Staff Appreciation Week

A bright sun rises over rolling green fields dotted with happy trees.

2024 Spring Staff Appreciation Week

Just Announced: the Spring Staff Appreciation Week will take place June 3-7. Stay tuned for the exciting activities and RSVP link! 

Ongoing Offerings

We asked you in the September 2020 Employee Morale Survey which forms of appreciation were most meaningful to you as a UC Berkeley staff member. Explore offerings based on the top 3 responses:

  • Ongoing opportunities for professional development
  • Words of appreciation
  • Perks always available to UC Berkeley employees 

Explore Past Offerings

Sept 2023 

*Virtual* Sound Bath with Joy: Go (Rest) Bears!

Monday, Sept 18
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. 

Location: Zoom 

Turn down the volume of tension and anxiety. Tune into self-compassion through gently guided breathwork and nature imagery along with the calming soundscape of the singing bowls. Alchemy quartz crystal singing bowls can be impactful physically on the mind/body, as well as energetically on the subtle energy bodies. The vibrations support the brain entering a theta state (or pre-sleep) and engage the parasympathetic nervous system to help you access the full benefits of rest. If you’re very tired, you may even fall asleep. Learn more about the impacts of sound healing on Joy’s website,joyevansmsw.com/soundhealing

Preparing/cozying up for virtual sound healing with Joy:

- Please complete a Liability Form on Joy’s website (included in the SAW Registration Form) before the workshop and email Joy if you have any concerns or questions beforehand.

- Note your wifi connection will impact the quality of the live stream of sound.

- Use your best speakers (phone, computer, or headphones).

- Dress comfortably – this workshop does not include movement.

- Consider removing fur-babies from the room, if WFH (cats may like the sounds but dogs have mixed reactions).

- Make sure you have plenty of support for your neck and lower back for whichever posture you want to relax into (sitting or lying down).

- Have layers or a blanket to stay warm/cozy.

- Bring water to drink at the end of the workshop.

- Anything you need to create a relaxing environment for yourself: yoga mat, cushions, eye pillow, a do not disturb sign.

Remember, sound healing should never cause any kind of physical pain. If you experience physical discomfort--for any reason--please be kind to your body by removing yourself from this virtual experience.

Free Coffee @ Goldie's

Coffee mug with latte art of a bear.Tuesday, Sept 19
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Location: Goldie's (MLK Student Union)

Head over to Goldie's for a free cup of drip coffee, tea, hot cocoa, pastry, or banana courtesy of People & Culture. Must be present and show staff ID to receive.

Goldie's is proud to be an Eat Well Berkeley restaurant.

$7 Lunch at Berkeley Dining Locations

Wednesday, Sept 20
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Location: Multiple Cal Eateries!

Enjoy lunch with your colleagues for 50% (courtesy of People & Culture) off when you show your Cal 1 Card at Crossroads, Foothill, Cafe 3, CKC, and MLK Eateries.

UC Berkeley Cal Night! A's vs Detroit Tigers

Thursday, Sept 21
Stadium opens at 6:40 p.m. 

Location: Oakland Coliseum

UCB staff can get a FREE special Cal/As co-branded hat (only by using the link below and picking it up at GATE A at the Coliseum).

Seating Area
UC Berkeley has Sections 207 - 210 reserved for staff as a part of Staff Appreciation Week (see map).

P
rivate Lounge Area
The Stomping Ground is where we can congregate outside of UC Berkeley's designated seating area. It is located above Treehouse Plaza Sections 245 + 246 (see map).

*Virtual* Escape Room

Beach with waves crashing on the sand and palm trees. Friday, Sept 22
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Location: Zoom

Interact with new colleagues as you work to escape the desert island

Must RSVP to participate. Please note teams are randomly assigned.

June 2023

*In-Person* Sound Bath Experience with The Celestial Voice and Blue Muse Sound Healing

Monday, June 12
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location: Pauley Ballroom

Blue Muse and The Celestial Voice welcome you to a Sound Bath Experience! Sound healing creates the space for self-healing and transformation using the power of vibration to re-harmonize the entire body to its most beneficial state.

