UMass HR Insider—July 2025 | Volume 3, Issue 7
Content
Pack the Pantry!
Support the New Campus Pantry at UMass
From August 4 to 15, join Pack the Pantry, a campuswide food drive supporting the launch of the Campus Pantry: ASC@UMass, which opens September 5 at 472 North Pleasant Street (lower level). The pantry will offer weekly grocery shopping to students who need extra support putting food on the table.
Organized by UMass Basic Needs Initiatives and the UMass Amherst Community Campaign (UMACC), the drive welcomes donations of nonperishable, easy-to-eat items that work well for those with limited kitchen access. Popular items include soups and pasta with pull-tab lids, instant oatmeal, cereal bars, snacks, and single-serving items such as applesauce or noodles.
Look for collection bins across campus at the following locations:
• Boyden Hall
• Isenberg School of Management
• Old Chapel
• Physical Plant
• Randolph W. Bromery Center for the Arts
• UMass Downtown
• Venture Way
• Whitmore Administration Building
If you’d like to organize a collection in your office or department, contact bridgethynes [at] umass [dot] edu (subject: ) (bridgethynes[at]umass[dot]edu) or jengallant [at] umass [dot] edu (subject: ) (jengallant[at]umass[dot]edu).
Lunch on the Lawn—Don’t Miss It!
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.
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
Making the Most of UMass: Your Guide to Employee Resources
As a valued member of the UMass Amherst community, you have access to a wide range of resources designed to enrich both your work and personal life. From convenient dining options to professional development, we encourage you to explore these benefits to make the most of your experience with us.
Maximize Your UMass Amherst Experience!
Thrive at Five: Summer Yoga and Mindfulness Series
Presented by the Okanagan Wellbeing Collective, Thrive at Five is a free yoga and mindfulness series designed to help you unwind, recharge, and reconnect this summer.
Every Tuesday | 5–6 p.m. | June 17–August 19
Orchard Hill Pavilion
Open to all UMass faculty, staff, and students
Set in the tranquil setting of Orchard Hill Pavilion, each 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.
We Are a Health Promoting University
Pillars of Well-Being: The Built and Natural Environment
A health-promoting campus pays attention to the connection between people, place, and planet. UMass Amherst acknowledges the land it occupies and honors the nations who were its first stewards. We aim to design and maintain spaces that support health, safety, and well-being for everyone who studies, works, and lives here.
We’re focused on creating healthy spaces across our community—from housing and parks to transportation—that make it easier for everyone to thrive.
Campus Master Plan
Land Acknowledgement
Applications Open: Fall 2025 Foundations of Supervision Certificate Program
The UMass Amherst Leadership Academy helps supervisors, managers, and leaders strengthen skills, build community, and connect their work with the university’s mission.
The Foundations of Supervision certificate program helps participants build essential skills, core competencies, and practical habits to be strong supervisors. Details on eligibility, schedules, deadlines, and how to apply are all here.
Highlighting Partnership for Worker Education Programs:
Facilities and Campus Services Career Ladder Program
Launched in 2018 by Facilities and Campus Services and AFSCME Local 1776, the Career Ladder program began with a thorough workforce assessment to understand the strengths and challenges of the custodial team. Today, more than 400 custodial staff members help keep our campus safe and clean for thousands of students, faculty, and staff every day. Learn more about how this program supports professional growth and career advancement. Learn more.