Category: HR Buzz

It’s Black Joy Week – You are Invited!

Posted on by Renee Boelcke

Mark your calendars for a week of community, fun, and JOY!

Black Joy Week Fundraiser

This year’s celebration will also include a special opportunity to recognize and celebrate the incredible work and recent successes of Cradle Kalamazoo, whose mission is to “reduce infant death and promote respect for families, women, and their children.”

We are inviting members of our community to make a donation to this worthy cause to support this important and meaningful work. Every contribution, big or small, helps sustain efforts to reduce Black infant mortality in our county and ensure that all babies, especially Black babies, can thrive in our community. Make your gift by June 19 and receive a Black Joy Week tshirt!

Learn more about the Cradle Kalamazoo Fundraiser.

Select the dates below for more details

Monday, June 1: Black Joy Week Picnic

Lower Quad: 11am – 1pm

Like years past, kick-off Black Joy Week with music, good food, and more! Hamburgers, hot dogs, and some sides. 

Tuesday, June 2: 3 v 3 Basketball Game (Register now!)

Anderson Athletic Center: 4:30pm

Sign-up or come watch! 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals and prizes will be awarded to the winning teams + bragging rights!

Rules: 3-4 people per co-ed team with at least 1 female on the court at all times.

Sign-up by June 1, 2026

Wednesday, June 3: Paint, Punch, Popsicles

Quad (rain: Hicks): 11am – 1pm

Spark joy and rejuvenate yourself through art and somatic movement! 

Join us for painting or joyful movement with Heather Mitchell. Students are welcome to paint a canvas, small flowerpot, or tote bag.

Thursday, June 4: Throwback Thursday

Quad: 11am – 1pm

Don’t miss dancing with the Black Student Organization (BSO)! Music will be provided by our very own Dr. Ron Dillard.

Friday, June 5: Scavenger Hunt

All over campus: All day

Start The Hunt!

Team up and take on a campus‑wide scavenger hunt filled with clues, challenges, and surprises. Whether you’re in it to win or just to explore, this is all about connection, laughter, and discovery.

Hot tip: there may be some great prizes in store for scavenger hunt winners!

THANK YOU for making Black Joy Week happen!

Black Joy Week could not be accomplished without the hard work, love, and care from our community.

  • Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership
  • Chemistry & Biochemistry Department
  • Black Student Organization (BSO)
  • Center for Civic Engagement
  • Coach Nick Giard
  • Human Resources
  • Information Services
  • Intercultural Center
  • President’s Office

Final Reminder: Help Shape Future Faculty/Staff Engagement

Posted on by Renee Boelcke

THANK YOU to the 80+ faculty and staff who already participated in the campus engagement survey

This survey is an opportunity to share your perspective on faculty and staff activities—what’s working, what’s not, and where we can make engagement more meaningful, accessible, and cost‑effective. Your feedback directly helps inform future decisions that shape our campus experience.

A few things to know:

  • The survey takes about 5–7 minutes to complete
  • Participation is voluntary and all questions are optional
  • Responses are anonymous, unless you choose to share identifying information
  • Ideas of all sizes are welcome and valued


The survey closes May 1, 2026. You are encouraged to add your voice and help guide future engagement efforts.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and for everything that you contribute to our community.

Human Resources

Summer Hours 2026

Posted on by Renee Boelcke

Spring term has started, snow is gone, and trees are waking from their slumber.
It must be time to announce 2026 Summer Hours!

Regular business hours between June 15, 2026 through September 4, 2026 will be:
Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 2:00 p.m + 3 paid hours

There is no reduction in the amount of paid time, however the workweek is reduced by 3 hours during summer hours.
Visit the link below for more details.

sunshine
Summer Hours

2026–27 Holiday Schedule Now Available

Posted on by Renee Boelcke

We’re happy to share that the 2026–27 Kalamazoo College Holiday Schedule is now available on the Human Resources website.

The holiday schedule outlines all College‑observed paid holidays and holiday break days for the upcoming fiscal year. Employees are encouraged to review the schedule when planning time off, coverage, and personal calendars for 2026–27.

