Human Resources
HR Espresso
Your monthly source for express HR updates and news
June has arrived, bringing the close of another academic year and the excitement of graduation season. As campus celebrates student achievements, milestone moments, and the transition into summer, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on all that has been accomplished throughout the year. This busy time of year can be both energizing and demanding, so remember to take moments to recharge and care for your well-being. Whether it’s getting outside in the sunshine, connecting with colleagues and friends, or simply pausing to appreciate the season, small acts of wellness can help you finish the quarter strong and head into summer feeling renewed.
Direct questions about anything in this newsletter to hr@cwu.edu.
NOTICE
Due to a building issue, Human Resources is currently working from alternate locations with limited phone access and no fax capability. Please email HR for assistance at hr@cwu.edu. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
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Welcome New Employees to the Wildcat Family!
- Carmen Barajas - Custodial Services
- William Boutillier - Custodial Services
- Joseph Davey - COTS Deans Operating
- Sam Farouk - Academic Advising-Exploratory
- Jacky Acosta - SURC Kitchen
- Vikki Satterlee - Parking Services
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APPRECIATION AWARDS
You’re invited to join us for the 2026 Employee Appreciation Awards on Tuesday, June 2, at 10:00 AM in the SURC Ballroom.
We’ll be celebrating employees reaching milestone years of service and recognize the Classified and Exempt Employees of the Year.
This special event honors the dedication, contributions, and achievements of our faculty and staff across campus. We encourage you to attend and help us celebrate our colleagues and the outstanding work happening throughout the CWU community.
Refreshments available beginning at 9:30 AM.We look forward to celebrating together!
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MEET WITH A FINANCIAL CONSULTANT
Our TIAA representative will be on the Ellensburg campus 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
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JUNETEENTH - FREEDOM DAY - JUNE 19
June 19 is Juneteenth (also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day). On this day in 1865, Union General Gordon Granger read the Emancipation Proclamation aloud in Galveston, Texas, effectively liberating slaves in the state, which had thus far been beyond control of the Union Army.
CWU will be closed in observance of Juneteenth, Friday, June 19, 2026.
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Faculty Summer Insurance Premiums Deducted from June 25th Paycheck
Faculty members returning in the fall will have summer health insurance premiums deducted from their June 25, 2026, paycheck. If teaching during the summer, no insurance premiums will be taken. Normal deductions will resume from the October 10, 2026, paycheck.
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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.
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.
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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
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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 -
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.
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Chickpea, Beet, Quinoa Salad Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2½ tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 medium clove garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 2 cups diced cooked beets (about 8 ounces)
- 1 (15-ounce) can no-salt-added chickpeas, rinsed
- 1½ cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup coarsely chopped arugula or romaine lettuce
- 1 large stalk celery, diced
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
DIRECTIONS
- Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl.
- Add beets, rinsed chickpeas, quinoa, arugula (or romaine), celery, and scallions.
- Toss to coat.
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Quote
“May the month of June bring you joy, happiness, love, and lots of sunshine.”
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