myHR: May 20, 2026

Celebrating Staff Excellence Together

The entire Penn community is welcome to celebrate staff achievements at the 2026 Models of Excellence Award Ceremony and Reception on Monday, June 1 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Penn Museum Harrison Auditorium. The presentation will be followed by a reception in the Warden Garden.

Here’s a video preview featuring the 2026 honorees.

President J. Larry Jameson, Provost John L. Jackson, Jr., Executive Vice President Mark Dingfield, and Vice President of Human Resources Felicia A. Washington will present the awards on stage at Penn’s premier campus-wide staff recognition event.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with coworkers while recognizing our colleagues who embody Penn’s values every day. Join us as we honor Models of Excellence recipients and share the stories that inspire us all.

Register today to attend the Models of Excellence ceremony and reception.

Learn more about this year’s honorees at www.hr.upenn.edu/models.

If you have any questions about the program or the awards ceremony, visit www.hr.upenn.edu/models or feel free to contact Karen Kille, Director, Quality of Work-Life Programs, Human Resources at karener@upenn.edu or (215) 898-7729.

Get Ready for Employee Health and Wellness Month

June is Employee Health and Wellness Month, a time to pause, reset, and focus on habits that support your physical, mental, financial, and emotional well-being. Penn is celebrating the occasion with free programs and activities designed to help you take steps toward healthier habits — both at work and at home.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to support your well‑being is by taking regular breaks, especially activity and screen breaks. Research shows that stepping away from your desk — even briefly — can improve energy, focus, and overall health while helping to prevent fatigue and burnout.

Breaks are just as important for mental performance. Studies show that stepping away from work periodically improves focus, memory, and decision‑making, making it easier to return to tasks feeling refreshed and productive. Over time, building regular breaks into the workday can also reduce stress and support long‑term resilience.

Well-being goes beyond movement alone. Periods of financial stress can also take a toll on your health, so it’s important to have a financial plan in place that puts your current financial situation in context and maps out a path to increased financial stability.

Additionally, according to Ramp Health, nutrition, social connection, and stress management all play critical roles in brain health. Adults are encouraged to aim for seven to nine hours of sleep, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and stay mentally active through learning, reading, or social interaction.

The 2025-2026 Be in the Know wellness campaign with WebMD provides a wealth of resources and ongoing support for staff and faculty, plus you can earn up to $300 in cash rewards for completing wellness activities. The campaign year runs from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. You have until June 15, 2026, to submit your completed preventative health activities using the Preventative Health Verification Form. You can download the form on the WebMD platform or Be in the Know webpage. Biometric Screenings through Quest are available until May 22; schedule your screening through the WebMD platform.

Register for a Penn Wellness Event

Penn has many wellness activities to keep you on track in your wellness journey. Click the links to register.

Group Fitness: Spin
May 26, 12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Get ready for an energizing, music-driven ride! This spin class combines hill climbs, sprints, and endurance intervals to boost cardio fitness and lower-body strength. Guided by motivating coaching and powerful playlists, you’ll challenge yourself at your own pace and leave feeling strong, sweaty, and inspired.

MetLife Workshop: Planning for College
June 4, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
With this MetLife financial well-being workshop you will get insight and guidance for the major financial decisions that may need to be made when saving for college. You will learn about different types of financial aid, as well as the 529 College Savings Plan.

Understanding Anxiety
June 4, 12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Anxiety is more than feeling stressed. Without self-awareness and strategies to respond to it, can create significant difficulty navigating life on a day-to-day basis. This session will review the causes and symptoms of anxiety (acute, chronic, and clinical) and ways to effectively cope with it. 

WebMD Webinar: Exploring Men’s Health
June 10, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
This informative webinar focuses on men’s health topics, preventative care, and strategies for maintaining long‑term wellness. Participants will gain practical insights and access to trusted, research‑based health information.

June Wellness Walk
June 17, 12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Take a midday break to move your body, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with colleagues for Employee Health and Wellness month. This guided wellness walk offers a refreshing way to incorporate physical activity into the workday while supporting both physical and mental well‑being. Participants can meet outside the Franklin Building. 

Wellness Happy Hour
June 17, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Recharge and invest in your well-being at our Wellness Happy Hour! Visit the Pottruck Health and Fitness Center for an afternoon dedicated to relaxation, movement, and holistic health with a variety of wellness offerings.

PNC Bank: Repaying Student Loan Debt
June 25, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
During this PNC Bank workshop, you'll find solutions for dealing with multiple expenses in addition to student loans. Learn guidelines for establishing a positive cash flow and explore student loan repayment plans.

