Monday, November 10, 2025

Unleash the Panther Within!

It's time to prowl with pride - Homecoming Week is finally here! Spread your blue and gold energy by participating in these wild Homecoming activities:

Deadline Approaching! Place Your Votes for the Spirit Activities

Cast your vote for the Homecoming Faculty & Staff Royalty, Spirit Decorating Competition and Roaring Spirit Bake-off from now until Wednesday, November 12!

The UNCAGING

On Thursday, November 13 at 5 p.m., head to the Graham Center (GC) lawns for an evening packed with thrilling rides, delicious bites from food trucks, unique vendors, exciting games, and unforgettable giveaways. A night full of energy, fun, and Panther pride - Definitely one you won’t want to miss!

Homecoming Game

Experience the energy, school spirit, and unforgettable memories under the lights! Cheer on our Panthers as they take on the Liberty University Flames on Saturday, November 15 at 5 p.m.

Visit hc.fiu.edu to view a jungle of fun events and activities!

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

Help is Within Reach at the

Office of Employee Assistance

Reframing Depression: A Mindful and Compassionate Exploration

Take advantage of the upcoming wellness webinar offered by the Office of Employee Assistance (OEA), Reframing Depression: A Mindful and Compassionate Exploration. In this interactive workshop, attendees will learn to distinguish sadness from depression, reframe it as a signal guiding compassionate self-awareness, and explore the many layers of the human experience through curiosity, mindfulness, and self-compassion strategies.


Discover ways to support your well-being and RSVP for a 12 p.m. webinar on the following dates:


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:


  • AAA Auto Club Group
  • Alzheimer's Association
  • Tickets at Work
  • ParkOn Airport Parking
  • Dream Vacations, a CruiseOne Company


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:


  • Key reminders regarding 2026 benefits
  • FIU 403(b) Voluntary Retirement Plan contributions | Extended winter holiday schedule

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

Wellness Matters

FIU KOFE

Don't miss KOFE’s monthly webinarsheld every third Wednesday, for expert tips on budgeting, saving, and more.


Hosted by: Benefits Administration

Wednesday, November 19, at 1 p.m. via Zoom

Wellness Bite Webinar

Hosted by: Benefits Administration

Wednesday, November 12 at 12 p.m. via Zoom

Questions? Contact Benefits Administration at 305-348-2181.

Mindful Mondays Drop-In Sessions

Start off your work week feeling recharged by tuning into virtual Mindful Mondays sessions, taking place every Monday from 12 to 12:30 p.m.!


In short, rejuvenating lunchtime sessions, you'll explore techniques that cultivate presence, awareness, and resilience. 


Each session features a brief introduction, a guided meditation, and Q&A. Whether you're just starting out or have been meditating for years, you'll acquire practical tools to integrate mindfulness into both your work and personal life. We hope to see you there!

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

Campus Updates

ValorFest 2025: A Veteran's Day Celebration

Join us on Tuesday, November 11, from 4 to 9 p.m. along West Flagler Street and Southwest 107 Avenue for ValorFest 2025: A Veteran’s Day Celebration!


This annual community event brings together residents, families, and local organizations for an evening of unity, gratitude, and celebration. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, family-friendly activities, and solemn tributes recognizing the sacrifices and achievements of our veterans.


No purchase is necessary to attend! For more information about the event, schedule, and how to get involved, please visit the ValorFest 2025 website.

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

Remember to Recycle at Football Tailgates!

Join FIU's Panthers Sustainable Tailgate by bringing your aluminum cans, cardboard and plastic bottles (no caps!) to recycling bins around the Promenade at our home game tailgates. Look for the "Recycle Here!" signs to find the Office of Sustainability and Green Team at the Waste Minimization Stations.


Mini recycling bins are also available to rent for free, making collection at your tent easy! If you'd like to request a bin, you may do so at the tailgating parking payment tents.


With your help we can have a successful Panthers Sustainable Tailgate! Follow the Office of Sustainability on Instagram for more tips on how to Go Green.


Questions? Contact the Office of Sustainability at (305) 348-3717.

Tickets Now on Sale for SOBEWFF® 2026!

Tickets are now available for the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®)! Be a part of the 25 year celebration of flavor, fun, and philanthropy on the sands of South Beach from Thursday, February 19 to Sunday, February 22, 2026!


This four-day destination event will feature world-renowned chefs and culinary icons including Guy Fieri, Bobby Flay, and Rachael Ray, plus live performances by Diplo, Rev Run and more.


To date, the Festival has raised more than $45 million in support of its mission to eat, drink, and educate in partnership with our Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.


Purchase tickets today to attend this culinary festival!


Questions? Contact Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management

at (305) 627-1173.

FIU’s 34th Annual Children’s Holiday Celebration

Join a cherished FIU tradition by welcoming 100 students from Miami-Dade County Title I elementary schools for the Children's Holiday Celebration, taking place on Tuesday, December 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Graham Center (GC) ballrooms!


Tickets for this event are $45 each or $450 for a table of ten. Be sure to contact Leif Amrhein, outreach & partnership manager, Division of Student Affairs, via email to purchase your ticket(s).


You can also make a bigger impact through the Sponsor A School campaign. A $1,000 departmental sponsorship fully supports one of seventeen participating schools, providing holiday gifts and engaging activities.


To sponsor a school, make sure to complete the brief Qualtrics Survey. Questions can be directed to Anthony Teague, director of operations and outreach, Innovative Education and Student Success, via email.


Questions? Contact the Office of Student Access & Success at (305) 348-7588.

Black Friday deals are here at FIU Panther TECH!

Don’t miss exclusive Black Friday savings at FIU Panther TECH, available now through Monday, November 24!


As FIU’s official on-campus tech store, upgrading is easy with payroll deduction for eligible employees.


Featured Apple Deals:

  • $50 off Apple computers (excludes Mac Mini)
  • $25 off iPad Air and iPad Pro
  • $25 off AppleCare+ for laptops
  • Enjoy extra savings on top of educational pricing


Visit the FIU Panther TECH store, located in GC, at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus (MMC).


Questions? Contact Panther TECH at

(305) 348-7247.

Save 15% at the Graham Center's CVS Beauty Machine

If you haven't had a chance to visit the new CVS Beauty vending machine in GC, be sure to check it out!


Offering products from brands that include Neutrogena, e.l.f., Sun Bum, CeraVe and more, it's your one-stop shop for self-care.


The CVS Beauty machine is located in the vending bank near Wayki's and the Cyber lounge in GC. To celebrate this new venture, they are offering 15% off all purchases between now and Sunday, November 30. When checking out, use the code "ILOVEFIU" to claim the discount.


Questions? Contact Business Services at (305) 348-7247.

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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.