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June 5-9, 2023 Staff Appreciation Week

A week to celebrate AU staff and their contributions to the university

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Staff Appreciation Week 2023 Sponsored by the Office of Human Resources

Staff Appreciation Week returns June 5 – 9 to recognize our amazing staff and celebrate their accomplishments. We’re excited to announce a full week of events to learn, nourish, and connect with colleagues. Embracing How AU Works, our events are a mix of in-person, virtual, and hybrid.

The schedule of events and RSVP links are below. To help us plan sustainably, please RSVP for all events you plan to attend. Some events require registration due to limited space.

For each event you attend, you will be entered into a raffle to win a prize courtesy of the Office of Human Resources!

  • Monday AM Activities

    Breakfast Pickup at Spring Valley

    8:30am-10:30am
    Spring Valley Building, Room 146

  • We’re recognizing staff at the Spring Valley building with breakfast and activities. RSVP for the Spring Valley breakfast pickup.

  • Review the breakfast pickup menu.

  • Seated Massages at Spring Valley

    10:00am-5:00pm
    Spring Valley Building, Room 146
    Currently full

    Take a break and boost your health and wellness with a 15-minute stress-relieving seated massage for Spring Valley staff. Spring Valley massages are currently full, check back to see if an appointment opens up. Provided by AhealthyU.

    Years of Service and Staff Awards Brunch

    10:00am-12:00pm
    Katzen Rotunda

    AU recognizes and honors staff members who have devoted five, ten, and fifteen years of service to the university as well as the 2023 Staff Award winners at the Years of Service & Staff Awards Brunch. This event is by invitation only.

    See who is celebrating a Years of Service Milestone. Learn more about this year’s recognition ceremonies.

  • Monday PM Activities

    Dance Fusion Fun!

    12:00pm-1:00pm
    Jacobs Fitness Center

    Do you love to shake it out to some music? Try out Dance Fusion! This session will be led by SIS staff and encourages staff to step away from their desk and step into a fun dance class with colleagues. Sign up for Dance Fusion Fun.

    Ready, Set, Goal

    12:00pm-1:00pm
    Virtual

    Learn how to identify a behavior to target and explore ways to strengthen motivation to create habits that stick, sponsored by CareFirst. Staff will leave this session with tangible strategies to hold themselves to reaching their goal. RSVP for the ready, set, goal webinar.

    Professional Headshots

  • 1:30pm-3:15pm
    Spring Valley Building, Room 458
    Currently full. Check for openings

  • Dust off your best duds and smile - University Communications & Marketing is offering professional portraits for your social and university profiles. 
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  • Self Defense Class

    4:30pm-5:30pm
    Don Myers Building, Terrace

    This class will provide information, strategies, and considerations for participants to defend themselves if needed. University Safety and Security Services sponsor the class, and an AUPD-certified instructor will teach it. Sign up for the self-defense class.

  • Tuesday AM Activities

    Breakfast Pickup at Connecticut Avenue

    8:30am-10:30am
    WAMU Break Area, Ground Floor

  • We’re recognizing staff at Connecticut Avenue with breakfast and activities. RSVP for the Connecticut Avenue breakfast pickup.

  • Review the breakfast pickup menu.

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  • New Staff Coffee Mixer

    9:00am-10:30am
    The Bridge Café

    Are you new to AU and ready to break the ice-latte? Human Resources invites new and experienced staff to continue building their peer network at a coffee mixer hosted in The Bridge. RSVP for the new staff coffee mixer. Co-hosted by Human Resources and The Bridge Café.

    Seated Massages at Connecticut Avenue

    10:00am-5:00pm
    WAMU Black Box Theater, Ground Floor
    Currently full. Check for openings

  • Connecticut Avenue staff, take a break and boost your health and wellness with a 15-minute stress-relieving seated massage—advanced registration is required. Provided by AhealthyU.

    Sustainability Tour

    10:00am-11:30am
    Start at the School of International Service

    Coordinated by the Office of Sustainability, staff will take a campus tour featuring colleagues from different departments who engage in sustainability work. The Office of Parking and Commuter Services will discuss sustainable transportation options, the Zero Waste team will explain waste management on campus, and one of AU’s Green Offices will showcase its sustainable office policies and practices. RSVP for the sustainability tour.

