[Msoadm] Central Human Resources Newsletter | September/October 2026
Puja Pannu
puja.pathak at ucr.edu
Thu Sep 24 11:20:13 PDT 2026
Central Human Resources Newsletter
September/October 2026
[image: Alex Najera]
Welcoming Fall and Celebrating Our Community
A message from Alex Nájera, Associate Vice Chancellor, CHRO
Dear Campus Partners,
As we transition into fall and kick off another dynamic academic year at UC
Riverside, I want to take a moment to reflect on the strength of our
vibrant campus community. It was wonderful seeing so many of you at the
recent Chancellor’s Faculty and Staff Picnic on September 9th. Gathering
together to celebrate our collective hard work and connection is always a
highlight of the season. Looking ahead, we have several exciting
opportunities and important updates, including the upcoming CUPA-HR
Southern California Chapter Fall Event ("Human at the Core") hosted right
here at UCR on October 23, the Foundations for Supervisory Success (FSS)
leadership series starting in October, and Open Enrollment running from
October 29 through November 20.
This month, we also mark two significant observances that reflect our core
values. As a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), we honor National
Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) by celebrating the rich
histories, cultures, and contributions of our Chicanx and Latinx faculty,
staff, and students. Additionally, during National Suicide Prevention &
Self-Care Awareness Month, we emphasize the importance of mental health and
well-being. Caring for ourselves and one another is essential, and I
encourage everyone to explore UCR's wellness and counseling resources,
including the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program (FSAP).
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to making UCR an inclusive,
supportive, and thriving place to work and learn.
Spotlights
[image: image]
HR Employee Spotlight: Jorge Sanchez
As I Drive Off into the Sunset... After 12 years at UCR, I am bidding you
all a fond farewell. I am immensely grateful for my time with the
Highlander community and my family in Human Resources. Thanks to your
continuous support and encouragement, I grew tremendously both personally
and professionally. Supporting UCR's mission to prepare future leaders gave
deep meaning to my behind-the-scenes work.
What I will cherish most is how our HR team united in times of adversity to
serve the campus community, along with the wonderful conversations,
laughter, and lasting friendships we shared.Thank you for your support and
friendship. I leave with great pride in what we accomplished together. Take
care of one another, and... Go Highlanders!
[image: image]
HR Team Spotlight: Central HR
As the Central Human Resources gathered for our quarterly meeting on
September 9th, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate the dedicated
departments that drive workforce success across UC Riverside. Central HR
brings together specialized expertise across several functional units to
support university employees throughout their professional journeys:
-
Benefits, Health & Wellness - Administers health plans, retirement
benefits, catastrophic leave, and wellness programs.
-
Compensation & Total Compensation - Manages job descriptions,
classifications, equity reviews, and salary structures.
-
Talent Acquisition & Diversity Outreach - Leads recruitment, candidate
sourcing, and onboarding across campus.
-
Employee & Labor Relations - Advises on labor contracts, policy
compliance, performance, and grievances.
-
Employee & Organizational Development (EOD) - Provides leadership
programs, career workshops, and staff learning.
-
Policy, Strategic Initiatives & Communications - Oversees compliance, HR
systems, project management, and policy updates.
-
Retirement Center - Supports retirement transitions via planning,
seminars, and retiree engagement.
Our September 9 meeting offered a great chance to reflect on strategic
goals, align priorities, and strengthen synergy across Central HR and
campus HR units. Operating as One HR under ETHOS, we deliver seamless
service to empower UCR. Joining the Chancellor’s Faculty and Staff Picnic
was a welcome bonus to connect with colleagues.
Central Human Resources Events
CUPA-HR Southern California Chapter Fall Event: "Human at the Core"
The College and University Professional Association for Human Resources
(CUPA-HR) - Southern California Chapter is proud to host its Fall Event,
“Human at the Core,” right here at UC Riverside! While artificial
intelligence is reshaping how work gets done, people continue to define why
that work matters.