👉 View the full 2026–27 Holiday Schedule

A Few Helpful Reminders

  • Paid holidays apply to benefit‑eligible employees who are scheduled to work on the day the holiday is observed.
  • Holiday eligibility and pay follow the College’s Holiday Policy and Procedures.
  • Holidays that occur during approved vacation time do not count against vacation balances.

As always, the Human Resources team is here to help. If you have questions about holiday eligibility, scheduling, or paid time off, please contact HR at human.resources@kzoo.edu.

We wish you a wonderful year ahead at K!

HR Buzz: Access Free Virtual Doctor Visits with Amwell

Posted on by Miasha Wilson

Taking care of your health just got easier—and more convenient.

Did you know that you have access to free virtual doctor visits through Amwell? Whether you’re feeling under the weather, need quick medical advice, or simply want to avoid a trip to urgent care, Amwell provides a simple, accessible way to connect with a healthcare provider from the comfort of your home.

What is Amwell?

Amwell is a telehealth platform that allows you to connect with board-certified doctors via phone, tablet, or computer. Appointments are available 24/7, making it a great option for both planned and unexpected healthcare needs.

Through Amwell, you can receive care for a variety of common concerns, including:

  • Cold and flu symptoms
  • Allergies
  • Sinus infections
  • Minor skin conditions
  • General medical questions
What’s the Benefit?

Employees can access virtual visits at no cost by using the coupon code:

ASRCOPAYWAIVED

This means no copay for eligible visits—making it even easier to prioritize your health without worrying about out-of-pocket costs.

How to Get Started

Getting started is quick and easy:

  1. Visit the Amwell website or download the Amwell app
  2. Create an account (if you don’t already have one)
  3. Enter your insurance information
  4. Apply the coupon code ASRCOPAYWAIVED at checkout
  5. Connect with a provider

That’s it! In just a few steps, you can be on your way to receiving care.

Why Use Virtual Visits?

Virtual care is a great option when:

  • You need care outside of regular office hours
  • You want to avoid exposure to illness in waiting rooms
  • You’re traveling or unable to visit your primary care provider
  • You need quick answers without the wait

It’s healthcare designed to meet you where you are.

A Simple Way to Stay Well

We understand that balancing work, life, and health can be challenging. Resources like Amwell are here to support you by making care more accessible, flexible, and convenient.

If you’ve been putting off a visit or just need quick medical guidance, this is a great opportunity to take advantage of a valuable benefit—at no cost to you.

If you have any questions about your benefits or how to access Amwell, please feel free to reach out to us in Human Resources at HR.Benefits@kzoo.edu or 269.337.7225.

The Conversation That Matters: Talking Money with Loved Ones

Posted on by Renee Boelcke

Did you know 70% of wealth transfers fail by the second generation?1 The culprit isn’t poor planning — it’s poor communication.

Inheritances often come with emotional and relational costs families aren’t prepared for. That’s why opening the conversation early matters.

What should you discuss?

  • What assets you have and where they’re located
  • Your values and intentions behind how your wealth is structured
  • The responsibilities and expectations that come with inheritance

Beyond the paperwork: Actively communicate with spouses, children, and loved ones about what to expect when you pass. Discuss not just the what (which accounts, properties, or investments they’ll inherit), but the how and why. Consider inviting them to financial planning meetings so they understand your current strategy and can ask questions while you’re still here to answer them.

These conversations are difficult, but leaving heirs confused and ill-informed can be even more devastating. Let’s explore how to best prepare your loved ones for the inheritance you’ll leave behind.

Helpful Reading

Aging Parents?
5 Money Topics to Discuss

As your parents age, the reality of needing to plan for the future becomes more apparent. But it can be hard to have the necessary conversations about money & health, especially if you’re not a family that typically discusses those things. In this article from Schwab, the author uses real-life advice for how she broached the topic of money with her parents. Not only does she discuss how you can start the conversations, but also why they’re so critical to have in the first place. That includes conversations about long-term care and how to handle health issues that may come up in the future.

