HR News & Updates

February 3, 2025

Join the TLC Brigade this February in supporting our students by restocking the FIU Student Food Pantry!

By donating to our annual drive, you directly contribute to the success of our students, ensuring they have the resources necessary for a fulfilling educational journey.

Here is how you can help:

Consider the recommended donations list when selecting your items.
Check expiration dates carefully.
During the month of February, items may be dropped off at the Division of Human Resources, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Primera Casa (PC) 224, Modesto A. Maidique Campus (MMC), or at the Hubert Library (HL) 320, Biscayne Bay Campus (BBC).
You may also shop online and mail in your donations.
Make an online donation to Ignite's FIU Student Food Pantry project. Please be sure to designate your tribute gift in honor of the TLC Brigade.

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

Valentine's Day is approaching and love is in the air!

Show your colleagues your appreciation by sending them a festive Valentine's Day e-card through Empower.

The Empower platform is a fantastic way to show gratituded for fellow Panthers. Be sure to send cards year-round or give a coworker a shoutout on the Rec Room.

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

Are you interested in advancing your career in higher education?

Join the School of Education and Human Development on Tuesday, February 4, at noon for a Lunch & Learn on the M.S. in Higher Education Administration - a degree available both online and on-campus at FIU.

This event will take place in-person at the Ziff Education Building (ZEB), room 325, at MMC.

Faculty and staff can utilize the employee tuition waiver towards this degree. Be sure to RSVP to this Lunch & Learn ahead of time!

Questions? Contact the School of Education and Human Development at 305-348-7477.

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.

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!

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

Are you looking to immerse yourself into a world of creativity? Experience Coconut Grove's 61st Arts Festival, presented by First Horizon, taking place Saturday, February 15 to Monday, February 17!

With over 280 artists showcasing their work, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival supports year-round arts programs in our local community.

Faculty and staff can enjoy a 20% discount on general admission tickets and discover an array of artist exhibits and unique merchandise.

How to redeem your discount:

Visit the Coconut Grove Arts Festival ticketing website.
Scroll down and click "Enter Promo Code" and enter the code FIUGROVE25.
Once the code has been entered, click the "Add" button next to the Online - 1 Day GA ticket to add the ticket(s) to your shopping cart.
Once your ticket(s) have been added, click the button labeled "Proceed to Checkout" and enter payment details.

Don't miss out on this exclusive FIU offer to experience a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and creativity!

Questions? Contact the Coconut Grove Arts Festival at (305) 447-0401.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Mental health conditions affect one in four people in their lifetime, yet many go untreated, leading to devastating consequences. Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among college students, but change is possible.

Become part of the movement to bring mental health conditions out of the darkness by participating in the Out of the Darkness Campus Walk on Saturday, March 15 at 9:30 a.m. in the Graham Center (GC) Pit!

The Out of the Darkness Campus Walks are the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's (AFSP) signature student fundraising series, strategically crafted to involve youth and young adults in the battle against suicide.

How to register:

Secure your participation by registering online or onsite at 9:30 a.m. in the GC Pit on the day of the walk. There is no registration fee required for this event.

How to donate:

Donations can be submitted online. If you prefer mailing your donation, please complete the Offline Donation Form, which includes the mailing address.

How to volunteer:

Should you wish to sign up for the Event Committee or to be a Day of Walk Volunteer, please reach out to Dr. Breny DaParre Garcia, Associate Vice President, Division of Academic and Student Affairs, or Wendy Ordonez, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, Division of Academic and Student Affairs.

Take each step with us, whether it's in support of a friend, a loved one, a colleague, or yourself; every reason connects us.

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

Did you know that in 2024, the leading cause of injuries reported by FIU employees were slips, trips and falls? Preventing slips, trips, and falls relies on recognizing slip and trip hazards, understanding how to mitigate them, and knowing how to use safe work practices.

FIU is committed to reducing or eliminating hazards before it becomes a near miss or accident! Here are some important tips on how you can reduce your risk of a slip, trip, or fall:

Understanding slip vs trip:

A slip occurs when there’s not enough traction between your foot and the surface, causing a sudden loss of balance. A trip happens when your foot or leg hits an obstacle, stopping your lower body while momentum pushes your upper body forward.

Tips to prevent a slip, trip, or fall:

Use proper footwear that provides traction, avoiding open shoes and high heels.
Moving quickly, uneven walkways, and sudden stops can cause loss of footing. Keep walkways clear and address trip hazards and slippery conditions.
Use the handrail when walking up or down stairs.

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

For more information or to share ideas on slip, trip, and fall prevention and awareness at FIU, contact EH&S. To schedule a slip, trip, and fall awareness training for yourself or your team, contact EH&S Training.

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

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.

The Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (COM) knows that finding the best medical care for your loved ones is essential.

Our on-campus family medicine services are a convenient benefit that aims to provide healthcare to you and your family. FIU faculty and staff can schedule an appointment with Dr. Shweta Akhouri, Dr. Dollie Green and Physician Assistant Catherine Busatto for general health checkups and more.

Be sure to take advantage of this FIU perk and contact your insurance provider beforehand to find out about your coverage eligibility.

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

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.

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.

Join us for the Wellness Bite Webinar: The Truth about Vitamins & Supplements: Myths vs. Facts on Wednesday, February 5 at noon.

Facilitator Dr. Brandon Welch, the clinical

sports wellness pharmacist for

Baptist Health South Florida, will share information on how to navigate the world of vitamins and supplements, debunk common myths, and understand what truly supports health and wellness. 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 matters. Register 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.

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