UMass HR Insider—September 2023 | Volume 1, Issue 1
Content
Welcome to UMass HR Insider!
Based on your feedback that you’d like to hear more from Human Resources, we are proud to introduce our new monthly newsletter. UMass HR Insider is your touchpoint for staying up to date with the latest HR news, policies, employee benefits, and career development opportunities. Awaiting in each issue are helpful links and engaging content, designed to foster a connected and informed workforce. I hope you enjoy this month’s issue. Don’t forget to take our quick survey to let us know what topics and articles you want to see more of every month.
—Kevin Kerwood, Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer
News You Can Use
Recent “On-the-Spot” Hiring Events Are a Huge Success!
Recent hiring events in Springfield and on campus at Blue Wall resulted in 33 new hires across Facilities and Campus Services and Auxiliary Enterprises. UMass representatives were on hand to provide details to prospective employees about benefited positions available in several areas across campus, including dining, hospitality, facilities, grounds, maintenance, landscaping, and skilled trades.
Do you know someone that might be interested in working at UMass? Put them “on the spot” and let them know about our upcoming interviews.
Wellness Tip of the Month
Get Moving!
Build more physical activity into your daily routine. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park further away from your campus destination, and take active breaks. Incorporating these simple activities into your daily routine will have you feeling great and could even improve your performance at work!
Did You Know?
Unemployment in Massachusetts Is Below the National Average.
The state’s unemployment rate for June fell to 2.6 percent, a full percentage point below the national average, which the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports as 3.6 percent. Learn more.
It’s Beneficial
All the News That’s Fit to Print.
Did you know that benefited UMass employees are eligible for a free digital subscription to The New York Timesthrough the library’s Academic Pass?
Our People, Our Work
Derek Allard, Director of Web Content, University Relations, MarCom Group has been with UMass for seven months and has this to say about his job: “It’s never dull! I’m someone who likes a good challenge. This job certainly checks that box. Whether it’s working on the ambitious ecosystem project to modernize university websites or helping someone find that right word, it’s easy to take pride in this work. I must also mention my wonderful MarCom colleagues, who’ve made me feel at home since day one.”
Professional Development
Learn and Grow with Innovative Workplace Programs
This Month’s Featured Program: The Leadership Academy’s Foundations of Supervision.
Focusing on understanding the complexities of supervising at the university and strengthening foundational skills as well as key supervisory behaviors, the multi-day program guides supervisors, managers, and leaders to enhance their capacity to successfully manage people, build relationships, and drive results.
Dates: Oct. 17, Oct. 24, Nov. 7, and Nov. 29, 2023
Time: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Application deadline: Sept. 22. Apply today!
Find out about the many workshops and professional development opportunities available to UMass Amherst employees through the university’s Workplace Learning and Development service.
Career Opportunities—Tell a Friend!
This Month’s Featured Job Opening: Manager of User Support, IT, Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences
This position oversees and leads a team of technical professionals in providing comprehensive user support services to faculty, staff, students, and researchers within the College of Information and Computer Sciences. They will manage the day-to-day operations of user support to ensure efficient resolution of technical issues of over 1,100 supported desktops, laptops, and server systems while maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction. Learn more.
Survey—We Want to Hear from YOU!
Take our quick survey and let us know what you want to see more of in your UMass HR Insider.