HR Newsletter January 2026
Human Resources Newsletter
Tax Updates
Your 2025 W-2 is now available to view and print in an IRS approved format via Workday.
A paper copy has also been mailed through the US Postal Service as well, if you have chosen that format.
Printing the electronic W-2 statement in an IRS approved format:
- Log into Workday.
- Select Personal from the Side Navigation Bar and then Benefits and Pay.
- Choose My Tax Documents from the Tasks and Reports section.
- Click View/Print to access your 2025 W-2 Form.
- A PDF version of your W-2 will be delivered to My Reports (Please note: You may access this report through the pop-up message at the top of your screen, or by clicking the link in the notification area of Workday).
- Click on the link to view your W-2 in an IRS-approved format.
- Print the official W-2 Form from this screen
Please contact payroll@vassar.edu with any questions. If you need assistance with your Workday account, please contact the service desk at servicedesk@vassar.edu.
Health Coverage Tax Form 1095 in Workday
1095's will be available in Workday the week of February 2nd. 1095 is a tax form used to report health insurance coverage information. Although no longer required for filing tax returns, we are still required to provide them.
To find them, log in to Workday and do the following:
- Under "Personal" tab on left side, click "Benefits and Pay"
- Navigate to the "Benefits" tab
- Click ACA Forms
Professional Development Highlights
Navigating Difficult Conversations
Thursday, February 12th, 10:00am - 12:00pm, Rockefeller 201
We all may encounter workplace conversations that are difficult to navigate, or 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
Supervising Union Employees
Thursday, February 12th, 9:00am - 11:00am, College Center 204 (Conference Room)
This workshop will focus on supervising unionized employees. It includes an overview of the contracts on this campus, active practice navigating challenges and key areas where Human Resources can offer support. This workshop is intended for individuals who supervise union employees.
Presented by: Rocio Salvatierra, Director of Employee & Labor Relations
Empowering Caregiver Series
This education series offers skill-building courses that teach caregivers how to navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia. Caregivers can register for individual courses to meet their needs or complete the entire series. Zoom link will be shared prior to the training.
2/18, 2:00 - 3:00pm, Building Foundations of Caregiving (Zoom)
Explores the role of caregiver and changes they may experience, building a support team and managing caregiver stress.
2/20, 10:00 - 11:00am, Supporting Independence (Zoom)
Focuses on helping the person living with dementia take part in daily activities, providing the right amount of support and balancing safety and independence while managing expectations.
2/24, 10:00 - 11:00am, Communicating Effectively (Zoom)
Teaches how dementia affects communication, including tips for communicating well with family, friends and health care professionals.
2/25, 2:00 - 3:00pm, Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors (Zoom)
Details common behavior changes and how they are a form of communication, non-medical approaches to behaviors and recognizing when additional help is needed.
2/27, 10:00 - 11:00am, Exploring Care and Support Services (Zoom)
Examines how best to prepare for future care decisions and changes, including respite care, residential care and end-of life care.
Presented by: Alzheimer's Association, Hudson Valley Chapter www.alz.org/hudsonvalley
Benefits Announcements
Digital Physical Therapy Now Available
Through HealthiestYou, via Sword Health!
Sword Health is the only digital musculoskeletal (MSK) solution proven to be as clinically effective and engaging as high-intensity in-person physical therapy. With 100% of care provided through a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy and patented, FDA listed technology, HealthiestYou members can overcome their chronic and post-surgical pain faster and more conveniently. With HealthiestYou by Teladoc Health, you're never alone on your journey to wellness. Embrace the support you deserve and start your journey to a healthier, happier you today!
All benefit-eligible employees have access to Telemedicine. For SEIU members, your Teladoc telemedicine benefit is included with your 1199SEIU NBF coverage.
Upcoming Training from The Office of Institutional Equity
Ethnicity, National Origin, and Bias: Title VI in Everyday Moments
Thursday, February 12, 7:00-8:00 PM, via Zoom
Friday, February 20, 2:00-3:00 PM, Thompson Library, Class of 1951 Reading Room
Title VI issues tend to emerge through “everyday moments” that feel minor in isolation yet can intensify during high-visibility cultural moments. Open to the entire Vassar community, this workshop will help participants recognize where bias and discrimination can hide in plain sight, particularly around race, color, national origin, shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, and accent or language-based targeting. Through short, practical scenarios, participants learn to distinguish protected expression from harmful behavior and actionable harassment under Title VI, with emphasis on impact, context, and patterns over time, while also building bystander skills to interrupt harm without escalating conflict. The session concludes with clear guidance on what to document, what to report, and how to support those who are harmed. Attend virtually or in person.
