It’s that time of year to nominate two outstanding Brandeis staff members for The Lou Ennis Staff Award (exempt staff) and The Louis and Helen Zirkel Staff Award (nonexempt staff).

This is your opportunity to recognize an individual who excels in the performance of their job responsibilities and goes above and beyond to contribute to the well-being and the vitality of the University and the Brandeis community. Nominations of staff members for both the Ennis and Zirkel awards should include significant contributions made during the 2024 calendar year. Nominees must be full-time employees and in good standing.

The winners of each award, and their supervisors, will be invited to attend the Employee Service Awards ceremony (date and location to be announced).

All nominations for the Ennis and Zirkel Awards are due to Human Resources on or before March 21. For more information and to access the nomination forms, please go to the employee recognition page.

BUSAC is sponsoring our second annual Hygiene Products Drive for the Brandeis Pantry throughout March.

The Pantry is currently running low on hygienic products: toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razors, bar soap, shaving cream, menstrual pad, paper towels, facial tissues.

Bring any of the items to bins across campus, including the Usdan Rm 130, the Business School & the Heller School. You can also check the Brandeis Pantry Amazon wish list to make contributions.

Brandeis Athletics Giving Day is almost here! Show your Judges pride on March 25 by making a gift to support our student-athletes and teams. Every contribution makes an impact.

Elections for the Brandeis University Staff Advisory Committee (BUSAC) are coming up! If you are a benefits-eligible staff member who started on or before September 30, 2024, you may be eligible to run.

Not sure which district you're in? Check the website for a list! While you're there, peruse the charter and read minutes from recent meetings.

Look for emails soon with details on which seats are up for election, how to nominate yourself or someone else, and when to vote!

BUSAC's purpose is to improve the work environment for Brandeis University staff through discussions and actions that influence policy, develop and enrich staff and promote ongoing, meaningful, and deliberate improvements to the staff experience.

Questions? Email busac@brandeis.edu

The Brandeis Emergency Fund was created to assist currently active, high-need, undergraduate and graduate students experiencing some kind of unexpected financial emergency when other resources are not available. The Fund focuses its limited resources on students with high demonstrated financial need (students with an EFC of approximately $20,000 or below, as determined by a financial aid application) who are experiencing unexpected financial emergencies for which no other funds are available (students are expected to apply for, and utilize, all other sources of funding before receiving emergency funds, including, if applicable, federal loan funds). For updated information about eligibility criteria, examples of what can and cannot be considered, and the process by which to apply for emergency funds, please visit the Brandeis Emergency Fund website.

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 financial aid renewal application deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year was March 1. Students who would like to apply for need-based scholarship funds must submit the 2025-2026 CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE , the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and copies of 2023 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).

An e-mail detailing the renewal process are being sent to students and parents this week. If you would like to meet with your financial aid counselor to discuss the renewal financial aid process, you may book a 30-minute appointment online.

SFS provided a webinar regarding the 2025-2026 financial aid application process for continuing undergraduate students on February 10, 2025. The webinar included details about the 2025-2026 financial aid application process for continuing students, how last year's FAFSA changes are affecting this year's application, the appeal process, emergency funding, and other related topics. The recording can be viewed online.

WakuWaku Ramen (Open for breakfast and lunch at the International Business School World Court, Lemberg Academic Building) also offers catering services for a variety of cuisines, including Italian, American, Asian, and Mexican. Contact LouisaS@wongguys.com for information and services.

Tower lot parking is now open to any Faculty/Staff with a valid “Faculty/Staff” permit and also any commuter with a valid “Commuter” permit. If you have any questions, please call the Parking Office 781-736-4250.

Some staff and faculty have asked for clarification of what the university policy is with respect to political engagement and we thought the following policy information from our General Counsel would be helpful to share:

A member of the Brandeis community shall not speak or act in the name of the University in a political campaign on behalf of a candidate for public office. Any person speaking for the University in an official capacity should make it clear when expressing an individual opinion that she/he is not stating a University position.

• The name or seal of Brandeis University shall not be used for political purposes on any letters or other written material, or electronic media.
• In political activity, the University title of a member of the faculty, staff, or student body may be used only for identification, and should be accompanied by a statement that the person is speaking individually, and not as a representative of the University.
• Unauthorized use of University facilities, equipment, or supplies for commercial, political or other non-University related purposes is strictly prohibited.

If you have any questions regarding this policy please contact the Office of the General Counsel at 781-736-3017.

We have set new training dates for the mandatory Supervisor training - if you have already taken this training in Summer or Fall of 2024, you do not need to take it again unless you want to! While you are welcome to join our sessions as often as you'd like, you are only required to complete it once!

