Employee Appreciation Week 2026 – March 2 thru March 7, 2026
It is the big and little things that you do!
All year long, we've been celebrating UTRGV's 10th Anniversary. Now it's time to celebrate you.
Whether you've been here for 10 years or 10 days, Employee Appreciation Week is a chance to share some thanks and gratitude for your dedication to our institution.
Below is a rundown of all we have in store for you this week:
20% discount on any single UTRGV branded item at the Campus Stores (In-store only)
- Discount can only be used once from Monday, March 2 to Saturday, March 7, 2026.
- To redeem this offer, simply present your UTRGV ID at the time of purchase.
- Once redeemed, you will be entered into a giveaway at the end of the week for any emblematic item under $50.
15% Off all UTRGV gear at 7-Day Addiction (In-store only)
(Located at 3017 S. Sugar Rd., Edinburg, TX 78539)
- Valid Monday, March 2 to Saturday, March 7; Discount applies to the entire purchase
- Must present UTRGV employee ID
15% Off all UTRGV gear at Jayco Ink (In-store only)
(Located at 100 N Bicentennial Blvd #200, McAllen, TX 78501)
- Valid through Saturday, March 7; Must present UTRGV employee ID
Two (2) FREE tickets for UTRGV Basketball Doubleheader - Monday, March 2, 2026
(Courtesy of UTRGV Athletics)
- Women vs. UIW @ 4:30 PM; Men vs. Northwestern St. @ 6:30 PM
- Claim your tickets at GoUTRGV.com/FacStaff
Treat Yourself to a Creative Break (Hosted by the Office of Human Resources)
Join the fun with a painting activity, followed by a session of breathing and stretching exercises specifically designed for office environments. Register for any of these sessions by going to UTRGV.edu/training. Walk-ins are also welcome with seating availability.
- Edinburg - Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 10 AM – 10:45 AM (EUCTR Bronc Room)
- Brownsville - Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 3 PM – 3:45 PM (BSTUN 2.22A)
- Harlingen - Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 10 AM – 10:45 AM (HCEBL 2.122)
Two (2) FREE tickets for UTRGV Baseball vs. Texas Southern
(Courtesy of UTRGV Athletics)
- Wednesday, March 4, 2026 @ 6:30 PM; Claim your tickets at GoUTRGV.com/FacStaff
Discounted Meals from Chartwells — Valid Wednesday, March 4, 2026
(Must present your UTRGV employee identification card)
- Edinburg - Discounted rate at the Vaquero Dining Hall:
- Breakfast - $7.50; Lunch - $8.50; Dinner - $9.50
- Brownsville - 20% off at Absurd Bird and La Mesa (located at BSTUN El Comedor)
FREE Breakfast Taco (While supplies last; Must present UTRGV employee ID)
(Hosted by Staff Senate)
- Thursday, March 5, 9 AM – 10 AM:
- Edinburg University Center (EUCTR), Ballroom
- McAllen Rio Bank (MRIO), Room 5.562
- Friday, March 6, 9 AM – 10 AM:
- Brownsville Student Union (BSTUN), El Comedor
- Harlingen Clinical Education Building (HCEBL), Room 1.100
15% Off your in-store purchase at Vaquero Outfitters
(Located at 1516 W. University Dr, Edinburg, TX 78539)
- Valid Thursday, March 5, 2026 & Friday, March 6, 2026; Some exclusions apply
- Must present UTRGV employee ID
- Discount applies to the entire purchase
Discounted Tickets ($7) for UTRGV Employees to The Book of Will
(Courtesy of the Department of Theatre)
- Thursday, March 5, 2026, to Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the Jeffers Theatre
- Get your discounted tickets by visiting: utrgvarts.tiny.us/theatre
VIRTUAL TOOLS, COURTESY OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Let other employees know you appreciate their hard work and commitment to excellent service by sending them a meaningful BRAVO today!
UTRGV’s peer recognition initiative provides an opportunity for any UTRGV employee to acknowledge their colleagues who demonstrate VAQUEROS Culture of Service Excellence qualities and values. The Bravo Vaqueros icon may be found in the Applications section of my.utrgv.edu/home.
The divisional Bravo Vaqueros Spirit Award will be presented to the corresponding UTRGV division earning the highest percentage of eligible Bravo Vaqueros submitted to the Bravo Board. The award will be announced during the annual Employee Service Recognition event in the Spring. Qualifying Bravos posted on the Bravo Board between: September 1, 2025, and April 1, 2026, are eligible.
Employee Wellness - Living Well
Visit the UT Living Well Platform powered by Limeade. This Living Well platform offers various well-being resources, including wellness assessment, wellness videos, activities, a communication board, and a one-stop location for UT System employee benefit resources, services, and platform tools. Take charge of your wellness goals and enhance health awareness. With the app, you can do it from anywhere! Start with your assessment and visit the UTRGV channel. To get started and earn points, visit: ut.limeade.com
Need help logging in? When prompted, select Continue with UT institution credentials (SSO). Enter your organization name “The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley”. Then sign in with your UTRGV credentials.
Visit the Services Tab in the Living Well Platform to explore mental health resources and more.
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Care when and where you need it, at no cost to you. Physicians with expertise in primary care, pediatrics, and more. Treatment for many non-emergency medical conditions, including colds and flu, fever (age 3+), sinus infections, ear problems (age 12+), and allergies. Behavioral health services (by appointment and with video connection only). |
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The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential program offered at no cost to you that can help you and your dependents successfully deal with life's challenges. Professional assistance is available to help resolve personal and professional problems of all kinds. The EAP is designed to help you find support when you need it, at no charge, whether you’re dealing with emotional, financial, or other types of issues. |
UTRGV Proud to be Tobacco Free
UTRGV is committed to promoting the health, well-being, and safety of UTRGV students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Visit the website for more information on Tobacco Cessation Resources, Awareness, and Prevention.
Mother-Friendly Worksite Designation
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers the Nursing Mother Suites to all faculty, staff, and students who need a private, secure, and sanitary location to express breast milk and to provide a comfortable and quiet location to breastfeed a child. The university supports women who are balancing work and study commitments with their needs as mothers of young children. Visit the website for more information and to learn how to obtain a Mommy Card.
Staff and Faculty are invited to sign up to receive UTRGV employee wellness email communications, resource information, and invitations to great events throughout the year.
Subscribe by submitting your UTRGV email to EmployeeWellness@utrgv.edu.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley supports the health and wellness of faculty and staff by providing programs and resources to make healthy choices and foster a culture of wellness. Wellness Champions facilitate health and well-being awareness, education, and engagement support in wellness initiative activities and programs. Visit the webpage to meet your Wellness Champion.
Wellness Workshop/Presentation Request
Employee Wellness provides informational opportunities on the diverse wellness programs available, well-being educational resources, and ongoing engagement activities. Scheduled activities and presentations are announced on UTRGV Messenger. Group presentations and workshops to enhance employee wellness and development may be requested online by completing the Wellness Workshop/Presentation Request Form.