Monday, October 13, 2025

Open Enrollment is Here!

It’s time to take charge of your benefits! The annual Open Enrollment period runs from Monday, October 13, through Friday, October 31, at 6 p.m. This is your opportunity to review your health plan options and make any changes you need, such as updating your coverage or adjusting your eligible dependents.


Take this time to ensure your benefits fit your needs for the year ahead!

Mark Your Calendars for the Benefits Fair!


Want more information on your benefit plans? Visit the annual Benefits Fair!


Stop by any time during event hours to meet with benefit providers and get answers to your questions.


While at the Benefits Fair, you can get your flu shot by showing your insurance card, renew your driver’s license with the DMV, speak with Social Security Administration and Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) representatives. Don't forget to take part in the Benefits Fair Snap Quest for a chance to win exclusive giveaways!


Date and Time:

Thursday, October 23

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.


Location:

Graham Center Ballrooms

Modesto A. Maidique Campus


Biscayne Bay Campus faculty and staff can catch a complimentary shuttle ride on the Panther Express. Preregister no later than Tuesday, October 21 to use this accommodation!

Questions? Contact the Benefits Administration at (305) 348-2181.

It's Time to Gear Up for Homecoming 2025!

Homecoming Week is quickly approaching and we're prepping for a WILD week!


Join us Friday, November 7 to Saturday, November 15 for a week of celebrations and exciting events that unite our students, faculty, staff, retirees, alumni, and community.


Don’t miss the chance to unleash the Panther Pride within by participating in these upcoming faculty and staff spirit activities:


  • Homecoming Spirit Decorating Competition: Register and submit your entry and competition pictures by Monday, November 3!
  • Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty Nominations: Who will lead the pride this year? Nominate a colleague no later than Wednesday, October 29.
  • Roaring Spirit Bake-Off: Do you have what it takes to be named the Roaring Spirit Bake-Off Champion? Submit your image and recipe by Monday, November 3.


Visit hc.fiu.edu for a full list of fun events and activities like Roary's Rocking Run, Clash of the Panthers, the Uncaging, and the Homecoming game!

Questions? Contact HR Relations at (305) 348-6099.

Office of Employee Assistance Programs

Let's Talk About It: Conversations About Mental Health

The Office of Employee Assistance (OEA) is excited to invite you to the second Let’s Talk About It - Conversations About Mental Health event, a new speaking series that promotes mental health awareness and fosters a more supportive work environment at FIU.


This session’s guest speaker is Officer Michael (Mike) Black from the FIU Police Department, who will share his powerful personal story in honor of National Depression Awareness Month, offering an inspiring look at recognizing the signs, seeking help, and finding strength in recovery.


Register ahead of time to be a part of this insightful conversation! This session will be held on Tuesday, October 28 at 12 p.m. in the Green Library, room 220. Together, we’ll continue the dialogue around mental health, building a culture of support and inclusivity that champions the wellbeing of every FIU Panther. Light bites and refreshments will also be provided!

Questions? Contact the Office of Employee Assistance at (305) 348-2469.

Benefits Updates

Seasonal Perks & Promotion

Check out the great savings offered to our faculty and staff through the Employee Perks & Services Program:


  • BJ's Wholesale Club
  • Greater Miami & Miami Beach
  • Zoo Miami
  • Miami City Ballet
  • Brightline


For a complete list of employee perks, please visit the FIU’s Employee Perks site.

Benefits Reminders

Keep yourself informed with the latest benefits updates and reminders designed to support you:


  • Open Enrollment is Here and Ends on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 6 p.m. ET
  • Plan to Attend the Benefits Fair on Thursday, October 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Group Whole Life Insurance Special Open Enrollment Through Gabor Financial Solutions
  • Coming Soon: Spanish Language Experience on the TIAA Mobile App


Scholarship Opportunities just for You!

Are you or your dependent(s) currently pursuing a degree at FIU? Please make sure to explore the exclusive scholarships available to our workforce.


Applications are open until Monday, November 3, for the following scholarships:



Be sure to check out the rest of our scholarships to take advantage of this benefit!

FIU KOFE Financial Wellness

KOFE (Knowledge of Financial Education) is here to help Panthers take control of their finances with confidence.


