Human Resources

• Abu Agyeman – Transfer Center
• Jordan Carlson – Marketing & Communications
• Edgar Coronado – Mechanical Shop
• Mike Ferriter – University Advancement
• Samuel Kroll – SURC Accounting
• Diana Schneider – Student Financial Services

Celebrating You on Employee Appreciation Day

We’re grateful for the energy, care, and expertise you bring to CWU every day. Your commitment to students and to one another makes a real difference across our campus community. Thank you for the work you do and the way you do it!

Join Us for a Treat!

If you’re in Ellensburg, please stop by for a donut as a small token of our appreciation.

Friday, March 6
8:30 – 10 AM
Mitchell Hall

First come, first served.

We hope to see you there!

Our TIAA rep will be on the Ellensburg campus March 3, 4, and 5 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

Think Again: Outsmarting Your Brain to Lead Better

March 6, 2026 | 11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. | Shaw-Smyser 115 or Zoom

Effective leadership requires more than instinct—it demands awareness of how cognitive biases and emotional patterns influence decisions. This talk explores the hidden mental shortcuts that can derail good judgment and offers practical tools to develop more intentional, emotionally intelligent decision-making for individuals and teams.

Kara I. Gabriel, Ph.D.
President, United Faculty of Central

Dr. Kara Gabriel is a professor of psychology and thecurrent President of United Faculty of Central. A multidisciplinary educator and researcher, her work spans psychology, primatology, and behavioralneuroscience. With more than 20 years of experience in teaching, mentorship, and academic leadership,she is deeply engaged in faculty advocacy, curriculum development, and institutional assessment.

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

Overview of CWU’s emergency response capabilities and clear guidance on what to do during an emergency.
(Required training every two years.) Presented by Campus Police and Environmental Health & Safety.

March 11, 2026 | 10 AM – 11 AM | Grupe Center on Ellensburg Campus 

ENROLL NOW

CWU SYSTEMS TRAINING DAYS

Join us March 12 (via MS Teams) or March 13 (in person) for two days of practical, hands-on sessions focused on the core systems that keep CWU running.

Budgeting | FMS | Purchasing | Campus Solutions | Travel | Payroll | Benefits | 25Live | Manager Self Service

Whether you’re new to CWU or just want a clearer understanding of how things work, these sessions will help you navigate systems with greater confidence and efficiency. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your skills and streamline your work!

March 12 via Teams | March 13 in Samuelson

VIEW SCHEDULE to enroll in individual sessions

UNDERSTANDING FERPA & REPORTING

This course outlines employee responsibilities under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and CWU’s mandatory reporting requirements. Learn how to protect student records and when and how to submit concerns. (Annual required training.) Presented by Arturo Torres, Registrar and Laura Brant-Hoefer, Deputy Title IX Coordinator.

March 30, 2026 | 9 AM – 10 AM | Grupe Center on Ellensburg Campus

ENROLL NOW

View more upcoming workshops on the CWU Events Calendar.

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

Remember! Spring forward, March 8, 2026, by moving clocks ahead one hour.

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

The Washington Experience Giveaway is back for 2026

Twenty lucky SmartHealth participants will win $500 gift cards to use for a Washington experience.

Winners choose a $500 gift card from one of the following businesses:

• Hotels.com
• Airbnb
• REI
• Washington State Parks store

How do I enter?

First, complete your SmartHealth well-being assessment and report completion of the “Washington Experience Giveaway” featured activity in SmartHealth.

Note: Everyone is required to complete the well-being assessment each year to qualify for the $125 wellness incentive and to be entered into this giveaway.

When are the deadlines?

Three separate drawings will be held. The following are deadlines to be entered into each drawing:

• Drawing 1: March 31, 2026
• Drawing 2: June 30, 2026
• Drawing 3: September 30, 2026

Review the FAQs for more details.

*Gift cards were not purchased with state funds.

Supporting you on your journey toward living well

smarthealth.hca.wa.gov

All 2025 FSA and DCAP expenses must be submitted for reimbursement by March 31, 2026.

Unused DCAP balances will be forfeited and unused FSA balances above $660 will be forfeited. To receive FSA carryover, you must be enrolled in the FSA for 2026 or have at least $120 left in your account.

Login to your Navia account for more information and to submit claims.

Direct questions to Navia’s customer service at 800-669-3539 or customerservice@naviabenefits.com

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 

• 3 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 Tablespoon cumin
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• salt and black pepper
• 4 (15.5-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed
• 7 cups vegetable stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 Tablespoon sherry vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Sliced avocado, chopped red onion, chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and tortilla chips for serving.

Instructions 

1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Add garlic, cumin, paprika, and oregano. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Stir in beans, stock, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until flavors have melded, 40 to 45 minutes. Discard bay leaves and stir in sherry vinegar.
3. Transfer 2 1/2 cups beans and 1 cup liquid to a bowl and mash with a potato masher until smooth. Return to Dutch oven. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with avocado, onion, cilantro, lime wedges, and chips.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 eggs
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3-1/2 cups flour
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 5 (1.55 oz size) Hershey Milk Chocolate Bars
• 1-1/2 cups mini marshmallows
• Ice cream for serving – optional!

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Lightly grease cast iron skillet.
3. In mixer, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Mix in eggs and vanilla until combined.
5. Mix in salt and baking soda.
6. Gradually stir in flour, then chocolate chips.
7. Press half of dough into bottom of skillet.
8. Top with peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, chocolate bars (broken into pieces) and marshmallows.
9. Place remaining dough on top, flattening small pieces in your hand and setting them on. The pieces can touch, but don’t have to as the dough will spread as it bakes.
10. Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is golden.
11. Serve while still warm for the ultimate gooey treat! 

“Winds of March, we welcome you, there is work for you to do. Work and play and blow all day. Blow the winter cold away.”

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