January 21, 2025

Whether it’s a colleague whose dedication has inspired you or a student employee whose hard work has had a lasting impact, the FIU Recognition Awards and the Student Employee of the Year Awards (SEOTY) offer an opportunity to show your appreciation.


Nominate a deserving colleague or student employee before the deadline on Friday, January 31, at 11:59 p.m. EST!


Remember to review the categories and submit your nomination(s) for either program below:


Place your nomination(s) for individuals who have made transformative contributions through innovative teaching, groundbreaking research, or exceptional service to the university community!


Recognize undergraduate and graduate student employees who significantly contribute to FIU’s mission through their dedication and achievements.


Those who nominate a Panther superstar will be entered into a chance drawing!


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

The Office of Employee Assistance (OEA) invites faculty and staff who serve as family caregivers to the Caring and Sharing Support Group, gathering virtually every last Friday of the month at noon.


Caregiving can be both rewarding and challenging. This group was created to provide a supportive space where caregivers can connect, share experiences, and offer each other encouragement. Whether you're caring for a family member, a loved one, or a friend, we know that balancing caregiving responsibilities with work and personal life can sometimes feel overwhelming.


Facilitated by an OEA clinician, this program is designed to help alleviate stress by offering a community to discuss coping strategies, offer advice, and support one another through shared experiences.


Register ahead of time to attend!


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

Discover the Parents Growing Together Support Group, hosted by the OEA, and join a welcoming space for Panther parents to connect, share, and grow.


Held every second Friday of the month at noon, these gatherings help parents cultivate a compassionate mindset through connection, awareness, acceptance. It also serves as a safe space for sharing advice, offering encouragement, and building a network of understanding among fellow FIU parents.


Sign up to join in on these insightful conversations.


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

This year, Enviornmental Health & Safety (EH&S) will continue to highlight individuals that help uphold a culture of safety at FIU. Check out January's EH&S Safety Shout Out highlighting Dr. Laura Serbus, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts, Sciences & 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!


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


Make sure to keep an eye out for upcoming EH&S Newsletters. Do you have a topic you would like EH&S to feature in an upcoming newsletter? Submit a topic today!


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

The Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (COM) understands how important it is to find top-quality medical care for your loved ones.


Our on-campus primary care services offer a convenient benefit, providing access to healthcare to faculty, staff and their family. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Aymara Fernandez de la Vara, a seasoned primary care and internal medicine physician. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Dr. Fernandez de la Vara is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care, with a focus on building long-term trust with her patients and ensuring the highest quality of care for her community.


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.

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.


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.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, disconnected, and stressed. What if you could take a step back and find balance, peace, and focus?


The OEA invites you to join the sessions of Mindfulness in Togetherness Meditation, a supportive virtual space where you can learn and grow.


These relaxing gatherings are designed to help you practice techniques for finding calm in daily life, reducing stress, improving focus and mental clarity, and cultivating mindfulness to enhance emotional well-being and resilience.


Register for any noon session, held every other Wednesday via Zoom, and connect with yourself on a deeper level.


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

Are you ready to experience deep relaxation and inner peace? The OEA invites you to the transformative Sound Bath Meditation Sessions that will leave you feeling rejuvenated, balanced, and centered. 


Sound baths are a powerful way to release stress, enhance emotional well-being, and connect with your body and mind. During this unique meditation experience, soothing sounds from instruments like crystal singing bowls, gongs, and chimes will wash over you, helping to slip into deep relaxation, reduce stress, and balance your energy to clear mental blockages.


Whether you're new to sound healing or have experienced it before, the OEA's Sound Bath Meditation Sessions provide a peaceful space for anyone seeking profound relaxation and healing.


Sign up ahead of time to experience an unforgettable journey that will leave you feeling refreshed, recharged, and deeply aligned with your best self. Sessions take place every other Thursday at noon in the Green Library, room 220.


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

Join us on Monday, February 10, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Kovens Conference Center for the opening night of Kovens Cultural Art Series featuring both FIU alumni and current student art pieces.


Don't miss the chance to view these captivating art pieces that will be on display until Tuesday, April 15. Be sure to RSVP to secure your complimentary ticket!


FIU alumni and current students are invited to showcase their creativity by submitting a photo of their artwork for a chance to be featured in this vibrant cultural event. Don’t miss the opportunity to share your talent! Submit your entry by the deadline on Thursday, January 30!


Questions? Contact Office of the Vice Provost at 305-919-5703.

Join Roary, Orientation and Family Programs, and FIU Athletics for an exciting Spring Parent and Family Basketball Day!


Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 8, at 2 p.m. at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center and cheer on the FIU Men's Basketball team as they take on LA Tech.


Secure your discounted tickets today. Each ticket purchase grants attendees eligibility to claim a complimentary giveaway item! Stop by the Orientation and Family Programs table in the lobby 30 minutes before tip-off to pick up your item while supplies last.


Be sure to show your proof of ticket purchase to claim your free item!


Questions? Contact Orientation and Family Programs at (305) 348-4026.

Experience the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF®) Presented by Capital One, from Thursday, February 20 to Sunday, February 23!


With 110+ events across Miami-Dade and Broward counties and over 1,500 FIU students bringing it to life, it’s a culinary event like no other. Faculty and staff can enjoy an exclusive 15% discount on select events with code FIUFAM15.


Don’t miss your chance to savor world-class flavors while supporting FIU students in action.


Check out discounted events and grab your tickets now!


Questions? Contact the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at (305) 299-2091.

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.

 

Register now at the special FIU faculty and staff rate of $399!

 

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

On Wednesday, January 8, the Office of Business Services released a university-wide memo with information regarding changes to the American Airlines Rewards program.


The memo explained that the previous rewards program was now being replaced with the new AAdvantage Business Program. Please refer to both memos for additional information on these updates and how to book your travel with this program.


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

ShopFIU is here for you and wants to hear about your recent experiences!


Complete the shopFIU Listens survey to share your thoughts about our services and locations. If you'd like a follow-up, don’t forget to include your contact information.


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

Looking for a way to enrich your work life and engage with your colleagues in a fun and meaningful way? Join the OEA's virtual Panthers Thrive Book Club and experience the joy of reading together!


What would be possible if you followed through on your best intentions? What could you accomplish if you could stay focused? What if you had the power to become "indistractable?"


Former Stanford lecturer, and behavioral design expert, Nir Eyal, reveals the hidden psychology driving us to distraction in his book Indistractable. He describes why solving the problem is not as simple as swearing off our devices, and lays bare the secret of finally doing what you say you will do with a four-step, research-backed model. Indistractable reveals the key to getting the best out of technology, without letting it get the best of us.


The Panthers Thrive Book Club meets virtually twice a month on Fridays at noon. Register to participate and be entered into a chance drawing to win a copy of the book!


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

Tap into the gentle power of Qigong at the upcoming Meditative Movement Sessions hosted by the OEA!


Qigong is an ancient Chinese healing practice that blends together gentle movements, deep breathing, and meditation. This holistic exercise system reduces stress, enhances immune function, strengthens internal organs, and fosters mental calmness, promoting overall health, vitality, and a youthful state.


Led by an expert instructor, these mindful sessions aim to foster a healing environment, promote relaxation, enhance centering, and improve flexibility, balance, and body awareness. If you're looking to improve your mental clarity, strengthen your body, or simply find peace, Qigong can be a transformative journey.


These relaxing sessions are held every other Tuesday at noon in the Green Library, room 220. Be sure to register ahead of time to participate!


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

Join us for the Wellness Bite Webinar: How to Stay Healthy & Active on Wednesday, January 22 at noon.


Facilitator, Cathee Connor will share information on how to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, offering practical tips to stay mindful of wellness goals! Don't miss this opportunity to learn valuable tips and ask questions.

 

Wellness Bite Webinars provide our faculty and staff with bite-sized information sessions compact for a busy schedule. Be sure to review the upcoming wellness events to discover opportunities to learn, grow, and prioritize your well-being.

 

Remember, your time is valuable and your wellbeing mattersRegister today!


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

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

 

To join the fun, visit FIU KOFE, and log in with your FIU credentials to participate in upcoming webinars that cover essential topics in finance and health.


Be sure to read the January newsletter to stay updated on all the exciting opportunities and resources available.


We are excited to announce the winner of last month's scavenger hunt, in addition to the KOFE quarterly winner, Angelmar Ortega! Thank you to all who participated. Stay tuned for more chances to win!


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

Be sure to review these important benefits updates and reminders:


  • Reminder | Sick Leave Pool Program Open Enrollment
  • 2024 Health Insurance Tax Form 1095-C
  • State Employee Adoption Benefit Program


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

Check out these savings from our Perks Program:



  • Brightline
  • TaxPros
  • Ideal Nutrition
  • Tickets at Work
  • YouFit


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

Be sure to check out the FIU Calendar for a list of new and exciting events, such as these:



Want to share an event? Complete an event submission form to be featured on the FIU Calendar.


Questions? Contact calendar@fiu.edu.

To provide feedback on this newsletter, please email hrrel@fiu.edu.
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