UMass HR Insider—September 2026 | Volume 4, Issue 9

Content

Building the Future of HR at UMass Amherst: Introducing the New HR Modernization Website 

UMass Amherst is continuing its work to build a modern, integrated, and strategic human resources model designed to better support employees, strengthen partnerships across campus, and help leaders achieve institutional goals.

As the university has grown into a large, complex, and highly dynamic institution, our HR structure must evolve alongside it. HR modernization is not simply about reorganizing services—it is about creating a more consistent, collaborative, and forward-looking HR experience that aligns with best practices in higher education. 

To support this effort, we are excited to launch the new HR Modernization website—a central resource for employees to learn more about the initiative, its goals, progress updates, and what modernization means for the future of HR at UMass Amherst.

The modernization plan is focused on: 

• Creating clearer ownership and accountability 
• Building centralized areas of expertise 
• Strengthening strategic HR partnerships
• Enhancing the employee experience 
• Delivering more consistent support across the university 

The new website will serve as an ongoing hub for information, updates, and resources as this important work continues. 

We encourage all employees to explore the site and learn more about how HR modernization is helping prepare UMass Amherst for the future.  

Applications Open: Fall 2026 Foundations of Supervision Certificate Program

The UMass Amherst Leadership Academy helps supervisors, managers, and leaders strengthen their skills, build connections, and align their work with the university’s mission.

Designed for new supervisors and those who are new to UMass Amherst, the Foundations of Supervision certificate program provides essential skills, core competencies, and practical strategies for effective supervision. The program will be offered virtually this fall.

Learn more and apply

Visit the Leadership Academy website for eligibility requirements, the schedule, application deadline, and program details.

Celebrating Years of Service at UMass Amherst

More than 400 UMass Amherst employees were recognized for their dedication and contributions to the university at the Length of Service Awards, held August 18 on Haigis Mall. The annual celebration honors employees who have reached service milestones of 10 years or more, in five-year increments.

This year’s honorees represented an impressive range of experience and service to UMass Amherst. More than 120 employees were recognized for the first time, while the longest-tenured honorees included Elizabeth Wiernasz, registrar in the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, who was recognized for 55 years of service, and Richard Nathhorst, research facilities manager in the Office of Research and Engagement, who celebrated 50 years.

The celebration provided an opportunity for campus leadership and colleagues to recognize the many contributions these employees have made to the university. Chancellor Javier Reyes congratulated the honorees and noted the individual and collective impact they continue to have on the UMass Amherst community.

Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees, and thank you for the experience, dedication, and commitment you bring to UMass Amherst. Your service helps make our university the community it is today.

Cybersecurity Awareness: Complete Your Required Training

A quick reminder: UMass Amherst employees received information about the annual required Cybersecurity Awareness Training on September 1. The training is now available through Skillsoft Percipio, and we encourage you to complete it as soon as possible. While the official cybersecurity campaign begins on October 1, there’s no need to wait!

The approximately 30-minute training covers common cyber threats, including phishing, social engineering, and password security. All UMass employees are required to complete the training.

What you need to know

• Check your email for a message from Skillsoft Percipio with instructions for accessing the training.
• Employees who do not complete the training will be subject to phased system access restrictionsbeginning in mid-October.
• Review the FAQs for information about the training, deadlines, and system access restrictions.

Thank you for doing your part to help protect university information, systems, and our UMass community.

Connect With Causes That Matter: UMass Amherst Community Campaign (UMACC) Nonprofit Fair  

The UMass Amherst Community Campaign (UMACC) will kick off on Tuesday, September 29, in Old Chapel from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a launch event and Nonprofit Fair. The event will provide an opportunity to connect with representatives from local nonprofits, find volunteer opportunities, and learn how you can support causes that matter to you.

Through UMACC, faculty, staff, and retirees can support causes with a single gift that can be divided among as many nonprofits as they’d like. Donations can be made through payroll deduction, check, or credit card, and more than one million organizations are eligible to receive gifts through UMACC. UMass Amherst does not retain any portion of your donation.  

For questions about UMACC or the Nonprofit Fair, contact jengallant [at] umass [dot] edu (subject: ) (jengallant[at]umass[dot]edu).

Be UMass Ready: Monthly Preparedness Series
September 2026: Build a Safer Campus Together!

The UMass Amherst campuswide preparedness campaign, presented by the Office of Emergency Management, returns this year with a Monthly Preparedness Series designed to help students, faculty, and staff respond confidently during emergencies.

September kicks off the academic year with a general overview of preparedness, focusing on three core actions—Be Informed, Have a Plan, and Build a Kit —that strengthen the campus community’s ability to support one another when it matters most. Each month, the series will revisit these actions and apply them to different scenarios, from fire and severe weather to CPR, cooking safety, and beyond. Real-world scenarios will provide practical knowledge and skills to help the UMass community stay prepared.

Be Informed

Start by understanding how UMass communicates during emergencies. Sign up for UMass Amherst Emergency Alerts to receive real-time information about situations that could impact campus operations. Also, explore the Maroon Folder and Workplace Support Resources, which provide helpful contacts and resources for community members who need assistance.

Have a Plan

Knowing where to go and what to do makes all the difference. Get familiar with UMass Emergency Procedures and create a personal preparedness plan using this template. Identify evacuation routes, designate meeting points, establish emergency contacts, and more. Having a plan helps you act quickly and confidently when an emergency occurs. 

Build a Kit

Keep essential supplies on hand and ready. A basic emergency kit can make a critical difference when you need it most. Beyond physical preparedness, strengthen your skills by taking Emergency Preparedness Training, available to all students, faculty, and staff both online and in the classroom.

Ready to get started? Learn more about these actions, access resources, and discover upcoming training opportunities through the Office of Emergency Management.

Taking these simple steps now can help UMass Amherst remain a safe, prepared, and resilient community for everyone.

Thrive at Five Summer Yoga and Mindfulness Series Extended Through September 29

Join fellow UMass faculty, staff, and students for all-levels Vinyasa yoga and mindfulness sessions on Tuesday, September 22, and Tuesday, September 29, from 5–6 p.m. 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! 

Discover Nia: Movement, Music, and Community

Faculty, staff, and students often spend long stretches sitting and working in isolation. Nia offers an opportunity to reconnect with your body through movement.

Nia is a movement practice that encourages participants to explore their potential by engaging their senses and listening to their bodies. It draws from martial arts, dance, yoga, and other healing arts, with a focus on finding health and community.

Classes are practiced barefoot in a group setting and accompanied by diverse music from around the world. Nia is non-impact and adaptable to individual needs and abilities. Participants should wear loose-fitting clothing. Experienced instructor Alice Heller will demonstrate the movements and accommodate a range of intensity levels.

All are welcome to participate in these free classes. Join for one class or all 10 throughout the fall semester.

The first class will be held Friday, September 25, from 4–5 p.m. in 101 Furcolo Hall (College of Education). Classes will continue every other Friday from 4–5 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 6:45–7:45 p.m. throughout the semester.

Career Opportunities—Tell a Friend

Labor Relations Specialist

The Labor Relations Specialist serves as a dedicated HR partner supporting the University’s Labor Relations function. This role focuses on collective bargaining agreement administration, labor relations processes, and operational support within a complex, unionized higher education environment. This position supports Labor Relations leadership through research, documentation, case coordination, and stakeholder communication.