5 things you need to know this week

A weekly series designed to highlight events, benefits, perks, and items of interest for University of Miami faculty and staff.

Join the Culture Champions Network (CCN)
Now!
Culture champions are UM faculty and staff who believe that small actions can lead to big change at the U. They connect people using their social networks to promote a culture of belonging. For example, the next CCN mission will help to recruit as many UM students as possible to take the very first Culture of Belonging Barometer survey. Join CCN today and start making a difference! Learn more and register at culture.miami.edu/network

Free parenting group
Multiple sessions start early January
University of Miami’s Families First, sponsored by The Children’s Trust, offers free parenting group sessions in English and Spanish throughout Miami-Dade County for parents and caregivers of children birth to three years. UM Miller School’s Department of Pediatrics program instructors teach about child development and positive discipline. “Baby and Me” focuses on infants up to six months of age, and “The Incredible Years” specializes in parenting children ages one to three. Winter sessions kick off this week. Daytime and nighttime sessions available. Register now for one of these programs at 305-243-8425 or familiesfirst@miami.edu. Learn more about Families First.

New year, new wellness workshop
Multiple sessions
Did you know UM faculty and staff are eligible to be reimbursed for participating in Weight Watchers a Work sessions? Whether you're continuing your health journey or ready to get started, mark your calendar and catch the next meeting, which are weekly from noon to 1 p.m. on all three campuses. If you attend the kick off session on Jan. 17, you’ll qualify for a new incentive discount of 15 percent off your registration cost. For questions about Coral Gables meetings, contact Kris Roth at kra24@miami.edu. Learn more about the program.

Upgrade to Windows 10
Now!
Microsoft announced that Windows 7 will no longer be supported after Jan. 14, 2020. To ensure your machine is properly secured and avoid compromising your personal information, upgrade to Windows 10 at no cost. Get started by contacting the UMIT Service Desk at help@miami.edu using the subject line “Windows 10 Upgrade Request” and copy all of your data/files from your computer to a UM cloud-storage solution (i.e. Box, Google Drive, or Microsoft One Drive). Learn more about this update.


Faculty Senate meeting
Wednesday, Jan. 30
The next Faculty Senate meeting of the academic year will take place on Wednesday, Jan.30 at 3:30 p.m. in the Faculty Club, located on the Coral Gables campus. All UM faculty members are invited to attend the meeting. For parking arrangements, please contact the Senate Office at facsen@miami.edu or 305-284-3721. View the full calendar.