Employee Appreciation Day | Friday, March 6, 2020
Employee Appreciation Week | March 1-5, 2021
We’ve been through a lot over the past twelve months. And while we’ve learned to appreciate the little things during all this, it’s time to show how much we appreciate you.
This year, Employee Appreciation Week takes place March 1-5, 2021. And though we won’t be celebrating in person, we believe you still deserve to be recognized and rewarded for your efforts, even at a distance.
During these five days, the university community will honor all UTRGV staff and faculty with discounts, giveaways, and fun – because we all need a little joy right now.
Here’s a look at some of the exclusive offers and opportunities that await you:
25% OFF at Sodexo locations (March 1-5, 2021) - To redeem discount, present your ID card at the following locations:
- The Grid C-Store (Brownsville Campus)
- Campus Dining Hall and C-Store (Edinburg Campus)
20% OFF one (1) apparel or gift item from UTRGV Campus Stores - To redeem the 20% discount, follow these steps:
- Go to Coupon-20.com
- Enter your UTRGV email address
- Enter access code 1618
- You will receive an email with coupon information to redeem your discount:
- in-person at the UTRGV Campus Stores (Brownsville and Edinburg) or
- through the online UTRGV Campus Stores website
Once activated, the coupon is good for 7 days.
BOGO: Buy one ticket and get one ticket for free to the UTRGV Baseball game against Northern Illinois at 12 p.m. on March 5, at the UTRGV Baseball Stadium, courtesy of Athletics. To secure your free ticket, UTRGV employees can:
- present their UTRGV employee ID at the Box Office
- contact the UTRGV Ticket Sales and Operations team (Carlos Munoz and Tiffany Ochoa) at tickets@utrgv.edu or text/call (956) 665-3747.
20% OFF at the UTRGV Men’s Basketball game against Tarleton at 7 p.m. on March 5, at Bert Ogden Arena, courtesy of Athletics. To redeem the discount, UTRGV employees can:
- present their UTRGV employee ID at the Bert Ogden Arena box office starting at 6 p.m. on game day
- purchase a ticket at BertOgdenArena.com and enter their UTRGV email address at checkout
Please note that Bert Ogden Arena will be allowing approximately 1,200 fans to attend the game to allow for proper social distancing. For any questions, please contact the UTRGV Ticket Sales and Operations team (Carlos Munoz and Tiffany Ochoa) at tickets@utrgv.edu or text/call (956) 665-3747.
Edinburg UREC
- FREE entry all week with appointment(s)
- FREE Inbody assessment with appointment + FREE towel gift for participants
- FREE Day Pass for a guest of your choice
Brownsville UREC
- FREE fitness assessment with appointment at BUREK
Reserve your appointments on IM Leagues today!
- Here are step by step instructions to sign up for IM Leagues: How to Register
- Here are step by step instructions on how to reserve a time slot at our facility: How to Reserve
Virtual Programming
- Join the Fast and Furriest: a 1-mile virtual challenge taking place March 1-31, 2021. There is no cost, and all participants will get a FREE gift!
- VIRTUAL FITNESS: Join UREC classes online throughout the semester - 14 classes a week!
REMINDER: Employees are allowed FREE entry at both UREC facilities (Brownsville and Edinburg) during the first week of each semester. Dates and times are posted during the Welcome Week messages.
For more information, please contact urec@utrgv.edu or (956) 665-7813.
Download our Employee Appreciation Week virtual backgrounds!
Send a kudo message using our employee appreciation stickers found on the Bravo Vaqueros platform, to colleagues who go above and beyond in demonstrating VAQUEROS Culture of Service Excellence qualities and values.
LIVE SESSIONS
Staff Senate, in collaboration with university partners, invites you to attend live personal and professional development sessions. UTRGV employees (faculty and staff) are invited to participate in these activities. Participants will have a chance to win prizes for attending these sessions.
Mastering Time & Priorities
Hosted by Human Resources
Monday, March 1, 2021
2-3:30 p.m.
and
Friday, March 5, 2021
9:30-11 a.m.