Read More Here

Six Ways to Make Talking With Family About Estate Planning Easier

Conversations about estate planning can be difficult, but it’s important to have a plan on how you’ll share your expectations with family. Without a discussion, you’re leaving your family to potential disputes and confusion that can cost them both emotionally and financially. This Kiplinger article goes over how to talk about your estate plan with family and why it’s important to have that plan in place well before it needs to be enacted. This includes regularly meeting with a financial professional who can help make sure everything is in order as it should be.

Read More Here

How to Manage Finances After the Loss of a Spouse

Losing a spouse is an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking event in someone’s life. There’s no one way to process or grieve the loss of a loved one, but there are necessary steps that you should take to make sure that your loved one’s wishes are carried out as they wanted. It’s also important to manage your finances so that you can continue to live and pay the bills without any additional stress or confusion. This Schwab article covers some of the important first steps you can take after the passing of a loved one. Addressing the urgent needs helps create a clear path forward.

Read More Here

Here to Help

HUB Investment Partners

You don’t have to navigate the complex web of emotions and financial decisions alone. Not only should you be sure that spouses, children, and heirs are involved in the conversation, but you should have a financial professional too. Our advisors here at HUB Investment Partners can help you navigate the difficult money conversations and remind you of the necessary steps you should be taking to prepare for the future. We can help answer important questions like:

  • How often do I need to be updating my beneficiaries and how do I complete that process?
  • How should I be organizing or managing my money so that I can leave some behind for loved ones?
  • How should I be saving so that I can meet my retirement goals?
  • How can I involve my children and make sure that they have good financial literacy?
  • How do I create an estate plan? What are the most important components to have in place?
Schedule a Meeting with a HUB Advisor

Employee Assistance Program

Life is complicated. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help with resources, including articles and counseling. Articles related to estate planning include:

EAP Member Access Portal
Employer ID: KZC

Do your current beneficiaries match your current wishes?
If not, make the change(s) while you are thinking about it.

Life Insurance (Unum)
Beneficiary Designation
Retirement (TIAA)
Login

1 –https://expatwealthatwork.com/blog/2025/05/12/why-most-wealth-vanishes-after-the-first-generation/

Rethinking Productivity in Winter: Energy vs. Time Management

Posted on by Miasha Wilson

During the winter months, many of us notice that our usual productivity strategies feel harder to maintain. Shorter days, colder weather, and disrupted routines can affect motivation, focus, and stamina. When this happens, it can be helpful to shift from a strict time-focused mindset to one that also emphasizes energy management.

Time management helps us plan how we use our time. Energy management adds another layer by encouraging us to pay attention to when we have the capacity to do certain kinds of work—something that can matter even more in winter, when energy levels may be lower due to seasonal changes.

Why Winter Affects Energy

Seasonal changes can influence both physical and mental energy. Reduced daylight exposure is associated with changes in sleep patterns, mood, and alertness (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2023). Cold weather and fewer opportunities for movement can also contribute to fatigue and decreased concentration.

Research shows that chronic fatigue and stress can impair cognitive functioning and productivity, even when time is carefully scheduled (American Psychological Association [APA], 2023). In other words, managing time alone may not be enough when energy reserves are low. Taking energy levels into account when planning our time is essential, as energy—not just motivation—supports our ability to move from task initiation through sustained focus and completion.

Pro tip: For one week, check in with your energy levels throughout the day and jot down brief notes—without judgment. Understanding your natural energy rhythms can support more intentional planning.

What Energy Management Looks Like

Energy management focuses on when and how we use our effort, not just how long we work. This can include:

  • Scheduling more demanding tasks during periods of higher alertness
  • Allowing lighter or routine work during energy dips
  • Building in short recovery periods rather than pushing through exhaustion

One example of this approach is the Pomodoro method, which involves working in focused intervals (often 25 minutes) followed by short breaks (often 5 minutes). I’ve found that using structured work intervals helps me sustain focus while also giving myself permission to pause before fatigue sets in. Rather than working until I’m depleted, the built-in breaks support steadier energy throughout the day, reduce the urge to push past my limits and help maintain productivity over time.

Studies suggest that aligning work with natural energy rhythms can improve performance and reduce burnout (Schwartz & McCarthy, 2007).

