UMass HR Insider—January 2024 | Volume 2, Issue 1

Community
Her for Good

At UMass Amherst, We’re Here for Good! 

With the new year comes some exciting news for HR and the UMass Amherst community. Today marks the official launch of our brand-new HR marketing campaign, We’re Here for Good. This initiative is a pivotal step in establishing UMass Amherst as the preferred employer in the Pioneer Valley region of Massachusetts and beyond. 

Drawing on six months of intensive research and development, We’re Here for Good is more than just a campaign—it's a commitment to showcasing the essence of UMass through the faces and stories of our actual employees. By featuring real experiences, we aim to resonate with potential recruits and underscore what makes us a unique and desirable workplace. 

The campaign is strategically designed to recruit and retain top talent, utilizing a multifaceted approach. From digital ads to television, radio/streaming audio, and paid search, We’re Here for Good will be visible across various channels throughout the Pioneer Valley. Keep an eye out for our campaign as we strive to make a lasting impression. 

Not only does We’re Here for Good focus on external outreach, but it also seeks to enhance internal awareness and participation in our recruitment efforts across campus. We believe that fostering a sense of collective pride and responsibility among our current staff is crucial for the sustained success of our university. 

We invite you to join us on this exciting journey as we amplify UMass Amherst's presence, attract top-tier talent, and reinforce our commitment to being an institution that is truly here for good. 

—Kevin Kerwood, Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer 

 

News You Can Use 

UMass LGBTQIA+ Network 

The UMass LGBTQIA+ Network is pleased to announce its 2024 re-launch, dedicated to fostering a more inclusive campus community. Established for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, and allied individuals, its primary focus is on retaining, advancing, and educating UMass Amherst staff and faculty. Spring 2024 events include a welcome reception, educational workshop, and Pride celebration. Interested employees can sign up to receive information about UMass LGBTQI+ Network events and initiatives. Stay tuned for the semester's first event invitation!  

 

Did You Know? 

Update Your Gender Pronouns in HR Direct 

UMass Amherst strives to create an inclusive and respectful living and learning environment, including encouraging the use of correct pronouns for members of our campus community.  

Employees can update their gender and pronoun markers in HR Direct through Employee Self-Service by selecting Personal Details > Gender Identity. This documentprovides step-by-step instructions.  

Please note: Pronoun and gender information in the student system (SPIRE) is not transferred to HR Direct, nor is pronoun or gender information from HR Direct transferred to SPIRE. Click here for instructions on how to update your personal information on SPIRE. 

 

Contribute to Our Community's Collective Strength

In our ongoing commitment to maintaining an inclusive environment, the Office of Equity and Inclusion would like to remind you of some valuable resources available for continuous learning through the Get Inclusive training portal.

As part of your onboarding to the university, you completed the mandatory Harassment Prevention and Title IX training. We want to offer the opportunity to revisit and reinforce that knowledge at your own pace. 

We also invite you to explore the valuable training, Disability Culture & Identity. This optional course provides insights into fostering a diverse and inclusive atmosphere. Your active engagement with these resources can enrich your understanding and contribute to our community's collective strength. 

It’s Beneficial 

UMass Compass 

UMass has arranged discounts on a broad range of products and services, from electronics to auto rentals, for benefited employees. Check out the discounts and offers online at UMass Compass. 

 

Employee Wellness 

Forming New Habits in the New Year 

Already struggling with a New Year's resolution? Forming new habits can be hard, but here are some tips for starting small and letting habits grow! 

 

Our People Are Here for Good! 

“Working at UMass Amherst is truly a rewarding experience. In my role, I provide guidance and support employees in navigating workplace challenges, which makes this position incredibly fulfilling and meaningful. The endless learning opportunities, vibrant campus environment, diverse community, inclusive workplace culture, and supportive colleagues make UMass an exceptional place to work.”   

—Ozgun “Oz” Sulekoglu 
    Assistant Director HR and Employee Relations, Facilities and Campus Services, Labor Center 

 

Professional Development 

The Partnership for Worker Education Spring Registration 

Improve your skills and build community right here on campus. Check out and registerfor one or more of PWE’s 40+ spring offerings today! 

Class Offering for Spring 2024 

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Reflections on Childhood Joy: A Worker Artist Exhibition 

Flint Laboratory 106, by appointment 

Inspired by worker artist Michelle St. Martin's curiosity and deep dive into her evolution as a photographer, this exhibition brings together 13 worker artists from UMass who reflect on childhood joy. UMass staff are encouraged to set up a time this spring to see this wonderful exhibition by contacting Jacob Carter: jacarter [at] umass [dot] edu (jacarter[at]umass[dot]edu) 

Article posted in Community