December 2, 2024

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:

• Wednesday, December 11
• Thursday, December 12

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

Stay informed and up-to date about FIU's policies. Please make sure to familiarize yourself with any policies and policy updates that may impact your work here at FIU!

The updated policy below was recently published:

• 1705.023 Reasonable Accommodations Policy for Events. This policy ensures that FIU provides equal access to events.

Visit the Policy Library for more information.

Questions? Contact the University Compliance Office at 305-348-2216.

'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 Tuesday, December 10. 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 board-certified providers specialize in child, adult, and geriatric psychiatry, dedicated to preventing, diagnosing, and treating mental, emotional, and addictive disorders.

Psychiatry services include:

• Psychiatric Evaluations:

Thorough assessments to understand your mental health needs.

• Patient-Specific Medication Management:

Personalized medication plans for effective treatment.

• Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS):

Advanced therapy for depression and other conditions.

• Esketamine Treatment:

Innovative care for treatment-resistant depression.

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.

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.

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.

With the new American Airlines AAdvantage Business Program, both FIU and individual travelers can earn points!

When booking FIU business travel with American Airlines, be sure to use the business award code: EE195A2.This helps our university earn rewards that support students and employees with airline vouchers for research, conferences, and event incentives.

Enter your personal frequent flyer number as usual to enjoy your rewards while helping FIU gain benefits too. It’s a win-win for everyone!

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 us for the Wellness Bite Webinar: Healthy Eating Tips for the Holidays on Wednesday, December 11 at 12 p.m..

Wellness Bite Webinars provide our faculty and staff with bite-sized information sessions compact for a busy schedule. 

Lucette Talamas, MS, RD, LDN, will share information on how to maintain healthy eating habits during the holiday season, offering practical tips to enjoy festive meals while staying mindful of wellness goals. Don't miss this opportunity to learn valuable tips and ask questions.

Remember, your time is valuable and your wellbeing matters. Register today!

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

Be sure to review these important benefits updates and reminders:

• Reminder Regarding Your 2025 Benefits
• FIU's Leave of Absence Important Reminders
• FIU 403(b) Voluntary Retirement Plan Contributions | Extended Winter Holiday Schedule

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

Check out these savings from our Perks Program:



• Preferred Legal Plan
• Tickets at Work
• Adrienne Arsht Center
• L'Boulanger Maison du Croissant
• ParkOn Airport Parking

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

Experience the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival Presented by Capital One, taking place Thursday, February 20 to Sunday, February 23, 2025!

This culinary event is like no other with more than 110 events across Miami-Dade and Broward counties and over 1,500 FIU students bringing it to life. 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.

Be sure to check out discounted events and grab your tickets now!

Questions? Contact the Office of Auxiliary & Enterprise Development at (305) 627-1173.

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

• "Myriad" Faculty Exhibition Broward College Rosemary Duffy Larson Gallery - FIU Alumni Exhibiting Artists
• Unravelling Uniformity MFA Exhibition Miami Art Week
• Stratified Gestures at Dimensions Variable - FIU Alumna Karla Kantorovich
• Representing Cuban Women at the United Nations: The Work of Independent Civil Society

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

Questions? Contact calendar@fiu.edu.