Category: Feature

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.

HEO program applications due Nov. 1

The University of Florida’s Higher Education Opportunity (HEO) scholarship provides children of full-time TEAMS employees with tuition assistance for an undergraduate education. This program covers up to 132 hours towards an undergraduate degree at the University of Florida or a Florida public college.

Each eligible employee may submit one child’s name into the drawing. To be considered for this benefit, the TEAMS employee must apply for the HEO scholarship by Nov. 1, 2024. Visit the Higher Education Opportunity for additional drawing requirements for participation.

Save the date for the 2024 Benefits & Wellness Fair!

Join us on Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Evans Champions Club at the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to learn about health and wellness resources available to UF faculty and staff. Get your benefits questions answered and enter for a chance to win a giveaway from one of our sponsors! 

Benefits open enrollment begins Oct. 14 and runs through Nov. 1. Open enrollment is your opportunity to add, change or remove benefit selections for the next plan year. Make sure your email and mailing addresses are up-to-date in ONE.UF and People First to avoid missing important communications.

Post-storm recovery: Resources and assistance for the UF community

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left many Florida communities, including members of the UF community, in need of support. From housing repair assistance to mental health services and more, explore our list of UF, local, state and national resources to help you navigate recovery.

TEP scholarship applications due Oct. 31

The Tuition Exchange Scholarship Program, or TEP, provides dependent children of UF faculty and staff the opportunity to attend a participating Tuition Exchange college or university at a significantly reduced tuition rate. Full-time employees — except for OPS and postdocs — are eligible to apply for the program. The application deadline is Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. EST, prior to the year of desired enrollment.