Dear colleagues,
With the launch of our strategic plan, I’m thrilled to dedicate a monthly moment to spotlight the remarkable contributions of our community towards our goals of operational excellence, customer experience, and fostering a community of care. This month, I am excited to share two inspiring examples embodying community of care.
RiceFest
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending RiceFest. A heartfelt thank you to the HR team for orchestrating this remarkable event! RiceFest provided an invaluable opportunity for members from every corner of our campus to engage with benefit providers, and seek guidance to make informed benefits decisions for themselves and their families. It was heartening to see the OF&S division embodying the community of care, from providing refreshments and snacks to attendees to hosting tables to share the programs and services offered to our campus community. A special thank you to all who generously contributed their time and energy to make this event a resounding success!
The Graduate Student Experience
I am delighted to announce that Rick Mello and Beth Leaver have been honored with the prestigious “Friends of Rice Graduate Students” award by the Graduate Student Association (GSA) last weekend. This well-deserved recognition celebrates Rick, Beth, and the Campus Services & Sustainability team’s outstanding efforts in enhancing the lives of our graduate students. Their unwavering commitment to our community of care is evident in the recent initiatives that have significantly improved the graduate student experience, including expanding shuttle routes, diversifying food service options, and enhancing passport services. Please join me in congratulating Rick and Beth when you see them around campus.
The end of the Spring semester and Rice’s 111th Commencement is fast approaching! Knowing this is an especially busy time of year, I wanted to take a moment to highlight some important upcoming events for you:
- Open Enrollment: Ensure you review your benefit selections as open enrollment is underway until April 22. The university has prioritized employee well-being by enhancing its medical and dental benefits investment, with most employees benefiting from reduced insurance costs. The HR benefit team members are available to answer any questions about this process. More information is available online.
- Budget Transformation Engagement Sessions: There are two opportunities left to participate in the April engagement sessions for the Budget Transformation. These sessions provide valuable insights into the initiative and its implementation. Secure your spot by signing up today!
- Ethics and Compliance Symposium: Join us on April 23 for the Annual Ethics and Compliance Symposium themed "Countries and Context: Research Ethics in a Global Age." The symposium promises enlightening discussions and insights from esteemed speakers and panelists. Register now to reserve your spot.
- Staff Appreciation Event with President DesRoches - Mark your calendars for April 18 as we come together at Tudor Fieldhouse to celebrate our collective achievements and staff anniversaries. Expect a morning filled with camaraderie and fun activities, including a light breakfast. Your presence will make this event truly memorable.
Before I conclude, I want to express my profound gratitude for your unwavering dedication and contributions to our university. Whether it's ensuring our campus is primed for commencement events, fostering a safe environment, or creating spaces conducive to learning and growth, your efforts are invaluable. Together, we play a pivotal role in shaping the experiences of our students, faculty, and staff, and I'm immensely proud of what we've accomplished thus far. Let's continue to work side by side to achieve even greater milestones.
Warm Regards,
Kelly