From puja.pathak at ucr.edu Thu Apr 9 09:10:56 2026 From: puja.pathak at ucr.edu (Puja Pannu) Date: Thu, 9 Apr 2026 09:10:56 -0700 Subject: [Msoadm] Central Human Resources Newsletter | April 2026 Message-ID: Central Human Resources Newsletter April 2026 [image: Alex Najera] Recognition and Financial Health A message from Alex N?jera, Associate Vice Chancellor, CHRO Dear Campus Partners, As we move into April, our newsletter focuses on two pillars essential to a thriving campus community: recognizing the incredible work of our staff and supporting your financial health. Your dedication and contributions are the foundation of UCR?s success, and we are committed to providing the resources that help you excel both professionally and personally. This month, we invite you to participate in recognizing and celebrating success across UCR. Recognition helps build stronger connections and a positive workplace, and we are thrilled to spotlight Thank Goodness for Staff Week from April 20 to April 24, 2026, featuring fun activities like Virtual Wellness Activities, Paws to Share, and the Staff Pantry. Additionally, please take time to celebrate the recipients of the Milestone Awards, which honor staff for reaching important career milestones in 5-year increments. With the April 15 tax filing deadline approaching, it is the perfect time to check in on your financial well-being. We encourage you to take advantage of the UCR Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, which offers confidential financial guidance through Guidance Resources. Experts, including CPAs and CFPs, are available to help you with budgeting, debt, taxes, and retirement planning. You can also register for our Financial Wellness Workshop Series to plan today for a stronger financial future. Finally, please note two important administrative updates: - Performance Appraisals: Staff should complete and submit their self-assessments to their supervisor by Friday, April 10, 2026. - Holiday Name Change: Following state legislative action, the University of California has renamed C?sar Ch?vez Day to Farmworkers Day. We hope you enjoy this edition and take advantage of the programs designed to support your success. Recognition and Financial Health Recognize, Appreciate, and Celebrate Success at UCR Recognition helps people feel proud, build stronger connections, and create a positive workplace. Visit the Staff Assembly Programs website for helpful tools and programs that support managers and supervisors in recognizing their teams. It also features the Get Recognized Peer Recognition Program , which allows employees to recognize coworkers who go above and beyond. By celebrating success through nominations, awards, or team events, we help create a workplace where everyone feels appreciated and motivated to do their best. Milestone Awards The UCR Milestone Awards Program, administered by the UCR Staff Assembly, honors staff members who have reached important career milestones. These milestones are recognized in 5-year increments, beginning at 5 years of service. This program celebrates employees for their valuable contributions to UCR by enhancing the learning and working environment while advancing the University?s mission. Visit the Staff Assembly website to view the 2026 Winter Milestone Award Recipients. Thank Goodness for Staff Week! Get ready to celebrate, UCR Staff! We are excited to invite you to Thank Goodness for Staff Week, happening from April 20 to April 24, 2026! This year, we have a great lineup of activities to express our heartfelt appreciation for your hard work and dedication. Join us for: - Virtual Wellness Activities with Hung Wu, to reset your posture. - Paws to Share, where you can unwind with furry friends. - Build-a-Scotty Bear, a fun and creative experience for all. - Delicious Coffee and Donuts to kickstart your day. - A Staff Pantry stocked with goodies. Performance Appraisals - Self Assessment As the performance management cycle progresses and deadlines for all staff quickly approach, we wish to remind you of the following important dates to ensure your contributions are effectively recognized: - Friday, April 10, 2026*: Staff should complete and submit their self-assessment to their supervisor. - Monday, April 13 ? Friday, April 24, 2026*: Supervisors complete draft performance appraisals for each direct report. To review additional timelines and deadlines*, please visit the Performance Management Timeline webpage. *Some organizational units may have slightly revised timelines. Financial Guidance The UCR Faculty and Staff Assistance Program provides financial guidance through Guidance Resources. Consultants connect you with experts like CPAs and CFPs for unbiased advice. These professionals assist with budgeting, debt, taxes, retirement, and estate planning to help you make informed decisions. Visit the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program webpage for details . Financial Wellness Workshop Series Plan Today for a Stronger Financial Future - Small steps today can lead to big results tomorrow With the April 15 tax deadline approaching, now is the time to assess your financial health. Filing taxes clarifies your income and expenses, offering a chance to refresh your financial goals. Review your budget for small savings that build a strong foundation over time. UCR provides resources like educational tools and financial counseling to help you make informed, confident decisions: Ways to Save with Roth April 7 ? 12:00 pm April 23 ? 9:00 am Importance of Financial Wellness April 10 9:00 am April 30 12:00 pm Take the First Step to Investing April 8 ? 