Introducing benefits@uwf.edu – Your New Direct Line to the HR Benefits Team! 

We are excited to announce a new, dedicated email address for all your benefits needs! The HR Benefits Team is now available at benefits@uwf.edu.

Whether you have questions about insurance, retirement, tuition waivers, leave programs, or other employee benefits, this new inbox provides a direct way to reach our team.

Starting now, please use benefits@uwf.edu for benefits-related questions and requests.

Important: ADA accommodation requests and related documentation should continue to be sent exclusively to ada@uwf.edu to ensure appropriate confidential handling.

We look forward to serving you through our new Benefits inbox!

Guest Speakers Help Employees Manage Money Matters

During November, experts in various financial fields will provide an abundance of valuable information and answer questions, from the most basic to advanced. These sessions are free for faculty, staff, and their spouses. Visit the Professional Development Learning Library for more information and to sign up.

Friday, 11/06 - 1:30pm-3:30pm - Nearing Retirement in the FRS 

Friday, 11/13 - 1:30pm-3:30pm - Medicare Made Easy

All sessions will be held both in the HR Training Room in Building 20 West - Room 156A and virtually via Zoom for employees that request to attend that way.

If you have any questions, please contact Elsie Rivera at 850.474.2921.

Dependent Eligibility Verification

People First requires documentation to verify eligibility for newly added dependents receiving State Group Insurance coverage. This applies to Open Enrollment, new hires, marriages, births, and other qualifying status change (QSC) events.

Employees who add dependents will receive a verification request from People First by email or mail. Required documentation should be uploaded through the People First website by the deadline provided. Failure to submit sufficient documentation may result in termination of dependent coverage.

For instructions, eligible dependent categories, forms, and FAQs, visit the State of Florida Dependent Verification website.

Questions? Contact the HR Benefits Team at benefits@uwf.edu.

Healthier U and EAP Wellness Wednesday Partnership Continues!

We are excited to announce the continuation of the Healthier U and EAP Wellness Wednesday partnership for fall and spring semesters 26-27. Working with our EAP, we identified workplace wellness hot topics for our faculty and staff. Pack a lunch or schedule a team lunch-and-learn. This year our lineup includes:

11/4/2026, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm – Impact of Gratitude

11/18/2026, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Holiday Stress – What to Expect and How to Cope

12/9/2026, 12:00 pm – 1:0 pm – Simplify Your Life

1/13/2027, 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm - New Year’s Resolutions

2/10/2027, 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm – Finding Harmony Between Work and Home

3/10/2027, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm - Unplug to Recharge

4/14/2027, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm – Effective Collaboration

5/12/2027, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm – Taking Sleep Seriously

For a detailed description or to register, visit the PageUp Learning Library or Calendar today! Links to the online classes will be sent to all of the registered attendees.

Invest in Your Growth with LinkedIn Learning

Looking for a convenient way to strengthen your skills, explore new interests, or prepare for your next professional opportunity? LinkedIn Learning offers UWF employees access to a wide variety of online courses designed to support professional growth and lifelong learning.

Whether you want to enhance your communication skills, become a more effective leader, improve your time management, or learn new technology, LinkedIn Learning provides flexible learning opportunities that fit into your schedule.

What Can You Learn?

LinkedIn Learning features courses across a variety of professional development areas, including:

• Communication and Collaboration: Strengthen interpersonal communication, practice active listening, and learn strategies for navigating difficult conversations.
• Leadership and Management: Explore techniques for motivating teams, providing constructive feedback, delegating responsibilities, and supporting employee development.
• Productivity and Time Management: Discover practical approaches to prioritizing tasks, managing competing deadlines, and working more efficiently.
• Technology and Digital Skills: Build proficiency in commonly used workplace tools and explore emerging technologies that can support your work.
• Personal and Professional Growth: Develop emotional intelligence, adaptability, problem-solving skills, and other competencies that contribute to workplace success.

How to Access LinkedIn Learning

Getting started is easy!

1. Log in to MyUWF.
2. Search for “LinkedIn Learning”
3. Select the LinkedIn Learning resource to access the platform and explore available courses.

Questions? Please reach out to Jack Kolodziejski, Assistant Director of Employee Relations, at 850.474.2292.

PageUp Performance News

Work Force Supervisors, please check your PageUp Team Performance Reviews to ensure a 2026 – 2027 Annual Review launched July 1 for each of your direct reports. If you are missing a review, please reach out to Jack Kolodziejski, Assistant Director of Employee Relations, at 850.474.2292.

(Note: This does not apply to the University President, Vice Presidents, Provost, General Counsel, or Athletic Fall/Winter Coaches.)

Abbreviated FY 26 - 27 Annual Reviews will be automatically launched for employees completing their Position Orientation Year by December 31, 2026.

Approved 2027 Holidays

The following are the approved holidays for the 2027 calendar year.

• New Year's Day: Friday, January 1, 2027
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 18, 2027
• Spring Break Holiday: Monday, March 22, 2027, through Friday, March 26, 2027
• Memorial Day: Monday, May 31, 2027
• Juneteenth: Observed Friday, June 18, 2027
• Independence Day: Observed Monday, July 5, 2027
• Labor Day: Monday, September 6, 2027
• Veterans Day: Thursday, November 11, 2027
• Thanksgiving Holiday: Monday, November 22, 2027, through Friday, November 26, 2027
• Winter Holiday to include Christmas Day: Monday, December 20, 2027, through Friday, December 31, 2027

University of West Florida | hr@uwf.edu | 11000 University Parkway

Pensacola, FL 32514

Phone: 850.474.2694 | Fax: 850.857.6030

This email was sent to all Faculty and Staff at the University of West Florida. This is not a subscription service. You cannot opt-out of these messages.