Human Resources Newsletter: October 2025
October is Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Open Enrollment
Open enrollment will begin November 1 and will close on November 30th. Your enrollment in plans and any changes you make will be effective on January 1, 2026.
If you elected a Flexible Spending Account and/or chose to take the Insurance Waiver Payment in 2025, you must re-elect them for 2026. They will not automatically renew!
The 2026 rates for the plans are posted on the Benefits and Wellness Site.
Mid-Year Feedback in Workday
Mid-Year Feedback in Workday for Administrators, Sergeants, and Supervisors: The mid-year feedback process will be starting on November 10th. Please make time to reflect on your progress on your goals for this year.
SEIU Contract Update
The College and SEIU have come to an agreement related to a new contract. Updated contracts will be posted on the Human Resources website when it is finalized.
Fall Professional Development Reminders
Disciplinary Conversations
Thursday, November 6th 9:30-11am, CC MPR (College Center 223)
Supervisors often face the challenge of conducting difficult conversations regarding performance and conduct. Join us for a workshop on navigating these discussions with consistency and fairness while balancing compliance requirements with fostering employee accountability and growth. Participants will learn how to set clear expectations, and to deliver constructive feedback that identifies key areas for improvement to support long-term performance development. Open to all supervisors.
Register here
Employee Loeb Tour
Friday, November 7th, at 11am, the Loeb
Join us for a guided tour of the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar. Learn about its history and connect with Loeb staff while learning about the works currently on display.
Register here
QPR Suicide Prevention Training for Faculty, Staff, Administrators
Friday, November 7th, 12-1pm via Zoom
QPR is an empirically validated approach to reducing the risk of suicides. In the hour-long training, participants learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide and how to apply three simple steps that may save a life. Participants will learn the most effective way to refer a student in crisis to campus resources.
Register here
Supervisor Sprint
Monday, November 10th 9-12pm, CC MPR
Tuesday, November 11th 9-12pm, CC MPR
Wednesday, November 12th 9-12pm, CC MPR
Thursday, November 13th 9-12pm, Old Laundry Building 314
Friday, November 14th 9-12pm, Old Laundry Building 314
The supervisor sprint is a professional development opportunity for anyone who supervises employees at Vassar, including student employees. Join us for a series of interactive workshops across five days to develop skills setting expectations, making operational decisions, navigating conflict, providing feedback and coaching.
We encourage individuals who register commit to attending as much of the training in full as possible in order to have the ability to engage with each topic and get to know other sprint participants. However, we understand that may not be feasible for all employees, and just ask you notify us in your registration if you will need to miss any portion.
Register here
Voting Information
Election day is quickly approaching and New York State has laws that support employees having time to vote. The Election Law states that:
- If you do not have 4 consecutive hours to vote either from the opening of the polls to the beginning of your working shift, or between the end of your working shift and the closing of the polls, you may take off up to 2 hours, without loss of pay, to allow you to vote if you are a registered voter.
- You may take time off at the beginning or the end of your working shift, as your employer may designate, unless otherwise mutually agreed.
- You must notify your employer not less than 2 days, but not more than 10 days, before the day of the election that you will take time off to vote.
- For more information, visit https://elections.ny.gov/time-vote
Human Resources will enter your voting time into your Workday timesheet. Call (845) 437-5820 or email humanresources@vassar.edu with specific information related to your shift and time off.
Community Updates
Mindful Movement Circle Employee Community
We've had a great start with the Mindful Movement Circle Yoga and Meditation, where we're looking to expand in the spring and would love your input! Even if you couldn't make it in the past, but are still interested in joining, we're sharing this survey which will close by the end of November, to help us expand. We'd love to have your input, including times around our Zoom 30 minute meditations. Thanks and see you around!
Click here for survey
Labyrinth Lunch Break & Open House
Thursday November 6, 12:00-1:30 PM
Pratt House & Labyrinth
All are invited to stop by Pratt House for a Labyrinth Lunch Break and Open House! You're invited to walk the labyrinth for quiet reflection, or try out a lap labyrinth for all abilities. Meet the RSLCP staff, explore Pratt House and enjoy free hot apple cider, tea and dessert. Everyone is welcome!
Hosted by Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices.
More info: cisabelle@vassar.edu.
Health Service Employee Engagement Events
Discover the Power of Storytelling with the TMI Project
Monday, November 3rd from 1-3pm in the Pratt House Living Room
Join usfor a dynamic workshop where you’ll learn to transform personal experiences into impactful stories that spark empathy and action. This hand-on session will give you the tools to talk across differences and help build stronger, more empathetic communities.