Human Resources

• Cassidy Bateman – Admissions
• Meghanne Barbara – Office of Health Promotion
• Courtney Bennett – University Scheduling Services
• Catherine Brown – Aviation
• Taylar Johnson – Academic Advising-Exploratory
• Natalie Lysene – Disability Services
• Jacqueline Meza – Veterans Center
• Hannah Schneider – Dining Admin
• Benjamin Servatius – Aviation
• Maddy Surface – SURC Kitchen
• Alexa Wegerson – Aviation
• Michael Zaharias – Custodial Services

• Terrence McCain – Educational Development Teaching and Learning
• Dan Smelser – Information Technology Management
• Patty Snowden – Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Rose Spodobalski-Brower – Office of the Registrar

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

Employee of the Month Nomination Form

Plan now to attend the in-person fall Retirement Readiness workshop series

October 14 and 15 in the SURC.

Watch your email and Central Today for enrollment information.

Workshop topics will include:

• PERS 2 & 3 Basics
• Retiree Health Insurance
• Choosing Between PERS 2 & 3
• Managing Your Money (Budgeting)
• Planning for the Income You’ll Need in Retirement
• Learning More about Social Security

Presenters include representatives from Fidelity, TIAA, the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS), and the Health Care Authority (HCA).

If you’re nearing the exciting milestone of retirement, visit our Getting Ready for Retirement webpage for helpful information and step-by-step guidance. Whether retirement is a few years away or just around the corner, this resource will support you in making informed decisions for a smooth transition.

Our Fidelity rep will be on the Ellensburg campus September 11 for in-person meetings.

Sign up online for an appointment: Enter employer name: Central Washington University. (If no appointments are visible, slots have been filled. You may contact Fidelity directly at 800-343-0860 to speak with a representative.)

An in-person consultation with a Fidelity Workplace Planning and Guidance Consultant provides you:

• Guidance to help you maximize retirement savings and achieve other goals
• Face-to-face planning from a seasoned investment professional - at no cost
• A convenient time and location to meet - right at work

Fidelity 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.

September 10, 2025, 12 – 12:30

Rethink Your Drink

During the webinar, we’ll:

1. Discuss the importance of hydration.
2. Compare beverage options.
3. Identify ways to boost hydration.
4. Describe dehydration and overhydration.
5. Learn about the Rethink Your Drink Challenge.

Noon on September 10, 2025

Register to participate.

Contact Maria Royall if closed captioning is needed.

Fall into Balance – Refresh Your Routine for a Healthy Season

September marks a natural transition and a chance to reset routines as the school year begins and the seasons change. Just like autumn reminds us to let go of what no longer serves us, it’s the perfect time to focus on balance in mind, body, and spirit. By aligning your routines with the rhythm of the season, you’ll set yourself up for a strong, balanced start to the year.

Try these simple steps:

• Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours to restore energy and support focus.
• Stay Active: Enjoy the cooler air with walks, hikes, or outdoor workouts.
• Nourish with Seasonal Foods: Apples, squash, and root vegetables are nutrient-rich fall staples.
• Manage Stress: Try journaling, meditation, or a few minutes of mindful breathing.
• Stay Connected: Build in time to connect with friends, family, or colleagues.

Learn more:

4 Simple Wellness Shifts That Will Make the Move into Fall Feel Effortless

Ways to Stay Active in the Fall

Understanding the difference between your gross pay and take-home pay can help you plan better for retirement. Even though your pension is taxed, most of the deductions you had while working will no longer apply, which means you could take home more than you expect. Every situation is different but knowing what to expect can make your retirement feel more secure and less stressful. Read more on the DRS Website.

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

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.

WILDCAT WAY NOMINATION FORM

The U.S. Department of Education can forgive student loan debt after 10 years of making 120 qualifying payments while working for a state agency or a qualifying public sector employer. To qualify, you must have Federal Direct loans. If you have Perkins or FFEL loans, you must consolidate into a Direct Consolidation. If you have Direct Parent PLUS loans, you may also need to consolidate. If you consolidate between now and April 30, 2024, you will not lose PSLF qualifying payment credit due to the IDR Account Adjustment.

Get Started: Use the PSLF Help Tool to complete a PSLF form and submit an employment certification request. Your form will be submitted to the PSLF servicer (MOHELA) for processing, which may take up to 90 business days. Create a MOHELA account to check on qualifying payment count. If MOHELA is not your current servicer, submitting a PSLF form will initiate a loan transfer from your current servicer to MOHELA, which can take an additional 90 business days.

CWU Employer Identification Number (EIN): 91-6000618
CWU contact email: employment.verification@cwu.edu

Submit questions about Public Service Loan Forgiveness on the Washington State Student Loan Advocate’s website.

Washington State law allows employees who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, or stalking to be exempted from public disclosure of personal information. Public employees or their dependents may request an exemption of the disclosure of personally identifiable information under the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), as amended by Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1533, if they are a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or harassment. Supporting documentation will be required. To request an exemption of disclosure of personally identifiable information, contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202.

Cake

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup apple, peeled and roughly chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

Cinnamon topping

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Sugar glaze

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease 8-inch cake pan and line with parchment paper.
3. Mix in large bowl: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Stir in chopped apple.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, vanilla, oil, and yogurt.
5. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and gently mix until combined. Do not over mix.
6. Pour into prepared pan.
7. Topping: Mix sugar, cinnamon, and butter and sprinkle over cake batter.
8. Bake cake 30-35 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.
9. Cool on wire rack.
10. Glaze: Stir together powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. Add an extra tablespoon of milk if necessary. Drizzle glaze over cake.

Ten Places to Go Apple Picking in Washington – Updated for 2025

"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall."

F. Scott Fitzgerald