Small Shifts That Can Help

Energy management doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Small adjustments can make a meaningful difference. These strategies are not about doing less work, but about supporting sustained focus, effectiveness, and well-being—particularly during periods when energy demands may shift.

  • Prioritize rest and sleep: Adequate sleep supports mood regulation, immune function, and focus (CDC, 2024).
  • Incorporate movement: Brief movement breaks can improve circulation and mental clarity, even in colder months.
  • Adjust expectations: Winter may not be the season for maximum output—and that’s okay. Productivity can be cyclical rather than constant.

These approaches recognize that wellness and effectiveness are closely linked.

Re-framing Productivity

Energy management encourages a more compassionate view of productivity —one that prioritizes sustained performance over short bursts of output. Instead of asking, “Why can’t I get everything done?” the question becomes, “What is realistic given my energy today?” Research on burnout indicates that self-compassion and realistic workload expectations are associated with better long-term performance and well-being (Maslach & Leiter, 2016). When we approach our work as whole people, we are better positioned to achieve consistent, sustainable results over time.

A Seasonal Perspective

For some, winter can be a time for maintenance rather than acceleration. Paying attention to energy—rather than forcing output—can support both personal well-being and sustainable work habits.

Reflection: Where might adjusting how or when you use your energy—rather than trying to manage time more tightly—help you feel more balanced this winter?

Mindful Mondays Reminder

Monday, March 2, 2026 – Mindful Movement – Shake Off the Stress in Olmsted (Mandelle Hall)

RSVP Only for Virtual Link
References
  1. American Psychological Association. (2023). Stress effects on the body. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Sleep and sleep disorders. https://www.cdc.gov/sleep
  3. Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Burnout. Wiley.
  4. National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Seasonal affective disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/seasonal-affective-disorder
  5. Schwartz, T., & McCarthy, C. (2007). Manage your energy, not your time. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org

Know Your Numbers: Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Why They Matter

Posted on by Miasha Wilson

February is American Heart Month, making it a good time to pause and reflect on heart health—not from a place of alarm, but from a place of awareness. Heart health is closely connected to everyday habits, stress levels, sleep, and access to preventive care. One simple and empowering step we can take is to know our numbers, including blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Why “Knowing Your Numbers” Matters

Blood pressure and cholesterol are often called “silent” health indicators because they can be elevated without noticeable symptoms. According to the American Heart Association (AHA, 2023), un-managed high blood pressure and high cholesterol significantly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, even in individuals who otherwise feel healthy.

Knowing these numbers provides useful information—not a diagnosis—and helps guide conversations with health care providers about prevention, lifestyle adjustments, or early intervention when needed.

Blood Pressure: What It Tells Us

Blood pressure measures how hard the heart works to pump blood through the body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2024) notes that long-term high blood pressure can strain the heart and damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Stress, sleep disruption, diet, and physical activity all play a role, which is why heart health is closely linked to overall wellness.

Cholesterol: More Than One Number

Cholesterol levels reflect how fats move through the bloodstream. While cholesterol is necessary for the body, imbalances—particularly high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol—can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [NHLBI], 2023). Regular screening helps identify potential risks early, often before symptoms appear.

Preventive Care Through ASR: No Employee Cost Sharing

Access to preventive care makes knowing your numbers easier. Through ASR Health Benefits, many preventive services—including routine screenings for blood pressure and cholesterol—are covered without employee cost sharing when obtained through in-network providers. Preventive care is designed to identify concerns early, support long-term health, and reduce the need for more intensive treatment later (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services [HHS], 2023).

Removing cost barriers to preventive care is an important wellness support, allowing individuals to seek routine screenings without financial hesitation.

Heart Health Is More Than Medical

Heart health is influenced not only by medical factors but also by stress, workload, relationships, and access to care. Research shows that chronic stress is associated with higher blood pressure and increased cardiovascular risk (American Psychological Association [APA], 2023). Wellness, therefore, is not just about numbers—but understanding them can be a meaningful starting point.

A Gentle Reminder

Knowing your numbers isn’t about perfection or fear. It’s about information, access, and choice. Preventive screenings, when paired with supportive benefits and informed conversations, can help us take small, proactive steps toward long-term health.

