Human Resources

• Shane Baldridge – Electrical Shop
• Erin Coyer – Student Health Services
• Malynda Dyer – Veteran and Military-Connected Student Center
• Josh Goold – Panda Express
• Angel Lopez – Human Resources
• Madison Nelson – Graduate Studies and Research
• Julie Rust – College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS)
• Holly Schaefer – Enterprise Application Support
• Jeremiah Turner – Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC) Kitchen
• Cynthia Urena – Theatre and Film

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is where spring comes alive! What started as a simple two-day celebration in 1984 has blossomed into a month-long, countywide tradition. We welcome visitors from across the globe to experience the striking sight of colorful tulips. The tulip gardens and fields are nestled in Mount Vernon, Washington, and events occur throughout Skagit County.

The Eastern Washington Tulip Festival at Middleton Farms in Pasco, Washington, celebrates spring with 500,000 tulips spread across eight vibrant acres. Running April 1–May 2, 2026, visitors can stroll through colorful fields at their own pace and enjoy scenic photo spots featuring vintage trucks, decorative frames, and cozy seating areas.

Palmer’s Adventure Farm in Moses Lake, Washington, offers seasonal fun for all ages, from vibrant spring tulip fields to late-summer sunflower blooms and a festive fall Pumpkin Festival and Haunt. Celebrate spring surrounded by vibrant tulip fields. Visitors can explore the farm, enjoy food and drinks, and experience a variety of attractions throughout the year.

Since 2007, America Saves Week has been a nationwide initiative and annual celebration inspiring Americans to commit to saving successfully. CWU encourages you to take a financial check-in to assess your finances, set savings goals, and create a plan for success. This annual call to action empowers individuals to build financial security by saving money, reducing debt, and making informed financial decisions.

Did you know you have access to a number of financial wellness webinars? To start moving in the right direction, view a webinar from the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) or TIAA.

Did you know CWU offers two, supplemental, pre-tax retirement savings plans?

The Voluntary Investment Plan (VIP) is a 403(b) plan administered by TIAA. Faculty and staff may enroll or change contribution amounts online at any time.

The Deferred Compensation Program (DCP), a 457 plan, is administered by the Department of Retirement Systems. Faculty and staff may enroll online.

And remember, saving and planning can be challenging, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Schedule an appointment with a retirement plan representative from TIAA.

TOTAL REWARDS STATEMENTS AVAILABLE

Faculty and staff are essential to our success as a university, and the work you do contributes to our vision of becoming a model learning community of equity and belonging. 

We are committed to equity in total rewards, which includes both compensation and benefits. To provide you with a clear and comprehensive view of your total rewards, we offer the Total Rewards Statement—a personalized summary that goes beyond your take-home pay. It includes the university’s contributions toward your benefits, such as health insurance, retirement, and more.

You can access your Total Rewards Statement by navigating to: MyCWU > Employee > Payroll > My Total Rewards

Please note that the current statement reflects 2025 information. If you are a recent hire, your first Total Rewards Statement - with data from 2026 - will be available in early 2027.

Thank you for all that you do to support our Wildcat community!

Our TIAA representative will be on the Ellensburg campus April 7, 8, 9, May 5, 6, 7, and June 2, 3, 4, for in-person meetings.

No matter where you are in life—whether you’re just getting started or planning for retirement—a session with a financial consultant can help you create a plan for your goals. And it’s at no additional cost as a part of your retirement plan. You’ll get answers to these questions and more:

• Am I invested in the appropriate mix of investments to help meet my goals?
• Am I saving enough to create the retirement income I need?
• How do I take income from my retirement account once I stop working?

TIAA is the plan administrator for the CWU Retirement Plan (CWURP) and the Voluntary Investment Plan (VIP). The CWURP is the mandatory faculty and exempt retirement plan, and the VIP is an optional retirement savings plan available to all non-student employees. Sign up today, as space is limited. Register for sessions at tiaa.org/schedulenow or by calling 800-842-2252, weekdays, 5 AM to 7 PM

Prioritize Your Well-Being!

Stress Awareness Month is a time to acknowledge the impact of stress and take proactive steps to manage it. Small changes in daily routines can make a big difference in reducing stress and improving overall well-being.

Engage in Healthy Activities:

• Exercise: Physical activity is a great way to relieve stress. Take a walk, go for a hike, or join a group fitness class to boost your mood and energy levels.
• Take Your Breaks: Stepping away from your desk, even for a few minutes, can help refresh your mind. Take breaks, enjoy your lunch away from your workspace, and avoid burnout.

Focus on the Outdoors:

• With the arrival of spring, take advantage of the pleasant weather by spending time outdoors. Fresh air and sunshine can improve your mood and reduce stress levels. Consider walking meetings or lunchtime walks!

Stress Management Strategies:

• Better Communication: If stress is affecting your work, don’t hesitate to talk with your supervisor or manager. Open communication can lead to solutions and support that ease your workload and enhance your well-being.
• Time Management: Managing your time effectively can help reduce stress. Prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and use planning tools to stay organized and focused.

Need Additional Support?
Remember, our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to help with a variety of challenges, from stress management to personal and professional concerns. This confidential resource is available to support your overall well-being—don’t hesitate to reach out! Call 800-777-4114 for immediate assistance or access EAP resources with login username ‘CWU.’ Available to faculty, staff, and their family members.