Keynote speaker Cyprian Yankey will explore how higher education leaders
can embrace AI in ways that strengthen employee experience, build
meaningful capacity, and preserve trust, culture, empathy, creativity, and
connection.
Event Details: Friday, October 23, 2026 | 8:30 am - 2:30 pm | HUB 3rd
floor, room 302 | Register for the Event
<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cupa-hr-southern-california-chapter-fall-2026-conference-tickets-2002076178745?aff=oddtdtcreator>
_________________________________________
Foundations for Supervisory Success (FSS) Series
Designed for both new and experienced UCR supervisors and managers, this
free, bi-monthly program covers critical operational areas—including
policy, payroll, employee performance, and budget management—through
expert-led Zoom sessions, LinkedIn Learning eCourses, and collaborative
Learning Labs. Space is limited to 50 participants to maximize engagement,
and completing all required sessions earns a Certificate of Completion.
-
Kickoff Session: October 6, 2026 | 9:00–11:00 a.m. (Zoom)
-
Schedule: October 2026 – April 2027 (2 sessions/month; 1 in-person
session on Jan 26, 2027)
-
Cost: Free, Register via the UC Learning System
https://ucrlearning.ucr.edu/ (Early registration is encouraged) |
Questions: Contact hrpolicy at ucr.edu
_________________________________________
Open Enrollment 2026
Open Enrollment is coming soon! UCR faculty and staff will be able to
update health, welfare, and financial benefits for 2027. The Benefits team
will host events in October and November, with details posted on the HR
Open Enrollment <https://hr.ucr.edu/benefits/open-enrollment> site soon.
1.
Open Enrollment - Begins at 8:00 a.m. (PT) on Thursday, October 29 and
ends at 5:00 p.m. (PT) on Friday, November 20, 2026
2.
Benefits and Wellness Fair - Join us as we kickoff Open Enrollment with
the UC Riverside Annual In-Person Benefits, Health & Wellness Fair - Date:
November 12, 2026, Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm, Location: HUB 302
_________________________________________
Benefit Webinars
UCR Central Human Resources will host vendor-led informational webinars
from October through November 2026. These 30-to-60-minute sessions offer
plan overviews and Q&A to help faculty and staff explore health, financial,
legal, and supplemental benefit options.
-
WEX Flexible Spending Accounts & Adoption Assistance - 10/20/2026 |
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
-
ARAG Legal Plan Overview - 10/20/2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
-
Prudential Life, AD&D and UC Plus Plans Overview - 10/21/2026 | 11:00 AM
– 12:00 PM
-
UCR Health Overview - 11/10/2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
National Celebrations
National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15)
As a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), UC Riverside celebrates Chicanx
and Latinx histories, cultures, and contributions. This month offers UCR
faculty and staff opportunities for cultural engagement, professional
networking, and inclusive excellence. Campus Resources & Events:
-
Latina/Chicana Staff & Faculty Group (LCSFG)
<https://diversity.ucr.edu/lcsfg>: Professional development, community,
and leadership networks.
-
Chicano Student Programs (CSP) <https://csp.ucr.edu/>: Campus cultural
events, speakers, and celebrations.
-
UCR Chicano Latino Alumni Network <https://alumni.ucr.edu/cla>:
Mentorship initiatives and events connecting staff, faculty, and alumni.
_________________________________________
September: Suicide Prevention & Self-Care Month | October: Emotional
Wellness Month
September and October highlight self-care and emotional wellness. UCR
Campus Human Resources supports faculty and staff with accessible,
confidential mental health and wellness resources.
-
Faculty & Staff Assistance Program (FSAP)
<https://help.ucr.edu/faculty-and-staff-assistance-program>: Free,
confidential short-term counseling, crisis intervention, and consultations
for employees and household members.
