UMass HR Insider—June 2026 | Volume 4, Issue 6

Content

A Simpler Way to Request a Flexible Work Arrangement

We are pleased to share a simpler way to request a Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA). A new online form is now available, replacing the previous DocuSign/PDF process. The updated form streamlines submissions and provides easier tracking of requests. 

What’s new 

• The form is fully online and automatically routes your request once you enter your supervisor and your vice chancellor, dean, or designee approver. 
• You must manually enter approver information, as it does not auto-populate. 
• No changes have been made to the information required under collective bargaining agreements. 
• Forms, guidelines, and resources are available on the Human Resources Flex Work at UMasspage. 

Before you submit 

• Discuss your proposed arrangement with your supervisor. 
• Confirm the correct approvers with your supervisor prior to submission. 

All FWA requests require approval from your supervisor and your unit’s vice chancellor, dean, or designee.

If you already have an FWA 

• No new form is needed unless you are requesting a change. 
• Arrangements do not expire, but they should be reviewed at least annually with your supervisor. 

Please save your confirmation email in a dedicated folder to retain a copy of your approved agreement.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact your supervisor or submit an inquiry through AskHR. They can answer questions, explain requirements, and assist you throughout the process.

UMass Amherst Earns Seventh Consecutive STARS Gold Rating

The University of Massachusetts Amherst has earned a Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) for the seventh consecutive reporting cycle, recognizing the university’s continued commitment to sustainability across campus.

STARS measures sustainability performance in areas including academics, engagement, operations, and administration. UMass Amherst has maintained a STARS Gold rating since 2011. The university’s latest rating is valid through May 2029.

Faculty and staff can view the university’s public STARS report on the AASHE website. As an AASHE member institution, all UMass community members can create an account using their university email address to access additional sustainability resources. Read more here. 

Staff + Faculty Well-being Summer 2026 Drop-Ins

Prioritize Your Wellbeing

Take some time to focus on your wellbeing and connect with other staff and faculty this summer.

Optional Just One Thing Discussion

Read 1–2 pages of Just One Thing and share your experience with an activity you chose. The book is optional.

Share Your Wellbeing Practices

You're also welcome to check in and discuss anything you're doing to support your health and wellbeing.

Join In Person or on Zoom

In Person: Wednesdays at noon in Campus Center Room 804–808: June 24; July 8, 22; August 12 | Feel free to bring your lunch!
Zoom: Thursdays at noon: June 25; July 23, 30; August 6, 13, 20

Rest When Your Body Asks

No sign-up required. Stay for a few minutes or longer, attend as many or as few sessions as you'd like.

UMass Employees Save on Summer Soccer Camp Registration

Registration is now open for the Massachusetts Soccer School’s 2026 Summer Camps, hosted and staffed by UMass Men’s Soccer. Designed for young players of varying skill levels, the camps offer a fun and engaging opportunity to develop soccer skills while learning from UMass coaches and student-athletes. 

Three camp sessions will be offered this summer:

• Session I: July 6–10, 2026
• Session II: July 20–24, 2026
• Session III: July 27–31, 2026

Half-day and full-day options are available for all sessions. Full-day campers will receive lunch provided by UMass Dining and a complimentary camp T-shirt.

As a benefit for the UMass community, faculty and staff are eligible for a $25 discount on camp registration. To receive the faculty/staff discount code, email umass [dot] soccer [dot] school [at] gmail [dot] com (subject: ) (umass[dot]soccer[dot]school[at]gmail[dot]com). Sibling discounts are also available.

The SkyPark at the NEST: A Flexible Team Experience for UMass Employees

The SkyPark at the NEST offers UMass Amherst employees a self-paced, shared experience focused on problem-solving, play, and team connection. Unlike facilitated challenge course programs, the SkyPark allows participants to choose their own level of engagement while moving through elevated elements at their own pace.

The format is designed around “challenge by choice,” giving employees space to set personal goals, support colleagues, and navigate activities in a way that feels manageable. The result is a low-pressure environment where informal collaboration and encouragement often become the most meaningful parts ofthe experience.

The SkyPark is available for private group sessions of up to 10 participants, making it a practical option for departments, onboarding groups, or team-building time. No Recreation Center membership is required.

Pricing:
UMass faculty, staff, and alumni: $150 per group

Additionally, open sessions run weekly from Wednesday, July 1, 2026, through Wednesday, August 19, 2026, with two time slots available at 3 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. Sessions are free for UMass undergraduates and $15 for the broader UMass community.

Your Summer Streaming Lineup: Free Kanopy Access Through UMass Amherst Libraries

Skip the subscriptions this summer and explore a wide range of films, documentaries, and educational series through Kanopy, a free streaming service available to UMass Amherst faculty and staff via the UMass Amherst Libraries.

Kanopy offers thousands of titles, including award-winning films, independent cinema, classic movies, and documentary features. Whether you're looking for something light, thought-provoking, or internationally focused, the platform provides on-demand access without ads or additional cost.

Faculty and staff can access Kanopy through the UMass Amherst portal and sign in using your UMass credentials. No separate subscription is required.

Kanopy can be accessed from most devices, including laptops, tablets, and smart TVs, making it easy to build your own summer “watch list” at home or on the go!

Thrive at Five Summer Yoga and Mindfulness Series

Join fellow UMass faculty, staff, and students every Tuesday from 5–6 p.m., June 2 through August 11, for all-levels Vinyasa yoga and mindfulness sessions at the new Orchard Hill Pavilion. 
Set in a beautiful outdoor space, these free sessions offer an opportunity to move, breathe, and reset in a supportive, welcoming environment. 

Please bring a yoga mat, towel, water bottle, and any props you may need. You are encouraged to come as you are and enjoy time grounded in movement and stillness in nature. 
 
Learn more and register today! 

AI Launch – DISCOVER Workshop

Human Resources and Information Technology are pleased to present AI Launch – DISCOVER, a new professional development opportunity exclusively for UMass Amherst staff.

This introductory workshop is designed to help participants build a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and explore how it can be used responsibly and effectively in everyday work. Whether you are new to AI or simply curious about its potential, these sessions offer a practical and approachable starting point.

In this workshop, led by Patrick Flaherty, Associate Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, participants will learn what AI is, gain insight into UMass Amherst’s approved tools, and review key data guidelines and campus policies related to AI use. The session will also include a live demonstration to illustrate practical, day-to-day applications. Together, these topics are designed to help staff safely begin using AI to enhance productivity and streamline processes.

UMass Amherst staff are invited to join the June 25,12:15 p.m. ZOOM session. Space is limited, so be sure to register today!

Career Opportunities—Tell a Friend

Employee Accommodation Case Manager–ADA

The Employee Accommodations Case Manager partners closely with employees, departments, absence program staff, and HR colleagues to ensure a seamless and supportive experience. This role facilitates the interactive process, supports accommodation implementation and return-to-work efforts, and ensures alignment with federal and state laws, university policies, and collective bargaining agreements. The position contributes to the continuous improvement of integrated case management practices and collaborates regularly with absence management professionals when accommodation and leave issues overlap.