Time management skills are essential for professional success in any workplace. Key principles and organization strategies for effective time management can help increase accomplishments and reduce stress when meeting the demands of today’s work environment.
Register at www.utrgv.edu/training. Zoom link will be available upon registration.
Emotional Intelligence
Hosted by Human Resources
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
10-11:30 a.m.
Emotional Intelligence Awareness is a core competency for every member of today's workforce. To deal with the complexities of work and relationships, individuals must be able to manage themselves emotionally as well as understand others. Come learn the importance of EQ in the professional and personal environment.
Register at www.utrgv.edu/training. Zoom link will be available upon registration.
Gardening in Small Places: How to Grow Vegetables in Your Backyard
Hosted by Alumni Relations
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
11 a.m.
The presenter of this session will show you how to grow fruits and vegetables in your backyard, in small spaces, or using containers. More than just practical advice, you’ll learn how gardening can contribute to a sustainable lifestyle and give you a sense of accomplishment, peace of mind, and overall joy.
To participate, please click https://utrgv.zoom.us/j/85477059898 or reference Zoom ID 854 7705 9898.
Zoomba with Xochitl
Hosted by UREC
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
5:30-6:15 pm
UREC is collaborating with Staff Senate to offer this fun group exercise class.
To participate, please reference Zoom ID 211 760 632.
Superfood Recipes
Hosted by Campus Food Security Initiative (CFSI) and the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship Hospitality & Tourism Program
Thursday, March 4, 2021
4-5 p.m.
Join this live session with Eva Paschal and two CFSI students, who will present demos on superfood recipes: Kohlrabi Slaw-Lemon Herb Dressing , Kohlrabi Carpaccio , Kohlrabi Creamy Slaw and Creamy Avocado-Kefir Dressing
Introduction to superfood: Kohlrabi.
Kohlrabi is available year-round in Texas. Winter is the peak season in southern Texas. Kohlrabi is considered one of the superfoods, beneficial for our health. Very rich in nutrients, fiber, while low in calories with crunchy texture like radish or jicama.
Introduction to Kefir.
Kefir is a great source of probiotics, thanks to many different microorganisms.
Kefir is a fermented milk with sour taste. It is made using culture of yeast and bacteria, similar to yogurt.
To participate, please click https://utrgv.zoom.us/j/89224655333 or reference Zoom ID 892 2465 5333 .

Spirit Rally and Dance Party
Hosted by Student Activities, University Recreation and the Spirit Program
Friday, March 5, 2021
4-6 p.m.
We want to invite all of our UTRGV employees to join us on Friday, March 5th for our Spirit Rally and Dance Party! DJ Phlex will be back with great music and special appearances from the UTRGV Spirit Program.
To participate, please click https://utrgv.campuslabs.com/engage/event/6959812.
Healthy Cooking with Chef Marcel
Hosted by the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship
Hospitality & Tourism Program
Friday, March 5,2021
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Join us for a live session with Chef Marcel, who will be presenting a cooking session on healthy recipes for making Stuffed Vegetarian Eggplant (with meat option in the recipe) and a Healthy Banana Split. OPTIONAL: Please plan to get the ingredients (see hyperlinks above) beforehand, so you can follow along.
To participate, please click https://utrgv.zoom.us/j/83649770029 or reference Zoom ID 836 4977 0029.
Pre-recorded Sessions
Below are suggested personal and professional development topics available for UTRGV employees to watch at their convenience. Courtesy of Alumni Relations.
- Digital Flourishing: Strategies for Fostering Wellness in an Era of Remote Work https://alumlc.org/utrgv/4662
- Validation: The Most Powerful Communication Skill You Were Never Taught https://alumlc.org/utrgv/4170
- Parents Who Lead: Parent with Purpose, Fuel Your Career and Create a Richer Life https://alumlc.org/utrgv/605
- Bridging the Multigenerational Work Gap https://alumlc.org/utrgv/4437
- The Most Important Thing https://alumlc.org/utrgv/2259
- Personal Branding: Embrace Your Authentic Self to Stand Out and Thrive https://alumlc.org/utrgv/2662
For accommodations or questions, please contact staffsenate@utrgv.edu.