Human Resources Newsletter ~ January 2023

H U M A N R E S O U R C E S N E W S L E T T E R

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pg. 1 - Overview

From the Office of HR

Pg.

Health and Well-Being Matter

Health & Well-Being Kickoff Partnership with HNE Resilience & Thriving Webinar Levelhead App 2023 Yoga Class Offering Mindfulness Webinar Financial Education Webinar Series Personalized Fitness Planning Mental Health Training Educational Assistance Program

FROM THE OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES

The Human Resources Department is excited to start off the new year by focusing on one of our core values: Health and Well-Being Matter. We know that many people make resolutions and goals at the start of the year that often revolve around improving their health and well-being, and we want to support and encourage these efforts. We are kicking off our Health and Well-Being initiatives and in this newsletter you will hear about the many resources available for you.

Another initiative that HR has been working on is offering applicable workshops and trainings to support you in your role. Mental health is a pressing issue in higher education, and we are committed to providing resources and support to our staff and faculty so that you can help support the wellbeing of our students. Therefore, this month we are offering a workshop on this critical topic.

Going forward, each monthly newsletter will include health & well-being and professional development webinars and training. We strongly encourage attending these complimentary sessions.

Inside this issue, you will find important updates on our Core Value of the Month, a variety health and well-being initiatives, professional development opportunities, and employee benefit offerings. Enclosed is also event information on January holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Chinese New Year, as well as internal BPU community events and presentations.

We hope you can take the time out of your busy schedules to read through this month's issue of the Human Resources Newsletter. Happy reading!

CORE VALUE OF THE MONTH

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING MATTER

As a community, we take a holistic view of our learners and employees that transcends education to include safety, mental health, and physical and spiritual well-being. We encourage our learners and ourselves to take advantage of every opportunity to gain knowledge, to seek out and learn from new adventures, and to be open to new and diverse ways of thinking. We recognize that laughing and finding joy in every day matter, too.

For the month of January, we are putting a special emphasis on the Core Value "Health and Well-Being Matter. " Below you will find examples provided from the Community Week session and from other community conversations of how your colleagues are intentionally incorporating the Core Values into their work.

Here are the ways YOU are committing to this Core Value in your work:

Making sure everyone is taking a lunch break, going for walks, and that we are all checking in with one another on a regular basis

Taking movement and mindfulness breaks

Setting boundaries to have a work-life balance

Conducting round robins before meetings that are non-work-related

Prevent burnout by limiting the number and frequency of meetings

Respecting employee PTO and reducing pressure to be available on approved days off

Fostering a safe space to vent

Encouraging time with nature

Fostering laughter by telling jokes on a daily basis to boost morale

Making a conscious effort to bring joy to my team and my colleagues

Staying home when feeling sick

Encouraging students and fellow employees to pursue and make time for their interests outside of school and work

Health & Well-Being Initiatives

Bay Path is excited to announce the launch of a new initiative focused on health and well-being. We have been diligently working behind the scenes to identify resources that will have a positive impact on your health and well-being.

We are kicking off a partnership with Health New England. Last month we asked you to complete a survey and the Health and Well-Being Task Force worked with Health New England in identifying the variety of webinars and challenges designed to promote healthy habits and practices An added bonus is if you take part in the webinars and challenges, you will be entered into a raffle to win some exciting prizes. Everyone is welcome to participate even if you are not enrolled in the HNE Plan.

The first Health New England webinar, titled "Resilience and Thriving," provides valuable insights on coping with stress. I highly encourage you to view the webinar at your leisure, think about what the key takeaways are for you, and then participate in an interactive session later in the month.

Mark your calendar because Health New England will be joining us at our Community Luncheon on Thursday, January 26th. If you stop by their table, you will also be entered in a raffle to win a Fitbit, gift cards, and more

We will begin promoting free monthly webinars through Magellan. Magellan is the company that provides our Employee Assistance Program (which offers Mental Health resources for employees). Their webinar, titled "Mindfulness: Finding Your Purpose and Vision in a Changing World" will get you thinking about how you can start off the new year with purpose.

While many people may not initially think of finance as being directly related to well-being, it is actually an important aspect of overall health and happiness. Financial stress can take a toll on our mental and physical well-being, and it is important to have a strong foundation of financial knowledge and stability in order to truly thrive. Magellan is also offering complimentary financial webinars and we will continue to promote TIAA's financial webinars Both are designed to help you manage your financial life and make informed decisions about your finances, which can ultimately contribute to your overall sense of well-being.

