Table of Contents From the Office of Human Resources
Dear Colleagues,
As winter arrives, it’s a meaningful time to celebrate our community and your valuable contributions. We’re excited to share updates and opportunities this season.
Health New England Health Reimbursement
Harvard Pilgrim Health Reimbursement
Health Savings Account
Go Paperless Annual Tax Forms
TE Family Webinars
Educational Assistance Program
Pg 5, Nominate a Colleague
Pg 6, Professional Development
Polished, Persuasive, and Professional: Email Best Practices
Pgs 7-9, Health & Well-Being Initiative
National Stress-Free Family Holiday Month
TIAA Financial Education Webinars
Magellan Healthcare Webinars
HNE Wellness Webinar
Employee Yoga
Pg 10, Community Happenings
Annual Employee Recognition & Holiday Luncheon
Luncheon Invitation
Pg 11, 2024 Holiday Charity
Pg 12, Happy Holidays
Pg 13, BPU Discount
Pg 14-15, HR & PAYROLL TEAMS, & Contact Us
Join us for the Annual Employee Recognition and Holiday Luncheon to honor the season, traditions, and the achievements of our colleagues.
This year’s holiday charity is the Willie Ross School for the Deaf (WRSD), chosen by employees. Soon to be located on our campus, WRSD empowers deaf and hardof-hearing individuals through education.
Nominations are open for the President's Award for Innovative Thinking and the Annual Core Values Award, recognizing colleagues who exemplify innovation and shared values.
Don’t miss the Email Best Practices workshop to enhance communication and collaboration. We’re also introducing health reimbursement opportunities through your medical plans to help you save while supporting wellness goals. Lastly, explore health and well-being programs, including yoga and financial seminars, to stay balanced this season.
Thank you for all you do! We look forward to celebrating with you at the luncheon and throughout this meaningful season.
SAVE THE DATE! Blake Dining Commons Tuesday, December 17th ~ 11:30AM -2:00PM
The 403(b) limit on elective salary deferrals for 2025 has increased to $23,500, up from $23,000 in 2023
Employees who are age 50 and older at the end of the calendar year can make catch-up contributions of $7,500 in 2024.
New this year! Employees aged 60-63, can make catch up contributions of $11,250 instead of $7500.
To update your contributions, click here.
HEALTH NEW ENGLAND
If you are enrolled in the medical plan with Health New England (HNE), you may be eligible for reimbursement of up to $300 per individual plan or $600 per family plan per calendar year for qualifying fitness and Weight Watchers activities.
For more details, including a full list of eligible activities, please visit the 2025 Additional Benefits and Programs for Members brochure and refer to pages 23–28.
How to Register:
1.
Visit my.healthnewengland.org to complete your online registration.
2. Alternatively, request a reimbursement form by: Calling HNE Member Services at Emailing HR@baypath.edu
2024 STAFF PERFORMANCE EVALUATION TIMELINE
December 13th
All Evaluations Signed and Completed in Hirezon.
IMPORTANT
All staff hired prior to July 1, 2024 should receive a 90 day evaluation and an annual evaluation. All staff hired July 1st, 2024 or later should complete a 90 evaluation in the appropriate time frame. More information will be coming soon from HR@baypath.edu.
You can also visit https://one.baypath.edu/pages/performanceevaluation-forms for more information.
HARVARD PILGRIM REIMBURSEMENT
If you are enrolled in the medical plan with Harvard Pilgrim medical plan you may be eligible for the Enhanced Rewards tier, which allows you to earn up to $120 per year in gift cards by participating in various activities through the Harvard Pilgrim portal. The program will reset in January, providing a new opportunity to earn up to $120 in 2025.
Rewards for Spouses, Dependents, and Guests: Spouses, dependents on the plan, and non-member guests qualify for the Core Rewards tier. This tier offers entries into monthly gift card drawings for completing activities in the portal throughout the year
Non-members can participate by creating a guest account and using the code CGUEST during registration.
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT
The IRS's updated contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) in 2025: Employee-only coverage: Up to $4,300 (including employer contributions). Family or other coverage plans: Up to $8,550 (including employer contributions). Catch-up contributions: Individuals aged 55 and older can contribute an additional $1,000. These limits represent the maximum pre-tax income that can be saved in an HSA. These accounts remain a valuable tool for managing healthcare expenses while benefiting from tax advantages.