When we hear the frequencies, our cells become attuned to that vibration and this creates a harmonic state for healing within the body. The different frequencies emanated during the sound bath will help to quiet the mind, decrease stress and anxiety, improve sleep, release physical and emotional pain, and restore the body, mind, and spirit to a greater state of balance, creating a deeper sense of peace and well-being.

You will bathe in a sonic symphony of mystical tones and vibrations produced by;
Six Paiste Gongs and a 34" Grotta Sonora Gong, Crystal singing bowls, Hand pan, Mono chord, Chimes galore, Rain Sticks, Ocean drum, Native drum, Sansula, Angelic Vocals & more. The vibrations will transport you on a deep mystical journey!

Please arrive 15 to 30 minutes ahead of the start time.

WHAT TO BRING:

  • Yoga mat/beach towel/blanket/pillow/water and anything else you need to be comfortable.
  • Feel free to bring your crystals to charge in the frequencies.
  • Wear loose-fitting casual clothing.
  • By creating a comfortable cocoon, you will be able to fully reap the benefits of these sound vibrations.

*Virtual* Sound Bowl Healing and Meditation with the Aura Stream

Monday, June 12
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. 

Watch the Recording

Welcome to MAGIC HOUR - sound bowl healing and meditation led by Angela Cruz. In this session, we integrate the use of crystals, guidance, and meditation with soothing vibrations of sound healing.

What is sound bowl healing?
Sound bowl healing and meditation open up your chakras, (or energy and aura portals) to allow vibrational frequencies to help align, balance, and unblock the parts of you that need healing by using crystal quartz bowls. Binaural beats and frequencies enter your physical body to help you relax, while guided meditation and breathwork help oxygenate your bloodstream. The sounds of the bowls help carry energy to you for protection, balance, love, and grounding.

Here are some benefits of sound healing:

  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Helps with meditation and deepens relaxation
  • Improves well-being
  • Oxygenates blood
  • Boosts confidence
  • Rebalances brain function
  • Aligns chakras
  • Cleanses auras
  • Helps with spiritual healing

Included in this session:
Introduction to meditation, breathwork, Chakra activation, and using our personal crystals in our practices; ending with a sound bath.

Optional Items to use:

  • Yoga mat
  • Eye mask
  • Cushion and blanket
  • Water
  • Crystals

Wear comfortable clothing and try to be distraction-free for optimal healing effectiveness. Total session time will be one hour.
Please be aware: if you have any current medical issues, consult with your physician to see if participating in sound healing would be a safe practice for you.

Jams & Java Lounge

Tuesday, June 13
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Location: Pauley Ballroom

Listen to live music by Hella Fitzgerald as you enjoy FREE coffee, tea, pastries, fruit, and chocolate fountains. Must show staff ID for entry.

UC Moves

Wednesday, June 14
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Location: Campanile

Join your fellow colleagues, friends, and campus community for a mental and movement break sponsored by Be Well at Work! This event will feature music, fun treats, prizes, and more. We hope to see you there!

Popsicle Party

Wednesday, June 14
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. 

Location: Campanile

Enjoy a sweet all-natural treat from BlissPops outdoors with colleagues and ride the Campanile for FREE when you bring your staff ID. Then stay a while to play outdoor games.

Berkeley "Takes You Out To The Ball Game" A's vs Tampa Bay Rays

Thursday, June 15
Stadium opens at 12:37 p.m.

Location: Oakland Coliseum

Get up to 2 FREE tickets (or more at a discount) while supplies last and root for the home team alongside other Berkeley staff in our sectioned-off area and private lounge. One lucky Berkeley staff member will also throw the first pitch at this game. Grab even more tickets at a discounted rate. 

Virtual Bingo with Drag Queen Qui Qui

Friday, June 16
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Watch the Recording

Hosted by Qui Qui from Screaming Queens Entertainment - this virtual bingo game will have built-in entertainment and prizes to win!

