HR Newsletter - August 2026 | Central Washington University

About
Offices
Human Resources
Supervisor Resources
HR Newsletter - August 2026

HR Espresso

Your monthly source for express HR updates and news

As we welcome August, we hope you're enjoying the beautiful Pacific Northwest summer and finding opportunities to spend time with family and friends, explore the outdoors, or simply take a well-deserved break. Whether you're on campus or away, taking time to recharge is an important part of supporting your overall well-being. We wish you a safe, healthy, and enjoyable month ahead.

Direct questions about anything in this newsletter to hr@cwu.edu.

Welcome New Employees to the Wildcat Family!
- Yahir Calderon Sotelo – Graduate Studies & Research
- Antonio Flores – Computer Support Services
- Alma Guzman – Academic Advising - Exploratory
- Charles Johnson – President's Office
- Paul Kraemer – Aviation
- Emily Patton – Biological Sciences
- Claire Pritchard – President's Office
MEET WITH A FINANCIAL CONSULTANT
Our TIAA representative will be on the Ellensburg campus August 18, 19, 20, and September 15, 16, 17, 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
TIAA - August Webinars

Financial know-how starts here

Register for Essentials by TIAA webinars for expert financial information, news, and tips.

Reserve your spot by clicking the registration links below. These webinars are part of your retirement plan benefits.

August 6 - 9 am

Live long and prosper: Your guide to understanding longevity

August 18 - 8 am

Take control of your financial life: 5 steps to save money and manage debt
Earn your Wellness Incentive through SmartHealth!

Take the next step toward a healthier, stronger you!

If you earn 2,000 total points by November 30, you can qualify for a wellness incentive, (if eligible) and earn $125 off next year’s medical deductible or a $125 contribution to your HSA if enrolled in a CDHP.

Join WebMD for the Discover Intuitive Eating webinar on August 5, 2026.

Understand the principles of intuitive eating.
Challenge common food myths and rules.
Recognize physical and emotional eating cues.
Understand the principles of intuitive eating.
Describe the role of mindful eating as a tool for strengthening intuitive eating practices.
Explore mindful eating techniques.

August 5, 2026 | Noon to 12:30 PM

Learn more about SmartHealth on HCA’s website and then visit SmartHealth to get started!
First Choice Health

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.
Additional Mental Health Services for CWU Employees

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
Nominate a Colleague for Employee of the Month

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
Wildcat Way

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.
Plum Torte Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- ¾ to 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup unbleached flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- 2 eggs
- 24 halves pitted purple plums
- Sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon, for topping
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cream sugar and butter in a bowl. Add flour, baking powder, salt, and eggs and beat well.
3. Spoon batter into a springform pan, 8 - 10 inches. Place plum halves skin side up on top of the batter. Sprinkle lightly with sugar, lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
4. Bake 1 hour, approximately. Remove and serve warm, plain or with whipped cream or ice cream.
Quote

This morning, the sun endures past dawn. I realize that it is August: the summer's last stand.
Sara Baume