Reflection: What health number—or question—has been sitting in the background for you, and what support might help you approach it with more clarity?

Mindful Mondays Reminder

Monday, March 2, 2026 – Mindful Movement – Shake Off the Stress in Olmsted (Mandelle Hall)

RSVP Only for Virtual Link
References
  1. American Heart Association. (2023). Understanding blood pressure and cholesterol. https://www.heart.org
  2. American Psychological Association. (2023). Stress and health. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). High blood pressure. https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure
  4. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2023). High blood cholesterol. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
  5. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2023). Preventive health services. https://www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-benefits/

Small Wins & Habit Stacking: What I’m Learning While Managing ADHD

Posted on by Miasha Wilson

For over four decades, I believed that the key to productivity was simply trying harder. But what I’ve learned is that practice doesn’t always make perfect—sometimes practice just makes practiced. I told myself that if I could just “stay focused,” “get organized,” or “be more disciplined,” I’d finally feel caught up. But as someone who lives with ADHD, I’ve learned that motivation isn’t always what’s missing—sometimes it’s the system that needs to be changed.

That realization changed how I approach my goals at work and at home. Instead of aiming for a complete overhaul or expecting myself to function perfectly every day, I’ve been learning to build momentum through small wins—tiny actions that are realistic, achievable, and repeatable. In Atomic Habits, James Clear explains that meaningful change is rarely the result of one big breakthrough. More often, it’s the result of small, consistent habits that compound over time.

Why Small Wins Matter (Especially for an ADHD Brain)

When I’m overwhelmed, I tend to freeze. For me, the small wins reduce overwhelm because they lower the pressure to “get it all done” at once. They also make it easier to start—because starting is often the hardest part when my brain is juggling multiple priorities at the same time. When I focus on one small step—one email, one form, one five-minute reset—I’m not just completing a task. I’m building evidence that progress is possible, even on busy or scattered days.

Small wins help me interrupt that cycle. Instead of aiming for a perfect morning routine or a completely organized inbox, I focus on one small action that moves me forward. That might mean responding to just one email, setting one timer, or clearing one small section of my desk. The win isn’t that I solved everything—the win is that I started.

Habit Stacking: A Practical Strategy That Helps

One strategy that has helped me turn those small wins into routines is habit stacking—a simple method of attaching a new habit to something I already do automatically. The structure is simple:
After I do [current habit], I will do [new habit].

Here are a few stacks I’ve been practicing lately:

  • After I sit down at my desk, I write my Top 3 priorities for the day.
  • After I open my calendar, I set a timer to help me stay on task.
  • After I finish a meeting, I take two minutes to capture next steps before moving on.
  • After I refill my water bottle, I pause and take three deep breaths (quick reset).

These habits aren’t complicated—and that’s the point. They are small enough to fit into a real workday, even when my brain feels busy or scattered.

Small Wins Create Stability

What I’m learning is that rest, structure, and sustainable habits aren’t “extras.” They’re the foundation. Over time, these small actions reduce overwhelm because they create predictable anchors in my day. I don’t have to rely on perfect focus or the “right mood.” I just need a routine that supports me.

If you’re trying to build a new habit, I encourage you to start small. Choose one habit that feels achievable and attach it to something you already do. You don’t have to overhaul your whole life—just build one small win at a time.

Reflection: What is one small habit you could stack into your day this week to support your focus, energy, or well-being?

Reminder: Mindful Monday – Stretch & Reset (Chair Yoga) | Feb 2 | 8:00 AM | Hicks Banquet Rooms East & West
References
  1. Amabile, T. M., & Kramer, S. J. (2011). The power of small wins. Harvard Business Review.
  2. Clear, J. (n.d.). How to build new habits by taking advantage of old ones (habit stacking). JamesClear.com.
  3. Gollwitzer, P. M. (1999). Implementation intentions: Strong effects of simple plans. American Psychologist, 54(7), 493–503.
  4. Lally, P., van Jaarsveld, C. H. M., Potts, H. W. W., & Wardle, J. (2010). How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world. European Journal of Social Psychology, 40(6), 998–1009.