IMPORTANT UPDATES
GO PAPERLESS ANNUAL TAX FORMS
You can now view and download digital versions of annual tax forms, including Form W-2 in ADP. If you want to continue receiving annual tax forms on paper, no action is needed. If you want to reduce the amount of paper mail you receive, going paperless for your W-2 is a great way to start
How do I enroll? Sign into ADP click on tab Myself > Pay > Pay & Tax Statements
1.Under the Go Paperless tile, click Go Paperless on the bottom right
2.Under the Tax Statements section, toggle the radio button to set Receive paperless statements to On.
3.Read the information, click I Agree, and click Next. 4.Enter the confirmation number, and click Next. 5.Click Done.
To change paper options in ADP Mobile, employees should navigate to Myself > Tax > Go Paperless.
TUITION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS
If you and your dependent have applied for a scholarship through Tuition Exchange (TE), consider attending a Family Webinar for Fall 2024!
Join one of these new one-hour webinars!
Topics include: What is Tuition Exchange?
Key Terminology
The Application Process
Tips for Communicating to Ensure Success TE Scholarship(s) Secured--Now What? Q&A
Webinar Dates & Times
Monday, December 9, at 4:00 pm Tuesday, December 17, at 7:00 pm
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
New Application Form Available for January 2025 - Fall 2025!
Bay Path is committed to supporting employee growth through our Educational Assistance Program, which provides higher education benefits to employees and their families to enroll in courses at Bay Path and Cambridge College! This investment in our teams helps drive personal growth and the success of our Institution. Explore BPU & CC’s wide range of programs available in 2025!
NOMINATE A COLLEAGUE
As we approach our Annual Employee Recognition Ceremony and Holiday Luncheon, we look forward to celebrating the outstanding contributions of our colleagues. This year’s event will be particularly special, as it marks the first for those who have joined our community from Cambridge College. These celebrations will include recognition through two important awards:
Annual President's Award for Innovative Thinking
The President's Award for Innovative Thinking is an opportunity to spotlight a fellow colleague for going above and beyond the call of duty and who consistently identifies new ways to make advancements in the workplace. Click here for 2024 Innovation Award Info & Nomination Form.
Annual Core Values Award
The Core Values Award is also an opportunity to highlight an employee who has fully embodied our Values through intentionality and mindfulness, working diligently to bring the Core Values to fruition in their daily interactions and work Click here for 2024 Core Values Award Nomination Form
As with our respective missions, the values of Bay Path University and Cambridge College align. The Cambridge College values include Diversity, Access, Innovation, Excellence, and Collaboration. At Bay Path, we hold to similar core values:
Our Learners Come First
Diversity Makes Us Stronger
We Are Committed To Equity
Innovation and Excellence Drive Us
We Pledge to Foster Inclusion and Belonging
We Work Best as a Community that Collaborates
We Treat Others with Respect and Compassion
Health and Well-Being Matter
Nominations should be submitted to the President's Office: PresidentsOffice@baypath.edu
Deadline: Friday, December 10th, 2024
Award winners will be announced at the Annual Employee Recognition Ceremony & Holiday Luncheon scheduled for Tuesday, December 17th, from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm We hope to see you there!
Facilitator:
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
POLISHED, PERSUASIVE, & PROFESSIONAL: EMAIL BEST PRACTICES
Wednesday, December 4th
11am-12pm (Zoom)
(Eastern Time - New York)
Erin Boutin, Director of Hatch Learning Commons
Organizers:
Human Resources
Hatch Learning Commons
Enhance your communication skills with our upcoming training. This one-hour session will cover key strategies for crafting clear and professional messages, including best practices for tone, formatting, and response times. Through interactive scenarios, participants will explore how various email tones and writing styles can be interpreted, engaging in group discussions to identify the most effective approaches. Whether you ' re writing to colleagues or students, mastering email etiquette can improve your productivity, relationships, and professionalism. Join us to ensure your emails always leave the right impression.
Professional Development Portal Page
NATIONAL STRESS-FREE FAMILY HOLIDAYS MONTH
As the holiday season approaches, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and stress. Here are some strategies to help you manage stress and enjoy a more peaceful holiday experience:
Lighten the mood: Avoid harsh criticism and heated debates during the holidays. Focus on keeping things positive and lighthearted.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Make small, manageable changes to your diet and exercise routine to stay healthy and energized.