October 2022

Expand Your Community & Skills: Meet Your Staff Orgs

Monday, October 17
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Location: Zoom 

Meet Berkeley staff organizations and learn how to get involved!

Free Coffee!

Tuesday, October 18
Serving 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. 

Location: Goldie’s at the Student Union

Head over to Goldie's for a free cup of drip coffee (provided by Peet's), tea, pastry, or banana courtesy of People & Culture. Must be present and show staff ID to receive. Goldie's is proud to be an Eat Well Berkeley restaurant.

Disrupting the Status Quo: Strategic Advocacy

Tuesday, October 18
3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Watch the recording

Lasana O. Hotep photoBerkeley is known as a place that continuously disrupts the status quo. But not all advocacy efforts are as successful as others. In this session, Lasana Hotep, Director of DEIB at UC Berkeley, will share approaches gleaned from a career successfully advocating for change in a variety of organizations, institutions, and systems. Participants will leave understanding how they can strategically influence positive changes in their organizations.

Lasana O. Hotep leads the Office of DEIB at UC Berkeley. Lasana’s leadership experience spans broad educational and administrative arenas including his service as the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Equity for the Peralta Community College District, the Director of Multicultural Affairs at Estrella Mountain Community College, Dean of Special Programs and Grants at Merritt College, and the inaugural Dean of Student Equity and Support Programs at Skyline College.

As an educator, Lasana has delivered talks throughout the United States and internationally in Beijing, China, and Accra, Ghana. Lasana is published in edited volumes including; African American Men in College (Jossey-Bass, 2006), The Black Male Handbook: A Blueprint for Life (Atira/Simon Simon & Schuster, 2008), and is co-author of Minding the Obligation Gap: Striving for Equity in Community Colleges and Beyond.

In-Person Bingo

Wednesday, October 19
3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Location: Pauley Ballroom

Enjoy IN-PERSON Bingo at Pauley Ballroom with your colleagues and get a chance to win prizes!

Bingo for Remote Staff

Thursday, October 20
12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. 

Location: Zoom

RSVP and join us for VIRTUAL Bingo with your fellow Berkeley staff and win some great prizes!

Explore the Berkeley Campus!

Friday, October 21
12 - 1 p.m. & 3 - 4 p.m.

Location: To be shared with confirmed RSVPs

Whether you are new to campus, have recently returned after working remotely, or have been here for years, explore our beautiful campus on a guided tour. Choose from an hour-long tour at 12 pm, or 3 pm. Tours are limited to 35 people each, so register early to snag a spot.

Cal vs. Washington Football Game

Saturday, October 22
Location: Memorial Stadium

Be on the lookout for our Staff Appreciation Week reminder e-mail next week to get (2) free tickets for the Cal home football game on 10/22.

Archive

View recordings of past offerings

June 2022

Money Talks: How to Effectively Negotiate at Berkeley

Monday, June 6
2:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. via Zoom Meeting

Watch the Recoridng - Money Talks

View the Money Talks slidedeck

Learn the 6 salary setting situations and 6 principles that are considered when determining equitable salaries at Berkeley, and negotiation strategies that will benefit everyone, especially women of color. 

The session will include an overview of salary setting at Berkeley, contextualized by J.S. Henderson, Director of Total Rewards, and offers best practices and strategies presented by guest speaker, Jacqueline Twillie, a global expert on Women’s Leadership.

Sound Bath and Healing Meditation

Tuesday, June 7th
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. via Zoom

Watch the Sound Bath Recording

Sound Bath returns this Staff Appreciation Week with Maryzelle Undo. Experience the healing frequencies and sounds of the crystal quartz bowls and bring balance, peace, and harmony into your physical, mental, and energetic body. The bath will be in service to you and will include an intentionally tuned 7- Chakra Crystal bowl set, meaning each bowl is tuned to the similar frequencies of each chakra in the chakra energy system. When received, this can look and feel like a promotion in sleep, mood, and health, and a decline in stress and anxiety. Please join Maryzelle for an hour of healing, grounding, and love. Learn more about Maryzelle and her sound healing practice.

