Hello Team,

Early on, I had a boss who knew how to spark a fire in me. It might sound surprising, but his way of recognizing my efforts was by entrusting me with more responsibility. This gesture made me feel valued and motivated me to enthusiastically tackle each new challenge. That experience shaped my professional growth, and it's a lesson in recognition I carry with me to this day.

When recognition hits the mark, employees are five times as likely to be connected to company culture and four times as likely to be engaged ...

Read Clare’s personal note on the power of recognition and tips for recognizing employees at all levels.

Clare Shinnerl
FOA Vice Chancellor

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• ⚪ Use pre-tax money for parking

• With the new commuter card, employees on the Davis campus can lower their parking and transit expenses by setting aside pre-tax dollars, with flexibility to sign up or adjust between the 1st and 10th each month. Find out more and request a card.

• ⚪ Select health benefits soon

• As the open enrollment deadline approaches, be sure you’ve made any necessary changes to your insurance benefits for next year, including re-enrolling in flexible spending accounts. Take action before Nov. 17.

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Shining light on FOA’s galaxy of STAR awardees

Over the last year, 245 FOA staff members — including at least one from every unit — were honored with STAR awards to recognize their work that went “above and beyond,” with an accompanying cash award. Explore our division’s extraordinary impacts and consider writing a nomination yourself.

Explore and connect with campus newsletters

A new UC Davis newsletter directory can help you stay updated with campus news, programs, groups and resources that interest you. Find a new subscription.

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• 🌱  Spruce up Arboretum on volunteer day

• Spend time outdoors, weeding, pruning and mulching the Arboretum landscapes with fellow community members this Saturday. Find out more and register for this community volunteer event.
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• 🌟  Participate in career workshops

• Career Development Week is next week, Nov. 13-17, open to all UC Davis employees to gain career insights and navigate your professional pathways. Still time to RSVP to join online or in-person.
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• 🙋  Ask open enrollment questions

• Attend the last help desk before open enrollment closes for a live Q and A with a benefits analyst. Register for the Nov. 13 session.
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• 💡  Help keep campus nights bright

• Join the UC Davis Police and Facilities Management team for a campus safety lighting walk to identify lights that need repairs. Sign up for the Nov. 14 walk.
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• 🤝  Find out about DEI programs

• Attend the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Fall Harvest Open House to meet with campus groups, find out about initiatives, have meaningful conversations, and enjoy music, refreshments and giveaways. Save the date for Nov. 17 at Gorman Museum of Native American Art.
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• 🥫  Donate food to campus pantries

• Drop off canned foods, healthy snacks, baby formula and other nonperishable goods with your outgoing office mail to benefit the ASUCD and UC Davis Health pantries. Find out how to donate by Nov. 17.
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• 📊  Prepare for Aggie Enterprise to go live

• Attend the upcoming “Pre-Go-Live” town hall with the Aggie Enterprise team for user resources and what to expect when the system goes live in the new year. Register for the Dec. 6 event.
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• ☃️  Join wellness email campaign

• Get weekly challenges, tips and recipes as part of the eight-week Winter Wellness Challenge, starting this week through Jan. 5, focused on doing what you can, when you can. Sign up now.
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• 🏳️‍⚧️  Help shape lived name practices

• Transgender and non-binary employees and students are invited to help advise further implementation of the Gender Recognition and Lived Name policy. Log in to learn more.
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• 🛴  Get free credit for e-rides

• Use the promo code SPOOKYSPIN to get $10 for rides on Spin e-bikes and scooters. Redeem in the app by Nov. 11.
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