In addition to the webinars, we are resuming our complimentary yoga sessions. This hybrid yoga series is led by instructor Andrea Cordis, Occupational Therapy Fieldwork and Clinical Assistant in the Occupational Therapy Program and a certified yoga instructor. Yoga is a great way to relax, unwind, and promote physical and mental well-being.

For those who are interested in more traditional forms of exercise, Bay Path also has a fitness center on campus, complete with a variety of exercise equipment and a highly qualified and experienced fitness trainer, Robert Panetti Mr Panetti is featured in the newsletter and is available to help members of the Bay Path community reach their fitness goals. Be sure to also check out the updated hours for the fitness center.

Additionally, the Core Values Health and Wellbeing Subcommittee being led by Dr. Kathryn Wiezbicki Stevens and student, Vanessa Clark, are also working on assessing additional resources on campus and creating a digital kickback corner. More details are forthcoming.

On the previous page we shared how your colleagues are thinking about incorporating Core Value: Health and Well-being Matter into their work. There are some great takeaways that I have personally incorporated such as checking in with my team before we start our weekly HR Operations Meetings

Overall, this new health and well-being initiative is a great opportunity for the Bay Path University community to come together, learn about healthy habits, and take steps towards improving our physical and mental wellbeing. Whether through webinars, challenges, or simply taking advantage of the resources available on campus, there are many ways to get involved and make a positive impact on your own health and well-being.

~ Ashley Pereira, Interim Director of HR

Thank you to the Health and Well-Being Task Force!

Tanya Coles-Daily Andrea Cordis Deb James Jessica LaFleche Rob Panetti

Ashley Pereira Ann Reilly

Wiezbicki Stevens

Kathy

Health & Well-Being Initiatives

2023 Worksite Wellness Offerings

Everyone at Bay Path is welcome to participate even if you are not enrolled in the HNE Plan

Resilience and Thriving Webinar

The first Health New England webinar, "Resilience and Thriving," provides valuable insights on coping with stress. Sometimes we can be so stressed, we feel like we are just getting by. Tap into the power of stress and turn coping into resilience and even thriving. With easy to use and practical skills, learn how to not only reduce stress, but also use stress in a positive way to transform and grow.

Anyone who watches the webinar and submits the webinar completion form (be sure to write Bay Path University as your employer) before January 30th will be entered into a raffle for an HNE Blanket and Coffee Mug.

We strongly encourage you to complete the Resilience & Thriving Worksheet

Resilience and Thriving Virtual Luncheon/Group Discussion

Then…join us on January 30th at 12pm (pre-registration is required) for a virtual luncheon/group discussion about what you’ve learned from this webinar. Here you’ll have a chance to meet the facilitator of the webinar, partake in a break out session and then come back to wrap up this session.

Anyone who watches the January, March & April webinars (be sure to complete the webinar completion form and write Bay Path University as your employer) and participates in both Physical Activity Challenges (submit trackers to healthydirections@hne.com) will be entered into a Raffle for a $100 Amazon Gift Card.

READY

Health & Wellbeing Initiatives

TO REDUCE STRESS & BOOST SELF-COMPASSION

THIS YEAR?

University faculty and staff across the country continue to face unprecedented levels of stress and burnout. That’s why we are considering a new employee benefit for fulltime faculty and staff and part-time staff! Levelhead is a practical, science-based digital program designed to reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and attention, boost self-compassion, and provide the skills you need to live a healthier and happier life.

The Levelhead program would include a weekly focus area for study - all supported by daily, 3-5 minute audio microlessons that are delivered through an app on your personal mobile device These practical audio lessons are based on real-life situations and were created for busy professionals just like you

Want to learn more? Check out this link for sample lessons and to let us know your interest. Please note that a personal smartphone or tablet will be needed to participate.

YOGA WITH ANDREA CORDIS

Classes will be held on a hybrid schedule alternating between Mondays and Tuesdays. The dates and times as well as the Zoom link will be sent from the HR general inbox. Reminders will be sent on the morning of each class.

All classes will take place from 5:30 - 6:30 PM in Breck Fitness Center Dance Studio. The upcoming dates are listed below. The full schedule will be sent via email.

Tuesday January 24, 2023 Monday January 30, 2023

We hope to see you there!

MINDFULNESS: FINDING YOUR PURPOSE AND VISION IN A CHANGING WORLD

Wednesday, January 11, 2023 | 2:00pm-2:45pm Register here! Join this webinar to:

Define mindfulness

Identify your unique gifts, talents and interests Discuss techniques to maintain your life purpose

YOUR DEBT-FREE GAME PLAN

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Register here: 12:00 PM ET | 3:00 PM ET

Debt often keeps Americans from reaching their financial goals. Learn to prioritize debt management, including specific debt reduction strategies and SMART goal achievement. Become motivated and more confident about reducing your debt.