Anticipate challenges: Think about potential stressful interactions and plan how you’ll respond calmly and constructively.
Set realistic expectations: Don’t strive for perfection. Simplify and downsize holiday plans to reduce stress.
Honor loved ones: Take time to remember and grieve any loved ones you’ve lost this year.
Build a support network: Identify a trusted friend or colleague you can reach out to if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or call your program for confidential mental health resources.
FINANCIAL WEBINARS
Take Control of Your Financial Life: 5 Steps to Save Money and Manage Debt
Wednesday, December 4th, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Learn how to manage money, uncover how to set goals, balance your budget and use debt wisely. With the know-how you need and a little determination, you can put yourself on the path to greater lifelong financial security.
Click here to register!
How Can I afford College for My Kids or Grandkids
Thursday, December 12th, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Saving for a child’s education is a crucial financial decision that can have a lasting impact on their future. In this webinar you’ll gain insights into how to make the best decisions for your situation.
Click here to register!
MAGELLAN WELLNESS WEBINARS
Supporting Employee Wellbeing: From Mental Health Awareness to Action
Wednesday, December 4th, 2024 - 2:00 PM
1. Define mental health awareness in the workplace.
2. Describe characteristics of a wellbeing-focused workplace.
3 Identify how to integrate wellbeing-focused strategies into your leadership.
Retirement: Understanding Medicare
Tuesday, December 10th, 2024 - 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM
This event looks at several tax planning strategies that many people don’t take full advantage of even though they qualify. These include making sure you have the appropriate tax withheld, maximizing your retirement plan contributions, and investing with taxes in mind. We recommend that before you take any tax action, consult with a tax expert to see how these tax planning tips would apply to your specific situation
Defending Your Wellbeing After Trauma
Wednesday, December 11th, 2024 - 2:00 PM
1. Define trauma.
2. Explain different coping strategies to use after trauma
3. Practice a technique to defend your wellbeing.
HEALTH NEW ENGLAND WEBINARS
Where Your Health Matters Webinar: Holiday Stress and SAD
Earn 50 Healthy Choices points (for HNE members) and a raffle entry for a 1 in 5 chance to win a $50 TARGET GIFT CARD.
Join our WebMD Health Coach to define mindfulness and understand its role in stress management, eating behavior, and physical activity. Learn ways to become more resilient through positive choices and discover additional resources available for stress management.
Date: Thursday, December 12th
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Register: Click here
Click here to learn more about each webinar this year and to register. Employees can also watch on their own time and fill out the webinar completion form to earn 50 Healthy Choices points.
FREE YOGA WITH ANDREA!
Click here for the Zoom link
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
ANNUAL EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION AND HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
Please RSVP here by Friday, December 6th! Beyond good company, good food, and good music, the event will consist of the following presentations:
Service Award Presentation: click here to see the list of this year’s honoree's.
2024 Retiree Presentation
Charity Presentation
President's Award for Innovative Thinking Core Values Award Raffle & Trivia
Remember that this is a hybrid event. The Zoom link to join virtually is accessible via the Google calendar invitation. If you plan to attend in person, be sure to bring your smart phone with you to participate in the raffle contest and trivia game.
2024 HOLIDAY CHARITY: WILLIE ROSS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
Every year, as a Bay Path tradition, we select one charity to be honored at the Annual Employee Recognition Ceremony and Holiday Luncheon. We are proud to announce this year’s holiday charity: the Willie Ross School for the Deaf (WRSD). Nominated by SIX employees, WRSD has a rich history in Longmeadow and will soon be a part of our Longmeadow campus community.
WRSD is dedicated to providing educational pathways that empower deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to lead full and productive lives Their mission states:
“Our school provides deaf and hard of hearing students access to comprehensive, evidence-based education and support services in the classroom and in the greater community. We strive for excellence and innovation. We work to maximize each individual's intellectual, social, and emotional growth.”
Representatives from WRSD will be making a brief presentation at our Annual Employee Recognition and Holiday Luncheon event. Please join us in supporting them and their efforts to provide accessible and impactful educational services.
To make a donation to WRSD, please click here for their donation page. We ask that you make a tribute in honor of Bay Path. You may also bring a check to the Annual Employee Recognition Ceremony and Holiday Luncheon. Checks can be made payable to: Willie Ross School for the Deaf.
