HR Newsletter February 2026
Human Resources Newsletter
Upcoming Employee Engagement Survey
Institutional Research and Human Resources are collaborating on initiating the first campus-wide employee engagement survey. Starting on Monday, March 2nd Vassar employees will receive an invitation to share their thoughts on the experience of working at Vassar. The survey will be fully anonymous and is hosted by Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA (HERI). We look forward to hearing from you!
Professional Development Highlights
Understanding The Disciplinary Process
Thursday, March 12th, 9:00am - 11:00am, Rockefeller 112
Creating clarity about expectations is vital for having productive and supportive working relationships, one facet of this is having a clear process for addressing when someone is not meeting expectations. In this workshop we will provide information about how the disciplinary process scaffolds creating clarity while also supporting accountability.
Presented by: Rocio Salvatierra, Director of Employee & Labor Relations
Google Calendar Training
Tuesday, March 10th, 10:30am, via Zoom
Zoom link will be emailed to registrants prior to the training.
Staying organized and connected is essential to working efficiently across campus. This training will introduce both the fundamentals and more advanced features of Google Calendar to help you manage your schedule, coordinate with colleagues, and streamline communication. You will learn practical tools to organize your time, set priorities, and make the most of the platform’s collaborative features. This training is open to all Vassar employees.
Presented by: Emily Doucet, Human Resources Administrative Fellow
Ready for What's Next: Updating Resumes and Cover Letters
Wednesday, March 11th, 10:00am, CC MPR (College Center, 223)
Ready for What’s Next: Join us for an illuminating presentation on updating resumes and cover letters to gain crucial insight into polishing your application materials. Invest in this program to learn proven ways to highlight your personal strengths and experiences to confidently take the next step in your professional journey.
Presented by: Center for Career Education
Gmail Training
Thursday, March 12th, 2:30pm, via Zoom
Clear and efficient communication is at the heart of workplace effectiveness. This training will introduce you to both the basics and advanced features of Gmail, equipping you with tools to organize your inbox, manage email flow, and make the most of the platform’s settings and integrations. We will also explore best practices for choosing the right communication tool — including when to use Gmail versus Google Chat — to support clarity and collaboration. This training is open to all Vassar employees.
Presented by: Emily Doucet, Human Resources Administrative Fellow
Save More with PLUM Benefits!
We’re thrilled to share that your Plum Benefits platform just received an upgrade—featuring Local Deals and FunLife Loyalty Rewards!
New! Local Deals & Experiences
Under your Dining & Local tab, enter your ZIP code to explore savings nearby on restaurants, attractions, and events. With more than 150,000 offers nationwide, there’s something for everyone.
Introducing FunLife Loyalty Rewards
As a Vassar College employee, you’re automatically enrolled! Earn points on eligible purchases and redeem them for even more savings—the more you use it, the more you earn.
With Plum Benefits, you’ll enjoy savings on:
• Theme parks & attractions
• Hotels, flights, and rental cars
• Movie tickets, Broadway shows, & sporting events
• Electronics, groceries, everyday essentials—and more!
Get started today:
Get started today at www.plumbenefits.com
Use company code: VASSARFUN
Enjoy special offers on:
- Extra savings on popular brands & experiences
- Enhanced local deals
- New offers for spring travel
Don’t miss out — start saving today!
Learn More About Plum Benefits
Increase to Employee Dining Rates, Effective July 1, 2026
This information is sent on behalf of Dining Services.
Any questions should be sent to diningcomments@vassar.edu
Vassar Dining is committed to supporting our employees by providing convenient, healthy, and affordable meals on campus. We work carefully to balance rising food and operational costs while keeping employee dining rates as low as possible.
To continue offering high-quality meals and a reliable dining experience, a modest adjustment to employee dining rates will take effect July 1, 2026. Beginning on that date, employee meals will increase by $1 per meal period.
The new dining rates, effective July 1, 2026, will be:
| Meal Period | New Rate |
| Breakfast | $9 |
| Lunch | $10 |
| Dinner | $11 |
Even with this adjustment, employee dining remains a highly affordable option that offers fresh, nutritious food without the time or cost of leaving campus. We are sharing this information well in advance to support planning and budgeting, and we remain committed to exploring ways to keep employee meals accessible and affordable.
Questions? Please email diningcomments@vassar.edu.
Upcoming Training from The Office of Institutional Equity
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.
Presented by: The Office of Institutional Equity
Priorities and Planning: March 4th, 3:00 - 4:30pm in Aula
The final all-campus Priorities and Planning workshop will take place Wednesday March 4 from 3:00 - 4:30 in the Aula during which you can participate in brainstorming that will help generate concrete actions to guide the College's work over the next 3 - 5 years.
Refreshments will be available. Please join your friends and colleagues in this important process.
Fidelity Medicare Services
Fidelity offers advisors and a comprehensive website centered around Medicare. Whether you're ready to sign up for Medicare now, or are researching for the future, their step by step guide takes you through the process to prepare for Medicare. You do not have to be invested with Fidelity to access their site and their services are complimentary.
Click Here to Learn About Fidelity Medicare Services
Do you prefer to speak to a live person? (833) 886-0033 Monday - Friday 8:30am to 8:00pm EST
Spring Into Wellness Movement Challenge: Last Chance to Sign Up!
Last day to sign up for the Spring into Wellness Movement Challenge!
Challenge begins March 1st!
To keep this light and fun, we are opening sign-ups to teams. A team can be:
- An entire Department (i.e., "The Human Resources Department")
- A "squad" of colleagues (i.e., 3 or more colleagues from a different or same department)
Feel free to use fun and creative names!
Please have one person in your squad or department act as "Captain" and fill out the form below by TODAY February 26th.
Once we have our list of teams, we’ll send out everything you need to get moving!
Please email fmartinezolivera@vassar.edu with any questions.
Spring into Wellness Team Sign Ups
Whether you participate in the movement challenge or not
We will have events and training designed to keep you moving all month long!
Athletics Center Machine Walkthrough
Wednesday, March 18th, 1:00 - 2:00PM, Athletic Center Main Lobby
Join Athletics Life Fitness Instructor Teresa Troy for a guided walkthrough of the Athletic and Fitness Center aimed at helping you feel confident and comfortable using fitness equipment so you can navigate the space with ease. This is an introductory session, perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a refresher in a low-pressure environment.
Presented by: Teresa Troy, Life Fitness Instructor
Dutchess County Office of the Aging Newsletter
Did you know Dutchess County Office of the Aging has a monthly newsletter?
The February 16 Issue of Aging News is Available, Now!
Topics in this issue include:
- Scam Prevention for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- OFA Mobile Office Hours
- Upcoming "Navigating Medicare" Classes
- "A Matter of Balance" Classes Starting in March
- OFA Mobile Office Hours – February / March
- Substitute OFA Bus Drivers Wanted
Subscribe to Office of the Aging's Newsletters Here
February 11th Blood Drive: Goal Exceeded!
The following is a message from Margot Schinella, Director of Health Services:
"I just wanted to take a moment and personally thank everyone who donated at the blood drive with the New York Blood Center on February 11th. We had a collection goal of 68 units and exceeded this substantially with 87 total donations, 12 of which were double red cell donations. This will result in 261 lives saved through your efforts. It was a very busy drive, so thank you all for your patience and your generous donation to the community!"
