Human Resources Newsletter: September 2026
Financial Update at the Forums
At the Staff and Administrator Forums last week, President Bradley provided an update on the financial position of the college. She noted that we are seeing higher financial aid, healthcare costs, and utility and other expenses that are creating pressure we must address. She shared that this year's budget was balanced through a 3% reduction in operating budgets for all departments as well as some one time items. Last year, operating budgets were cut by 2%, so operating budgets have been adjusted 5% in the last two years.
She said that, while this has addressed the current fiscal year budget, projected budgets for 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 have sizable deficits that must be addressed. Looking over the years ahead, we will need to work together to identify further budget savings, including exploring alternative revenue options, adjusting tuition, and being more efficient to continue to balance the budget.
Upcoming Changes to the Salaried Payroll Schedule
As previously announced, all salaried employees who are paid on a biweekly pay schedule will be transitioning to a semimonthly pay schedule as of January 1, 2027. Hourly employees will not see a change to their payment schedule.
This is a scheduling change only. However, a previously published pay schedule included a paycheck dated December 30, 2026. Since our annual salary is based on 26 biweekly payments, a 27th payment on December 30th would have resulted in an additional payment and exceeded your stated annual salary which could have significant tax implications. To avoid both of these issues, the final paycheck for calendar year 2026 will now be issued on December 18th for salaried employees.
As a result of the adjustment to our last check date in 2026, if the first semimonthly payment were on January 15th, there would be a four-week gap between paychecks. To reduce the gap, minimize any potential financial strain, and to continue to be in compliance with state wage laws, the first paycheck of 2027 for salaried employees will be issued early on Friday, January 8, 2027 followed by the second January payment on January 30th. After this initial transitional payment variation, payroll will continue on the regular cycle of the 15th and 30th of each month.
The Human Resources website has been updated with FAQs and a Preparation Checklist to offer support during this transition.
Human Resources and Payroll representatives will be available at the Benefits Fair for Office Hours throughout October and November for 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.
We will continue to email updates and helpful information throughout the Fall semester. Impacted employees will also receive a mailing with information about the pay schedule change.
September is Suicide Prevention and Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month
Blood Drive: September 30th, 11:00 - 5:00PM, Villard Room
Every two seconds a person needs blood. Consider becoming a blood donor at the upcoming blood drive on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 from 11:00am - 5:00pm in the Villard Room with the New York Blood Center. This non-profit organization provides over 1 million blood products annually to 400+ hospitals and medical facilities. Donate today, save lives tomorrow.
Please email health@vassar.edu with any questions.
Reminder: Benefits Fair October 8th, 2026
Join us for The 2026 Benefits Fair! October 8th, 2026
Join us on October 8th between 10am-4pm 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!
Fall Professional Development
View the current offerings and register by clicking the button below or visiting the Human Resources website. Check back often as more will be added!
- 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.
Difficult Conversations: A Manager Practice Workshop
- Tuesday, November 3rd at 9am, College Center MPR (CC223)
This workshop is an interactive, practice-focused session designed to help managers build confidence navigating challenging workplace conversations. Through realistic scenarios, guided practice, and peer feedback, participants will strengthen their ability to address sensitive topics with clarity, empathy, and professionalism. The workshop emphasizes preparing for the conversation, communicating directly, managing reactions, and keeping discussions productive and focused on moving forward.
View the full professional development schedule below.
More training to be added soon!
Save the Date: The Heartwood Fall Fest, 10/11
The season is officially turning, and we’re bringing our community together to celebrate! Join us on Sunday, October 11, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM for the Heartwood Fall Fest—an afternoon filled with autumn flavors, local talent, and classic fall traditions.
Save the Date: Annual Surplus Sale, 10/21
The Annual Surplus Sale will take place on Wednesday, October 21. Keep an eye out for future communications from CIS and Procurement with more details!
Reminder: Professional Clothing Drive
Fall Photo Challenge!
We loved seeing Spring on campus through your photos, so let's capture the Fall foliage this year with another photo challenge!
Whether you're a hobbyist photographer with a camera capturing the changing leaves on campus or taking a picture of the lake with your phone camera on your way to your next meeting, we want to see the wonderful ways you capture Fall at Vassar!
How to participate:
- Capture a photo of Fall at Vassar during September 30th-October 21st
- Submit photos (up to 3 per employee) between September 30th and October 21st via the form below
All photos submitted will be put to a vote during our HR Newsletter at the end of October to see who is crowned our winner!