Find a Discount That Fits

Penn offers many fitness center discounts to make staying active more affordable and convenient. Some of the discounts are new, while others have been enhanced in recognition of Employee Health and Wellness Month.  

• Penn Campus Rec – Full-time, benefits-eligible employees can save 50% off the regular fee of $27.50 per month. You can also make a one-time payment of $300 for the year.
• NEW ACAC Fitness and Wellness – Enrollment fee is waived. Individuals, couples, and families can receive a discounted monthly membership. Discount varies by location.
• City Fitness – There is no enrollment fee and bi-weekly dues are just $42.50. Also, get unlimited studio class access with no long-term commitment.
• YMCA – Pay no joiner fee for any membership and receive 10% off monthly membership for new or existing members.
• NEW CRUNCH Fitness – Pay $24.99 per month membership fee and get nationwide franchise access. The one-time enrollment and processing fee is not required.
• IBX Fitness Reimbursement – Complete 120 workouts at an approved fitness center or with a virtual fitness subscription and get $150 back.

Try Some Simple Well-being Tips

As part of Employee Health and Wellness Month, consider incorporating a few small habits into your daily routine:

• Take an “apple break” to refuel with a healthy snack.
• Set screen‑break reminders to rest your eyes and mind.
• Stand, stretch, or walk for a few minutes each hour.
• Step outside when possible for fresh air and natural light.

These small actions can help boost energy, improve concentration, and support overall well‑being — without requiring major changes to your schedule.

Support Wellness All Year Long

Employee Health and Wellness Month is a reminder that well‑being is an ongoing priority. Penn’s wellness offerings are designed to support employees throughout the year by encouraging balance, movement, connection, and healthy habits that extend beyond the workplace.

This June, challenge yourself to take intentional breaks, move a little more, and participate in a wellness activity that supports your goals. Small steps can make a meaningful difference — during Wellness Month and beyond.

FIFA World Cup Trophy Tickets

Penn will host the FIFA Trophy Tour, sponsored by Liberty Coke, this Thursday, May 21, in the Palestra. The tour features an opportunity to get a photo with the FIFA World Cup Official Trophy. Each University staff member is eligible for one free timed ticket for the 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. window while space is available. Tickets and registration are required for admission.

Order Your Ticket

To receive your ticket, go https://pennathletics.evenue.net/promotions/PENNEMPLOYEE and follow the instructions. Be sure to log in using your email address and Penn Athletics password.

A know-before-you-go message will be sent out to ticket holders with important details about the event.

Register for Your Photo QR Code

Before arriving at the event, visit https://coca-cola.distinct.so/soccer/wc-trophy-tour-2026 to register for your Photo QR code that will be used at the event to get your picture with the trophy.

Once you complete registration, your personal Photo QR code will be sent to you by email. For complete details, see the trophy tour registration flyer.

Please note you will need to have both your ticket to the event to gain access to the Palestra and the Photo QR code once inside.

For additional assistance, please contact Penn Athletics at (215) 898-6151 or tickets@pobox.upenn.edu.

Building a Positive Financial Mindset

Setting financial goals is easy; sticking with them is the challenge. Whether you’re saving for retirement, paying down debt, or building an emergency fund, your mindset can play a major role in your success.

A positive financial mindset can help you stay focused, build better habits, and remain motivated through life’s ups and downs.

To learn how your perspective may influence your financial progress, invest a few minutes in reading this valuable article from Essentials by TIAA: Does Your Mindset Power Your Actions?

For more insightful articles and videos, visit the Essentials by TIAA webpage.

Visit Penn’s Saving for Retirement pages for additional information.

Develop Your Job-Related Competencies

Competencies and job expectations are frequent topics of conversation as Penn’s 2026 staff year-end performance reviews wrap up on May 31. As staff and managers discuss career growth and talent development during the performance review meeting and follow up afterward, now is a good time to tap into opportunities and resources for improvement.

An online curriculum of “Penn Competencies” in Workday Learning provides information to help staff and managers understand and develop job-related skills. Penn’s HR Talent Development team developed learning modules for each of the 39 possible competencies that can be included in performance evaluations. Competencies are observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success.

Each course takes about 15 to 30 minutes to finish and can be completed in any order. To access the courses, search “Penn Competencies” in Workday. 

The University has identified five university-wide competencies assigned to every staff member, regardless of job family or level. These are:

• Ensures Accountability
• Collaborates
• Communicates Effectively
• Customer Focus
• Values Differences

Additional competencies based on the individual’s job family can also be assigned. Learning about proficiencies in these convenient courses and applying recognized best practices can only enhance job performance.