FINANCIAL WEBINARS

Register Here!

Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 3 PM (ET)

Basic Estate Planning Strategies

Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 12 PM (ET)

Quarterly Economic & Market Update

Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 12 PM (ET)

Understanding Health Savings Accounts

Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 3 PM (ET)

Basic Social Security Strategies

Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 12 PM (ET)

Common Estate Planning Considerations

You will also be able to access the recordings of any of the webinars up to 30 days after the airing as well.

According to Robert Panetti, Bay Path’s own trainer and healthy lifestyle expert, the best New Year’s resolution is not to have one! As most folks abandon their resolutions by mid-January, Panetti stresses that health and wellness goals must be realistic, obtainable, and functional with your everyday life. Sticking to a fitness plan is not as hard as people make it out to be. The key is consistency! That is the only way to pass the 2-week block and ultimately form a habit.

Panetti believes that moving your body every day is imperative. He says, “Your health should always be priority one as it affects every other aspect of your life. There are too many reasons to make excuses Routines are formed by having a plan and sticking to it ” Take your health into your own hands and head to the Breck Fitness Center to make it happen!

The Breck Fitness Center is equipped with everything you need for a great workout including cardio equipment, strength training machines, free weights, and a boxing speed bag and heavy bag.

For those that are new to working out or experience gym phobia, the best way to craft a fitness plan is by talking to a personal trainer. Here at Bay Path, we offer free consultations and training to get you started in the Breck Fitness Center, which is free for employees.

To take advantage of this benefit, see the front desk at the fitness center and a student will be able to give you a tour of the facility and set up a consultation appointment with Robert In this consultation you will discuss your fitness goals so that Panetti can design a personalized program for you and your needs. One-on-one workout sessions are 30 minutes a session and you can schedule training as frequently as you wish.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Mental Health Training for Faculty & Staff -

Understanding Student Mental Health Diagnoses.

Session 1: Wednesday, January 11, 2023

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

(Recording will be available 48 hours after it airs)

REGISTER HERE!

Join us at the Longmeadow or East Longmeadow campus to learn how you can support our students. This live-streamed webinar is presented by Dr. Marcus Hotaling. He will focus on prominent mental health issues seen on college campuses and what the diagnoses look like, including how faculty and staff can identify them; know when to refer them; recognize emotions, behaviors, and actions that require a more immediate concern; and talk to students with an empathic approach, without crossing boundaries or making either party feel uncomfortable.

Due to vendor limitations, the event will be streamed from each campus (Longmeadow and East Longmeadow). The recording will be available 48 hours after it airs for anyone who is unable to participate in person.

Session 2 - Wednesday, January 25, 2023

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

The interactive second session will be an opportunity for us to come together and discuss what was learned during session one. You must have viewed the webinar to participate in the second session. More details to follow.

This training is sponsored by the Human Resources Department in collaboration with Student Life and Academic Affairs.

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Bay Path University is excited to continue to offer our Employee Educational Assistance Program, which enables you to earn your degree at Bay Path at a significantly reduced and/or no cost to you. You can save over $30,000 by obtaining your masters degree in various programs at Bay Path (exclusions do apply). From credentialing certificates to graduate degrees, this program is designed to support your professional development and encourage you to continue your education at Bay Path. We are committed to supporting you in your professional development!

Great New!

Part-Time Staff Members May Participate in Bay Path's Educational Assistance Program

The University is pleased to announce that the program is being extended to part-time staff members.

If you are a part time staff member working less than 30 hours per week, you may now take advantage of the Educational Assistance Program.

If you are a staff member and work 20-30 hours per week, you may enroll in undergrad classes up to 13 credits per semester, or you may enroll in graduate classes, up to 9 credits per calendar year.

If you are a staff member and work 20 hours or 520 hours per fiscal year, you may enroll in undergrad classes up to 9 credits per semester or you may enroll in graduate classes, up to 6 credits per calendar year.

Please note that some exclusions apply for all eligible employees! Please see the Educational Assistance Application Form for more details!

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY CHINESE NEW YEAR

Sunday, January 22, 2023 Monday, January 16, 2023

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a United States federal holiday honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The holiday is celebrated each year on the third Monday in January, which is around the time of Dr King's actual birthday on January 15th

For staff and faculty at a University, the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made in the fight for civil rights, as well as the work that still needs to be done. It is a time to remember the sacrifices that Dr. King and others made in the pursuit of justice and equality and to consider how we can all work toward creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

One way that staff and faculty at Bay Path can celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day is by participating in events or activities that honor Dr. King's legacy. See pages 9 &10 for community events. It can also be an opportunity to support and mentor students who may be struggling with issues related to diversity and inclusion By offering guidance and support, we can help create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, and help to foster a sense of belonging and community.

