UMass HR Insider—October 2024 | Volume 2, Issue 10
Content
We Are a Health-Promoting University—Refresh and Reset on Campus
Need a break from your busy day? It's important to take time for yourself to recharge and stay refreshed. That's why we've compiled a list of relaxing spots on campus where you can unwind and de-stress. Whether you need a quiet space to focus, a dose of nature, or some furry companionship, we've got you covered.
- Contemplative Room: Find peace and tranquility in this serene space on the third floor of Worcester Commons. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Faculty and Librarian Commons (FLC): This quiet space on the 26th floor of the W. E. B. Du Bois Library is perfect for individual work or collaboration. Enjoy snacks, coffee, and a great view! It is open during library hours. Entry requires a valid UMass Amherst UCard; Faculty and Librarians can request access here.
- Established in 1867, the Durfee Conservatory is a sanctuary of calm and serenity on our hustling and bustling campus. This greenhouse complex features collections of bonsai, orchids, succulents, and tropical plants that surround a fishpond.
- The Fine Arts Center offers performing arts programming throughout the year and is home to the University Museum of Contemporary Art, which has free admission.
Take a break, recharge, and come back refreshed!
Walk-in Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics on Campus—Take Advantage of This Opportunity to Stay Healthy!
This fall, the Public Health Promotion Center is offering free walk-in flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics at various campus locations. No appointment is necessary, and all employees are encouraged to stop by.
Getting vaccinated is a simple way to protect yourself and our community during flu season and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more.
The Ombuds Office: Your Resource for Addressing Work-Related Challenges
When challenges or disputes arise at work, it's natural to feel hesitant about addressing them. You might worry about making a big deal out of something or fear that speaking up could lead to more stress. However, avoiding conflicts can take a toll, impacting your well-being or work and the overall atmosphere of the university. That's why it's essential to know that there's a unique resource here to help you navigate these situations and improve your experience.
The UMass Amherst Ombuds Office is a dedicated resource that supports you in navigating workplace challenges. Whether it's a misunderstanding with a fellow staff member, navigating a difficult conversation with a supervisor, or figuring out how to voice concerns constructively, they can help with any work-related concern, no matter how big or small it may seem. Learn more.
New Ideas Welcome!—Employee Resource Groups and Affinity Groups Can Enhance Your UMass Experience
Thank you to all who joined us at the recent Employee Resource Group and Affinity Group Discovery Fair, supported by the Office of Human Resources and the Office of Equity and Inclusion. If you were unable to attend, there is still time to learn more about our Employee Resource Groups, share your ideas, and provide your input and ideas for new Affinity Groups focused on building communities for members with common backgrounds and shared experiences to connect and support each other.
Take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your UMass experience, connect with colleagues, and explore new avenues for professional growth and mentorship with strong community support. Learn more.
Our People Are Here for Good!
“I love working at UMass Amherst because it is not just a job—it’s a career! The opportunity to work with faculty, staff, and students is truly remarkable. It’s a changing landscape every day, and the energy here is like no other.”
Jeffrey Hescock
Executive Director of Environmental Health and Safety and Emergency Management
Let's Go, UMass!—Discounted Hockey Tickets for Faculty and Staff
UMass Hockey invites you to join the UMass community with your friends and family for an exciting evening at the Mullins Center for our home opener on Friday, October 18, as the UMass Minutemen take on the Sacred Heart Pioneers.
UMass vs. Sacred Heart
October 18, 2024 | 7 p.m.
Mullins Center
200 Commonwealth Ave, Amherst, MA 01003
Going to the game? Show your UMass spirit, tag UMass Amherst and use #GoUMass when posting on social media!
Workplace Learning and Development
Facilitation Fundamentals for Supervisory Skill Development.
This intensive class equips participants with advanced facilitation skills through immersive practice and expert insights. In a focused session, you'll explore techniques for guiding group discussions, managing dynamics, and fostering productive collaboration. With practical exercises and case scenarios, you'll develop the expertise needed to lead effective meetings and team sessions confidently and clearly.
Workshop Date:
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 9 a.m.–3p.m.
Location: Campus Center, Room 804-08
The Partnership for Worker Education: Registration is Now Open for Fall 2024 Classes
The Partnership for Worker Education provides high-quality worker education to a wide range of employees—service maintenance, food service, clerical, and professional—through the development of stakeholder partnerships.
Fall courses in workplace computers, wellness, workplace English, caring for elders, writing and community, career advising, Building Bridges, and more are now available! Sign up today!
New Building Bridges Worker Artist Exhibition—Our Common Ground
UMass Amherst Worker Artist Exhibit
“Our Common Ground” is a new UMass Worker Artist Exhibition presented by the Partnership for Worker Education and the Building Bridges Public Art and Engagement Initiative. Showcasing the work of sixteen UMass worker artists, the exhibit highlights how the care for Mother Earth and each other is expressed through creative practice.
Building Bridges is a collaboration among the Partnership for Worker Education, Human Resources, the Office of Equity and Inclusion, and Civic Engagement and Service Learning. It draws on the power of solidarity and creative expression to bring people together and create a bridge across difference.
Through December 18, 2024
Science and Engineering Library
Lederle Graduate Research Center Lowrise | Floor 2, Room 273
Career Opportunities—Tell a Friend!
Director of Human Resources—College of Education
This position supports the College's social justice mission by directing, managing, and overseeing human resource functions. It is the primary resource for the College regarding all matters related to University personnel policies and procedures and serves as the primary liaison with the Provost's Office, central Human Resources, and other campus administrative offices regarding personnel matters.