UMass HR Insider—May 2026 | Volume 4, Issue 5
Content
New Energy. New Ideas. A Community in Motion at UMass Amherst
With Commencement behind us, UMass Amherst is settling into a different rhythm—but campus remains active with new programs, opportunities, and ways to stay connected. This month’s newsletter highlights the many ways faculty and staff continue to support one another through community-building workshops, wellness offerings, professional opportunities, and resources designed to support employees both at work and at home. Whether through meaningful conversations, moments of mindfulness, or simply finding new inspiration in daily routines, the energy of spring continues to shape campus life.
As we move through the final weeks of spring and begin looking ahead, this year continues to bring fresh ideas, renewed focus, and a strong sense of community to UMass Amherst. Even as the pace of campus shifts, the work, creativity, and connections that define our community remain very much in motion.
Support Resources for Employees
As our community continues to remember our colleague Emma, we want to remind employees that support resources remain available for anyone who may need them.
Employees seeking support are encouraged to make use of the following resources:
Center for Women and Community: 24/7 Sexual Assault Support and Advocacy Hotline: 413-545-0800
National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788
Employee Counseling and Consultation Office (ECCO): To speak with a counselor, call 413-545-0350 or email ecco [at] umass [dot] edu to schedule an appointment. Additional
support resources are also available online at any time using the access code mass4you.
We encourage employees to reach out for support whenever needed.
Exclusive Discount Offer for UMass Faculty and Staff!
UMass faculty and staff can take advantage of an exclusive discount on this summer’s UMass Discovery Camp, making it even easier to give children a season filled with creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning. Offered in partnership with RecWell, the camp brings together science, art, nature, athletics, and team challenges in an engaging environment designed to spark curiosity and build confidence.
With support from engaging mentors, children develop problem-solving skills, strengthen collaboration, and engage in curiosity-driven learning in a supportive environment designed for growth and discovery.
Camp Sessions
Session One: Monday August 3, 2026–Friday August 7, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Session Two: Monday August 10, 2026–Friday August 14, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
To celebrate the launch of UMass Discovery Camp, UMass Amherst faculty and staff are eligible to receive $25 off one camper registration.
Register today and use discount code FacStaffDisc at checkout.
Can You Dig It? Tools for Speaking and Being Heard
Join the Ombuds Office for a 90-minute workshop to enhance your communication skills for more satisfying and effective working relationships. You will engage in discussion and interactive exercises, practicing speaking and listening skills that will support you in your day-to-day interactions, as well as when conflicts arise.
June 11, 2026 | 3–4:30 p.m.
Campus Center
Register Today
What’s Cooking? Your Free NYT Subscription Just Became Your Best Dinner Planner
Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight inspiration, global flavors, or just something new to break out of your usual rotation, NYT Cooking is one of the easiest ways to refresh what’s on your table.
Once you have activated your free New York Times access through UMass Amherst, you can subscribe to daily recipe inspiration and cooking newsletters by following the steps below:
- Visit NYT Cooking
- Click Log In in the upper-right corner and sign in using the New York Times account associated with your UMass access.
- After signing in, click your profile icon or initials in the upper-right corner.
- Select Account Settings or Email Preferences from the dropdown menu.
- Scroll to the Newsletters section.
- Look for cooking-related newsletters such as:
- The Cooking Newsletter
- Five Weeknight Dishes
- The Veggie
- Daily Recipe Inspiration
- Check the box or select Subscribe next to any newsletters you would like to receive
- Be sure to save your preferences if prompted.
You should begin receiving newsletters in your email inbox shortly after subscribing.
No Benefit Premium Deductions on June 5
Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission (GIC), Post-Doctoral health insurance, and Non-Unit Dental insurance premium deductions are not withheld during payroll periods associated with the third pay period ending in a month. As a result, the June 5, 2026, pay statements (which reflect the third pay period ending in May) will not include deductions for these benefit premiums.
This is a standard feature of the payroll schedule and does not impact employees’ benefit coverage. Premium deductions will resume in the following pay period as usual.
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!
Employee Spotlight
Carla Dudeley Jean Charles, Partnership for Workers Education
The University of Massachusetts Amherst Gerald F. Scanlon Student Employee of the Year Award honors those who have demonstrated exceptional performance by contributing their time and skills to help the university achieve its goals and objectives.
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 one of the following sessions—space is limited, so be sure to register today!
Session Dates and Times
June 23, 2026 | 12:15 p.m. | ZOOM
June 25, 2026 | 12:15 p.m. | ZOOM
Career Opportunities—Tell a Friend
Director of Financial Planning and Operations
Reporting to the Assistant Provost for Financial Planning and Operations, the Director of Financial Planning and Operations provides strategic financial leadership and operational oversight for the Provost’s Office and assigned Academic Affairs administrative units. This position is a key member of the Provost’s Office Administration & Finance (A&F) team, which serves as a centralized shared-services hub providing comprehensive financial, operational, and administrative support to over a dozen administrative units and programs across Academic Affairs.