    Changemakers in the Nest

    11:30am-1:30pm
    Mary Graydon Center, Room 200

    Meet your fellow AU alums at this special event sponsored by University Advancement. AU’s Eagle Nest is a career affinity group supporting the 600+ alums currently working at AU. Join us, socialize with fellow Eagles Nest members, take photos, and pick up lunch. RSVP for the Changemakers in the Nest event.

  • Tuesday PM Activities

    Mentoring Matters Coffee Break

    1:00pm-3:00pm
    The Bridge Cafe

    The Human Resources Mentoring Matters program provides opportunities for staff to broaden their knowledge, develop their personal and professional skills, and build competencies that help AU reach its strategic and inclusive excellence goals. Human Resources is hosting a hybrid networking event to celebrate the spring cohort. Previous participants and anyone interested in learning about Mentoring Matters are encouraged to join us for this event. RSVP for the Mentoring Matters networking event.

    WAMU Studio Tour

    3:30pm-4:30pm
    WAMU Studios, 4401 Connecticut Ave NW

    WAMU’s Associate Director, Donor & Audience Relations, Allison Kennedy, will lead a station tour for our AU colleagues. New and experienced staff are welcome to join. The WAMU tour provides visitors with a fun and educational behind-the-scenes look at how a public radio station operates. The tour will include visiting WAMU's radio production studios and work areas. This is a great way to meet your colleagues at WAMU! Sign up for the WAMU studio tour.

    Paint & Sip Social

    4:00pm - 6:00pm
    Katzen, Room 102
    Currently full

  • Staff will socialize and learn to paint a sunflower over non-alcoholic drinks with professional artist and AU colleague Liz Ashe. Participants will walk away with new artistic knowledge and their painting to bring home.  Hosted by the Staff Council Professional Development Committee. Sign up for the paint and sip social waitlist.

  • Wednesday AM Activities

    Staff Sand Volleyball Tournament

  • This event is postponed

    The sand volleyball tournament starts bright and early at 8:00am on Wednesday, June 7, with staff competing in teams for a year’s worth of bragging rights. Full teams, free agents, and spectators are welcome.

  • Learn more and register for the sand volleyball tournament here. Hosted by RecFit.

    Breakfast Pickup at Washington College of Law

    8:30am-10:30am
    Yuma Hall, Room 100 – Staff Lounge

    We’re recognizing staff working in or near the Washington College of Law by giving out breakfast. Stop by our table for food, coffee, tea, and activities. RSVP for the WCL breakfast pickup.

  • Review the breakfast pickup menu.

  • Seated Massages at Washington College of Law

    10:00am-5:00pm
    Yuma Hall, Room 100 – Staff Lounge
    Currently full. Check for openings

    Take a break and relieve some tension. Massage therapists will hold 15-minute seated massage sessions for WCL staff—advanced registration is required. Provided by AhealthyU.

    Progress Pride Flag Raising

  • This event is postponed

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  • DEI Meet & Greet

    10:30am-11:30am
    This event is now in MGC 200

    Join the LGBTQ+ Faculty and Staff Affinity Group for our 2nd annual Pride Progress flag raising on the main quadrangle! June is Pride Month and a time to honor the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 that initiated the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. This special event will be followed by a meet and greet with other faculty and staff affinity groups as well as staff and committees whose work focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion at American University. RSVP for the progress pride flag raising event.

  • Wednesday PM Activities

    Staff Swap Meet

    11:00am-1:00pm
    This event is now in Butler Board Room 600

    Are you looking for something new to spruce up your home or hoping to give away some of your lovingly used items? The Staff Council Service Committee is holding its first-ever swap meet during this year’s staff picnic! Staff are welcome to register and donate or peruse items. This event builds community and support between staff and practices AU’s values through social responsibility and service.

    Learn more and register for the staff swap meet. Hosted by the Staff Council professional development committee.

