduce trades tools and explore opportunities for women in the trades as part of career development within Facilities and Campus Services.
Career Advising: Classes include résumé writing, cover letters, job interviewing techniques, and explorations of career pathways and goals. Appointments for individualized advising are also available.
Building Bridges: This class brings together worker artists to plan campus exhibitions and elevate the visibility of staff creative work, including preparation for the Annual Showcase at the Fine Arts Center.
PWE’s spring 2026 offerings combine practical skills training with creative, reflective, and career development opportunities. Register early to secure your spot and invest in your professional growth.
UMass Amherst’s Partnership for Worker Education Awarded $250,000 to Expand Workforce Training in Climate-Critical Careers
The Partnership for Worker Education (PWE) has received a $250,000 grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) to expand its Community Works pre-apprenticeship program. The funding will support workforce training in construction and transportation while adding a focus on climate-critical occupations in western Massachusetts.
“This opportunity allows us to enhance our pre-apprenticeship programming with a clean energy focus,” said Jacob Carter, director of PWE. “It also enables our Community Works program to align curriculum and skills development with the Commonwealth’s ambitious clean energy vision across the four counties of Western Massachusetts.”
This award is part of a broader $27 million investment from the Healey-Driscoll administration to strengthen Massachusetts’s clean energy and climate tech workforce. Across the state, 67 organizations will use this funding to train more than 13,000 residents for in-demand careers, provide hands-on experience, and support underrepresented businesses in the clean energy sector.
Governor Maura Healey highlighted the importance of the initiative, noting that the funding equips thousands of residents with the skills and opportunities needed for good-paying careers in growing industries. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll emphasized how programs like these create clear pathways to meaningful work that strengthen communities and the state economy.
At UMass Amherst, the grant will expand the Community Works program, giving participants practical training and preparation for sustainable careers in climate-focused industries. “Community Works serves everyday people in the four counties of Western Massachusetts who want to make a career in the building trades,” said Jeff Napolitano, senior project director for PWE. “This new funding from MassCEC expands the training and opportunities for our graduates, making our free program even more valuable and accessible.”
Tax Forms
2025 Tax Forms: W-2, 1095, and 1099-HC
W-2 Forms
Your 2025 W-2 will be available in HR Direct by the end of January 2026. Employees who haven’t opted for electronic delivery will receive their W-2 by mail and are encouraged to consent to electronic delivery of the 2026 W-2 via HR Direct Employee Self Service.
Health Insurance Forms
1099-HC: Required for Massachusetts tax filing, this form is mailed directly by your insurance carrier. If you were covered by multiple plans in 2025, you will receive a separate form for each plan.
1095 Forms are not required for federal or state tax filing purposes
1095-B: Shows the months you were covered under your employer’s health plan. Benefited faculty and staff can request this from the Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission. Postdoctoral employees will receive it from Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Massachusetts.
1095-C: Active employees can access their 1095-C in HR Direct in March. After March employees may request a copy via AskHR, by mail or in person at the HR Employee Service Center (valid picture ID required).
For detailed instructions on accessing and using your 2025 tax forms, view the full guide.
GIC 2026 Public Information Sessions
Group Insurance Commission (GIC) members are invited to attend the GIC’s 2026 Public Information Sessions online. These sessions provide an overview of the GIC’s Fiscal Year 2026 plan and include opportunities for questions and answers.
Session Schedule
Session 1: January 27, 2026, at 12 p.m. Register
Session 2: January 27, 2026, at 6 p.m. Register
Session 3: January 29, 2026, at 9 a.m. Register
Requests for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should be submitted to gic [dot] ada [dot] requests [at] mass [dot] gov or by calling 617 727 2310 (TDD/TTY: 711).
Sessions will be recorded and made available on the GIC’s YouTube channel for those unable to attend. For questions or additional information about the GIC’s Fiscal Year 2026 plan, visit mass.gov/gic or review the GIC’s frequently asked questions.
UMass Week of Wellbeing Begins February 7, 2026
The Week of Wellbeing kicks off the semester with a wide range of opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to relax, connect, and recharge as we return to campus. Highlights include Chapel Unplugged, a lunchtime symposium with author and sociologist Allison Pugh, and the enchanting Pondfire by the Campus Pond. You're also invited to participate in other engaging events designed to nurture mind, body, and spirit.
The Week of Wellbeing is a cross-campus collaboration involving the Okanagan Wellbeing Collective, the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Student Affairs and Campus Life, and many others. Learn More!
Moving at the Pace of Presence with Rolf Gates
Faculty, staff, and students are invited to Moving at the Pace of Presence: A Campus Day of Yoga and Meditation with Rolf Gates, a restorative event designed to help participants slow down, reconnect, and recharge. Through movement, breath, and stillness, you’ll cultivate balance, clarity, and a renewed sense of ease for the semester ahead.
The day will involve resettling our nervous systems with meditation practice and gentle yoga. Please wear layers and comfortable clothing. A blanket, water bottle, and meditation props are recommended. Limited props will be available.
February 07, 2026 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Register today!
This is a free Week of Wellbeing event. Pre-registration is required; lunch will be provided. Attendees must have a UMass email address to register.
The Popular CoJourn for Well-Being Program Returns January 22
Faculty and staff are invited to participate in the CoJourn for Well-Being program, a structured experience focused on goal follow-through, reflection, and connection. The program begins on Thursday, January 22, and runs for 12 weeks.
CoJourn for Well-Being pairs participants with an accountability partner and includes guided weekly check-ins, a live virtual launch, and additional group touchpoints. Participants choose their own focus, which often includes stress management, work-life balance, creative projects, health goals, or personal growth.
Full program details and registration information are available on their website, where individuals may enroll directly for the upcoming sessions.
Workplace Learning and Development: AI-Powered Role-Play from LinkedIn Learning
With more than 15,000 courses taught by industry experts and new content added weekly, LinkedIn Learning is available to UMass Amherst students, faculty, and staff at no cost. The platform offers flexible, on-demand learning that complements existing campus programs and professional development opportunities.
AI-Powered Role-Play
Imagine if preparing for your next tough conversation—whether it’s a performance review, a negotiation, or a big client pitch—felt as comfortable as practicing any new skill.
That’s now possible with LinkedIn Learning’s new AI-powered role play.
This innovative tool lets you rehearse real workplace scenarios in a safe, judgment-free space and gives you instant, actionable feedback to help you get better with every try. For small business owners, it means you and your team can build confidence and communication skills—anytime, anywhere.
Career Opportunities—Tell a Friend
The Second Class Power Plant Engineer
The Second Class Power Plant Engineer performs numerous operations and maintenance tasks and leads others in the safe and efficient operation of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Power Plant, meeting all environmental and safety requirements. Works under the direction and supervision of the Power Plant Manager and Power Plant Assistant Plant Manager.