The Brandeis retirement plan continues to adapt to changes in the regulatory environment, adopting industry best practices while upholding the university’s fiduciary responsibilities for plan participants. Over the last ten years, we have streamlined investment options, adjusted share classes in investment vehicles to the lowest fee options, and set target date funds as the default investment allocation.

To maintain best practices in managing our plan, and conform to Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) guidelines, there are exciting new changes that will take place with the Brandeis retirement plan in the fall. We will be consolidating administrative recordkeeping services which will require some adjustments to the core program investment menu, and will be adding the option for participants to make investments outside of the core fund choice lineup, within approved program guidelines.

These changes require that certain existing proprietary investment options will no longer being available for new contributions, requiring individuals to adjust their investment allocations. Existing balances in these proprietary may remain, they are only closed to new investments.

To further explain all of the upcoming changes to the Brandeis community and answer questions, community Town Hall forums are being scheduled for June and July. These sessions will be recorded, if you are unable to participate. Please look for more information soon regarding the dates for the Town Hall sessions.

Congratulations to the staff members who will be graduating from Brandeis on Sunday, May 22.

• Andrew Cardinale, Media Technology Services , M.S.
• Nicole Constantine, Department of Classical Studies, M.A.
• Kevin Dardik, Research Administration, M.B.A.
• Kevin Doherty, Institutional Advancement, M.A.
• AnaPaula Gomes, International Business School, M.S.
• Edwin Gonzalez, Media Technology Services, M.S.
• Zari Havercome, Department of Community Living, M.B.A., M.A.
• Dan Jenninings, Information Technology Services, M.S.
• Kimberly Lamoureux, Institutional Advancement, M.S.
• Andrea Luna, Office of Academic Affairs and Student Experience, B.A.
• Eric Moyal, Institutional Advancement, M.S.
• James Praznik, Department of Music, Ph.D.
• Amy Reardon, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, M.S.
• Abbey Santos, Institutional Advancement, M.S.
• Jonathan Skidmore, Institutional Advancement, M.B.A.
• Cherylyn Smith, Women's Studies Research Ctr, M.S.
• Michael Solowey, Media Technology Services, B.A.
• Natalie Warila, International Business School, M.S.

In order to ensure that contracts and agreements for Brandeis University are properly reviewed, approved, executed, and recorded, the University has a policy for contract management. Per Brandeis University by-laws, only select individuals are authorized to bind and execute agreements and contracts on behalf of the University. Procurement and Business Services will oversee the review and execution of all non-research agreements and/or contracts, including independent consultant agreements, hotel agreements and other financial documents requiring a signature by a university official.

Contracts for review should be submitted along with a contract approval form. As indicated on the Contract Approval Form, certain contracts may require review by specific university offices, such as: Information Technology, Communications, Risk Management (Insurance) and/or General Counsel. If required, Business Services will reach out for consultation to the applicable offices.

Upon completion of the review of any proposed contract, Business Services will route the contract to the appropriate authority for signature.

Sponsored research agreements are and will continue to be reviewed and signed by the Office of Research Administration.

The list of all authorized signers for the University and more detailed information on the contract process is available on the Contract Management Webpage. If you have any questions, please contact procurement.

BJ's Wholesale Club Special Memberships - The new member offer (both include a 2 household membership card):

• $25/12 months for the Inner Circle Membership - Plus $10 loaded to your membership card to use on your next purchase, expires after 30 days
•  $75/12 months for the Perks Rewards Membership - Plus $20 loaded to your membership card to use on your next purchase, expires after 30 days

The renewing member offer (both include a 2 household membership card):

•  $55/12 months for the Inner Circle Membership - Plus $10 loaded to your membership card to use on your next purchase, expires after 30 days
•  $110/12 months for the Rewards Membership - Plus $20 loaded to your membership card to use on your next purchase, expires after 30 days

Please email Renee Relerford for your BJ's membership application and more information.

