December 18, 2023

In the midst of the festive season, the Division of Human Resources extends a heartfelt "thank you" for your unwavering support and dedication. We wish you a joyous winter holiday break surrounded by your family, friends, and loved ones!

Take a moment to express your gratitude to your colleagues by sending them a personalized e-card through Empower.

In appreciation of your hard work throughout the year, the FIU Board of Trustees has extended the 2023 winter holiday break. The university will be closed for official business beginning Friday, December 22 through Monday, January 1, 2024.

Questions? Contact HR Relations at 305-348-0101.

Submit your nomination(s) today for the 2024 FIU Recognition Awards!

Looking for another way to formally recognize and thank exceptional colleagues and teams for their significant contributions to the university? Make sure to nominate a deserving colleague for one of our ten award categories before the deadline on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at

11:59 p.m.

To learn more about the categories and to submit your nomination(s), visit the nomination information site.

Questions? Contact HR Relations at 305-348-0101.

This year's President's Holiday Celebration was truly show-stopping! Our heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who generously donated toys and spread joy to underserved children in our local communities.

Don't miss the chance to catch a glimpse of the highlights from our celebration of the year on our flickr!

Questions? Contact HR Relations at 305-348-0101.

We are pleased to announce that Sophie Dargoltz, Office Specialist, National Forensic Science Technology Center, will commence her well-deserved retirement on Monday, January 8, 2024.

Join us in congratulating Sophie by sending her well wishes via Empower.

Want to recognize your deserving colleagues nearing retirement? Complete the Retirement Token of Appreciation and University Announcement form to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

Questions? Contact the FIU Retiree Association at 305-348-0101.

Ready to ring in the holiday season as a winner?

Join in the festive spirit by taking part in our LinkedIn Winter Trivia Chance Drawing, where you could snag an incredible prize!

Head over to our LinkedIn page for instructions and chance drawing information.

Questions? Contact HR Relations at 305-348-0101.

The Leadership Education Advancement Program (LEAP) nominations are open now through Friday, January 12, 2024!

This program is designed to help managers learn and practice leadership skills which are crucial to managing and inspiring their teams.

The LEAP program shapes our community’s future by empowering managers with essential skills, immersive experiences, and university-specific knowledge, creating visionary leaders prepared to drive positive change at our university.

Unlock FIU’s leadership potential and nominate an outstanding leader today!

Questions? Contact Talent Management and Development at 305-348-3206.

Nominate a student employee for a chance to win the coveted Student Employee of the Year (SEOTY) award!

Nominations are open now through Thursday, December 21.

Winners will receive amazing prizes and be nominated for the National Student Employee of the Year in Spring 2024.

Be sure to check out the requirements to submit your nomination:

• Student employee must be enrolled as a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student
• Student employee must be employed as a Student Assistant or Federal Work-Study
• Student employee must be employed by the department for a minimum of 3 months

Don't miss out on this opportunity to express gratitude for the outstanding contributions of your student employees!

Questions? Contact Talent Management and Development at 305-348-3206.

Be sure to review these important benefits updates and reminders:

• 2024 Benefits Update
• 2024 DSGI Weight Management Program
• Why is it important to designate a beneficiary?

Questions? Contact Benefits Administration at 305-348-2181.

Check out these savings from our Perks Program:

• Brightline
• University Credit Union
• The Wolfsonian - FIU
• Miami City Ballet
• Tickets at Work
• Youfit

Questions? Contact Benefits Administration at 305-348-2181.

KOFE is delighted to be back with more chance drawings and financial counseling resources for faculty and staff.

To join the fun, visit FIU KOFE, and log in with your FIU credentials to participate in the following complimentary activities:

• Online Monthly Scavenger Hunt Series: Answer this month's scavenger hunt question! Those who participate and submit the correct answer will be entered into a chance drawing. 
• Upcoming Webinars: Register to attend the upcoming webinars that cover essential topics in finance and health.

We are also excited to announce the winners of last month's scavenger hunt. Thank you to all who participated. Stay tuned for more chances to win!

Be sure to check out KOFE’s December Newsletter.

Questions? Contact Benefits Administration at 305-348-2181.

Be sure to check out the FIU Calendar for a list of new and exciting events, such as these:

• Parallels and Intersections - Master of Art Education Fall 23 Exhibition
• Work Table(au) Exhibition
• Lost Melody Trio

Want to share an event? Complete an event submission form to be featured on the FIU Calendar.

Questions? Contact calendar@fiu.edu.

Don’t miss out on one of America’s favorite gourmet gatherings on the beach, the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival Presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®) taking place from Thursday, February 22 to Sunday, February 25, 2024.

This year, the festival marks its 23rd anniversary of our students helping to run this nationally recognized event with more than $37 million raised for the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.

As a member of FIU, we would like to offer you a special family discount of 15% using the code FIUFAM15 that applies to the following events:

Thursday, February 22:

• Burger Bash presented by Schweid & Sons, hosted by Rachel Ray

Friday, February 23:

• Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives LIVE hosted by Guy Fieri
• Noche Cubana hosted by Michelle Bernstein, David Martinez and Gio Gutierrez

Saturday, February 24:

• Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village featuring Publix Culinary Demonstrations sponsored by Sub-Zero Group Southeast
• A Feast of Local Flavors sponsored by Grove Bay Hospitality Group & Friends
• Tacos & Tequila presented by Tequila Cazadores, hosted by Aaron Sanchez

Sunday, February 25:

• Bubbles Brunch hosted by The Cast of The Kitchen: Katie Lee, Jeff Mauro and Geoffrey Zakarian
• Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village featuring Publix Culinary Demonstrations sponsored by Sub-Zero Group Southeast
• Goya Foods' Heritage Fire: Grand Finale hosted by Chef Fernando Desa and Chris Lilly
• BACARDI presents The Block Party hosted by Melba Wilson and Andrew Zimmern

Be sure to stop by the Grand Tasting Village on Saturday, February 24 or Sunday, February 25, to meet members of your Alumni Board of Directors and receive an exclusive Alumni Gift! 

Questions? Contact the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at 305-919-4139.