CAMPUS SOLUTIONS: ACCESS, NAVIGATION, AND SUPPORT

Understand how Campus Solutions access is assigned, why features differ by role, and how to navigate the system efficiently.

April 14 via MS Teams | 1 – 2 PM

ENROLL NOW

PREVENTING HARASSMENT & DISCRIMINATION (for Non-Supervisors)

This in-person session brings people together to build a workplace culture resistant to discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and counts toward CWU’s required training.

April 20, 2026 | 9 – 10:15 AM | Grupe Center on Ellensburg Campus | Zoom link for those off-campus

ENROLL NOW

PREVENTING HARASSMENT & DISCRIMINATION (for Supervisors)

This session covers the same content as the non-supervisor course, with additional supervisor-specific responsibilities, and counts toward CWU’s required training.

April 20, 2026 | 9 AM – Noon | Grupe Center on Ellensburg Campus | Zoom link for those off-campus

ENROLL NOW

View more upcoming workshops on the CWU Events Calendar.

Questions?  Please reach out to cla@cwu.edu.

Learn more at hca.wa.gov/pebb-smarthhealth

SmartHealth is introducing fresh featured activities to help you build healthy habits, stay informed, and keep moving in a way that feels right for you. Find your next activity:

Sleep hygiene checkup: Quality sleep supports restoration, memory, hormone balance, energy, and overall health. Report completion of the “Sleep hygiene checkup” featured activity between April 13 and May 29, 2026 to earn 75 points.

Mindfulness in nature: Spending time outdoors is a great way to slow down and be present. Report completion of the “Mindfulness in nature” featured activity between May 1 and June 12, 2026 to earn 75 points.

Find these activities under Featured activities in the Activities and Resources tab of SmartHealth at the top of the homepage.

Supporting you on your journey toward living well

smarthealth.hca.wa.gov

The DRS webinar schedule for April - June 2026 is now available. View the schedule and sign up for Zoom webinars at DRS Webinars. If unable to attend a live webinar, video recordings are available on-demand.

Employee Assistance Program: Support When You Need It

Your well-being matters. The First Choice Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers 24/7 access to licensed mental health counselors. Just call 800-777-4114 for immediate support. You can also explore a wide range of confidential resources online, from emotional wellbeing to financial tools, parenting, legal topics, and more. Visit www.FirstChoiceEAP.com and log in with the username CWU to get started. Services are available to all faculty, staff, and their family members.

Behavioral Health Services available through your PEBB medical insurance or call Uniform Medical (UMP) or Kaiser.

Local Helpline | 24/7 | Master's-Level Counselors | 509-925-4168 

National Hotline | 24/7 | Dial 988 or Text 'Home' to 741741

online chat feature: suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Every day, our colleagues go above and beyond to support student success and contribute to a workplace rooted in Engagement, Belonging, Stewardship, and Student Success.

Help us recognize the exceptional work happening across campus by nominating a classified or exempt employee for the Employee of the Month Award. Whether it’s through a standout project, a positive impact on others, or consistently living into CWU’s mission, we want to celebrate those who make a difference. Let’s shine a spotlight on those who make CWU a better place every day.

Who can nominate?       Anyone
Who is eligible?              Classified and Exempt Staff
What’s the reward?        $125 and recognition at a quarterly celebration
Bonus:                               Monthly winners are eligible for Employee of the Year

Nomination Form

Celebrate a Colleague's Exceptional Efforts by nominating them for the Wildcat Way Spotlight—a heartfelt way to recognize their dedication and share their story with the CWU community. Each nominee receives a personal message of appreciation, and their supervisor is notified as well. It’s a simple, meaningful way to say thank you.

INGREDIENTS

Cake

• ¾ cup butter, softened to room temperature
• ¾ cup cooking oil (avocado or canola)
• 1 cup brown sugar firmly packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs lightly beaten (room temperature preferred)
• 2 cups mashed over-ripe bananas (about 4 bananas)
• 1 - 8 oz can crushed pineapple (do not drain)
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla
• 3 cups flour
• 1 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Cream Cheese Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (don't use spreadable cream cheese sold in tubs)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 cups powdered sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat oven to 350F and lightly grease and flour two 8" or 9" pans. I also recommend using a cut-out round of parchment paper.
• Beat butter, oil, and sugars in a large bowl with an electric mixer (or stand mixer) until creamy.
• Stir in eggs and then bananas, pineapple, and vanilla.
• In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until thoroughly combined.
• Using a spatula (don't use an electric mixer for this step) gradually fold in half of dry ingredients. Stir in pecans and then stir in remaining flour mixture, but don't over-mix the batter.
• Divide cake batter into pans. Bake at 350F, about 39 minutes for 8" pans and 34 minutes for 9" pans until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or preferably only a few crumbs.
• Cool for 10 minutes in pan and then run a knife around the inside of the pan to loosen and carefully invert onto a cooling rack and cool completely. (Don’t try to frost until cake is completely cool!)
• Prepare frosting by mixing butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until creamy and well-combined and then stir in vanilla and salt.
• With mixer on low speed, stir in powdered sugar, scraping sides and bottom of bowl so ingredients are evenly combined.
• Place one layer of cake on serving platter. Spread with frosting. Top with second cake. Frost top and sides of cake and serve.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for a day, in the refrigerator up to 5 days, or tightly wrapped and froze for up to 3 months.

“April is a moment of joy for those who have survived the winter.”

                                Samuel Johnson