UMass HR Insider—October 2023 | Volume 1, Issue 2
Content
Making Connections across Campus
As the leaves outside showcase their vibrant colors and the crisp autumn air sweeps across campus, it provides a moment to contemplate the warmth with which we have recently welcomed new and returning students into our university community. As dedicated UMass Amherst employees, each of you contributes to our students' growth and success, and your dedication helps create a vibrant and nurturing community for them to flourish both personally and academically. Thank you for all you do as we embark on another exciting fall semester!
—Kevin Kerwood, Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer
News You Can Use
From Their Desks to the Dorms: Employees Volunteer at Fall Move-In
As students made their way to campus last month, an inspiring group of 37 UMass employee volunteers, including two retirees, stepped up to support our dedicated staff in welcoming students and easing their transition into university life. From carrying heavy boxes to managing traffic, these employees went above and beyond to ensure everyone felt at home as they settled into their dorms for the upcoming fall semester.
It’s Beneficial
Stream Free Films Anytime, Anywhere with Kanopy
UMass has partnered with Kanopy to provide thoughtful entertainment to your preferred device with no fees or commercials! Simply create an account with your UMass email address and enjoy a diverse catalog of movies, with new titles added every month.
Did You Know?
Empowerment through Connection: Discovering Campus Employee Resource Groups
The UMass Employee Resource Groups (ERG) provide UMass employees with resources for professional development, networking, and mentorship while promoting the recruitment, retention, and advancement of underrepresented employees in our community. This ERG initiative is just one of the many ways the university isinvesting in our workforce, all to ensure that UMass remains a place where you can truly flourish and grow! Click hereto participate.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: A Message from the Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General
If you have federal student loans, you may be able to get new relief through a payment count adjustment that the U.S. Department of Education is conducting for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. Learn more.
Professional Development
The Partnership for Worker Education: English for the Workplace
The Partnership for Worker Education offers employees several workplace English classesto improve communication skills. Emphasizing respect for all cultures and designed to meet learners' and workplaces' needs and goals, these small classes provide extensive conversational practice, centering on workplace communication and understanding U.S. culture.
Questions? Please mtabery [at] umass [dot] edu (contact Midori Tabery), Outreach Coordinator and Workplace English Instructor (mailto:mtabery [at] umass [dot] edu (mtabery[at]umass[dot]edu)).
Workplace Learning and Development: Sharpen Your Meeting Facilitation Skills
Are you tasked with facilitating meetings? Regardless of the format or group size, engaging everyone can be challenging. Discover practical strategies for immediate use, whether you're facilitating in person or virtually.
Available To: UMass faculty and staff
Workshop Date: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023
Time: 9:30–11 a.m.
Employee Wellness
Weekly Meditations on Zoom for Faculty and Staff
Take the opportunity to do something good for your mental and physical well-being withZoom meditations! These weekly beginner-friendly meditations start at noon on Oct. 25 and last 10 to 15 minutes, with time for questions afterward.
Start a Well-Being Committee in Your Department
Have you ever believed that your ideas could make a positive difference in your workplace? The Employee Counseling and Consultation Office (ECCO) is seeking staff and faculty to form Well-Being Committees—groups of employees dedicated to setting achievable goals for improving wellness in their respective departments. This pilot program offers employees a structured and collaborative platform to express their thoughts, giving them a voice in shaping their workplace.
Our People, Our Work
Lissette Burgos, Human Resources Coordinator, Information Technology, has been with UMass Amherst for 11 years and has this to say about her job: “It’s all about the people and helping them feel welcome, ensuring the onboarding process runs smoothly for both the employee and the manager, and providing the best customer service to our IT family. Working at UMass has helped me grow in my career. I love how UMass prioritizes a work environment that enables its employees to grow in their careers while allowing us to maintain a great work-life balance.”
The September Survey Results Are In
Last month, we asked you what you want to see more of in your UMass HR Insider, and the results are in:
