October Meeting Highlights

Following the monthly USAC Business, we were then joined by:

Lucas Giraldo and Ava Hendrickson, students representing the Experience Vanderbilt organization. Experience Vanderbilt is a student-run organization that raises funds to make student organizations more accessible for Vanderbilt students who qualify for financial aid.
Next, we were joined by colleagues from People, Culture and Belonging. Catherine Wood and Julie Hanna from the People Experience Center of Expertise for a benefits overview for the Open Enrollment period, which runs through Monday, November 4th. Joanna Echols from the Strategy and Operations Innovation Center of Expertise shared details of a giveaway from the Futures Learning Hub which will be running November through January. If you complete one course in the Learning Hub you will automatically be entered to win a $75 Vanderbilt swag box.
Our last speaker was Amy Huffman, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives in the Office of the Chancellor. She leads the Dialogue Vanderbilt initiative in partnership with Darren Reisberg, John Geer and Sarah Igo. Amy shared information about current activities and initiatives.

Whether you are working from home or on campus, know that USAC remains committed to being a champion for staff, and our digital door is always open. we encurage you to share your feedback or experiences via usac@vanderbilt.edu or our contact form.

All are welcome! USAC Meetings are held virtually from 8:30 to 10:00 am on the third Thursday of each month and are always open to staff members served by the council. Email usac@vanderbilt.edu for a Zoom link.

Next meeting: Thursday, November 21, 8:30-10:00 on Zoom.

What USAC group are you in? Who are your USAC representatives?

If you are unsure of the answer to these questions, you can find your Department's Group Number on the USAC website. Once you know your group number, click Representatives for a complete list.

Support the Employee Critical Support Fund

When you donate to the Employee Critical Support Fund or another area you are passionate about, you can choose from a limited-edition selection of gifts through the fall Dare to Grow incentive campaign.

These exclusive gifts are only available until November 8, so make your donation today at vu.edu/forwardever.

Vanderbilt Reunion/Homecoming

The Development and Alumni Relations team is gearing up for Alumni Reunion Weekend and invite all Vandy staff to join them in providing a warm welcome and a great experience for alumni! Reunion is high-energy, lots of fun, and a special experience for all. We have various staff opportunities during Reunion, which runs November 7-10th. Opportunities include registration check-in, greeting alumni, scanning nametags, and more!

Please review the available slots in the Reunion Staff Volunteer Sign Up Form and select the shifts for which you are available. We especially need help filling in Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday shifts! You will receive a great piece of Vandy swag as a thank you from the Reunion Team! For Undergraduate Reunion Staffing questions, please contact Keeouka Knighton at keeouka.knighton@Vanderbilt.Edu.

Thank you in advance for your time and partnership!

Upcoming Changes to Email/Team Chat/Storage that will affect all employees

Starting Nov. 4, Vanderbilt IT will roll out new retention and storage policies that will affect users of Microsoft services across the university.
Key Changes:

1. Microsoft Teams Chat Retention

All chat messages will be automatically deleted after 30 days. This applies to one-to-one, group and meeting chats.
There will be no changes to messages in Teams channels.

2. OneDrive Storage Limits

Limits for faculty and staff, active students: 250 GB cap
Limits for affiliates (including VUMC-employed faculty and staff with VUnetIDs), contractors and other account holders: 50 GB cap
Vanderbilt offers several storage options to meet academic, research, and administrative needs. Get more information about the storage options available.

3. Microsoft Exchange/Outlook Email Changes

For current staff, graduate students, and affiliates: Items in “Deleted Items” folder will be purged after 90 days.
No change for faculty
No change for undergraduate students using Gmail
Changes for additional email populations including faculty and shared exchange mailboxes are still under review.

Upcoming Changes
In spring 2025, all emails older than seven years will be purged from Microsoft Exchange/Outlook . This will apply to all folders within the mailbox, including online archives.
Resources
Frequently asked questions
VUIT website for additional support

USAC Meet a Member: Portlyn Cruise

Event Coordinator Office of Medical Student Affairs Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

What are you most proud of in your life thus far?

I’m most proud that I’m of my ability to be inquisitive & open-minded, and willing to embrace change. There is joy in remaining open to new experiences! Luckily, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from others, celebrate so many fascinating cultures, and connect with beautiful people from around the world many who have become my friends.

Get to know more about Portlyn on the USAC website.

Grow Your Career

Interested in seeing what opportunities are available across campus? Looking for a new role? Visit the Vanderbilt job board!

Vanderbilt Job Board

Share your event!

Do you have an event, activity, or resource relevant to university staff that would benefit from promotion via the USAC social media channels (Instagram, Twitter and Facebook)? Let us know!

Submit Your Info

Vanderbilt University is committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action.