Human Resources

• Hunter Bentzen – Aviation
• Wyatt Boyer – Grounds Maintenance
• Marissa Gilliam – Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Brayden Helgeson – Aviation
• Alexander Royston – Custodial Services
• Kristin Singleton – Disability Services
• Millie Tinoisamoa – Student Involvement
• Hildi Youngblood – Financial Aid and Scholarships

A Better Way to Manage your CWU Retirement Benefits is Coming

CWU is transitioning to a new retirement plan experience designed to make it easier, more secure, and more cost-effective for you.

Effective in early 2026, TIAA will become the sole recordkeeper for both the Central Washington University Retirement Plan (CWURP) and the Voluntary Investment Plan (VIP), replacing the current dual-recordkeeper structure (TIAA and Fidelity). This means you’ll access and manage your CWU retirement investments from one place.

Why we’re making this change

• Simplify your experience with only one platform to manage your retirement investments
• Increase cybersecurity and user access controls
• Lower your fees (from as much as $100 to around $27 per person)
• Enhance retirement savings and accessibility, in alignment with the Secure Act 2.0
• Streamline VIP enrollment and contribution rate changes

Why this all matters: Your CWU retirement plan is important

For many people, it’s easy to just set your retirement and voluntary investment program elections when you first enroll and then forget about them. But your CWU retirement benefit is a powerful part of your total compensation. With generous matching contributions and access to world-class investment tools, your plan is designed to help you build long-term financial security throughout your work journey and into your retirement.

Onsite help desk

Drop by and ask TIAA your questions.

We’re here to help

Access your account or contact TIAA to manage balances, make changes to current investments, update your beneficiary, request loans or withdrawals, and more.

Online: Visit tiaa.org/cwu and log in. If you’re new to TIAA, select Log in, then Need online access? Follow the on-screen directions to access your account.

Phone: Call TIAA at 800-842-2252, weekdays, 5 AM to 7 PM

For Leaders at All Levels: Staff, Faculty, and Students.

How to Enroll: MyCWU >> Learning Tab >> enter “First Friday” in Search for Learning field

More Information: cla@cwu.edu

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS – DECEMBER 2
Join University Police for this in-person session. Learn to prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters.

10 AM | Grupe Center, Ellensburg Campus | Audience = All Employees | ENROLL NOW

FIT FOR DUTY – DECEMBER 3
Join HR and University Police for a practical overview of how to recognize possible impairment, respond appropriately, and partner with HR and EAP to keep the workplace safe and compliant.

9 – 10:30 AM | Grupe Center, Ellensburg Campus; email cla@cwu.edu for zoom link
Audience: CWU Supervisors and Employees who are responsible for identifying and responding to possible workplace impairment  

ENROLL NOW

CPR, FIRST AID, & AED TRAINING – DECEMBER 18

Join Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue to learn the basics of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), first aid, and the proper use of an AED (automated external defibrillator).

8 AM - 2 PM | Grupe Center, Ellensburg Campus | Audience: All Employees | ENROLL NOW

Questions? cla@cwu.edu

If you’re feeling a little more stressed than usual right now, you’re not alone. Many experience stress or feel overwhelmed during the holiday season. Follow the tips below to cope better.

1. Don’t over schedule yourself: The holiday season is a time of parties and social gatherings, but you don't have to do it all. Decide what you really enjoy and focus your energy and time on those activities.
2. Simplify travel and limit car time: Maneuvering air travel and spending hours in the car can be exhausting. As much as possible, limit your driving to the events you truly want to attend. It's part of setting healthy boundaries and keeping a reasonable schedule.
3. Manage gift giving: Gift giving is fun but can be financially stressful. Make a budget and stay within your limits. Even a small gift lets people know you cherish them.
4. Be responsible about food and alcohol consumption: Do your best to stick with healthy eating choices. Focus on a few special treats that may only be available at the holidays. Strive for moderation.
5. Enjoy family on your terms: While it can be enjoyable to see family during the holidays, some people find extended family time to be stressful. Take care of yourself. If necessary, take a break from the gathering. Go for a walk. Call someone you enjoy talking to. Take some alone time if you need it.
6. Respect differences: We all have different perspectives on a variety of things. Do your best to find and focus on common ground with others. Let’s aim to seek peace and understanding with one another. It’s also okay to set boundaries and take a break from the interactions.
7. Take time for yourself: Consider giving yourself the gift of time during the holidays. Take a break from the rushing around, the shopping, the cooking, and the cleaning. Set aside time to read a good book, watch your favorite movie, or take a nap.
8. Honor the losses of the year: The holidays can be especially challenging for those of us who have lost loved ones. Be sure to make space for your grief. Consider changing up your traditions to make your feelings of loss more manageable. You can also find a new way to weave in the memory of your loved one into your existing holiday traditions.
9. Remember routine maintenance: Get plenty of sleep. Eat regularly. Exercise. Meditate. Breathe.
10. Reach out if you need help: If you know this time of year is hard for you, lean on friends and family. Talk about how you're feeling and let them help you set boundaries and practice self-care. Call the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 24/7 at 800-777-4114.

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.

Washington Apple Health for Adults and Children

If you are a Washington resident and your household income is below the Medicaid standard, you may be eligible for free or reduced premium health insurance through the Washington Apple Health program or Washington Apple Health for Kids. Check eligibility at wahealthplanfinder.org or call 855-923-4633. You may choose to retain insurance through your employer and may qualify for premium assistance.

For more information or to apply, visit the Health Care Authority’s Premium Payment website or call 800-562-3022, extension 15473. Information is also available on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Document "Premium Assistance Under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)".

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground pork sausage
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups milk
• 6 slices white bread, toasted and cut into cubes

Directions:

1. Crumble sausage into a medium skillet over medium heat and cook until evenly brown and then drain.
2. In a medium bowl, mix mustard powder, salt, eggs, and milk.
3. Stir in cooked sausage, bread cubes, and cheese.
4. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
5. Cover and chill in the refrigerator overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover pan with foil and bake
   45 to 60 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 14 Ounce Block Medium-Firm or Firmer Tofu
• 1 Medium Bell Pepper chopped
• 8 Ounces Mushrooms sliced
• 1 Medium Red Onion chopped
• 1 Clove Garlic minced
• 1 ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• ½ Teaspoon Cumin
• ½ Teaspoon Paprika
• ½ Teaspoon Turmeric
• ¼ Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• ¼ Teaspoon Pepper
• ⅛ Teaspoon Cayenne

Directions:

• Cook peppers, mushrooms, onion, and garlic in a non-stick pan over medium heat for 5 minutes, until mostly soft.
• Crumble the tofu into the pan and add the spices. Stir and cook 5 minutes more, until the tofu is evenly coated with spices and is warmed through.

Ingredients:

• Mini pretzels: knot shape, round, or square
• Hershey Chocolate Kisses and/or Hugs
• M&Ms: regular and/or mint

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 250 degrees.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Arrange pretzels evenly on baking sheet.
4. Unwrap Hershey Kisses/Hugs.
5. Place one Kiss/Hug in the center of each pretzel.
6. Place baking sheet in the oven for 4 minutes.
7. Remove sheet from oven and immediately place one M&M onto the Kiss/Hug and slightly press the candy into the chocolate.
8. Let cool at room temperature.

“December is a simple wish that brings spectacular moments.”

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