9:00 am April 28 ? 12:00 pm Faculty Staff Wellness Program Spend Well Pillar Managing My Money April 14 9:00 am April 20 12;00 pm Central Human Resources Benefits Benefits Webinars Spotlights [image: image] HR Employee Spotlight When you joined UCR: March 2018 The departments you have worked in: Employee Relations Consultant in Central HR Employee and Labor Relations (February 2026 - current), Assistant Director of HR in Planning, Budget, and Administration ASSET (March 2018 - January 2026) Your favorite place on campus: Botanic Gardens Degrees or certificates you have obtained: Bachelor of Science, Economics from Portland State University, CALPELRA Labor Relations Master (CLRM) from California Public Employers Labor Relations Association, Professional in Human Resources (PHR) from Human Resources Certification Institute [image: image] HR Team Spotlight The HR team in Development and Alumni Engagement strive to provide the best HR customer service to our staff and campus partners. We value everyone we come in contact with and handle all HR requests delicately, accurately and as expeditiously as possible. We enjoy creating an annual calendar of events for our Development and Alumni Engagement staff that provides opportunities for professional development and Engagement. Next month, we are hosting our first ever DAE Family Day event. We are very excited to gather in community with our staff and their families while learning more about our campus through this engaging opportunity. [image: image] HR Reminders Avanti: The R'Employee Portal The portal will go-live Friday, May 1, 2026. For more information, please join us at one or all of our training sessions available at https://hr.ucr.edu/avanti HR Tech Tip Effective April 24, 2026, the central Human Resources website will transition to a more accessible format of forms, policies, and local procedure. Website links may be impacted by the change. If you are unable to locate a web link, document, or form please submit a HR Service Ticket National Celebrations Autism Acceptance Month Observed each April, Autism Acceptance Month promotes understanding and support for those on the spectrum. The focus has shifted from awareness to acceptance, valuing the unique ways autistic individuals communicate and think. This month celebrates individual talents and encourages inclusion across all communities to ensure everyone can succeed. Find resources at the Autism Society of America or Autism Speaks . Deaf History Month Observed annually from March 13 to April 15, Deaf History Month honors the history, culture, and achievements of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. These dates commemorate significant milestones, including the establishment of the first school for Deaf students and the appointment of the first Deaf president at Gallaudet University. This month emphasizes inclusion and equal access through American Sign Language (ASL). For resources and support, visit the National Association of the Deaf . It is a time to celebrate Deaf culture and foster a world where everyone is respected. International Day of Nowruz International Nowruz Day, the Persian New Year, occurs on March 20 or 21 to mark the start of spring and natural balance. Celebrated for over 3,000 years across the Middle East and Central Asia, it symbolizes new beginnings and hope. Families gather to clean homes, share meals, and welcome the season. This joyful holiday serves as a reminder to embrace fresh starts. National Volunteer Month National Volunteer Month, observed every April in the U.S., recognizes the impact of service and encourages community support. UCR celebrates this month by honoring those who give back and sharing engagement opportunities. For recognition ideas, visit the Human Resources Rewards and Recognition webpage. Arab American & MENA Heritage Month Celebrated every April in the U.S., Arab American and Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Heritage Month honors the diverse history, culture, and traditions of these communities. This month recognizes their significant contributions to science, education, business, and the arts. For resources and engagement opportunities, the Arab American Institute provides valuable information to foster inclusion and appreciate community diversity. UC Renames Cesar Chavez Day to Farmworkers Day Following the state?s legislative action AB 2156 the University of California has renamed C?sar Ch?vez Day to Farmworkers Day. At UC, we stand firmly with survivors of sexual violence and support the California?s legislature?s commitment to honoring the farmworkers whose work and activism have been vital to our state. The name change will not affect your ability to take the day off. The updated holiday name will be reflected in UC?s policy, and unions have received the appropriate notice of change. The serious allegations against C?sar Ch?vez have been deeply painful for many in our community. We encourage you to reach out to your Faculty and Staff Assistance Program if you need support. Upcoming Events Events Calendar Thank Goodness for Staff Week! 4/20/26 - 4/24/26 Self-Appraisals Due April 10 Staff Pantry April 24 R'Employee Portal Go-Live May 1 hr.ucr.edu | questions: hrpolicy at ucr.edu [image: Facebook] [image: Instagram] [image: YouTube] [image: LinkedIn] [image: image] -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image Type: image/jpeg Size: 132758 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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