Sessions will be offered every Tuesday from 3-4 p.m. and Friday from 1-2 p.m. You can sign up for Tuesday sessions, and for Friday sessions. Currently, we have scheduled sessions through March and will add more training dates in April/May as we get further in to the semester.

• Student Employment Policies
• Timesheets
• Hiring in Workday
• Onboarding
• Supervisor Roles/Responsibilities

Register for a library workshop:

• Film Editing in Adobe Premiere Pro, 9 - 10:30 p.m., Sunday, Mar. 9
• Intro to Vinyl Cutting & 2D Graphics, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., Monday, Mar. 10
• Moodle Gradebook Workshop, 11 - 11:50 a.m., Tuesday, Mar. 11
• Studio Audio Recording, 3:15 - 4:45 p.m., Tuesday, Mar. 11
• Intro to 3D Printing with Prusa Mini, 10 - 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Mar. 12
• Intro to Soldering, 4 - 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Mar. 12
• Studio Audio Recording, 12:15 - 1:45 p.m., Friday, Mar. 14
• Intro to Computer-Aided Design in Autodesk Fusion, 3 - 4 p.m., Friday, Mar. 14
• Intro to 3D Printing with Prusa Mini, 10 - 11:30 a.m., Monday, Mar. 17
• Studio Audio Recording, 9 - 10:30 p.m., Monday, Mar. 17
• Studio Audio Recording, 3:15 - 4:45 p.m., Tuesday, Mar. 18
• Intro to 3D Printing with Prusa Mini, 10 - 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Mar. 19
• Intro to Soldering, 4 - 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Mar. 19
• Intro to Computer-Aided Design in Autodesk Fusion, 3 - 4 p.m., Friday, Mar. 21
• Studio Audio Recording, 3:15 - 4:45 p.m., Friday, Mar. 21

Brandeis Online and the Heller School of Social Policy and Management are collaborating for a non-credit credential that will be open to students, faculty, and staff.

Want to make an impact on healthcare? Explore health disparities, understand the impact of AI bias on healthcare data, and analyze policy responses to these disparities through an Artificial Intelligence and Healthcare Non-Credit Credential at Brandeis Online. This 8-week course is offered fully remote, with synchronous and asynchronous components that offer a balanced, flexible, and engaging educational experience.

To learn more, contact Tom Screnci, Associate Director of Admissions & Enrollment.

Our campus is vibrant with students, faculty, staff and our alumni. Brandeis' alumni relations staff is trying to capture the impact and engagement of our alumni across campus.

Have you had an alumna/us as a speaker in your class? For a club or department event? Do you hold reunions for your majors or your club? Does an alum connect with your group for mentorship or career advice? These are just a few of the ways alumni could be impacting our Brandeis lives.

Our 65,000+ Brandeis alumni are making a difference on our campus even after they no longer hold the title of student. If you know of an alumni making a difference, please us know. If you have questions, please email Stephanie Grimes or James Rossano.

The Brandeis GSAS 3MT Competition is a university-sponsored speaking competition designed to showcase GSAS student research in three-minute talks to a general audience. This is an opportunity for graduate students engaged in original research to develop communication and presentation skills while sharing their work with faculty, staff, and students across Brandeis University.

Mark your calendars for Friday, April 4 from 4-5:30 p.m. to see the Final Round of the 3MT Competition in Spingold Theater. Finalists will present, judges will deliberate, and prizes will be awarded.

The Intercultural Center and the Gender & Sexuality Center are excited to announce this year’s DEIS Impact social justice festival on March 10, 11, & 12! We have 3 days of incredible speakers, learning experiences, and community engagement opportunities that we invite you to participate in.

Some of our highlights include:

• A keynote speech from Rev. Dr. William Joseph Barber II, president of the Repairers of the Breach and co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign
• A “build your own activism plan” workshop hosted by The Resilient Activist
• A documentary screening of Shared Legacies which showcases the coalition-building strategies between the Jewish and African American communities in the ‘60s Civil Rights era
• More than a dozen educational workshops facilitated by Brandeis students, faculty, & staff
• And so much more!

DEIS Impact is open to everyone and we hope you will join us to tap into your passion and energy for engaging in positive community change. Check out our full schedule of events and RSVP today.

If you have any questions about the event, please reach out to the DEIS Impact co-chairs Peter Rojas and Jamie Wire.

The Office of Human Resources is pleased to offer employees access to an online health portal as part of the Healthy You Wellness Program for 2025.

Between January 2nd and December 31 all employees can access the health portal to participate in multiple activities, tools and resources that will help you set, track, and achieve your personal wellness goals. The more activities you complete, the more credits you will earn which will increase your opportunities to be entered into the raffles for great prizes.

• By participating in activities and earning points you will be entered into quarterly drawings for one $50 gift card.

• Everyone who earns points, whether enrolled in the University’s medical plan or not, will be entered into the drawings.

