[Msoadm] Central Human Resources Newsletter | August 2026
Puja Pannu
puja.pathak at ucr.edu
Wed Aug 12 08:54:26 PDT 2026
Central Human Resources Newsletter
August 2026
[image: Alex Najera]
The Power of Volunteerism and Community
A message from Alex Nájera, Associate Vice Chancellor, CHRO
Dear Campus Partners,
As we move into August, I want to take a moment to highlight the theme of
volunteerism and the profound impact it has on our university. Volunteering
enriches our professional lives by expanding our networks and deepening our
sense of purpose. When we collaborate beyond our daily roles, we build the
trust and teamwork that make UCR a stronger, more connected community.
There are many ways to get involved and make a difference on campus:
-
First-Generation Mentorship Program: This program connects
first-generation students with faculty and staff to provide the guidance
and support they need to navigate college life and prepare for future
success.
-
UCR Staff Assembly: As a volunteer-led organization, the Staff Assembly
advocates for staff interests and fosters a healthy campus climate through
recognition, engagement, and professional development.
-
Wellness Ambassador Program: By becoming an ambassador, you can support
your own well-being while sharing resources and encouraging healthy choices
among your colleagues.
I also want to shine a spotlight on some of the incredible people within
our HR family. Carie Smith, who joined us in 2014, has been a vital partner
in supporting the growth of UCR Health and our clinical enterprise. We also
recognize the Employee & Labor Relations (ELR) Team. Their dedication to
maintaining a fair and productive work environment—through both Employee
Relations and Labor Relations—is essential to our campus operations.
As a reminder regarding your well-being, please keep an eye on your
vacation balances. UC policy allows policy-covered staff to accrue up to
twice their annual entitlement*. To avoid reaching this cap and potentially
losing accruals, we encourage you to work with your supervisor/manager to
use your vacation leave before you lose accruals.
Finally, I hope to see many of you at our upcoming events, especially the
Faculty & Staff Picnic on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 11:30 a.m.. It is
a wonderful opportunity for us to come together and celebrate our
collective hard work. Thank you for everything you do for UCR.
*Represented staff should refer to their collective bargaining agreement.
UCR Staff Assembly
[image: Staff assembly standing in front of the bold hearts motto at UC
Riverside]
The UCR Staff Assembly <https://staffassembly.ucr.edu/> is a volunteer-led
organization serving staff employees across the University of California,
Riverside and operating as a branch of the systemwide Council of University
of California Staff Assemblies (CUCSA). Our work reflects a shared
commitment to building a healthy campus climate that fosters equity of
experience and ensures that staff, students, and faculty of all backgrounds
feel safe, welcome, included, and empowered to thrive.
The UCR Staff Assembly is built upon three main pillars: Recognition,
Engagement, and Professional Development. We recognize the vital
contributions of our staff through peer recognition programs like Get
Recognized <https://staffassembly.ucr.edu/get-recognized> and Outstanding
Staff Awards <https://staffassembly.ucr.edu/outstanding-staff-awards>. We
also create opportunities for staff to build new connections and grow in
their careers through events like the Community Partner Fair
<https://staffassembly.ucr.edu/community-partner-fair> and Staff Conference
<https://staffassembly.ucr.edu/2026-staff-conference>. At its core, the
Staff Assembly relies on the passion and energy of volunteers from every
corner of UCR to bring our initiatives to life. We invite our fellow
Highlander staff to sign up to be a Staff Assembly Volunteer
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHQ47lC7NKKf64bXlAubmjS2C0CZoZVUZa9gju-UtNlkb4Cw/viewform>
!
Staff Assembly Executive Board Members for 26-27:
-
President: Sarah Dillon
-
Vice President/President Elect: Guille Vallejo
-
Immediate Past President: Paige Mejia
-
Co-Directors of Events: Kate Dorff &
Cierra Covarrubias
-
Co-Directors of Marketing and Communications: Selina Hernandez & Hapy
Ting
-
Director of Fundraising: Kelly Jones
-
Director of Finance: Monica Cardenas
-
Director of Administration: Cecily Boles
-
Director of Involvement & Recognition: Dominica Albitre
-
Director of Professional Development: Sonya Potter
-
Director of Outreach: Robin Lee
Spotlights
[image: Carie Smith Picture]
HR Employee Spotlight: Carie Smith
I hold a master’s degree in human resource management and have more than 14
years of experience in Human Resources, primarily within the healthcare
industry prior to joining UCR. When I joined the UCR School of Medicine and
UCR Health in December 2014, I had the opportunity to expand my
professional experience by working in academic medicine and research. It
has been both a rewarding and inspiring journey.