Additional Resources

• For a list of all available courses, visit the Performance Management webpage. For more information on competencies, visit the Competencies for Performance Appraisal page.
• For instructions on how to enroll in a Penn competency, access the Workday tip sheet Self Service: Enroll in Learning. Managers can assign a Penn competency course; access the Workday tip sheet Learning: Manager - Manage Course Enrollment for step-by-step instructions.
• Please contact the Penn Employee Solution Center if you need assistance.
  

STEP UP to a New Career Level

Looking to make a leap in your career by going from individual contributor to manager? The STEP UP program can help.

STEP UP – short for Self-management, Teaming, Empowerment, and Professionalism at the University of Pennsylvania – is a Penn program designed for motivated staff members from entry- through director-level who want to build the skills needed to lead themselves and others. Through facilitated virtual sessions and asynchronous e-learning modules completed as pre-work, participants build practical skills they can apply in their day-to-day work while engaging with colleagues from across the University during live sessions.

“STEP UP supports participants in building self-awareness through a focus on strengths and communication styles and then translating those insights into how they interact with others, helping them navigate relationships more effectively and develop the skills needed for leadership,” says Talent and Organizational Development Consultant Sam Lunney, who facilitates the course.

Thoughtful Conversations, Shared Experiences

“One of the most valuable aspects of STEP UP is the opportunity to engage in thoughtful conversations with colleagues from across the University,” Lunney says. “Those shared experiences, paired with actionable tools, help participants grow in ways that extend well beyond the program.”

The program explores topics including communication, teamwork, managing change, relationship building, community engagement, and getting work done effectively. Guided by Gallup Clifton Strengths as a foundation for self awareness and development, participants reflect on their strengths, communication styles, and approaches to working with others while developing a more intentional and adaptive mindset toward leadership and professional growth.

The STEP UP schedule is designed to offer flexibility while still maintaining a structured learning experience. Participants begin with the first two modules before moving on to the remaining core modules, which can then be completed in the order and timeline that best fit their schedule, including across future cycles if needed. Once all eight modules have been completed, participants are eligible to enroll in the Finale session.

Enrollment for the next STEP UP program, which kicks off June 3, closes on May 28 (additional cycles are planned for winter 2027). Register today on Workday Learning. Supervisor approval is required, and your department will be charged $300 for the entire program.

If you have questions about STEP UP, contact Human Resources at 215-898-3400 or email Sam Lunney at lunney1@upenn.edu. For more professional development resources, visit the Learn & Grow section of the Human Resources website.

Healthy Meals: Salmon Pinwheels

Elevate your dinner routine with these flavorful Salmon Pinwheels. This recipe from Eating Well dresses simple fillets in zesty lemon, whole-grain mustard, and savory capers. A golden, herb-infused breadcrumb crust adds the perfect crunch to the tender fish. These fillets are fancy enough for sit-down dinners but simple enough for a weeknight.

Click here to send us your healthy recipes and tips.

Ingredients

• 1/2-cup coarse dry breadcrumbs, preferably whole-wheat
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
• 1 tablespoon chopped shallot
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon chopped rinsed capers
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon dried
• 1-1/4 pounds center-cut salmon fillet, skinned and cut lengthwise into 4 strips
• 4 teaspoons low-fat mayonnaise

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Mix breadcrumbs, oil, mustard, shallot, lemon juice, capers, and thyme in a small bowl until combined.
3. Working with one at a time, spread each salmon strip with 1 teaspoon mayonnaise. Spread about 3 tablespoons of the breadcrumb mixture over the mayonnaise. Starting at one end, roll the salmon up tightly, tucking in any loose filling as you go. Insert a toothpick through the end to keep the pinwheel from unrolling. Place in the prepared dish. Repeat with the remaining salmon strips.
4. Bake the pinwheels until just cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the toothpicks before serving.

Meet With a Registered Dietitian Today!

• One-on-one, virtual sessions you can schedule at any time that works for you
• 100% covered under many insurance plans
• Available to spouses and dependents
• Fill out the Ramp Health Nutrition Counseling Sign Up Form or call 800-484-7720.

Did You Know: Staff Year-end Performance Reviews Due May 31

Eligible staff and their managers should complete the staff year-end performance reviews in Workday by May 31. For guidance on your school or center timeline, contact your local HR representative. For step-by-step guidance, review the Performance: Performance Management for Managers and Employees and Performance: Goals and Check Ins tip sheets. For additional process support, please reach out to the Penn Employee Solution Center.