    Staff Picnic and Resource Fair

    11:30am-1:30pm
    Food trucks are in front of MGC
    Seating and music are in MGC tavern

    The annual staff picnic is returning to the Quad with several opportunities to connect, relax, and give back to the community. Food trucks will be onsite cooking up fresh meals courtesy of Human Resources, with beverages provided by AU Dining. Kosher and Halal meals will be available as well. Browse our staff resource fair, donate to or peruse the free offerings at the staff swap meet, and pick up a fresh herb plant courtesy of the AU Arboretum. RSVP for the staff picnic.

    President’s Open House

    1:30pm-3:00pm
    President’s Office Building

    President Sylvia M. Burwell invites you to an Open House to celebrate the AU community and a great academic year. Socialize with colleagues while enjoying lawn games, music, and tasty treats! RSVP for the President’s open house.

    WAMU Tower Tour

    3:00pm-4:00pm
    This event is postponed

    Join Rob Bertrand, Andy Gunn, and Kim Boone from WAMU’s technology team for a tour of the AU Broadcast Tower complex, home to WAMU’s 50,000-watt signal as well as five other major DC stations. WAMU upgraded its transmission equipment on the ground and antennas in the air in 2020 to help ensure that WAMU remains #1 in the DC market. See the behind-the-scenes tour of what it takes to keep WAMU and five other major market radio stations delivering top-notch FM signals to the DMV region 24/7/365. Hear the stories from the people who rebuilt this historic tower over the past several years and see the modern technology that ensures we don’t miss a beat. RSVP for the WAMU tower tour.

    Money Management for Everyone

    3:00pm-4:00pm
    Virtual

    Join Danielle LeStrange, of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as she shares valuable information on balancing competing financial goals that can be challenging at any stage in your career. You may be striving to build a secure financial foundation. This session will cover getting started with your retirement savings, building credit and managing your debt, and other key financial decisions you may be facing. RSVP for the money management webinar.

    Slow Flow Yoga Class

    4:30pm-5:30pm
    Jacobs Fitness Center

    Unwind from your workday and join RecFit for a Slow Flow Yoga class. This class will focus on improving alignment, strength, mobility, and balance. Join for a challenging yet relaxing session that is free and open to all experience levels. Yoga mats will be provided. Sign up for the slow flow yoga class.

  • Thursday AM Activities

    Living Your Creative Life NOW

    10:00am-11:00am
    Mary Graydon Center, Room 200; Hybrid option

    Join Career Center staff for a fun and interactive presentation on bringing more creativity and inspiration into your life! Don’t wait until you’ve won the lottery to write that book, start that band, or star in your own show. Take steps TODAY to start living the life of your dreams! Presenters will share their journeys into comedy, music, writing, and performing. They will then ask audience members about their hopes and dreams and offer advice for those who want a little nudge to bring their creative dreams to life.  Register for creative life workshop.

    Seated Massages on Main Campus

    10:00am-5:00pm
    Currently full. Check for openings

    Take a break and boost your health and wellness with a 15-minute stress-relieving seated massage held on main campus—advanced registration is required. Provided by AhealthyU.

  • Thursday PM Activities

    Twenty-Year Club Luncheon

    11:00am-12:30pm
    Katzen Rotunda

    Each year the university honors staff with twenty or more years of service at a special luncheon and ceremony held at the Katzen Arts Center in appreciation of their longstanding commitment to AU. This year we will honor staff who have reached 20-, 25-. 30-, 35-, 40-, and 45-year milestones between June 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023. Invitation only. For more information about the 20-Year Club celebration, visit our recognition ceremonies webpage.

    Chef Challenge

    12:00pm-2:00pm
    Inside Mary Graydon Center

    Two sous chefs from Chartwells Dining will go against the clock to prepare a signature recipe using a basket of fresh ingredients and proteins from Airlie Farms, with a few surprises along the way! Our chefs’ skills include a combination of organization, talent, technique, taste, and style. Chefs will prepare their signature recipe featuring the secret ingredients to build a nutritionally balanced plate. Presentation plates will include starch, vegetables, and sauce, along with a vegetarian entrée. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the competition by tasting and judging the entrees. There will be a special treat for attendees! RSVP for the chef challenge.