Interested in using films for your Summer, Fall or future courses? Changes are being made to the LATTE Videos request process as we implement a new Video Hosting Platform, Kaltura. Starting with Summer 2022 course sections, Course Video requests will be submitted using the new “Request a Course Video'' link found in the Course Tools section of your course LATTE page. Because the videos will now be hosted on a new server, you will need to re-request all videos that you had previously requested via the LATTE Videos Block as it will no longer be available. Instructions and further information can be found on the Course Videos Library page.

Be assured that videos used in courses in the past will still be available to show to your course, but the LATTE video block will no longer be available. Links to films will now be found in a Page Activity titled “Course Videos” in the top block of your LATTE page.

Don’t forget to browse the Library’s film streaming services, Kanopy, Academic Video Online, Swank, and Docuseek2, for films related to your class.

Please reach out to reserve@brandeis.edu with questions.

The University is deeply appreciative of the continued efforts made by our staff to support the University’s mission, our students and each other. We recognize the importance of work/life flexibility and time away from work to focus on yourself, your family and friends and to return to the workplace with renewed energy.

Departments/units may offer a flexible or compressed schedule for staff this summer beginning Monday, June 13 through Friday, Aug.19.

The University’s priority is to provide effective and efficient services to internal and external constituencies during all normal working hours, Monday through Friday. Therefore, it is important that flexible or compressed work schedules must be approved by the department’s appropriate supervisor, in coordination with the Department Chair, Director, Dean, Vice President or Senior Vice President. Some departments may be unable to implement the program due to operational needs. Please visit the Human Resources web page for additional information. For any questions pertaining to this program, please contact Human Resources.

Starting June 1, Student Financial Services will have a live chat feature available as part of our Ask Louis chatbot. A representative from the SFS office will now be able to answer your financial aid questions in real time, Monday thru Friday.

The Biden Administration has recently announced that 20 internet providers have agreed to cut prices and provide high-speed internet access to eligible users across the U.S. as part of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). More information about eligibility, which includes students eligible for the Federal Pell Grant, how to apply, etc., is available on Newsweek.

The Gender and Sexuality Center invites faculty, staff, and their families to join us for Waltham Pride on Saturday, June 4, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on the Waltham Commons. Waltham Pride celebrates our local LGBTQ+ community and allies. Enjoy live music, inspiring speakers, and learn about ways to get involved at the local organizations fair. Brandeis will have a table and we look forward to seeing you there. All are welcome.

If you have any questions, email GSC Director Julián Cancino or visit Waltham Pride.

Brandeis International Business School offers part-time options for its master’s programs. Students may pursue the MBA, Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance, Master of Science in Business Analytics or Master of Science in Finance by completing one or two classes at a time. Contact the Admissions Office for more information.

Brandeis' partnership with Harvest Table for campus food service will formally begin on July 1, 2022. An informational email on what to expect will go out in late June. In the meantime, you may have questions -- about dietary needs, catering, student employment, etc. Please send all inquiries to harvesttable@brandeis.edu.

Take advantage of our discounted tickets to the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium and most major movie theaters. You may purchase your tickets on our website. Purchases may be made by credit or debit card. Once you have purchased your tickets, you will receive an email with the gift code(s) from HR within 1-2 business days. All tickets must be purchased in advance and are non-refundable. This program is limited to faculty, staff, postdocs and temps. For more information, please see our website, Discounted Tickets.

Sign up today for a Warner Farm CSA share and receive a personalized box of fresh, delicious, locally grown vegetables, delivered right to the Brandeis campus. Our CSA program offers the option to customize your shares and your delivery schedule, so you’ll receive all the produce you love and nothing you don’t. Choose from three sizes of vegetable shares, as well as fruit, flower, mushroom, egg, and bread shares. Deliveries take place from June through October, every Thursday from 3:30-6:30 p.m. right to the Spingold Theater. It's the best way to eat healthy and local this season without breaking the bank Visit Warner Farm CSA or email csa@warnerfarm.com to learn more.