[Msoadm] Central Human Resources Newsletter | April 2026

[Puja Pannu]

Central Human Resources Newsletter

April 2026
[image: Alex Najera]
Recognition and Financial Health
A message from Alex Nájera, 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 César Chávez 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
<https://events.ucr.edu/event/staff-assembly-get-recognized-peer-recognition>,
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.
<https://staffassembly.ucr.edu/service-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.
<https://hr.ucr.edu/supervisor-resources/performance-management-0#activities-organizational-head>

*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
<https://hr.ucr.edu/employee-resources/faculty-and-staff-assistance-program>
.

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
<https://fmr.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gfpcIe7jQiSERjN-nGApUQ#/registration>

Importance of Financial Wellness
April 10 9:00 am
<https://fmr.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AOYvEnq7TZy1_3qR6HP31g?_x_zm_rtaid=6RiVLqeMTuCzeQhAOPvUdw.1774471942501.fe3b85f3aafdfd56acec46f2dc1d031c&_x_zm_rhtaid=822#/registration>April
30 12:00 pm
<https://fmr.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ODYWUO7qSMOgHutvT2DGGA?_x_zm_rtaid=6RiVLqeMTuCzeQhAOPvUdw.1774471942501.fe3b85f3aafdfd56acec46f2dc1d031c&_x_zm_rhtaid=822#/registration>

Take the First Step to Investing

April 8 – 9:00 am
<https://fmr.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_J1T21iaQQBSRFBU-MNwpiA?_x_zm_rtaid=6RiVLqeMTuCzeQhAOPvUdw.1774471942501.fe3b85f3aafdfd56acec46f2dc1d031c&_x_zm_rhtaid=822#/registration>April
28 – 12:00 pm
<https://fmr.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dCBOoqmuQFC9rg_QIQIlEA?_x_zm_rtaid=6RiVLqeMTuCzeQhAOPvUdw.1774471942501.fe3b85f3aafdfd56acec46f2dc1d031c&_x_zm_rhtaid=822#/registration>

Faculty Staff Wellness Program

Spend Well Pillar
<https://hr.ucr.edu/faculty-staff-and-wellness-program/spend-well-pillar>

Managing My Money
April 14 9:00 am
<https://fmr.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kuLVhbLeTSCCwRio2Mm04w?_x_zm_rtaid=6RiVLqeMTuCzeQhAOPvUdw.1774471942501.fe3b85f3aafdfd56acec46f2dc1d031c&_x_zm_rhtaid=822#/registration>April
20 12;00 pm
<https://fmr.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xdMBvXebS2O-SaZn-YN3zA?_x_zm_rtaid=6RiVLqeMTuCzeQhAOPvUdw.1774471942501.fe3b85f3aafdfd56acec46f2dc1d031c&_x_zm_rhtaid=822#/registration>

Central Human Resources Benefits
Benefits Webinars <https://hr.ucr.edu/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
<https://hr.ucr.edu/hr-service-request>

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 <https://autismsociety.org/> or Autism Speaks
<https://www.autismspeaks.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com>.

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 <https://www.nad.org/>. 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. <https://hr.ucr.edu/supervisor-resources/rewards-and-recognition>

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 <https://www.aaiusa.org/>
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
<https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260ab2156> the
University of California has renamed César Chávez 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 César Chávez have been deeply painful for
many in our community. We encourage you to reach out to your Faculty and
Staff Assistance Program
<https://www.ucop.edu/local-human-resources/resources/employee-resources/worklife-programs/faculty-staff-assistance-program.html>
if you need support.

Upcoming Events
Events Calendar <https://events.ucr.edu/department/human_resources>

Thank Goodness for Staff Week!
<https://events.ucr.edu/event/thank-goodness-for-staff-week-550>

4/20/26 - 4/24/26

Self-Appraisals Due
<https://hr.ucr.edu/supervisor-resources/performance-management-0>

April 10

Staff Pantry <https://events.ucr.edu/event/ucr-staff-pantry>

April 24

R'Employee Portal Go-Live <https://hr.ucr.edu/avanti>

May 1

hr.ucr.edu | questions: hrpolicy at ucr.edu
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