    Financial Planning During Times of Global Uncertainty

    2:00pm-3:00pm
    Virtual

    A global pandemic, historic inflation rates, supply chain issues, and geopolitical conflicts, the financial markets are bound to react. So, what should you consider to protect your long-term savings and investment accounts? In this session, we first review your financial goals and long-term planning. Then, we'll walk through some considerations as you plan for these turbulent times while considering inflation, rising interest rates, and volatile markets. RSVP for the financial planning webinar.

    Professional Headshots

  • 2:30pm-3:45pm
  • Mary Graydon Center, Room 200
  • Dust off your best duds and smile - University Communications & Marketing is offering professional portraits for your social and university profiles. 
  • Currently full. Check for openings

  • Strength Training Class

    4:30pm-5:30pm
    Congressional Fitness Center
    Currently full

  • Ready to dive into the world of strength training? Join RecFit in a class that focuses on building muscular strength and endurance. Participants will move through a full-body workout that targets major muscle groups. This session is free and open to all levels of experience. Sign Strength training class is currently full, but you can check here to see if spots open up.

  • Friday AM Activities

    Seated Massages

    10:00am-5:00pm
    Mary Graydon Center, Room 245
    Currently full. Check for openings

  • Take a break and relieve some tension. Massage therapists will hold 15-minute seated massage sessions for staff on main campus—advanced registration is required. Provided by AhealthyU.

    Sleep Awareness Webinar

    10:00am-11:00am
    Virtual

    Learn about the importance and benefits of sleep to your physical and mental health. Staff will build awareness about sleep disorders and receive tips for getting a good night’s sleep. RSVP for the sleep awareness webinar.

  • Friday PM Activities

    Team Trivia

    1:00pm-2:30pm
    Virtual

    Our students aren’t the only smarties on campus. So, show off your knowledge and learn something new at this annual team trivia event. Both teams and individuals can sign up for trivia. Hosted by the Staff Council Professional Development Committee. Sign up for team trivia here.

All Week

Shuttle Service 

HR and AU Shuttle Services are happy to provide complementary shuttle services for staff working at our satellite campuses. Shuttles and vans will be available to transport staff to and from main campus. Learn more about the shuttle schedule.

Scavenger Hunt for Health & Wellness

Grab a work buddy (or two or three!) and go on the health & wellness scavenger hunt anytime during the week. Start at The Well in McCabe Hall and follow clues that lead to the health and wellness resources and programs around campus that you can take advantage of as AU staff. Enjoy walking the campus, learning about well-being offerings, and having fun with your coworkers! Everyone who completes the scavenger hunt earns a prize. Sign up to receive your scavenger hunt list and instructions.

AU Dining

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday - $9.99 meal at Terrace Dining Room.

RecFit Complimentary Membership

For the week of June 4-10, all staff and faculty can sign up to receive a complimentary membership to the fitness facilities. This membership gives you access to both Jacobs and Cassell Fitness Centers, as well as the pool and basketball courts. Sign up for a complimentary RecFit membership.

Delta Airline Raffle

In recognition of all of your work, we would also like to offer you an opportunity to win airline vouchers. Ten faculty and ten staff winners will be randomly selected from the submitted raffle entries in June. Each winner will receive (2) two-hundred-dollar Delta Airline coupons. Learn more about, and enter the Delta airline raffle. 

Dell and Apple Discounts

AU has partnered with Dell and Apple to offer staff discounts on computers and software. This is available during Staff Appreciation Week and every week throughout the year. Learn more about Dell and Apple discounts.

Notices

Accessibility & Accommodations

If you have questions concerning accessibility or need to request disability-related accommodations (i.e., sign language interpreters, materials in alternate format, etc.), please contact Employee Relations in the Office of Human Resources at x2607 or employeerelations@american.edu.

Event Photography Consent

Please be advised that photographs will be taken at the event for use on the AU website and in the press, AU marketing materials, and all other university publications. By entering an event, you consent to the University photographing and using your image and likeness.