HYDR! We're Ready for Staff Appreciation Week: Here's What to Know
UM Staff Council offers five days of celebration with games, giveaways, and creative outlets
OXFORD, Miss. – University of ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ staff members will have plenty of opportunities to relax and celebrate the end of the spring semester during Staff Appreciation Week, May 12-16.
What began in the 1990s to celebrate the university's staff, has taken different forms over the years, ranging from a one-day observation to two days to an entire week. This year, staff members can enjoy roughly two events per day, all organized by the .
"Our goal is to help establish a culture of appreciation towards our staff community," said Lolita Gregory, Staff Council president. "We're excited to bring back some staff favorites like line dancing, painting with Studio Whimzy and the all-time favorite: bingo."
Ole Miss staff members play a round of everyone’s favorite game of bingo during Staff Appreciation Week. This year’s celebration is coming up May 12-16. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
After receiving feedback requesting an event later in the day, the council will offer karaoke late one afternoon in the Jackson Avenue Center Atrium.
While the staff community will see fewer events taking place during this week in May, more events and activities are scheduled for the remainder of the year, she said.
"A few events we have slated include a mahjong game day in June, several sports tournaments in July, staff appreciation luncheon in August and a family fun day in October."
This year's Staff Council presidential theme is "Anything is Possible with You!"
"We want to highlight the hard work, dedication and love our staff has for this university, and ensure they know the work we do wouldn't be possible without them," Gregory said.
Events scheduled for the week's festivities include:
Monday (May 12)
- Red, Blue & Well Walk – 8:15-9:15 a.m., Prefontaine Stadium (Track and Field)
- Bingo – 2-3:30 p.m., JAC Main Event Center
Tuesday (May 13)
- Awards Ceremony – 10-11 a.m., Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts
- Blood Drive with – 11 a.m.-3 p.m., the Circle
- Line Dancing – 2-3:30 p.m., Johnson Commons Ballroom
Wednesday (May 14)
- Music & Meditation – 10-11 a.m., Paris Yates Chapel
- Plant swap – 2-3:30 p.m., Walton-Young lawn (rain location: Grove Stage)
Thursday (May 15)
- Painting with – 10 a.m.-noon, JAC Main Event Center
- Karaoke – 4-5:30 p.m., JAC Atrium
Friday (May 16)
- Bingo – 10 a.m.-noon, JAC Main Event Center
- Sweet Treat – 2-3 p.m., location to be announced
Staff members can pick up T-shirts Monday-Thursday through May 21, at designated times at Johnson Commons East. Consult the for specific times.
Top: UM staff members put the final touches on their Ole Miss-inspired paintings as part of Staff Appreciation Week. Painting with Studio Whimzy is back for this year’s celebration, set for May 12-16. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services