I continue to enjoy partnering with leaders across the organization to
support our mission and strategic goals. I am especially excited about the
continued growth of our clinical enterprise, UCR Health, and the
opportunity to help strengthen the services we provide to our community.
One of my favorite things about campus is the opportunity to enjoy its
beautiful surroundings while staying active with coworkers. I regularly
participate in an approximately 3-mile walking loop that begins at the
School of Medicine Education Building, follows Kim Wilcox Dr. around the
Student Recreation Center, and returns with an uphill challenge back to the
School of Medicine. It is a great way to connect with colleagues,
appreciate campus, and recharge at the end of the workday.
[image: Team pictures for UCR HR Employee & Labor Relations Team]
HR Team Spotlight: Employee & Labor Relations Team
ELR is dedicated to providing a fair and productive work environment for
UCR's large, dynamic workforce. ELR's functions are split into two major
areas:
Employee Relations
Employee relations provides guidance on HR issues, workplace policies and
procedures, and ensures UCR operates in compliance with State and federal
employment law and University policy. ER provides consultation on
performance management and corrective action. Consultants regularly
investigate allegations of policy violations and recommends the appropriate
action to be taken based on the findings.
Labor Relations
Labor Relations represents UCR in the Collective Bargaining Process with
various labor unions and provides interpretation on contract language. It
provides guidance on labor compliance, and administers the grievance and
arbitration procedure. LR consultants regularly represent the University's
interests in high conflict disputes and adversarial proceedings
HR Reminders
Reminder: Maximum Vacation Accrual
Policy-covered staff approaching their maximum vacation accrual should use
their time or submit a request to temporarily exceed maximum limits. UC
policy caps vacation accrual at twice an employee's annual entitlement
(e.g., 288 hours for those earning 12 hours monthly). Both employees and
supervisors are responsible for monitoring vacation balances to ensure time
is used before it is lost.
For exceptional operational needs—like critical projects or staffing
shortages—supervisors can request a formal exception for up to four
additional months to reduce balances, during which vacation continues to
accrue. Routine workloads or personal preferences do not qualify.
Represented staff should check their Collective Bargaining Agreements
<https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/resources/employment-policies-contracts/bargaining-units/>
.
_________________________________________
Survivors of Violence and Family Members of Victims Right to Leave and
Accommodations Notice University of California
The University of California has a systemwide policy that provides leave
and workplace protections for employees who are victims of qualifying acts
of violence or whose family members are victims. UCR’s local procedure
supports the UC policy by explaining the leave options and reasonable
accommodations available to eligible employees. Review the UC systemwide
policy and UCR local procedure for complete information.
_________________________________________
Mandatory Posters
Labor law posters are the mandated state and federal employment law notices
that employers are required to conspicuously post in an area frequented by
all employees. These posters serve an important purpose in that they notify
workers of certain rights under the law. With a population of employees who
telecommute, work hybrid or remote schedules, we want to remind the campus
community on where to find mandatory workplace notices when they do not
frequently visit the campus. To view all mandated state and federal
employment law, and UC notices at anytime and from anywhere, you can vist
the UCR Human Resources website on Mandatory Workplace Poster. The link to
the website is:
https://hr.ucr.edu/policy/mandatory-work-posters#permanent-posters-all-departme
_________________________________________
R’Employee Service Portal New Office Hours
The Avanti project team has added new virtual office hours to provide users
with hands-on support and answer any questions regarding the HR
transformation initiative. The remaining upcoming Zoom sessions are
scheduled throughout August and September. For more infomration please
visit our Avanti Website. <https://hr.ucr.edu/avanti#office-hours>
Make A Difference
How Volunteering Makes a Difference
In 1960, President John F. Kennedy’s call for college students to serve
others helped inspire the Peace Corps, highlighting universities as
communities where people contribute to the greater good.
Volunteering enriches work life by enabling employees to expand their
networks, develop new skills, and deepen their sense of purpose and
connection to the university. Service also strengthens the campus
community. When staff and faculty collaborate beyond their normal roles,
they foster trust, respect, and teamwork across UCR.