Another important way to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day is to engage in self-reflection and consider the ways in which we can actively work towards creating a more just and equal society. This can include examining our own biases and working to become more inclusive and welcoming to people from diverse backgrounds. It can also involve advocating for policies and practices that promote equality and justice, and standing up against discrimination and injustice whenever we see it.

Ultimately, the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity to come together as a community and reaffirm our commitment to creating a more just and equitable society By remembering Dr King's legacy and working towards the realization of his vision, we can all play a role in creating a world where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Chinese New Year, also referred to as Lunar New Year, is a 15-day festival celebrated by Chinese communities until the new moon.

Much of the holiday comes from the ancient Chinese legend of Nian, meaning " year, " a beast that would terrorize villagers at the start of every year. The dragon then became a symbol for the holiday as it represents good fortune. Villagers use fireworks for loud noise and lanterns with bright lights to ward off evil spirits. A dragon lantern display can be seen in procession in a parade throughout the streets

Chinese New Year is also a designated time to visit living family members and honor those loved ones who have passed away. Those who celebrate will visit the graves of their ancestors, and cook special food to serve amid a familial reunion gathering. Many families offer food first to their ancestors as a sign of respect. As the Chinese culture has prominent symbols, traditional dishes consist of fish for abundance, dumplings for prosperity, and niángāo, a glutinous rice cake, for yearly improvement.

CONGRATULATIONS

DR. PETER TESTORI

Recipient of the Inaugural Core Values Award!

COMMUNITY EVENTS In Honor of MLK Day

Bay Path University staff and faculty get a 50% discounted rate for premiere seats to The Audacity of Hope MLK Jr. event.

Saturday, January 14, 2023 from 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

This year marked the presentation of the inaugural Core Values Award. The honor recognizes a member of the Bay Path community who has fully embodied through intentionality and mindfulness, while also working diligently, to bring the Core Values, adopted in 2022, to fruition in their daily interactions and work.

In honor of the occasion, Carrie Burr ’86, chair of the Bay Path Board of Trustees, announced the recipient of the 2022 Core Values Award:

Dr. Peter Testori, Dean of Academic Resources, Title IX Coordinator, and Assistant Professor of Higher Education.

As the selection committee and nomination noted:

“Since joining Bay Path, he has exemplified the very values we now seek to infuse throughout the community. He lives them every day, and is a role model of compassion, collaboration, empathy, and commitment.”

Examples of Peter’s approach to students and to colleagues were provided for each of the core values, from “Our Learners Come First” to DEIB, to collaboration to finding joy

Congratulations, Dr. Peter Testori!

From the program:

"The legacy of Black American composers in the classical realm has always embraced the message Dr. Martin Luther King intoned in 1963, that one should be judged by the content of their character and not solely by race, yet in recent times many performing organizations have opened their arms to explore this avenue of music that should never be shunned nor forgotten."

Through our partnership with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Bay Path University staff and faculty get a 50% discounted rate for premiere seats to The Audacity of Hope MLK Jr. event.

Use code BPAUD at checkout to apply the discount!

Free 2023 Citywide MLK Celebration at the MassMutual Center on Monday, January 16th from 11 AM - 1 PM.

Click here for more details!

2023 BPU COMMUNITY EVENTS

JANUARY

Thursday, 1/26

Community Presentation

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Mills Theatre & Zoom

Thursday, 1/26

Health & Well-Being Matter Community Luncheon

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

12:45 PM Program

Blake Dining Commons & Zoom

FEBRUARY

Thursday, 2/09

Black History Month Luncheon: Diversity Makes Us Stronger

11:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Blake Dining Commons & Zoom

MARCH

Friday, 3/03

Employee Appreciation Day Luncheon: We Are Committed To Equity

11:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Blake Dining Commons & Zoom

APRIL

Tuesday, 4/11

Academic Achievement Day All Day

Tuesday, 4/11

Academic Achievement Day Luncheon: Innovation & Excellence Drive Us

11:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Blake Dining Commons & Zoom

Events will be added as they are added to the community calendar and will be updated in each newsletter. Stay tuned for further dates.

We want to hear from you!

The Human Resources Newsletter is a great way to get reminders as well as to advertise your own news to the rest of your colleagues. If you have something you would like to have included in next month’s newsletter, be sure to contact Monica Roche so that we can add your information to the issue.

Contact Information:

Monica Roche HR Support Specialist Human Resources Newsletter Editor

Phone: (413)-565-1281 Email: mroche@baypath.edu