Pause and Rewind: Understanding Consent in Real Life
Tuesday, March 3, 7:00-8:00 PM, via Zoom
Wednesday, March 25, 2:00-3:00 PM, Thompson Library, Class of 1951 Reading Room
Consent is simple on paper and complicated in the places students actually live—hallways, parties, late-night texts, relationships, breakups, and the in-between moments of “are we okay?” Open to the entire Vassar community, this workshop translates policy into real conversations through quick scenario polls, pause-and-rewind role plays, and boundary-language practice that works in the moment, not just in a handbook. The session situates consent as more than a compliance concept, framing it as a daily practice of autonomy, respect, and shared responsibility, especially in contexts shaped by social pressure, gender expectations, alcohol or impairment, ambiguity, and power or status differences that can blur communication and decision-making.
Bystander Skills: What To Do When You're Not "in Charge"
Tuesday, April 14, 7:00-8:00 PM, via Zoom
Monday, April 20, 2:00-3:00 PM, Thompson Library, Class of 1951 Reading Room
Most bystanders aren’t “in charge,” but they are in the moment. Open to the entire Vassar community, this workshop builds practical, realistic bystander responses for both consent concerns and bias incidents using the 5 Ds (Distract, Direct, Delegate, Document, and Delay) through hands-on practice in common campus settings such as parties, residence halls, classrooms, student organization meetings, and online spaces. The session emphasizes three core skills: choosing the safest strategy based on power dynamics and urgency, using short scripts that interrupt harm without escalating risk, and knowing where and how to refer concerns and support impacted individuals without investigating or promising outcomes.
Upcoming Engaged Pluralism Events: Open to All
The State of Democracy & its Uneasiness with Race, Disability, and Non-normative Subjectivity
Thursday, February 5 5:30–7:00 p.m. | Rocky 300
Steven Cash ’84, Executive Director of The Steady State and former national security official, brings experience from the CIA, U.S. Senate, and Department of Homeland Security to examine why many in the national security community view this as a pivotal moment for U.S. democracy—and how it can be protected. Moderated by Prof. Sidney Plotkin, the conversation will highlight Cash’s work confronting authoritarianism and building broad coalitions in support of democracy.
Interested but can't make it? Let us know!
Employee Wellness Updates & Information
Introducing the "Spring into Wellness” Campus Movement Challenge!
The recent snow storm has us thinking winter is here to stay, but we’re looking ahead to warmer days and higher energy.
Coming this March, Human Resources has partnered with Athletics to launch an employee wellness initiative: The "Spring into Wellness” Campus Movement Challenge!
This is about taking small, intentional breaks to clear your head, boost energy, and enjoy some friendly competition among colleagues, through a low-pressure movement challenge to see which campus departments or teams can clock the most intentional movement minutes. No fancy watches or mile-tracking required—just you and your colleagues/department, and a few minutes of activity.
No need to do anything just yet! Just start thinking about who you want on your squad. In February, we’ll be opening sign-ups for teams. You can form a team as an entire department, or grab a few office neighbors and form a squad with a fun name.
Full details coming soon! Let’s get ready to put some spring in our step!
Life Fitness Spring 2026
Life Fitness will be back in full swing and registration is OPEN!
Classes will begin February 2nd.
Pre-registration is required for all classes: please go to imleagues.com/vassar/registration to register. If you have any questions or need any assistance please contact Mike Callahan at micallahan@vassar.edu.
Class information including days, times, locations, instructors and class descriptions are also available on the site. Once logged in, you can scroll through the dates/weeks on the Calendar feature/tab to get to the week of February 2nd.
Classes will run from February 2nd-May 17th (includes stress busters). Full semester and half semester fees will be offered. Half Semester fees begin March 23rd.
Please see pricing structure below for VC Community members and Outside Members:
Full Semester:
VC Students: Free
VC Retirees: Free
VC Community: (Faculty, Staff, Spouse & Alumni)
- 1 Class Package= $40 (Full Semester)
- 2 or more Class Package (Unlimited)= $75 (Full Semester)
Half Semester: (Begins (3/23)
VC Students: Free
VC Retirees: Free
VC Community: (Faculty, Staff, Spouse & Alumni)
- 1 Class Package= $25
- 2 or more Class Package (Unlimited)= $45
** When registering please select the appropriate package.
Health Services Employee Events for Spring
