As the fiscal year is coming to a close, the Division of Business and Finance would like to remind budget managers and others with financial transaction responsibilities to review your departments’ financial reports. Please refer to the year-end-memo for a list of deadlines and milestones. The last day to submit any accounting entries for fiscal year 2024 is Wednesday, July 17.

For questions, please contact a member of our team.

Staff

• Annual Reviews: For 2024 only, a formal annual review process will not be administered for Staff employees. The Mid-Year Review will be administered this fall on a normal schedule.

• Annual Salary Increase Program effective July 1, 2024: New rates of pay will be reflected in the 7/12 weekly pay and the 7/15 semi-monthly pay. Managers will notify their employees of their pay increases between 6/18 – 6/30.

• Eligibility (Staff): All regular staff (excludes temporary staff, faculty, union staff) hired on or before April 1 and are actively employed on July 1, 2024. Excludes employees currently on Performance Improvement Plans. Employees whose pay is funded from non-University sources will receive increases as funding permits based on the above guidelines.

Faculty

Faculty will follow the process outlined by the Deans in their respective Schools. The appropriate contacts are listed below:

• Arts & Sciences: Jeffrey Shoulson

• Brandeis International Business School: Katy Graddy

• Heller: Maria Madison

If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources.

As a commitment to the Brandeis University Community to continue to improve the reliability the Brandeis University’s Fire Alarm Systems, we have scheduled our 2024 annual Fire Alarm Testing.

Testing is taking place now through August 15. Since we test every building on campus, please visit the Department of Facilities Services website for reference to your building's schedule. Signage will be placed at the entry doors to the buildings during the test to notify those entering the buildings.

If you have any questions about the testing, or if that day will severely impede your mission, please contact the Department of Facilities Services at 781-736-8500.

Sam Solomon, CFO, was recently named to the Boston Business Journal 2024 CFO of the Year.  The BBJs CFO of the Year program honors top chief financial officers from companies in the Greater Boston region whose work and commitment has helped their companies and organizations and in turn our economy survive and thrive. Congratulations to Sam!

The new transportation website is live. The summer shuttle schedule is also available. If you have any questions, please contact Khaled Nouri.

In advance of the fall bill coming in early July, new students should access the Nelnet Student Account Portal to set up an account and add authorized parties. Please complete the following steps to ensure account access:

1. Set-up Nelnet account - Students should log in to the Nelnet Student Account Portal to set up their student profile. Refer to the Nelnet - Account Access job aid for detailed instructions.

2. Add parent or authorized parties access - Refer to the Nelnet - Add Authorized Payers job aid for detailed instructions. Students should not share their Nelnet log-in credentials with their parents. They must set up parents as Authorized Parties with their own log-in credentials.

We will send a notification to students and authorized parties when the information is ready in Nelnet.

The financial aid renewal application deadline for the 2024-2025 academic year has passed. Students returning for the next academic year who would like to apply for need-based scholarship funds must submit the 2024-2025 CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE , the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and copies of 2022 student and parent Federal Income Tax Returns. Students who wish to apply only for federal sources of financial aid need only complete the FAFSA (taxes will be requested upon receipt of this application only if necessary).

Student Financial Services began receiving FAFSA applications from Federal Student Aid (FSA) in mid- March and corrected applications in mid-April. You may check your Financial Aid Portal, which you can access via the link on the Financial Aid page in Workday, to see if your FAFSA has been received by Brandeis and if any further action is required. You may also check this portal to view any other missing documents needed to complete your renewal application. FSA has recently enabled the ability for students to correct their FAFSA forms (e.g., submit signatures, provide permission for the IRS data transfer, etc.). Please check our Changes to FAFSA page for updates.

Sign up for one of our 30-minute, one-on-one financial literacy sessions! We hope that you will take advantage of this great opportunity to ask questions about budgeting, managing debt, understanding your paycheck, W-2’s etc. Please click here to book an appointment today!

The Department of Facilities Services will perform its annual electrical shutdown on Saturday, June 1, and Sunday, June 2 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. In the past, this shutdown was held in August but for weather reasons, we are moving it to June.

In addition, this year due to the switch gear needing maintenance, the entire campus will go into a shutdown. This work allows the Department of Facilities to exercise and test equipment vital to the electrical infrastructure supporting Brandeis University.

