Category: Feature

Celebrate the holidays with upcoming events and special discounts

Throughout the months of November and December, the UF community can enjoy a variety of festive events to get into the spirit of the holiday season. Check out the following upcoming events and promotions right in our backyard — and don’t forget about UF’s GatorPerks discount program as you plan your holiday shopping, travel and entertainment.

Veterans Day is Nov. 11 – Help give thanks to our nation’s heroes

Veterans Day, a federal holiday observed annually on Nov. 11, honors military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. To celebrate and give thanks to our nation’s heroes, we invite you to explore upcoming events and available resources.

Announcement of Presidential Search Committee

UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini recently announced the members of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee. This committee brings together representatives from diverse groups, including the UF Board of Trustees, student body, faculty, administration, alumni, and other key stakeholders and supporters dedicated to the University of Florida’s future.

Explore the UF podcast directory for new listening material

Whether you’re going for a walk or run, stuck in traffic or just washing the dishes, podcasts can make your daily routine more fun and informative. If you’re looking for a new podcast to enjoy, tune into one or more of the podcasts listed in our directory. Know of one we missed? Email us at worklife@hr.ufl.edu.

Holiday leave cash-out period runs Oct. 28 – Nov. 7 

Each year, full-time UF TEAMS employees are eligible to cash out up to 16 hours of vacation leave before the holiday season, provided a minimum of 40 hours remains on balance. This year’s leave cash-out period runs from Monday, Oct. 28, through Thursday, Nov. 7.

Christine Schmidt elected to National Academy of Medicine

UF Distinguished Professor Christine Schmidt, Ph.D., has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine. Schmidt, who also holds the J. Crayton Pruitt Family Endowed Chair in UF’s Department of Biomedical Engineering, received this prestigious honor on the heels of her election earlier this year to the National Academy of Engineering, making her one of the few exceptional individuals to be recognized by both academies.

Election to the National Academy of Medicine recognizes outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service in the fields of health and medicine.

Prioritize your well-being this holiday season 

The holidays are a great opportunity to connect with loved ones, create lasting memories and enjoy delicious food. But for some, the hustle and bustle can sometimes make it challenging to stay focused on our end-of-year goals.

From guilt-free desserts to seasonal discounts, coping with grief during the holidays and much more, we encourage you to explore our upcoming holiday webinars for tips and strategies to help you stay on track this holiday season.

President Biden appoints Juan Gilbert to National Science Board

On Oct. 15, President Joe Biden appointed UF Distinguished Professor Juan Gilbert, Ph.D., to the National Science Board. Gilbert, who also serves as Andrew Banks Family Preeminence Endowed Professor and Chair of UF’s Department of Computer & Information Science & Engineering, is one of eight members appointed to the Board.

Benefits Open Enrollment runs Oct. 14–Nov. 1 

Open Enrollment for 2025 benefits will take place Oct. 14 through Nov. 1. UF’s annual Open Enrollment period is your opportunity to add, change or remove benefits enrollment elections for the next plan year. Elections made during this period will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025. 

Leave reporting after Hurricane Milton

Due to Hurricane Milton, the University of Florida closed on Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 10. Administrative leave was granted to eligible employees who were scheduled to work during this time. Anyone who was on pre-approved leave will remain on such leave and will not be eligible to receive administrative leave.