UMass HR Insider—March 2025 | Volume 3, Issue 3

Content

New Onboarding Initiative Enhances Employee Experience at UMass Amherst

The University has recently launched a new onboarding initiative designed to improve the experience of new hires at UMass Amherst. This comprehensive campaign introduces a dedicated website and a first-year email journey, both designed to streamline and simplify the onboarding process for all new employees.

The initiative focuses on providing new hires with clear, consistent, and timely information, which helps eliminate confusion, boost engagement, and facilitate a smoother transition into their roles. These communication channels ensure that new employees can easily access essential resources, policies, and training materials right from the start.

By offering a user-friendly experience and easy access to vital information, UMass Amherst is ensuring that new employees enjoy a more efficient, seamless onboarding journey, setting them up for success from day one. Check out the New Employee Guide here!

Don’t Miss the Employee Wellness Fair! 

The UMass community is invited to the Employee Wellness Fair, a day dedicated to supporting and promoting health and well-being. Sponsored by the UMass Public Health Promotion Center, Dining Services, Environmental Health and Safety, Marieb College of Nursing, RecWell, University Health Services, and the School of Public Health and Health Sciences, this event promises to offer a wide range of resources to help employees prioritize their health.

Date: Thursday, April 3
Time: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: Campus Center Auditorium

Featuring:

• FREE health screenings, including
  • blood pressure and hearing screenings
  • biometrics
  • nutrition
  • ergonomics
  • counseling
• Yoga and mindfulness sessions
• Educational programs and community resources
• Raffles and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for employees to access health screenings, discover wellness programs, and learn more about campus resources. Don’t miss out on the chance step toward a healthier and more balanced lifestyle!

For more information, contact: jblabran [at] umass [dot] edu (subject: ) (jblabran[at]umass[dot]edu).

Open Enrollment: April 2 – May 1, 2025

It’s that time of year again! Keep an eye on your inbox for upcoming emails about this year’s open enrollment period, where you’ll have the chance to make important changes to your benefits. Here’s what you need to know:

GIC Health Insurance

This is your opportunity to enroll, cancel, or make changes to your health insurance plan and/or dependents. Not registered for the MyGIC Portal yet? Now’s the time to do it!

GIC Flexible Spending Accounts

You can enroll or re-enroll in the Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) and Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP). Just a heads-up—annual re-enrollment is required to continue your coverage.

MetLegal Insurance

If you’re interested in MetLegal insurance, you can enroll or cancel coverage easily online through Corestream/Compass.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Interested in long-term care coverage? You can get a quote from Trustmark, the university’s LTC insurer. Watch for emails coming from Trustmark with more info.

Please note: Open enrollment in April and May does not apply to dental insurance. For more details, check out your dental plan’s webpage.

Stay tuned for more information, and make sure to review your benefits during this important enrollment period!

New Platform for Required Employee Training

UMass Amherst has launched a new training platform through Vector Solutions for required employee training, including the Conflict of Interest course mandated by Massachusetts State Law. This training helps ensure integrity in public service by outlining the responsibilities of public employees and preventing conflicts between private interests and public duties.

New employees must complete the Conflict of Interest training within 30 days of their hire date. Current employees are required to complete the training every two years and will receive a notification when it is time to renew.

Employees can find links to required training on the HR website. For technical assistance with logging in, contact it [at] umass [dot] edu (subject: ) (it[at]umass[dot]edu). Questions about training requirements can be directed to compliance [at] umass [dot] edu (subject: ) (compliance[at]umass[dot]edu), and accessibility concerns should be sent to UMass Amherst Accessibility.

Spring Workshops Hosted by the Office of Equity and Inclusion

The Office of Equity and Inclusion is excited to offer several workshops this spring that are aimed at expanding upon some of the most popular sessions from the annual JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) conference. These workshops are designed to engage the broader UMass Amherst community in important conversations and practices around inclusion, belonging, and justice. All in the campus community are invited to participate and deepen their knowledge in these critical areas.

Trans & Nonbinary Allyship: Strategies to Support a Culture of Belonging
Co-hosted by the Stonewall Center
Date: Thursday, April 3
Time: 4–6 p.m.
Location: Stonewall Center, 403 Goodell Hall
Trans and nonbinary individuals continue to face significant challenges in education, health care, and public spaces. As anti-trans legislation increases, many allies are seeking ways to support trans and nonbinary communities. The workshop will focus on strategies for fostering advocacy and creating a culture of belonging at UMass Amherst. 
Learn more.

Introduction to Restorative & Transformative Justice: Seeding Restorative Mindsets in the UMass Amherst Community
Date: Thursday, April 17
Time: 1–4 p.m.
Location: Campus Center, 1st Floor, Room 165
In an era defined by ideological divides and escalating conflict, Restorative and Transformative Justice offers pathways to principled struggle, intentional repair, and collective healing. This interactive workshop will explore the historical origins of restorative practices, key concepts, and vocabulary.
Learn more.

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of these important conversations! For more information, please reach out to the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

It’s Beneficial: In-Person Assistance Available at the Human Resources Employee Service Center

The Human Resources Employee Service Center is here to help UMass Amherst employees with any questions related to benefits and payroll. Whether you need assistance or simply have questions, the center offers convenient, in-person support—no appointment necessary!

If you have any questions about your benefits or payroll, stop by Room 325 of the Whitmore Administration Building for quick, helpful support! Learn more.

Workplace Learning and Development (WLD)

Interested in improving your communication skills? Consider any of these upcoming classes:

• Communication with the Generations
• Difficult Conversations
• Focused Active Listening: Navigating Workplace Misunderstandings
• Navigating Emotions on a Team
• The Art of Positive Language

Complete descriptions and registration can be found on the WLD website. Sign up for classes today!

The Partnership for Worker Education

Random Acts of Kindness Through Art 

Participants of Building Bridges, the campuswide employee art collective, are excited to share their creations with the UMass community as part of a “random act of kindness through art.” Art cards featuring these beautiful works can be found across campus, including at the Institute for Applied Life Sciences, Physical Plant, Crotty Hall, Gordon Hall, the 7th floor of the W. E. B. De Bois Library, Wilder Hall, and Furcolo Hall (more locations coming soon). These limited-edition art cards are available for free through April 1, so be sure to grab yours before they’re gone!

Building Bridges Showcase Event 

Date: April 1
Time: noon–7 p.m.
Location: Bromery Center for the Arts
Don't miss the Building Bridges Showcase Event on April 1! This one-day celebration highlights the incredibly creative talents of UMass staff, with a variety of workshops, art demonstrations, and live music. The event will also feature a vibrant gallery of artwork, including quilting, sculpture, photography, beadwork, painting, poetry, and more. 

Building Bridges is proudly brought to you by Partnership for Worker Education, Office of Equity and Inclusion, and Civic Engagement and Service-Learning .