UMass HR Insider—February 2024 | Volume 2, Issue 2
Content
We’re Here for Community and Connection!
As the days slowly but surely grow longer and we welcome back students for the spring semester, we're excited to highlight another month filled with opportunities for faculty and staff to come together and positively impact our community.
From our UMass central HR team volunteering at the Amherst Survival Center to the upcoming LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group Welcome Reception, well-being workshops, and the annual Random Acts of Kindness Through Art campaign, UMass Amherst is alive with opportunities designed for everyone and anyone.
At UMass, we're here for you, we're here for our community, and we're here for good—every step of the way. Let's continue making a difference together!
—Kevin Kerwood, Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer
Did You Know?
Here for the Community—Central HR Volunteers at the Amherst Survival Center
On Feb. 5, Laurie Cole, Tami O'Malley, Heema Wallace, Susan Weldon, and Kevin Kerwood from our UMass central HR team volunteered at the Amherst Survival Center, which provides essential services to residents of Franklin and Hampshire counties through a wide variety of programs. This month, our team assisted the center with receiving food deliveries and organizing the food pantry.
HR looks forward to continuing the partnership with the Amherst Survival Center through the spring to allow more HR staff to volunteer and build relationships. By engaging with local non-profits like the Amherst Survival Center, our employees help these organizations continue to provide the many necessary services they support. Our employees are truly "here for good!"
Are you interested in volunteering at a local non-profit organization? Reach out to your departmental HR director to discuss how you can help!
Retirement Scams Are on the Rise
The UMass Amherst Information Security team has seen a steep rise in emails to umass.edu accounts regarding retirement planning, sent by organizations with no relationship to UMass Human Resources, the Massachusetts State Retirement Board (MSRB), Department of Higher Education, or their plan representatives.
You can protect yourself against retirement benefits phishing attempts by remaining vigilant, verifying sender information, avoiding clicking on suspicious links, being cautious of urgency and threats, and refraining from sharing personal information. Make informed and considered decisions about who you choose to engage as a retirement planner. The university does not provide or advertise financial planning services.
Members of the MA State Employees’ Retirement System can request a pension estimate directly from the MSRB. Members of the Optional Retirement Program can request one directly from their investment vendor (TIAA or Fidelity).
Determining whether emails are phishing attempts or legitimate marketing emails can often be challenging. Following these additional tips can help you keep your information safe and avoid scams!
News You Can Use
LGBTQIA+ Faculty and Staff Welcome Reception
The UMass LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group (ERG) invites all LGBTQIA+ employees and their loved ones to our inaugural welcome reception! Please join us on Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 4:30–6 p.m. at the Old Chapel's beautiful Great Hall for a joyful evening of community-building. A cash bar and free food from UMass Catering will be available. Please complete this RSVP form before Feb. 19 to ensure the planning team can account for all accessibility and dietary needs.
Are you interested in joining the UMass LGBTQIA+ ERG? Do you want to keep up with future event announcements for LGBTQIA+ faculty and staff? Complete this interest form to get connected.
Employee Wellness
How to Form a Well-Being Committee in Your Department
This workshop is for any employee who wants to connect with others about the health and happiness of employees. We will talk about how a Well-Being Committee works, how to get started, and how the Employee Counseling and Consultation Office can help. You don't need to be a manager to take this workshop, but managers are welcome! Join one of the workshops on Feb. 28 or March 15.
It’s Beneficial
Elevate Your Education: Tuition Discounts Make Learning Affordable
Did you know that the University offers tuition discounts at the UMass campuses to benefited university employees and retirees, their spouses, and dependent children? Learn moreabout how to take advantage of this educational benefit.
Our People Are Here for Good!
"Having worked at UMass Amherst for over 22 years, I was feeling ready for my next challenge. I decided to apply for an accountant position within the Electrical and Computer Engineering department and was offered the job! I truly found my forever work-home here with the wonderful faculty and staff that I work with every day.”
—Nancy Martinez
Accountant, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Professional Development
Random Acts of Kindness Through Art
As The Partnership for Worker Education prepares for its seventh annual Building Bridges Showcase on April 2 at the Randolph W. Bromery Center for the Arts, the public art and engagement initiative's Worker Artists Group is launching its annual Random Acts of Kindness Through Art campaign.
This campaign is based on the premise that giving the community something beautiful, handmade, and meaningfully crafted brings joy to both the artist and the recipient. Printed on cardstock, the artwork includes photographs, mixed media, illustrations, stained glass, and more. After the launch, the cards will be distributed to high-traffic areas across campus for all to enjoy.
Be on the lookout for more information about the upcoming launch event the week of Feb. 19.
Career Opportunities—Tell a Friend!
HR Specialist/Recruiter—Multiple Positions (Hybrid Opportunity)
Under the direction of the A&F Director(s) of HR, the HR Specialist/Recruiter will streamline the hiring process to support our fast-paced operations by effectively onboarding new staff; will consult with the total compensation team to ensure that open positions are processed accurately and quickly; and will provide superior customer service to job candidates and hiring managers. Learn more.