HR News & Updates

November 18, 2024

As the holiday season approaches, the Division of Human Resources and the TLC Brigade extends heartfelt gratitude to our faculty and staff for your continued unwavering support.

With the generous donations received by the TLC Brigade, we have been able to assist several families with young children experiencing unexpected hardships. Your donations assist our fellow Panthers when they need it the most, and for that, we THANK YOU!

The TLC Brigade is still accepting special needs infant items at this time. If you are able to lend a helping hand, please consider donating the following items no later than Wednesday, November 27, 2024:

Enfamil Gentlease NeuroPro Infant Formula (Powder preferred)
Diapers - Size 3

You may shop online and mail in your donations, or simply drop off items at the Division of Human Resources as follows:

Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Modesto A. Maidique Campus - PC 224

Biscayne Bay Campus - HL 320

Our people are everything and we are thankful for all your contributions. We wish you a joyous Thanksgiving celebration surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones!

Questions? Contact HR Relations at (305) 348-0101.

Do the holidays bring feelings of sadness, stress or anxiety? An overbooked calendar, never-ending to-do lists, and the pressure to create flawless experiences for loved ones can leave us feeling overwhelmed. The constant hustle sometimes obstructs the essence of simply "being".

To help alleviate seasonal stress, join the Office of Employee Assistance (OEA) for the virtual workshop, Calm for the Holidays: A Stress Relief. In this virtual workshop, individuals will learn different strategies and techniques to help guide them towards a healthier and happier life.

Be sure to register to either 12 p.m. session below:

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

Start off your work week feeling recharged by tuning into the 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.

Mindful Mondays are open to all faculty, staff, and retirees. Register today to participate!

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

Join us in celebrating Pedro Falcon, maintenance supervisor I, Wellness & Recreation Center, Division of Academic & Student Affairs, who will commence his retirement on Wednesday, November 27.

Check out the sentiments shared by his colleagues at the Wellness & Recreation Center.

Congratulate Pedro by sending him well wishes via Empower.

Questions? Contact the FIU Retiree Association at (305) 348-0101.

We are pleased to announce that Marilyn Gabriel, library specialist, Cataloging, Library Operations, will commence her well-deserved retirement on Saturday, November 30.

Join us in congratulating Marilyn by sending her well wishes via Empower.

Want to recognize your deserving colleagues nearing retirement? Complete the Retirement Token of Appreciation and University Announcement form to be featured in upcoming newsletters.

Questions? Contact the FIU Retiree Association at (305) 348-0101.

We are delighted to share that Van Robinson, storekeeper receiving clerk II, Accounting and Reporting Services, Office of the Controller, will begin his retirement on Saturday, November 30.

Send Van a congratulatory e-card through the virtual Empower platform!

Questions? Contact the FIU Retiree Association at (305) 348-0101.

Lights, camera, action!

Are you interested in being recorded and featured on the Division of Human Resources social media pages?

If so, be sure to fill out the interest form to be included in our campaigns, where you will be given a prompt and scheduled for a quick, 15-minute recording session.

To view our fun and spirited video campaigns, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram!

Questions? Contact HR Relations at (305) 348-0101.

'Tis the season to give back and make a difference!

There is still time to help FIU spread holiday cheer to underserved children in our community. Please consider donating to the President’s Holiday Celebration Toy Drive by shopping online and mailing your toy donation before Friday, November 29. Those who donate will be entered into a chance drawing for prizes.

Please note that the President's Holiday Celebration has reached maximum capacity. If you wish to be added to the waitlist, please RSVP to be added to the waitlist. You will receive an email with further instructions should tickets become available.

Questions? Contact HR Relations at (305) 348-0101.

Did you know you can schedule an appointment with a certified physician from the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (COM)?

Our on-campus internal medicine services provide comprehensive care to our workforce, offering a first point of contact for all healthcare needs.

Dr. Carla Rabassa, Dr. Amalia Galindez, and Dr. Gloria Coronel are dedicated to providing our faculty and staff with excellent and compassionate care. They offer a wide range of services, including annual physicals, and the management of chronic disorders such as hypertension, diabetes, blood disorders, and cardiovascular disease.