Only the following buildings will be affected: On Sat, June 1 - All buildings on campus will be down (power and AC) except Epstein, Foster Mods, and the Sports Complex (Gosman & Linsey). - Village will have power but the Card swipes for the door will be down. It will have AC but cannot be controlled (so it may fluctuate some).

On Sun, June 2 - Ridgewood complex, Rosenthal Quad, Zivs, Volen, Admissions, Sachar, Feldberg, Athletic fields, Info Booth, Administration (Berstein-Marcus/Gryzmish/Irving) and Slosberg will be down for a 2nd day. Please contact Facilities Services at 781-736-8500 for more information.

The Library will be open Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit and pick up your next summer read from our display on Farber Level 1. Please check our website for exceptions and additional services hours. 

This drop-in event is generously sponsored by the Presidential DEI Mini-Grant Fund and is supported by the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Gender and Sexuality Center, Brandeis Faculty and Staff Pride Alliance, and the Brandeis University Staff Advisory Committee. Appetizers will be provided and a cash bar will be available. Please RSVP here for a free beverage. Additionally, we will be joined by representatives from SpeakOUT-Boston, a local group of speakers and volunteers who advance LGBTQIA+ education by sharing their personal stories. Guests from SpeakOUT will share more about the work their organization is doing and will be available for networking.

Sherman Traditional

• WeekdaysBreakfast, 8 - 10 a.m.
  • Lunch, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Dinner, 5 - 7 p.m.
• Weekends and Holidays
  • Brunch, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Dinner, 5 - 7 p.m.

• Weekdays, M-TH
  • Breakfast, 8 - 10 a.m.
  • Lunch, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Dinner, 5 - 7 p.m.
• Fridays
  • Breakfast, 8 - 10 a.m.
  • Lunch, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
  • Shabbat Dinner by Reservation Only, covered by meal plan if applicable and headcount due by close of business on the Wednesday preceding each Friday. Meals are boxed and available for pick-up from Sherman beginning at 5 p.m.
• Saturdays
  • Shabbat Lunch, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Shabbat Third Meal, 5 - 7 p.m.
• Sundays and Holidays
  • Brunch, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Dinner, 5 - 7 p.m.

• M-F, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Closed Weekends and Holidays

Student Summer Meal Plans

• Bridge Plan 1, May 15 (Dinner) - June 2 (Lunch) $576.0
• Full Summer, June 2 (Dinner) - August 9 (Lunch) $2,176.0
• Summer Session 1, June 2 (Dinner) - July 7 (Lunch) $1,120.0
• Summer Session 2, July 7 (Dinner) - August 9 (Lunch) $1,056.0
• Bridge Plan 2, August 9 (Dinner) - August 24 (Dinner) $512.0
• Daily Rate $32.00

Faculty & Staff Meal Plans

• 30 Block Plan $360.00, $12.00 per meal
• 15 Block Plan $215.00, $14.33 per meal

Purchase Faculty & Staff Meal Plans here

Door Rates Effective 5/20/2024

• Breakfast $13.00 plus applicable tax
• Lunch $18.00 plus applicable tax
• Dinner $19.25 plus applicable tax
• Brunch $18.00 plus applicable tax

Check on daily meal offerings by visiting What's Open.

For new and renewing members. Deadline June 7

• New Members – only $20 for the Club Card OR $60 for the Club+ Card
• Renewals - $50 for the Club Card OR $100 for the Club+ Card.

They will add the 12 months to your current expiration date.

How do you take advantage of these awesome deals?

Call: 1-800-313-8887 Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. EST and reference promo code 450045 before JUNE 7 deadline. BJ’s Promotional Flyer (pdf)

Prefer to write a check? No problem, you can complete the BJ’s application form (pdf) and send it in! The Promo Code does not work online or instore.

