Human Resources Newsletter: August 2026
Human Resources Newsletter
Upcoming Changes to the Salaried Payroll Schedule & All Benefit Deductions
In January 2025, we transitioned salaried Faculty and Administrators from a monthly pay schedule to one that is bi-weekly to align with New York State labor laws. The change created a few payroll challenges, primarily that salaried employees are being significantly prepaid and that the number of pay periods varies in some years under a bi-weekly pay schedule.
To address the prepayment, and to provide greater consistency and predictability of pay each month, Vassar is transitioning all salaried Faculty and Administrators to a fixed, semi-monthly (twice-a-month) pay schedule starting in January 2027.
- Who is impacted by the payroll schedule change?
All salaried employees who are paid on a biweekly pay schedule will be moved to a new pay schedule in January of 2027.
Hourly employees will not see a change in their payroll schedule. - How will benefits deductions change?
All deductions (including health, dental, retirement, etc.) for all employees (both hourly and salaried) will be deducted over 24 pay periods starting in January 2027. - How do I find more information?
Human Resources will continue to email updates and helpful information throughout the Fall semester, and announcements will be made at the employee forums. If you are affected by the change, Human Resources will send a letter to your home address.
Human Resources and Payroll representatives will be available for Office Hours throughout October and November for 1:1 support if you would like to ask questions about your personal situation during the transition. To sign up for an appointment, email us at humanresources@vassar.edu.
Information sessions about the change will also be held starting in October.
The Human Resources Department is Moving!
Later this Fall, all members of our Human Resources team will be located in Kautz House. We will send out further communication including our moving dates and other important information soon. For now, we look forward to continuing to support you from Baldwin!
Fall Professional Development
View the current offerings and register by clicking the button below or visiting the Human Resources website. Check back often as we plan to add more!
Training Highlights:
Employee Handbook Overview: Student Employment
- Tuesday, September 8th at 10am via Zoom
Join us for a brief overview of the newly published Employee Handbook, focused on how the updated version impacts both student employees and supervisors of students. This training is open to both students and employees.
Student Employee Supervision: An Overview
- Friday, September 18th at 11am via Zoom
New to managing student employees? Join us for an overview of student employment policies, hiring timelines, supervisor expectations, payroll requirements and more. This training is intended for anyone who supervises student employees.
- Thursday, October 1st at 9am, College Center MPR (CC223)
This workshop will focus on supervising unionized employees. It includes an overview of union rules and contractual obligations, active practice navigating challenges and key areas where Human Resources can offer support. This workshop is intended for individuals who supervise union employees.
Pay Schedule Change Information Sessions
- Monday, October 26th at 2pm, College Center MPR (CC223)
- Tuesday, November 3rd at 9am via Zoom
- Thursday, November 5th at 11am via Zoom
- Tuesday, December 8th at 10am, College Center MPR (CC223)
Join us for an informational session regarding the upcoming pay schedule change for salaried employees starting in January 2027. This session will cover how the pay schedule will transition from biweekly to semi-monthly, how your cash flow will be impacted starting in December 2026, what preparations might be needed, and what resources are available to support you and your household during this change. This session is open to salaried employees.
View the full professional development schedule below.
More training to be added soon!
Student Employment Job Information
Academic Year jobs will begin on Monday, 8/31/26 for student employees. As a reminder, students may not begin working until they have been hired in JobX.
The Student Employment Job Fair will be held from 12-3pm Today, 8/28/26 for First-Year Students. If you are hiring a student who needs to complete their I-9 form, they can stop by to submit their documents!
***UPDATE:*** Student Employment walk-in hours are now held Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in College Center 240 from 1-4pm. If you'd like to meet outside walk-in hours, please don't hesitate to email us or submit an appointment request.
9/11 Rememberance Service
We invite the Vassar community to join us for a 9/11 Remembrance Service on Friday, September 11th, from 9:00–9:30 a.m. at the Peace Garden by Ely Hall.
All are welcome as we gather in reflection and remembrance.
Life Fitness Fall 2026
Fall Registration is now OPEN! Life Fitness Classes will begin on Tuesday, September 8th.
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 September 8th. You can also download the IMLeagues app for all updates and information about the Vassar Life Fitness program. You can also follow us on Instagram @VassarRec
Classes will run from September 8th through December 18th (includes stress busters). Full semester and half semester fees will be offered. Half Semester fees begin October 21st.
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 Membership Package= $40 (Full Semester)
- 2 or more Class Membership Package (Unlimited)= $75 (Full Semester)
Half Semester: (Begins (10/26)
VC Students: Free
VC Retirees: Free
VC Community: (Faculty, Staff, Spouse & Alumni)
- 1 Class Membership Package= $25
- 2 or more Class Membership Package (Unlimited)= $45
** When registering please select the appropriate package.
Save the Date: Benefits Fair October 8th, 2026
Join us on October 8th in the Villard and Multi-Purpose Rooms to learn more about the fantastic benefits Vassar College offers our employees!
Open enrollment is November 1st-30th; The Benefits Fair is the perfect place to explore available benefits. Visit to learn more about medical, dental, vision, and much more. We will also have wellness related community vendors this year!