{"id":3605,"date":"2025-10-28T10:50:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T10:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/human-resources\/?p=3605"},"modified":"2025-10-28T15:46:41","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T15:46:41","slug":"human-resources-newsletter-october-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/human-resources\/2025\/10\/28\/human-resources-newsletter-october-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Human Resources Newsletter: October 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<!-- Inserted by Dropdownizer plugin. Forces video embeds contained in dropdowns to have a size --><style>.dropdownizer__dropdown iframe { width: 100% !important; height: 100% !important; }<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">October is Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness Month<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/human-resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/65\/2025\/10\/pink-and-purple-feminine-breast-cancer-awareness-month-poster.pngautoformat2Ccompressampdpr2ampfitclipampixjsv2.2.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Open Enrollment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/human-resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/65\/2025\/10\/benefits.avifautoformat2Ccompressampdpr2ampfitclipampixjsv2.2.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Open enrollment will begin November 1<\/strong>\u00a0and will close on November 30th. Your enrollment in plans and any changes you make will be effective on January 1, 2026.<br>\u00a0<br>If you elected a Flexible Spending Account and\/or chose to take the Insurance Waiver Payment in 2025, you must re-elect them for 2026.\u00a0They will not automatically renew!<br>\u00a0<br>The 2026 rates for the plans are posted on the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/vassarcollegecis.msnd3.com\/tracking\/lc\/8d643b35-59eb-4d39-87fb-3ead11c0172f\/960a6995-067b-431d-925f-b6023daf7520\/1563ff5c-6332-48b3-822e-cd073d31791c\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Benefits and Wellness Site<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mid-Year Feedback in Workday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mid-Year Feedback in Workday for Administrators, Sergeants, and Supervisors:\u00a0<\/strong>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/vassarcollegecis.msnd3.com\/tracking\/lc\/1f33e8de-b12f-4609-8eae-1cf947edc770\/f52b981f-acbe-42b0-9099-8a730e9e3563\/fe4f6526-72ce-36ac-c967-069624358f12\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mid-year feedback process<\/a>\u00a0will be starting on November 10th. Please make time to reflect on your progress on your goals for this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SEIU Contract Update<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The College and SEIU have come to an agreement related to a new contract. Updated contracts will be posted on the Human Resources website when it is finalized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fall Professional Development Reminders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Disciplinary Conversations<br>Thursday, November 6th 9:30-11am, CC MPR (College Center 223)<br><\/strong><em>Supervisors often face the challenge of conducting difficult conversations regarding performance and conduct. Join us for a workshop on navigating these discussions with consistency and fairness while balancing compliance requirements with fostering employee accountability and growth. Participants will learn how to set clear expectations, and to deliver constructive feedback that identifies key areas for improvement to support long-term performance development. Open to all supervisors.<\/em><br><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLScCOv-bUDraJbsRzOMKm4oX8fMHtlKtKY4_E52klcQTe6YD5w\/viewform?cmid=8d643b35-59eb-4d39-87fb-3ead11c0172f\">Register here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Employee Loeb Tour<\/strong><br><strong>Friday, November 7th, at 11am, the Loeb<br><\/strong><em>Join us for a guided tour of the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar. Learn about its history and connect with Loeb staff while learning about the works currently on display.<\/em><br><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSdZHCJYlh_-xGj2RIGUqT8iGxF42yxg6ChDVprfm1gdAqxi7Q\/viewform?cmid=8d643b35-59eb-4d39-87fb-3ead11c0172f\">Register here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>QPR Suicide Prevention Training for Faculty, Staff, Administrators<\/strong><br><strong>Friday,\u00a0November 7th, 12-1pm via Zoom\u00a0<br><\/strong><em>QPR is an empirically validated approach to reducing the risk of suicides. In the hour-long training, participants learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide and how to apply three simple steps that may save a life. Participants will learn the most effective way to refer a student in crisis to campus resources.\u00a0<\/em><br><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSfiMr0gbblrIwtaUrTYO0QCxl5oss0X1TY1JFK4kBhUKh_dQQ\/viewform?cmid=8d643b35-59eb-4d39-87fb-3ead11c0172f\">Register here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Supervisor Sprint<\/strong><br><strong>Monday, November 10th 9-12pm, CC MPR<\/strong><br><strong>Tuesday, November 11th 9-12pm, CC MPR\u00a0<br>Wednesday, November 12th 9-12pm, CC MPR\u00a0<br>Thursday, November 13th 9-12pm, Old Laundry Building 314<br>Friday, November 14th 9-12pm, \u00a0Old Laundry Building 314\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<br><em>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.<br>We encourage individuals who register commit to attending as much of the training in full as possible in order to have the ability to engage with each topic and get to know other sprint participants. However, we understand that may not be feasible for all employees, and just ask you notify us in your registration if you will need to miss any portion.