Brandeis is rich with religious diversity. Holidays celebrated by the Brandeis community during June include:

• Shavuot (June 11 sundown - June 13) Coming 50 days after Passover, the Jewish holiday of Shavuot marks the end of the grain harvest and the anniversary of the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Shavuot is also one of the Shalosh Regalim, the three pilgrimage festivals which include Shavuot, Sukkot, and Passover. Jews celebrate Shavuot by staying up late into the night learning Torah and eating (sweet) dairy foods.
• Arafah (June 14 sundown - June 15) The Day of Arafah falls on the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. It is the day on which Hajj pilgrims stand at Mount Arafah in Mecca, worshiping throughout the day. It is one of three central integrals of the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca required of all Muslims with the ability to do so once in a lifetime. Those who are not on the Hajj pilgrimage are strongly recommended to fast on the Day of Arafah, as the Prophet Muhammad said that doing so forgives sins for two years, one prior and one forthcoming.
• Eid al-Adha (June 15 sundown to June 16) The Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha, also called the Feast of Sacrifice, honors the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son to God, who then commanded the sacrifice of a ram instead. It also commemorates the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

For more information on these and other holidays, visit the Center for Spiritual Life's Guide to Religious Observances. Did we miss a spiritual observance that is important to you? Please reach out to slife@brandeis.edu.

ITS has launched a new website providing quick access to academic and administrative technology offerings. The Software and Enterprise Business Systems webpage has been designed to provide the Brandeis community with product information, download links and support options in an easy to access location.

• LGBTQ+ Basics and Beyond – Tuesday 6/4, noon – 1 p.m.
• KGA Program Overview for Employees – Thursday 6/13, 2 – 3 p.m.
• Just Breathe – Wednesday 6/26, noon – 1 p.m.

For more information about KGA and the services they provide call 1-800-648-9557 or visit the KGA Website log-in password: brandeis.

For more information please visit the HR Training Website or email us at farquhar@brandeis.edu.

Monday, June 10, noon: Five Money Musts. Learn about five basic money concepts to help you start your financial journey on the right foot. This is a virtual workshop. Register Now

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care (HPHC) plan offer free fitness and wellbeing webinars each week, including regular sessions of guided mindfulness, Zumba, yoga and rotating health and wellness topics. For a list of topics and registration information, please visit:

• HPHC Living Well at Home page
• Work Life Balance/ Well-Being Programming

KGA is Brandeis' Employee Assistance Program, and your guide to emotional well-being. This service is provided by Brandeis University and is available to you and your adult household members. This is a free and confidential program providing solutions and support on any number of work-life. Take a few minutes to learn more!

• Introduction to KGA (3 minutes)
• Service Overview Video (17 minutes)

Call 1-800-648-9557 or visit the website. Log-in password: brandeis

Brandeis' Employee Assistance Program (EAP), KGA, is offering one free self-help book to every employee and their adult house-hold members. This offer expires on 07/01/24, so be sure to order yours now! Check out the KGA Bookshelf to explore dozens of self-help books chosen by experts on topics such as mindfulness, parenting, elder-care, menopause and more. If this is your first time logging in, be sure to first create a user account using log-in passcode : brandeis.

If you require an accessibility accommodation in the form of an audiobook or e-book, please reach out to info@kgreer.com.

June is Eye Health Awareness Month. Eye health encompasses vision, ocular health, and functional ability. Eye health can contribute to overall health and well-being, social inclusion, and quality of life. For most people, the first step towards eye health is to get regular eye exams. Join Occupational Health on June 18 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the Shapiro Campus Center for education, resources, and raffle prizes! Learn more about Eye Health. Learn more about Brandeis vision insurance benefits with VSP.

Brandeis faculty, staff, and students who receive salary payments through the Payroll Office will be required to confirm they have initiated any changes to their payment elections (direct deposit accounts) in Workday. Twenty-four hours after initiating the Workday changes, users will receive a task in Workday to approve the change. Additionally, confirmation emails will be sent to your Brandeis email and your personal email on file in Workday as well as a notification in Workday that the change has been completed. This change will also affect bank accounts used for student refunds and employee reimbursements.

You can find instructions for updating your payment elections in Workday and how to update your personal email address as well as other Workday-related training material on the Workday@Brandeis website. For questions related to this change, please email help@brandeis.edu.

The intercollegiate edHealth Walking Challenge is back. Brandeis, edHEALTH and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care are proud to invite you to take part in the Seventh Annual Walking Challenge for all employees. While Harvard Pilgrim is hosting the Walking Challenge for all employees, this does not affect your medical health plan coverage and you are eligible regardless of your health insurance carrier.

Employees can compete individually or as a team. Each member of a team tracks their steps individually, but team members can walk together to help each other boost their step count. Everyone who meets the weekly step challenge of an average of 5,000 steps per day will be entered into a raffle to win great prizes each week.

For more information please visit Human Resources Benefit page under Work Life Balance/edHealth Annual Walking Challenge.