Emailed to Northwestern staff on March 6, 2020
LETTER FROM THE CHAIR | UPCOMING EVENTS | REMINDERS | PAST EVENTS | PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS
Hello Northwestern Staff,
I hope you had an excellent holiday season and kept warm this winter quarter.
As I reflect on the past few months, I’d like to thank NUSAC, the outreach committee and the generous staff of NU for another successful Holiday Drive this past December. We were able to help countless families have a joyous holiday season.
We are looking forward to an eventful spring, and, if Punxsutawney Phil has anything to say about it, an early one.
Northwestern University is excited to welcome our brand new Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer, Manuel Cuevas-Trisán. He brings a wealth of knowledge of talent acquisition, human resources management, data-driven decision making, and collaboration from his extensive experience in HR and employment law. We are looking forward to his partnership and his energy in ushering our University into the future.
Coming up in April, NUSAC will host Conversations with the President on both the Chicago and Evanston campuses. These live-streamed events give staff and faculty the chance to hear directly from President Schapiro as well as key administrative staff as they speak on the state of the University, exciting developments, and plans for the future. They will be answering your questions as well. Look out for more details on how you can join us live or stream from your space on campus.
In March and April, NUSAC will be participating for the seventh year in the Blessings in a Backpack drive. This important initiative supports elementary school children on federal Free and Reduced Price Meal Programs in the Evanston and Chicago area. Look for more details soon how to support and volunteer for these efforts.
Spring will also bring our annual membership drive. We will be accepting applications and interviewing for multiple new council member positions for the 2020-2021 academic year. Look out for a dedicated email and application link soon. We are looking for your energies and talents to continue the great work we do in NUSAC.
We look forward to an excellent 2020.
Thank you and Go ‘Cats!
Nate Daigle
NUSAC Chair
UPCOMING
Call for Names: Staff Profiles
Do you want to be featured on the Northwestern website?
NUSAC and HR are partnering to look for current staff members who want to share their Northwestern career story, including promotions, transfers to different NU offices, or unique opportunities within one office or role. Please visit the NUSAC website to nominate yourself or a colleague to appear on the Northwestern website.
Cardz for Kidz
March 1 – April 17
For the first time, Northwestern is competing in the Cardz for Kidz (CFK) March Gladness competition. CFK is an organization dedicated to uplifting the spirits of hospitalized and/or traumatized children across the globe by delivering inspiring homemade cards. In the annual March Gladness, universities compete nationwide to create the most cards. Join the competition!
Call for Nominations: Jean E. Shedd Citizenship Award
Now through March 20
The Jean E. Shedd University Citizenship Award, in honor of Jean Shedd, is accepting nominations through March 20. Jean served Northwestern with distinction for more than 41 years. During her career, she exemplified the true meaning of citizenship through sustained and exceptional leadership.
Conversations with the President
April 2020
Conversations with the President is an annual opportunity for President Morton Schapiro to discuss key issues facing the University and answer questions from staff, faculty and students. You may submit questions ahead of time to nusac@northwestern.edu.
The forums, which are co-sponsored by NUSAC and the Office of the President, are webcast live.
Save the dates:
CHICAGO – Thursday, April 16, 2020, Thorne Auditorium
EVANSTON – Thursday April 23, 2020, McCormick Foundation Center Forum
Northwestern Medical Orchestra is Seeking Musicians
The Northwestern Medical Orchestra is seeking musicians for its spring 2020 season. The Orchestra is composed of students, faculty, staff, physicians, residents and alumni musicians. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings and two concerts will be held in May. Musicians who play the violin, cello, bass, bassoon, trombone and tuba are being sought. Other instrument sections may be full; however, if interested you are encouraged to apply.
Blessings in a Backpack
Beginning mid-March
This will be NUSAC’s 7th year participating in Blessings in a Backpack! This program provides elementary school children who are on the federal Free and Reduced Price Meal Program with a backpack of food to take home for 38 weekends during the school year. Our goal is to provide enough food items to support participating students in Evanston and Chicago.
This year’s drive will take place from mid-March to mid-April. Flyers and an email will be forthcoming with suggested items and drop off locations. At the conclusion of the drive, we will need volunteers on both campuses to help sort and bag donations. We appreciate your support and look forward to another successful Blessings event.
Length of Service Recognition Reception
May 14
The inaugural Length of Service Recognition Reception will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at the Kellogg Global Hub. The reception will recognize staff members with 25 years of service, and every five years thereafter, for their dedicated years of service to the University and provide an opportunity to mingle with colleagues from across the university as well as with senior leadership. Questions? Email hremployeerecognition@northwestern.edu.
Reminders
Coronavirus Disease 2019
Northwestern continues to monitor the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) very closely, and the University is providing regular updates to the community.
Missed a Message?
View all official statements, messages and announcements sent to the Northwestern community from the president, provost and other NU leaders.
Free Work/Life Seminar
Host a free work/life seminar at an upcoming meeting for your school, department or affinity group this year. Seminars are provided through our Employee Assistance Program provider, Humana.
School Visitation Time Off
Staff members may take school visitation time off from work to visit their child’s school for conferences or classroom activities for a total of eight hours in a school year, but no more than four hours on any given day. You must request this time off in advance and may be required to provide documentation regarding the need to take time off.
Thank you for Participating in our Past Events!
Holiday Drive
DECEMBER 2019
NUSAC would like to extend our gratitude to all those who participated in this year’s Holiday Drive. Whether you teamed up with your colleagues to adopt a family through Infant Welfare Society of Evanston or Family Focus, fulfilled the wish list of a senior through Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, stuffed a stocking for someone in Heartland Alliance’s residential programs, purchased a gift for a child through Marillac House’s Amazon wish list, or donated winter gear to La Casa Norte’s coat drive––you made someone’s holiday season brighter, and we are so thankful for your kindness.
Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude to be part of such a warm and generous staff community here at Northwestern. Thank you!
Women’s Basketball Mixer
JANUARY 2019
NUSAC and the Northwestern Women’s Basketball team invited staff and their guests to a basketball game in Welsh-Ryan Arena on Sunday, January 19. More than 130 tickets were sold at a discounted rate of $5, which also included a pre-game mixer with snacks and beverages hosted in the beautiful Wilson Club. Attendees were then able to cheer on the Wildcats as they went on to defeat Penn State 85-59.
NUSAC thanks all of the attendees, Athletics and of course the Northwestern Women’s Basketball team for a great day and an even better win. Please stay tuned for future NUSAC hosted events––we hope to see you there!
NUSAC Brown Bag: Effective Workplace Communication
FEBRUARY 2020
NUSAC hosted brown bags on both campuses, featuring Ellen Burton who discussed communication techniques including two-way communication, identifying nonverbal signals and active listening. More than 60 staff attended.