• At the end of the year, we will draw one winner of a $100 gift card from all program participants.

Learn more about the Living Well Healthy You Program and how to join on the Living Well Health Portal. You can find more information on the Healthy You Program Flyer.

Good Measures Healthy Weight Program

Looking to lose weight, help prevent or manage conditions like high blood pressure or simply eat in a way that makes you feel better and more energetic? The HPCP members can take advantage of the Good Measures healthy Weight program and their registered dietitians. Starting with a focus on food choices, this program helps you on your journey to better health.

KGA is Brandeis' Employee Assistance Program. 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.
• Wellness Calendar : March's health topic "Female Health, Navigating Your Hormonal Health"
• Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace – April 29, noon, Register
  Learn about neurodiverse conditions and discover strategies to create a supportive environment.

Do you experience joint pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and/or decreased range of motion? If so, you may have arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is by far the most common type of arthritis, and most commonly involves the hands, spine, hips and knees. Although the prevalence of OA tends to increase with age, it’s not an inevitable part of growing older. Learn more about arthritis and resources available to you.

Join Occupational Health Services on March 27 from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. in the Shapiro Campus Center Atrium for health education and an opportunity to have a 15 minute free 1:1 session with a wellness instructor to work on stretching, flexibility, and joint health. Please sign up for a time using or email Suzanne Raj with any questions.

Faculty, staff, and their family members (ages 4 and older) are welcome to meet with licensed pharmacists on campus to receive seasonal, scheduled, and recommended vaccinations. Be sure to review the vaccination information carefully and check your medical insurance plan pharmacy coverage ahead of time. Register today

Topic: “Get Started and Save for the Future You”

• Understanding your retirement plan
• Learn the steps to enroll in your plan
• See if you’re saving enough
• Learn ways to save more You're welcome to bring your lunch

Sign up and access LinkedIn Learning for a free e-card using the instructions provided to access LinkedIn Learning (offers over 16,000 online courses) through the Boston Public Library. If you have any questions contact HumanResources@Brandeis.edu. Did you know that you will have access to certificates of completion for your records?

Featured Courses this Month:

• Change Management: Roadmap to Planning -Instructor Christina Charenkova takes you through practical examples of how to create change plans for transformation projects, irrespective of the project or change methodology. Christina will step you through developing a change management plan that takes impacted stakeholders from their current state to the future ways of working.
• Centered Communication: Get Better Results from Your Conversations-In this course, communication coach TJ Guttormsen helps you to understand the fundamentals of centered communication and equips you with practical techniques to build conversations that are more likely to yield great results professionally and privately.

Looking for details about your health plan? You can access information on coverage, benefits and provider networks anytime by visiting HPHC/Brandeis Microsite.

Additional resources:

• HYKE is an interactive tool that can help guide you in making decisions about your medical care.
• MyConnect 866-623-0184 is our dedicated HPHC Member Advocate Service line. MyConnect is available to you and family members to answer your benefits questions.
• Knova Solutions a confidential and voluntary health service provided by an independent team of nurse clinicians, pharmacists, diabetic educators and medical research librarians
• Doctor on Demand – 24/7 telehealth
• Harvard Pilgrim Wellness Discounts and Perks

Change is constant—especially in today’s workplace. Change does not have to be overwhelming—with the right approach, it can be an opportunity for growth and innovation. Join us for an interactive workshop on “Managing Change with Confidence,” designed exclusively for managers. This session will equip you with practical strategies to lead through transitions, address resistance, and foster a culture of adaptability. Register now.

Brandeis offers a variety of discount programs and special rates. View the discount programs below for more information and start taking advantage of them.

• Commuter Benefits Program
• Group Auto, Home and Renters Insurance
• InsurChoice (Pet Insurance, Pet Virtual Care, Travel Insurance)
• Special Rates on Goods and Services
• Museum and Theater Passes

This is a friendly reminder to use any remaining funds in your 2024 FSA before the grace period deadline on March 15.

Key Details:

• Grace Period End Date: March 15
• Deadline to Submit Claims: April 30
• Eligible Expenses: Medical, dental, vision and other qualified expenses

To check your balance or submit claims please visit the WageWorks website.

Visit the Human Resources Flexible Spending Accounts and/or the FSA Store website and/or the WageWorks website for more detailed information.

2025 important change to the Health Care Flexible Spending Account

• Starting in 2025: Instead of a grace period, up to $660 of unused Health Care FSA funds can be carried over in the following plan year 2026. Any unused funds exceeding the IRS carryover limit will be forfeited.

Brandeis University provides group-term life insurance to eligible faculty and staff. Remember to check and verify your life insurance beneficiary information to keep it up to date on Workday.

Provided is a step by step PDF guide “Add, Update, Remove Beneficiaries from Plan” to walk you through the process.