-
Wellness & Self-Care Workshops
<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16M3zFoNRu047hpLl2UfhDup4fmrZvv5g/edit?gid=64625418#gid=64625418>
: Sessions on stress management, burnout prevention, and mindfulness.
-
24/7 Crisis Support: Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline,
or contact FSAP directly.
-
Prioritize well-being by exploring UCR's wellness offerings
<https://hr.ucr.edu/faculty-staff-and-wellness-program>, connecting with
FSAP <https://help.ucr.edu/faculty-and-staff-assistance-program>, or
practicing daily self-care.
_________________________________________
Domestic Violence Awareness
Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the "Day of Unity" held in
October 1981 and conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic
Violence. The "Day of Unity" soon evolved into a week, and in October of
1987, the first National Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. In
1989 Congress passed Public Law 101-112, officially designating October of
that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. UC and UCR offers
support to students, faculty, and staff who are impacted by domestic
violence. More information can be found in our local procedure Victims of
Qualifying Acts of Violence
<https://documents.ucr.edu/HR-Policy/pol-local-procedure-ppsm2.210-Victims-of-Qualifying-Acts-of-Violence.pdf>
.
HR Reminders
Compensatory Time (Non-Exempt Policy-covered Staff)
Compensatory time off for overtime accrued at either a straight-time rate
or at the premium rate shall normally be taken within 6 months from the
first of the month following the date on which it was earned; however, the
department head may authorize an extension of up to an additional 6
months.
What you should know:
-
Overtime assignments must be approved and a notice regarding overtime
compensation (e.g., compensatory time or overtime payment) must be
completed.
-
Compensatory time should be used or paid out within six months of when
it is earned.
-
Requests to extend compensatory time beyond 6 months must be approved
and cannot exceed 12 months.
If you have compensatory time, you can review your balances in UCPath. For
full information on compensatory time, policy-covered staff can review UC’s
PPSM-30: Compensation <https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010400/PPSM-30> and UCR
Local Procedure 30
<https://documents.ucr.edu/HR-Policy/pol-ppsm30-local-compensation.pdf>.
Represented staff should refer to their Collective Bargaining Agreements
<https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/resources/employment-policies-contracts/bargaining-units/>
.
_________________________________________
ePerformance Check-in #1 - October 30, 2026:
Regular conversations between the supervisor and employee about employee
performance that includes real-time feedback and coaching are critical to
the success of employees and the university. Whether you are in ePer or
using paper documents, October is a great time to check-in to ensure
alignment of goals, tasks, and performance.
_________________________________________
Personnel Policy for Staff and Managers (PPSM): 30, 21 and 2
Effective August 3, 2026, the UC Office of the President released revised
PPSM-30: Compensation, PPSM-21: Selection and Appointment and PPSM-2:
Definition of Terms policies impacting policy-covered PSS, MSP, and SMG
employees. Policy revisions can be found on the HR Website: PPSM-30
<https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010400/PPSM-30>, PPSM-21
<https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010394/PPSM-21> and PPSM-2
<https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010389/PPSM-2>
Questions regarding policies? Contact HRPolicy at ucr.edu or submit a request
via R’Employee Service Portal
<https://ucrsupport.service-now.com/esc?id=sc_cat_item&sys_id=53ff2daf472c1610674b809a516d4384>
.
Upcoming Events
Events Calendar <https://events.ucr.edu/department/human_resources>
Staff Assembly General Meeting
Oct. 14 | 12pm-1pm | Register Here
<https://ucr.zoom.us/meeting/register/xDuzXvSoTAmAmF_FWuCqjQ#/registration>
Covered Services
Oct. 20 | 9:30-11am | Register Here
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ECJLgnH5vXRobEnXmuGrE1QWIq9jel9S6-RZsFRNDAI/edit>
I-9 Refresher Training
Oct. 20 | 1pm-4pm
hr.ucr.edu | questions: hrpolicy at ucr.edu
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<https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/central-human-resources/>
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