<\/em><br><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLScsk8URMpzml7VkimD-B2qAPFR0dLCwKHVaGou2swdIGpQLaQ\/viewform?cmid=8d643b35-59eb-4d39-87fb-3ead11c0172f\">Register here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/human-resources\/talent-development\/workshops\/?cmid=8d643b35-59eb-4d39-87fb-3ead11c0172f\">View Full Training Schedule<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Voting Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/human-resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/65\/2025\/10\/vote.avifautoformat2Ccompressampdpr2ampfitclipampixjsv2.2.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Election day is quickly approaching and New York State has laws that support employees having time to vote. The<a href=\"https:\/\/vassarcollegecis.msnd3.com\/tracking\/lc\/8d643b35-59eb-4d39-87fb-3ead11c0172f\/46581d7e-539b-41f1-b90e-975d4b6d6fa3\/1563ff5c-6332-48b3-822e-cd073d31791c\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>&nbsp;Election Law<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;states that:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you do not have 4 consecutive hours to vote either from the opening of the polls to the beginning of your working shift, or between the end of your working shift and the closing of the polls, you may take off up to 2 hours, without loss of pay, to allow you to vote if you are a registered voter.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You may take time off at the beginning or the end of your working shift, as your employer may designate, unless otherwise mutually agreed.<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You must notify your employer not less than 2 days, but not more than 10 days, before the day of the election that you will take time off to vote.\u00a0<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For more information, visit\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/vassarcollegecis.msnd3.com\/tracking\/lc\/8d643b35-59eb-4d39-87fb-3ead11c0172f\/2e446200-7ad5-4c75-8317-2102b35907f0\/1563ff5c-6332-48b3-822e-cd073d31791c\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/elections.ny.gov\/time-vote<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Human Resources&nbsp;will enter your voting time into your Workday timesheet. Call <a href=\"tel:+18454375820\">(845) 437-5820<\/a> or email&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:humanresources@vassar.edu\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">humanresources@vassar.edu<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;with specific information related to your shift and time off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Community Updates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mindful Movement Circle Employee Community<\/strong><br>We've had a great start with the Mindful Movement Circle Yoga and Meditation, where we're looking to expand in the spring and would love your input! Even if you couldn't make it in the past, but are still interested in joining, we're sharing this survey which will close by the end of November, to help us expand. We'd love to have your input, including times around our Zoom 30 minute meditations. Thanks and see you around!<br><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSccxwPjpcMDTfRvaCJnPB-bQtVWDrr30YhfU-laZLaHe-pnDA\/viewform?cmid=8d643b35-59eb-4d39-87fb-3ead11c0172f\">Click here for survey<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Labyrinth Lunch Break &amp; Open House<\/strong><br><strong>Thursday November 6, 12:00-1:30 PM<\/strong><br><strong>Pratt House &amp; Labyrinth<\/strong><br>All are invited to stop by Pratt House for a Labyrinth Lunch Break and Open House! You're invited to walk the labyrinth for quiet reflection, or try out a lap labyrinth for all abilities. Meet the RSLCP staff, explore Pratt House and enjoy free hot apple cider, tea and dessert. Everyone is welcome!<br><em>Hosted by Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices.<\/em><br><em>More info:\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:cisabelle@vassar.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cisabelle@vassar.edu<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Health Service Employee Engagement Events<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/human-resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/65\/2025\/10\/employee-2025-2026-event-calendar.jpgautoformat2Ccompressampdpr2ampfitclipampixjsv2.2.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Discover the Power of Storytelling with the TMI Project<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/human-resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/65\/2025\/10\/screenshot-2025-10-13-084034.pngautoformat2Ccompressampdpr2ampfitclipampixjsv2.2.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Monday, November 3rd from 1-3pm in the Pratt House Living Room<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join usfor a dynamic workshop where you\u2019ll learn to transform personal experiences into impactful stories that spark empathy and action. This hand-on session will give you the tools to talk across differences and help build stronger, more empathetic communities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSd48-SXY8WaYtCdVQQexL1Fj_Jw0NBJe9PkXf_jWXrJHcaOhQ\/viewform?cmid=8d643b35-59eb-4d39-87fb-3ead11c0172f\">Register here<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>October is Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness Month Open Enrollment Open enrollment will begin November 1\u00a0and will close on November 30th. Your enrollment in plans and any changes you make will be effective on January 1, 2026.\u00a0If you elected a Flexible Spending Account and\/or chose to take the Insurance Waiver Payment in 2025, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":109,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3605","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3605","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/109"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3605"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3605\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3610,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3605\/revisions\/3610"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3605"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3605"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/human-resources\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3605"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}