Be sure to take advantage of this FIU perk and schedule an appointment! Contact your insurance provider beforehand to find out about your coverage eligibility.

Questions? Contact FIU Health at (305) 348-3627.

Check out November's Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Shout Out featuring Jennifer Dziedzic TITLE with the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work!

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!

Don't forget to check out the EH&S Newsletter. Do you have a topic you would like EH&S to feature in an upcoming newsletter? Submit a topic today!

Anyone can be a champion for safety. Protect your fellow Panthers by reporting safety concerns or near misses to EH&S.

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

Members of the university community are required to make certain annual disclosures depending upon their employment status and role. Recently, several reminders were distributed to ensure the FIU family’s continued compliance. The required disclosures and attestation are:

Annual Outside Activity/Conflict of Interest Reporting (OA/COI)
Annual Electronic Nepotism Disclosure
Background and Criminal History Check Requirements Policy

Completing your annual disclosures and attestation is simple and can be done through the online reporting systems found on PantherSoft and on FIU Develop. If you have not completed yours yet, it is imperative that you review the applicable policies and email notifications from the Division of Human Resources and complete the required disclosures and attestation by their due dates.

To stay up to date with audit compliance matters and other related developments, make sure to read the Office of Internal Audit newsletter or visit oia.fiu.edu.

Questions? Contact Employee & Labor Relations at 305-348-4186.

If you’re thinking about Graduate School, now is the time to apply!

Join Graduate Admissions on Wednesday, November 20 from 12 to 1 p.m. for the virtual FIU Employee Graduate School Information Session.

A wide range of topics will be covered, including tuition waiver information for you or your dependents, application processes, misconceptions about graduate school, and much more.

RSVP to this insightful session today!

Questions? Contact Graduate Admissions at 305-348-8419.

ShopFIU is here for you when it comes to all things automotive!

Before you hit the road for that special holiday road trip, make sure your vehicle is safe and clean! Panther Auto Services is happy to share that faculty, and staff can enjoy 10% off a basic oil change and all maintenance packages until Sunday, December 15. Book an appointment ahead of time to secure your spot and be sure to mention the discount code: HOLIDAY.

In addition, FIU welcomes Luxury Detailing, a full-service car wash and detailing facility at the Modesto A. Maidique campus (MMC), located in Parking Garages 1 (Gold) and 3 (Panther) to keep your car looking its best this season!

Questions? Contact shopFIU at (305) 348-2187.

ShopFIU is always striving to offer you the best dining, retail and campus services. This is your opportunity to highlight what’s working well and where there is room for improvement. Your feedback matters!

Take a few moments to complete the shopFIU tracker and make your voice heard.

Each week in November, one lucky faculty or staff member who has completed the survey will be randomly selected to win a free desktop printer!

Questions? Contact shopFIU at (305) 348-2187.

Knowledge of Financial Education (KOFE) is delighted to be back with more chance drawings and financial counseling resources for faculty and staff.

To join the fun, visit FIU KOFE, and log in with your FIU credentials to participate in the following complimentary activities:

Online Monthly Scavenger Hunt Series: Answer this month's scavenger hunt question! Those who participate and submit the correct answer will be entered into a chance drawing.
Upcoming Webinars: Register to attend upcoming webinars that cover essential topics in finance and health.

We are also excited to announce the winner of last month's scavenger hunt. Thank you to all who participated. Stay tuned for more chances to win!

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

Join the FIU Center for Leadership's newest program: Leadership Essentials – Growth Catalyst, launching in February 2025!

This virtual experience will help you develop a strengths-based leadership approach, master collaboration strategies, improve time management, and embrace a growth mindset to drive your professional development.

Questions? Contact The Center for Leadership at (305) 348-5323.

Be sure to review these important benefits updates and reminders:

Benefit Fair Giveaway Winner Announcement
Third Paycheck of the Month | No Benefit Premium Deductions
Medical Flexible Spending Accounts for Plan Year 2024
FIU 403(b) Voluntary Retirement Plan Contributions | Extended Winter Holiday Schedule

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