HR News & Updates

May 6, 2024

Mother's Day is upon us, and it's the perfect occasion to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary #PantherMoms who help shape our FIU community.

We're inviting faculty and staff to join us in celebrating these remarkable individuals by submitting an image to be featured on our social media pages (Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook). Whether it's a photo of themselves or a cherished mother figure who is part of our FIU workforce—be it a mother, stepmother, grandmother, guardian or even a beloved 'work mom'—who has been a beacon of inspiration, we want to pay tribute and show our appreciation!

To be included in our social media shoutout, be sure to submit your image no later than Wednesday, May 8, by 5 p.m.

We can't wait to highlight these #PantherMoms!

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

This year's FIU Bring Your Child to Work Day was a hit! We hope you and your child (or children) had a rewarding experience exploring the responsibilities of your work life at FIU together.

Thanks to our participating units, we had a wonderful day planned of enriching activities, designed to inspire your children to explore the endless possibilities, cutting-edge research, and programs available at FIU. We can't wait to see what's in store for next year's activities!

Be sure to check out the Human Resources Flickr to see more images from the day, and don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for our event features.

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

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Frederick Perry, Professor, College of Business School of Accounting, will commence his well-deserved retirement on Saturday, May 11.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Perry by sending him well wishes via Empower.

Want to recognize your deserving colleagues nearing retirement? Complete the Retirement Token of Appreciation and University Announcement form to be featured in upcoming newsletters.

Questions? Contact the FIU Retiree Association at (305) 348-0101.

Every year, the Office of Employee Assistance (OEA) joins millions of people around the country to promote awareness, provide resources, and educate and advocate for everyone’s mental health.

The OEA is partnering with Mental Health America (MHA) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to provide tools and tips to help prioritize our wellness, reduce stigma, and support others.

This year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Month is “Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World.” The world is constantly evolving, and it can be overwhelming to navigate all the changes and challenges happening around us. The pressures of work, family, relationships, societal factors, and so many other things can significantly impact our mental wellbeing; often more than we realize.

The OEA’s goal is to provide you with support and resources to help you navigate through life's difficulties. Please use our confidential and free mental health screening program to learn more about what you might be facing.

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

Calling all parents!

Join the OEA in their support group, Parents Growing Together, dedicated to empowering, nurturing inner wisdom, and fostering safe spaces for personal growth.

This group offers parents a platform to share, be comforted, and access their natural resources while connecting with fellow parents and their shared experiences.

Together, we cultivate organic growth and a mindful parenting approach, igniting momentum for profound personal development and healing within ourselves, extending to our children, and radiating throughout our community.

These virtual sessions occur every second Friday of the month at noon. Be sure to register beforehand!

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

FIU is excited to host the university’s fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration!

Under the theme “Celebrate, Educate, Heal”, this weeklong celebration brings together FIU students, faculty, staff, retirees, our alumni and the South Florida community, to bring awareness to the importance of Juneteenth in American history.

Our annual Freedom Day Celebration will be held on Saturday, June 15 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Earlene and Albert Dotson Pavilion at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus. This free event is open to the entire community and will feature live performances, local artisan vendors, activities, dancers, food trucks and fun for the whole family. Be sure to bring lawn chairs and mats for outdoor lounging.

Don't forget to register to attend! The first 200 faculty and staff to register will each receive a $15 food voucher to use at any of the event’s food trucks, limited to ONE voucher per faculty or staff member. To claim your voucher, please use your FIU email. Eligible faculty and staff will receive a confirmation email prior to the event.

Questions? Contact the Office of Access, Compliance and Equal Opportunity at (305) 348-2785.

As part of our weeklong Juneteenth Celebration, FIU will be hosting the third annual Nova Star Juneteenth Scholarship Competition Show on Wednesday, June 12, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Wertheim Performing Arts Center.

This competition showcases FIU’s Nova Court, consisting of students who exemplify leadership qualities, self-confidence, and a commitment to their FIU community and beyond. The contest awards over $8,250 in scholarships to the contestants, including $3,000 to the top winner.

Contestants compete in categories such as FIU spirit, talent, a Q & A session, and a short speech on an issues they are passionate about.

Join us at 5:30 p.m. for the pre-show with live music, vendors, refreshments from the Bartender's Guild at FIU, and photo booth fun!

Purchase your ticket to this spirited event and support scholarship funding for underrepresented students!

Questions? Contact the Office of Access, Compliance and Equal Opportunity at (305) 348-2785.

The Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine is happy to provide our workforce with internal medicine services for your healthcare needs.

Services vary in range and include checkups, blood disorder management and preventative testing.

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

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

Check out April's Enviornmental Health and Safety (EHS) Shout Out!

Do you know someone who actively promotes safe practices and behavior, resolves safety issues, and implements activities to ensure a safe environment?

Recognize them with an EHS shout out!

Every month, EHS features individuals who help to uphold a culture of safety at FIU.

If you would like to shoutout a fellow Panther for consistently following safety protocols, be sure to submit the individual's name, department, and a brief summary of what they do to keep our community safe!

Questions? Contact the Department of Enviornmental Health and Safety at (305) 348-2621.

Knowledge of Financial Education (KOFE) is delighted to be back with more chance drawings and financial counseling resources for faculty and staff.

To join the fun, visit FIU KOFE, and log in with your FIU credentials to participate in the following complimentary activities:

Online Monthly Scavenger Hunt Series: Answer this month's scavenger hunt question! Those who participate and submit the correct answer will be entered into a chance drawing.
Upcoming Webinars: Register to attend upcoming webinars that cover essential topics in finance and health.

We are also excited to announce the winner of last month's scavenger hunt. Thank you to all who participated. Stay tuned for more chances to win!

Be sure to check out KOFE's May Newsletter to stay up to date.

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

Stay informed about FIU's policies regarding compliance matters by keeping up with them regularly.

University-wide policies are currently under a three-year cycle review and many updates are being made to policies that may affect you. Please make sure to be aware of and familiarize yourself with any policies that impact your job.

The below updated policies were recently published:

140.131 Gift Policy and Procedure:

This Policy provides guidance regarding the restrictions on FIU employees soliciting, and accepting gifts and honoraria, including from entities and foreign principles in Countries of Concern.

150.205 Developing University-Wide Policies:

This Policy provides guidelines for how Florida International University Policies and Procedures are adopted, revised or repealed. It also incorporates as procedure, the University’s Official Policy Framework

Visit the Policy Library for more information.

Questions? Contact the Office of University Compliance & Integrity at (305) 348-2216.

Be sure to review these important benefits updates and reminders:

Telehealth Services via Teladoc
Wellness Bite Webinar | Mindful Musings through Art & Creativity
New Online Distribution Process for SUSORP Members
Important Update Regarding Freedom Fund Series Changes | Fidelity® FIU 403b Voluntary Plan

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