Additionally, they have an Amazon Books Wish List. They are trying to grow their school library with antiracism and diversity topics they believe are important for their students. Please feel free to purchase a book from their wish list and bring it to the event on December 17th or have it sent to them directly.
We thank you for your thoughtful nomination Your contributions will have great impact on this important and long-standing educational organization in our community.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
This holiday season is a time of celebration, commitment to one’s faith and culture, and a reverence for one another. In our wonderfully diverse community, we share one another’s joy during these times. We invite you to learn about the various celebrations during this holiday season.
Christians of all denominations are preparing for Christmas; The commemoration of the birth of Christ Getting ready for Christmas has its many cultural aspects such as decorating, spending time with friends and family, and gift giving, but many of these cultural traditions that we participate in are also celebrations of spiritual traditions associated with the holiday. It is a time or generosity, hope, and of “great joy for all the people” - Luke 2:10
Three Kings Day (Epiphany) is an important celebration for the Latinx community, celebrating the visit of the Three Wise Men (also Three Kings) who found Jesus after his birth by following the path of a star across the desert for 12 days. Cultural and Religious traditions include parades, amity feasts, and gift-giving.
Our Jewish community members begin the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah (Also referred to as Festival of Lights), on December 25th, commemorating the liberation and rededication to the Temple of Jerusalem. Hanukkah is a time when Jewish families gather to light the eight-candle Menorah, symbolizing the eight days that candles were lit in the temple from only one jar of oil. They also share meals, stories, and give gifts. Religiously, Hanukkah is a time when Jews rededicate themselves to their faith.
Kwanzaa is an African American and pan-African celebration of family, community and culture. During this week-long celebration (December 26 - January 1), activities are organized around the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles) and include feasts, songs, dances, music, storytelling, and poetry reading.
Gita Jayanti is a Hindu celebration centered around the creation of the Bhagavad Gita, one of the holy scriptures of Hinduism, during which people reflect on living a better life. This holiday falls on 11th day of the waxing moon of the Margashirsha month of the Hindu calendar.
Eid Milad-Un-Nabii is a Muslim holiday where people remember the teachings of Islam, exchange gifts, and donate to the poor in celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birth. The date follows the third month of the Islamic calendar and can vary from year to year.
The Winter Solstice is the Astronomical marking of the beginning of lengthening days and shortening nights, and is celebrated across the world by many. It is held on December 21st this year, symbolizing the return of light from darkness. Traditions include feasts, gift-giving, and festivals.
Lunar New Year is a festival that begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon of the lunar calendar, 15 days later. Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations of the year among East and Southeast Asian cultures, including Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean communities, among others.
Depending on the country, the Buddhist New Year will be celebrated between December and April This is a time for meditation and self reflection. Traditions vary by country, but can include warm greetings to one another, feasts, visiting temples on New Year's Day, and lighting candles for good luck and happiness.
To all those who celebrate a religious or cultural holiday this season, the Bay Path Community wishes you joy in those celebrations. For all of us, those celebrating this holiday season, or not, may the new year be filled with peace and all that is good.
HUMAN RESOURCES TEAM
Ashley Pereira AVP for People & Culture
Responsible for: Strategy Operations Total Rewards Payroll Budget Employee Relations
Responsible for: Job Postings Onboarding New Hires New Adjunct Faculty Background Checks I-9 Compliance
Brenda Fletcher Benefits Specialist
Responsible for: Benefits & Retirement
PFML/FMLA
Short & Long Term Disability
Workers Compensation
Jeannette Mojica HR Support Specialist
Responsible for: General Assistance
HR Communications
HR Newsletter
HR Events Special Projects
Megan Pierson HR Generalist
Responsible for: Employee Engagement Professional Development Educational Assistance Operations Manual Offboarding
Lori Moccio Payroll Supervisor (BPU)
Responsible for: Payroll Procedures and Process Updates Adjunct Contracts Payroll Management
Direct Deposit Requests & Changes Paid Time Off (PTO)
The Human Resources Newsletter is a great way to get reminders as well as to advertise your own news to the rest of your colleagues.
If you have something you would like to have included in next month’s newsletter, be sure to send an email to hr@baypath.edu so that we can add your information to the issue.
