Emailed to Northwestern staff on October 5, 2021
LETTER FROM THE CHAIR | UPCOMING EVENTS | REMINDERS | CALL TO ACTION |PAST EVENTS | PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS
Dear Northwestern Staff:
I hope that you and your families are well and welcome back. My name is Joan Trimuel and I have the privilege of serving as the new NUSAC chair. I am the Director of Compliance at Feinberg School of Medicine and have been on the NUSAC council for three years. I look forward to serving the Northwestern community in this capacity and I hope to connect with many of you in the process.
The start of this fall quarter is different than those in the past as many acclimate to in-person and hybrid work and most importantly learn how to engage with our colleagues in ways that feel comfortable for everyone. The adjustment may feel awkward but can be navigated – my hope is we can engage and reconnect with each other as we reimagine new possibilities.
As a reminder, NUSAC is here for you. Our mission is to engage and amplify staff voices through community engagement, professional development opportunities and addressing workplace concerns. Please review our website to see the resources that we have compiled and the history of our impact. NUSAC can only fulfill its mission if we are aware of the staff community’s perspective. Please share your feedback at nusac@northwestern.edu or reach out to the Council members.
Finally, we want to hear about your return to campus experience. Now that you have returned to campus, how do you feel? Let us know here or any of the feedback mechanisms mentioned previously.
Thank you for all that you do to make Northwestern a great organization.
With Gratitude,
Joan Trimuel
NUSAC Chair
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Tuesday, Oct 12, 10:30am-12pm – DEI Workshop: Resilience as Our Most Powerful Legacy Join HR WELL and Ellen Burton for this Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) workshop open to faculty and staff. This workshop will provide: |
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October 18-22 |
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Monday October 25 – Friday November 12 The choices you make during Open Enrollment shape the benefits that will be working for you and your family throughout the coming year. Open Enrollment for January 1, 2022 plan changes and FSA/HSA enrollment will open at 8 a.m. on Monday, October 25 and close at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 12. Open enrollment information sessions will be available in October and November. Learn more > |
Reminders
Flu Shots
On campus flu shots will be held beginning October 11. Flu shots are free for all benefits-eligible faculty and staff. Flu shot clinics will be held on campus on four dates in October by appointment from 9:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Visit the HR website for a link to schedule an appointment and to familiarize yourself with the COVID safety precautions that will be in place at the event.
Winter Recess 2021
This year’s Winter Recess will be December 27, 28 and 29. Winter Recess refers to the closing of the University’s academic and administrative offices between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. This is done in recognition of the season and dedication of Northwestern’s faculty and staff. Winter Recess days are not holidays but are provided in addition to the already scheduled University holidays of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Covid-19 & Campus Updates
We all play a critical role in keeping each other healthy and safe. Be sure to stay updated on community guidelines and campus announcements. Explore the University’s safety procedures, health monitoring requirements and testing protocols on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates website.
NU Cares
NU Cares is a financial fund established by NUSAC in 2010 to help support fellow colleagues experiencing financial hardship due to a medical or catastrophic event. Awards have helped with expenses such as groceries, rent/mortgage, utility, medical bills and more. Consider contributing to NU Cares by making a recurring monthly or one-time contribution to help support your fellow colleagues.
If you are experiencing a financial hardship, you may be eligible to apply for a grant.
Call to Action
Check out the NUSAC Website!
Your NUSAC team has made a number of recent updates to the NUSAC website. Staff are encouraged to visit and explore everything we have available. Some of the newer features include: NUSAC Impact timeline, an Events Archive and an expanded Resource portal.
We have also initiated the NUSAC Member Spotlight page to introduce the NUSAC team to the Northwestern community. October’s spotlight is NUSAC’s Vice President, Amy Lindgren.
2021 Holiday Drive
As the holiday season approaches, we are looking forward to our annual NUSAC Holiday Drive. Northwestern staff members have the opportunity to adopt a child, parent, or family for gift giving. Every year we are so proud of the generosity shown by the Northwestern University community and we hope to continue that tradition of care and celebration this season. Look for more details in the coming months on how you and your teams can make this year special for local families in our area.
Past Events
The NUSAC/NUHR Growing Your Career Workshop
The Northwestern Staff Advisory Council (NUSAC) hosted the Growing Your Career Workshop in partnership with Human Resources July 20-22, 2021. NUSAC and HR partnered to help support the professional development of university staff by providing opportunities for learning and networking. Be sure to visit the HR website for an overview of the events, as well as to explore other opportunities available such as online learning and online career tools.
Review the 2021 Workshop Materials