Metal tradesman Jacob Emmons took part in UWF's Stepping Stones for Success and, as part of his capstone project, he wrote profiles of his colleagues for the UW Facilities blog. "By doing this, I imagined that people outside of the UW Facilities world would be able to have a more detailed glimpse of some of the personnel they might run into every day," he wrote. Read his story.
The UWF blog is always looking to add more voices like Jacob's. If you are interested in writing for the blog, email Misty Shock Rule at mistysr@uw.edu.
Stepping Stones graduates celebrate
Congratulations to the 20 UWF employees who recently graduated from Stepping Stones for Success, UWF's leadership development program for front-line staff. Eight employees from Building Services and 12 from Maintenance & Construction and Campus Energy, Utilities & Operations learned personal and practical leadership skills, completed and presented a capstone project, and demonstrated personal and professional growth. This cohort began in March 2022 and graduated on Oct. 24 and Nov. 16. Interested in taking part? Find out more and apply by Dec. 17 for next year's cohort.
Pictured above, left (left to right): Rezene Mebrahtu, Gopal Narayanan, Eun Hee Han, Victor Osejo, Robert Bale and Mike Westerberg. Not pictured: Nate Whittaker and Habte Tesema.
Pictured above, right (left to right): Kevin Wise, Adonis Bennett, Kelly Murtha, Daniel Stiles, Todd Tracer, David Anderson, Eric Broekhuizen, Joe Cox, Adam Fox, Jacob Emmons and Michael Crain. Not pictured: Albert Mendoza.
Benefits
Just a few days left to take part in Open Enrollment Nov. 30 marks the end of Open Enrollment, an optional, once-a-year opportunity for PEBB benefits–eligible employees to enroll in or make changes to their health plan elections in Workday. If you are still thinking of taking part in Open Enrollment, check out the following resources:
Open Enrollment Page — to help determine if you need or want to make Open Enrollment changes (if in doubt, start here!)
Dependent Verification Guide — for detailed guidance on which “proof of relationship” documents you will need to upload during Open Enrollment if you are enrolling a new dependent such as a child or a spouse/partner
On Wednesday, Nov. 30, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Partner Resources staff will be available through Zoom to assist you in navigating your way through Workday to make Open Enrollment adjustments. Link to Zoom drop-in session: https://washington.zoom.us/j/97318225338
The holidays are a time to give thanks and show appreciation for those around us, including our colleagues. One way you can do that is by nominating someone for a Distinguished Staff Award. Nominations are open through Dec. 16 for this annual UW-wide program that gives five $5,000 awards to staff members.
The selection committee (which includes two UWF staff members) is looking for individuals and teams that exemplify excellence in collaboration, innovation, impact, DEI and career achievement. Historically, nominations are submitted more frequently by professional staff for professional staff. UW HR is looking to increase the number of nominations from and for classified staff. Nominees receive a congratulatory letter and recognition at a spring reception, and UWF nominees are also featured on our blog.
Looking for other ways to recognize your colleagues? Partner Resources has ideas and tips on its Employee Recognition web page.
Watch out for holiday scammers
In this season of giving, be on the alert for the takers — cybercriminals taking advantage of people’s generosity during the holidays. Check out these helpful tips.
Job Safety and Health Law poster
Replace this required workplace poster, which was updated to reflect rule changes that increase worker protection from discrimination when filing a complaint.
New Faculty & Staff Insider website
Explore the refreshed website, designed to help faculty, staff and student employees access information and resources that help them make the most of their UW experience.
Recognition
Congratulations Jeannie Natta, Project Delivery Group, was honored with the Distinguished Leadership Award by the Design-Build Institute of America at its national conference in Las Vegas on Nov. 4.
Welcome Welcome to our newest employees: Bisrat Beraki, Custodian Shift Area B, Building Services; Andrew Bryant, Custodian Shift Area C, Building Services; Micaiah Buttars, Custodian Shift Area A, Building Services; Phillip Davis, Gardener 2 Shop 10, Maintenance & Construction; Gregory Dillingham, Electrician Shop 53, Maintenance & Construction; Jake Durst, Parking Specialist, Transportation Services; Isaiah Figueroa, Maintenance Mechanic 2 Shop 35, Maintenance & Construction; Ayalnesh Gesese, Custodian Area E, Building Services; Raysard Jones-Elsemaj, Custodian Area C, Building Services; Abou Kourouma, Custodian Area C, Building Services; Michael Milianta, Custodian Area B, Building Services; Amber Slaughter, Parking Specialist, Transportation Services; Quintin Watanabe, Maintenance Custodian 1, Building Services.
Promotions Congratulations to the following people on their new roles: Joe Cox, Machinery Mechanic Lead, Maintenance & Construction; Rich Leibfried, Senior Analyst Finance, Finance & Administration; Nicholas Monica, Parking Operations Manager, Transportation Services.
Retirements Lastly, a very sincere thanks to recent retirees Bruce Amundson (36 years), Roger Curtis (22.5 years) and Sterling Luke (32.5 years).
To read about other employee moves in October, please click here.
FROM THE BLOG
How the UW handles extreme heat
Rising temperatures are affecting how we live, learn and work. With systems designed during cooler times, the University of Washington and UW Facilities are working to adapt to the new reality.