Through initiatives like the First-Generation Mentorship Program, Staff
Assembly, the Wellness Ambassador Program, R’Pantry, and R’Closet,
employees guide students, enhance well-being, and help the community thrive.
_________________________________________
Affinity Groups
As part of its mission, UCR’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
supports organizations that bring faculty and staff together through shared
identities, backgrounds, and experiences. While participation may not be a
traditional volunteer opportunity, becoming involved in these communities
helps build connections, deepen understanding, and strengthen mutual
respect across the UCR campus.
UCR’s current faculty and staff affinity groups include: AAPI Faculty/Staff
Affinity Group, LGBTQ+ Out List, Black Faculty and Staff Association, SWANA
Faculty and Staff Association, Disability Network, Veterans Affinity Group
for Staff and Faculty, Jewish Faculty & Staff Association, Latina/Chicana
Staff & Faculty Group
_________________________________________
UCR Staff Pantry
UCR’s Staff Pantry supports UCR staff experiencing food insecurity by
providing groceries and other essential items during a monthly event
throughout the academic year. Volunteers help prepare and distribute these
resources, offering faculty and staff a meaningful way to support
colleagues and students during difficult times. Keep an eye out in the
Staff Assembly and HR newsletters for opportunities to get involved
starting this fall. These programs embody the spirit of our newsletter by
showing how Highlanders care for one another and help build a healthier,
stronger campus community.
_________________________________________
The First-Generation Mentorship Program
The First-Generation Mentorship Program pairs on-campus first-generation
students with UCR faculty, staff, and alumni for guidance, encouragement,
and support navigating college and career paths.
Aligning with our volunteerism theme, the program allows employees to
foster student confidence, strengthen campus connections, and support
future leaders. Visit UCR’s First-Generation Mentorship Program to learn
more about the program.
_________________________________________
Make a Difference as a Wellness Ambassador
Becoming a Faculty and Staff Wellness Ambassador is an opportunity to
support your own well-being while helping others do the same. Ambassadors
gain useful wellness information, tools, and resources they can apply in
their daily lives. They also build relationships, strengthen their
communication, leadership, and motivational skills.
By sharing wellness resources and encouraging healthy choices, ambassadors
help create a stronger, healthier, and more connected UCR community. Their
service shows how volunteering can enrich the individual while improving
the well-being of the campus. Visit the Wellness Ambassador webpage
<https://hr.ucr.edu/faculty-staff-and-wellness-program/what-wellness-ambassador>
to get more information.
Upcoming Events
Events Calendar <https://events.ucr.edu/department/human_resources>
Are You Financially on Track for Retirement?
Aug. 13 | 12-1pm | Register Here
<https://us.list-manage.com/Ee_oc09_O_x?e=ea3209005a&c2id=e3eed300c182d18b8374d795969a23bd&m=YP3SApe6dzvNTjwHYchD8xuUxHvDHF3JWo8ErjrI-ouFNMGg9zgMOiXh0efa>
__________________
Balancing Work & Life
Aug. 31 | 3:00 p.m. | Register Here
<https://us.list-manage.com/dv7O7kGFJv3?e=ea3209005a&c2id=e3eed300c182d18b8374d795969a23bd&m=6wW5SUG6g7Mn75CaL72OMmldhmgsrRw2q0Zsm5Mv4VKIThAjSvZEvO4MNXv1>
The 5 Pillars of Personal
Finance
Aug. 21 | 11am-12pm | Register Here
<https://us.list-manage.com/5l0rhIHX8PH?e=ea3209005a&c2id=e3eed300c182d18b8374d795969a23bd&m=s8eGIyk_txYbO0ocIAEfZMjlfCT-K7Fny8pATqfGZJULghZCMOoxzcENO1cr>
__________________
Labor Day Holiday
Sept. 7
Avoiding Burnout: Self-Assessment & Self-Care
Aug. 25 | 12-1pm | Register Here
<https://us.list-manage.com/aPE7nma7o21?e=ea3209005a&c2id=e3eed300c182d18b8374d795969a23bd&m=Lm9Y0yW1I4xpxz3DsEz1pbD8dBoIHsvsrsYNtrz9q5oPF0ZW17LogAKRapDC>
__________________
Faculty & Staff Picnic
Sept. 9 | 3:00 p.m. | Register Here <https://myadv.ucr.edu/forms/picnic2026>
hr.ucr.edu | questions: hrpolicy at ucr.edu
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