With this free benefit to faculty and staff, you have access to a wealth of online self-help tools and unlimited financial coaching. Register for free using your FIU credentials.


Don't miss KOFE’s monthly webinars, held every third Wednesday, for expert tips on budgeting, saving, and more. Learn tips about Open Enrollment by reading KOFE's October newsletter, Fall Into Open Enrollment: Smart Tips for Benefits and Budgeting.

Questions? Contact the Benefits Administration at (305) 348-2181.

Wellness Matters

Fall Mindful Mondays Sessions

Join the upcoming Mindful Mondays sessions hosted by the Center for the Advancement of Teaching!


These sessions are designed to support your well-being and introduce simple practices for presence, awareness, and resilience.


Taking place every Monday from 12 to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom

Questions? Contact the Center for the Advancement of Teaching at (305) 348-4214.

Professional Development

Streamline Success with Records Management 101

Tune into Records Management 101: FIU's Guide to Compliance and Efficiency on Thursday, October 30 at 1 p.m. via Zoom to get an overview of why records management is essential in a university environment!


Records management plays a vital role in supporting the academic, administrative, and legal functions of the university. From student records to research data and institutional policies, managing records properly ensures compliance, protects sensitive information, and promotes transparency and accountability.


Make sure to RSVP to attend and don’t miss this chance to learn practical tips that can make your day-to-day work easier!

Questions? Contact the Records Management at (305) 348-1377.

Master the Social Media Playbook

Join the Division of Finance & Administration and Roar Media to explore how FIU can leverage organic and paid social media to build community and drive action across diverse programs and departments.


Taking place on Wednesday, October 22, 2 to 4 p.m. in the College of Business Complex (CBC), room 240.


Be sure to register to attend!

Questions? Contact the Division of Business & Finance at (305) 348-3621.

Compliance Matters

Florida Board of Governor's Statement of Free Expression

As a university, FIU has a responsibility to support academic freedom and civil discourse.


To uphold and encourage full and open discourse, and the exchange of ideas and perspectives, we remind our university community that FIU endorses the Florida Board of Governor’s Statement of Free Expression.


Aligned with our university’s mission, we view this as an integral part of our ability to deliver a high-quality academic experience for our students, engage in meaningful and productive research, and provide valuable public service.

Questions? Contact the Office of University Compliance & Integrity at (305) 348-2216.

Campus Updates

Save the Date for the Virtual Graduate School Fair

Are you ready for the next stage of your academic career or looking to level up in your profession? RSVP to the Virtual Graduate School Fair on Wednesday, November 5 from 12 to 4 p.m.!


Explore over 140 graduate programs at FIU by participating in interactive sessions, connecting with program representatives, and learning about funding opportunities to help you succeed.


As an FIU benefit, faculty and staff should review the criteria for utilizing Tuition Waiver to make the most of this opportunity.


Questions? Contact the Graduate Admissions Office at (305) 348-8419.

Enjoy 20% Off at Luxury Detailing!

Our friends at Luxury Detailing are excited to offer FIU faculty and staff a 20% discount when you show your FIU One Card. This special promotion is not valid for express services.


Stop by any of their locations in the Gold (PG1), Blue (PG2) and Red (PG3) parking garages Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.


Browse their menu for more information on their services and pricing.


Questions? Contact the Office of Business Services at (305) 348-2187.

EH&S Safety Shout Out

Check out October's Environmental Health & Safety's (EH&S) Safety Shout Out, featuring William "Bill" Chamberlain, lab manager II, with the FIU Institute of Environment, College of Arts, Sciences and Education


Do you know someone who actively promotes safe practices and behavior to ensure a safe work and learning environment? Recognize them with an EH&S Shout Out!

October is National Protect Your Hearing Month

Per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise at work each year.


Hearing loss is permanent but preventable. Check out the CDC's website to learn about the different exposures and ways to protect your hearing at home and work!

Questions? Contact Environmental Health & Safety at (305) 348-2621.

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Should you need an ADA accommodation to participate in a University event, program, or activity or need to request materials in an accessible format, please contact FIU’s Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Accessibility (CRCA) at 305-348-2785 or accommodations@fiu.edu. All requests for ADA accommodation or accessible materials for this event must be submitted to CRCA at least seven (7) business days prior to the event or at the earliest possible opportunity.