Maryzelle is a San Franciscan-born Salvadorena-American who is passionate and committed to a life of music and healing. While exploring healing, love, and light in her inner universe, Maryzelle transmutes healing, love, and light to her outer universe by hosting and creating sound baths and sound-healing events across the Bay Area. She utilizes a range of instruments and mediums including crystal quartz bowls, Tibetan bowls, tuning forks, electric guitar, African drums, gongs, electronics, bells, divinity, and love. She also actively works in the San Francisco Music Industry as a Music Studio Assistant, a radio host, a co-director, a music promoting researcher, a photographer, and a music journalist. Her work can be recognized at Hyde Street Music Studios, 102.5 KXSF Radio, and Psyched Radio.

June 2021

American Reckoning: A Conversation on Anti-Blackness in Post-George Floyd America

Watch the Recording

A panel discussion featuring national thought leaders: Dr. Keisha Blain, Jeff Chang, Rosa Clemente, and Tim Wise. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Ula Y. Taylor, Chair of African American Studies.

How to Win from Any Angle

Watch the Presentation Recording

Presented by Maurice Evans and Justin Panarese

Join Maurice Evans, an 11-year NBA veteran for a moderated discussion on redefining success, channeling your inner resilience, and winning from any angle.

December 2020

Moving from career uncertainty to career exploration

Presentation slides

Watch the Presentation Recording

Often it seems there is an unspoken rule that we must have it all figured out - we need an entry career plan, a five-year plan, and even a plan for what we will do during retirement! The need to have ‘the answer’ to our careers implies there IS an answer, when in fact our careers (and lives) are unique, evolving, and impossible to define. This session will reframe career uncertainty and anxiety into healthy career exploration and an open-minded approach.


Presented by:

Rebecca Andersen, Director of Career Services & Alumni Relations at the Graduate School of Information

Rebecca has been on campus since 2007, starting in environmental protection. A career changer herself, Rebecca is a co-founder of the Berkeley Facilitator's Network, a working parent, and (for now) an educator to two little ones! Rebecca is also working on a doctorate in educational leadership at UC Davis, focusing on equity in STEM careers.

Informational Interviewing

Watch the Presentation Recording

Presentation slides

Expand your career strategy toolkit and your campus connections by learning how to conduct engaging informational interviews, even while working remotely.


Presented by:

Lisa Rykert (she/her/hers), Career & Professional Development Lead

Linda Lundberg (she/her/hers), Transition Services Lead

Lisa Rykert serves as the Career & Professional Development Lead on the People & Organization Development team within UC Berkeley People & Culture. Her focus on campus is to support staff career growth and mobility with the goal of helping people to love the work they do and do the work they love within a diverse and inclusive environment of belonging.

Linda Lundberg has been with UC Berkeley since 2009 and leads the Transition Services Program within Talent Acquisition, People & Culture. Linda has a passion for providing resourceful, innovative, and motivating career guidance, and is very enthusiastic about all things related to employment.

Navigate Change and Gain Agency in Your Career Goals

Watch the Presentation Recording

Learn tools to effectively navigate work during times of change and uncertainty. This session is designed to inspire you with ways to create joy in your day-to-day work and give you a sense of agency in your career goals.


Presented by:

Catherine Ciano, PhD, Psychologist

Emma Strong, Academic Advisor, Fall Program for Freshmen

Dr. Catherine Ciano is a Psychologist and Teaming Strategist who uses her understanding of people and processes to enable change. She hosts the Authentic Work podcast to help people align who they are with how they work.

Emma Strong is an instructional design and facilitation enthusiast with a passion for public speaking, learning, and training. She has led workshops at the UC Berkeley NOW Conference and has facilitated sessions for the Advancing Practice professional development program for academic advisors on campus.