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| Staff Newsletter | June 2024 |
Dear colleagues,
I hope your summer is off to a great start. The Office of the Provost accomplished so much over the 2023-24 academic year, and I believe we are stronger than ever thanks to our shared sense of purpose and community.
Indeed, one of the qualities that makes Northwestern special is our emphasis on community-building. As we enter a busy period of planning for the next academic year, I want to pause and reflect on two of the University's guiding principles: "We strengthen our community" and "We care about one another."
At Northwestern, we've made a concerted effort to foster both a sense of belonging and individual well-being. One great way to participate in that community spirit while stimulating personal growth is by reading this year's One Book One Northwestern selection and joining the activities that accompany it starting in the fall. I also recommend getting a taste of the world-class research and scholarship coming out of our schools by sampling a Northwestern-produced podcast from Kellogg, Feinberg, or Weinberg. If you can, check out a performance at the Wirtz Center or a Bienen concert or recital, or visit the Block Museum (especially, while the weather is nice, a self-guided campus art walk). I always feel inspired after taking advantage of one of the incredible experiences our community offers.
Finally, I know how hard you work, and I want you to remember that breaks are essential for all of us. The Office of Human Resources has developed a range of well-being offerings that can be fit into the work day, so please take care of yourself with the help of a well-being break.
However you choose to engage with our vibrant community, I hope it contributes to your personal fulfillment. There's a reason why the University's priorities emphasize community and caring: They are the basis of success for all of us.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Hagerty |
All about the staff |
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Meet Kayla James
Kayla James is the Operations Assistant in Health Professions Advising (HPA). She joined the office in 2022, and oversees a variety of tasks, including scheduling student meetings with advisors, maintaining HPA's budget, coordinating events and updating the website.
What drew you to this position?
This role supports aspiring healthcare professionals, and I am eager to contribute to their success by ensuring the advising office runs smoothly and effectively. Working in this capacity not only aligns with my personal values of helping others, but also offers me a chance to be part of a dynamic group of people.
In the past, you worked as a middle school teacher—what lessons from that role do you apply to your current role?
Working as a teacher equipped me with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, maintain meticulous records and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people.
What is a fun fact about you?
I have an identical twin. |
News, notes and need to know |
Getting the most out of year-end reviews For both supervisors and staff preparing for end-of-year PEX conversations, the Office of Human Resources recommends this article from McKinsey, covering how we can transform our mindset about performance reviews into a “catalyst for growth, purpose, and connection.” Find more PEX resources such as the REAL Conversations Planner on the Performance Excellence Resources for Staff website. For technical questions about myHR Learn, see the myHR Learn help page. If you have questions about timeline for your unit, or need assistance with technical issues, first reach out to the PEX admins for your unit for assistance.
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