HR Newsletter December 2025
Human Resources Newsletter
Resources for Holiday Season
Spring Professional Development
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Spring Professional Development Offerings
More Training Has Been Added!
Supervisor Sprint
Monday, January 12th, 9:00am-12:00pm CC MPR (College Center, 223)
Tuesday, January 13th, 9:00am-12:00pm CC MPR (College Center, 223)
Wednesday, January 14th, 9:00am-12:00pm CC MPR (College Center, 223)
Thursday, January 15th, 9:00am-12:00pm CC MPR (College Center, 223)
Friday, January 16th, 9:00am-12:00pm CC MPR (College Center, 223)
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. Please be aware that we ask that individuals who register commit to attending all five days to have the ability to engage with each topic and get to know other sprint participants.
Presented by: Ginger Jurecka Blake, Associate Vice President of Human Resources
Click here to register
Listening With Purpose
Thursday, January 8th, 10:00am - 12:00pm, Rockefeller 112
We’ve all had moments where we left a conversation feeling like wires got crossed — maybe something wasn’t clear, or the takeaway didn’t match what the other person expected. Small miscommunications like these can snowball into bigger frustrations or conflicts. In this training, we'll explore simple tools for being more present, catching what others really mean (not just what they say), and making sure we’re on the same page. These skills help reduce conflict, strengthen collaboration across differences, and make day-to-day interactions smoother. Open to all employees.
Click here to register
Reclaiming Agency: Seeing Your Impact at Work
Tuesday, January 20th, 10:00am - 12:00pm, CC MPR (College Center, 223)
Many employees want to feel a sense of agency and impact in their work, but competing priorities and complex systems can make that difficult. This session helps participants reconnect with where their work truly creates value, identify what they can control or influence, and practice simple strategies that increase clarity and momentum. Through reflection, discussion, and research-backed tools, participants learn how to reclaim power in their role. Open to all employees.
Presented by: Fresia Martinez Olivera, Associate Director of Organizational Development and Employee Equity
Click here to register
Cultivating Emotional Intelligence
Friday, January 23rd, 10:00am-12:00pm, Ordan Room (Main Building, 2nd Floor)
There are times when work dynamics feel complicated, often arising from misunderstood intentions. Fostering and developing emotional intelligence can increase collaboration and trust between yourself and others. In this training, we will break down the core components of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. These skills enhance your ability to lead through change, manage stress effectively, and build resilient and highly collaborative relationships. Open to all employees.
Presented by: Ginger Jurecka Blake, Associate Vice President of Human Resources
Click here to register
Navigating Difficult Conversations
Thursday, February 12th, 10:00am - 12:00pm, Rockefeller 201
We all may encounter workplace conversations that are difficult to navigate, or are conversations we would rather avoid if we can, but not having these conversations can prevent important changes from taking root. In this training, we'll cover practical frameworks for approaching sensitive topics with clarity and confidence, focusing on mutual understanding and clear outcomes. These skills empower you to address performance gaps, navigate conflict, and uphold professional standards while strengthening relationships. Open to all employees.
Presented by: Ginger Jurecka Blake, Associate Vice President of Human Resources
Click here to register
Reserve Your Spot: Employee Headshots
Tuesday, February 10th, 9:00am - 12:00pm, The Aula, Ely Hall
Come get your professional headshot taken! Employee headshots can be useful for LinkedIn, professional biographies, and helps increase recognizability across Vassar campus when used for Gmail and other workspaces.
Employees will be able to book individual 10–15 minute slots with the photographer using the link provided. To help us capture the best possible photos, we ask that you please avoid wearing fine or busy patterned clothing (such as plaid) and refrain from displaying brand names other than Vassar’s.
Health Services Employee Events for Spring
