Recruiting: Spring 2026 Part-Time Faculty Hiring Due January 16
All part-time faculty (PTF) hiring actions for the spring semester must be completed by Friday, January 16, 2026. Adhering to this deadline ensures new faculty are onboarded and prepared for classes beginning Monday, January 26, 2026.
Departments are encouraged to complete hiring steps as soon as possible to allow time for review and processing. If you have questions about the PTF hiring process, please contact Roz Sanders.
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Retirement: Roth Retirement Contributions Now Available to All Employees, and New IRS Rule Affects Some Catch-Up Contributions
Beginning in 2026, a new federal retirement rule under the SECURE 2.0 Act will change how catch-up contributions are treated for a small group of employees. At the same time, Roth (after-tax) retirement contributions are now available to all Montgomery College employees participating in the Supplemental Retirement Account (SRA) Plans.
Under the new rule, employees who are age 50 or older, elect to make catch-up contributions, and earned $150,000 or more in FICA wages here at the College in the prior year will be required to make catch-up contributions on a Roth basis. This requirement applies only to catch-up contributions and does not affect contributions up to the regular annual maximum.
Employees who do not meet all criteria–or who do not plan to make any catch-up contributions–are not impacted. Roth contributions are available and remain optional for all other employees as of Sunday, February 1, 2026. If you wish to make changes to include Roth contributions as soon as possible, please make your SRA election effective January 30 in Workday.
HRSTM will offer Zoom Office Hours through Friday, January 30, 2026. Employees who are affected by these changes and currently contributing the maximum to a 403(b) and/or 457(b) plan will receive additional communication under separate cover.
To learn more about how these changes may apply to you, including timing, options, and available support, SRA-eligible employees should review the full memo or visit Saving for Retirement. If you have any questions, please contact HR Benefits.
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Employee Spotlight: Brad Vacura, Analyst-Programmer
Brad Vacura’s Montgomery College story began in 2005 as an Ellucian technical consultant. He officially joined the College in 2013. In 2022, motivated by a desire to work directly with Workday and help streamline College operations, Brad transitioned from IT into his current role as an Analyst–Programmer in the Office of Business Services.
Brad is proud of the customer service support he has provided over the years. He constantly works to resolve issues by seeing them from the user’s perspective. In 2010, his dedication was recognized with Ellucian’s Emerald Award for Excellence in Customer Service. Brad’s work motto, “I reserve the right to be smarter tomorrow than I am today,” reflects his commitment to continuous learning.
When facing technical challenges, Brad uses a calm and methodical approach inspired by the Apollo 13 mindset: “Let’s work the problem … let’s not make things worse by guessing.” He values the College’s focus on work–life balance and appreciates the opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives.
Outside of work, Brad enjoys sporting events, beach trips, and restoring old wood furniture, a hobby that has taught him patience and the joy of transformation.
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Employee Data Dashboard for January 2026
The HRSTM Employee Data Dashboard provides monthly data about MC employees and encourages employees to access on-demand information and resources.
The data dashboard has been updated as of Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
The updates include broad information, such as the total number of employees broken down by employee type and demographic category. We believe this dashboard will aid you in answering questions, planning, and identifying personnel trends at Montgomery College.
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MC CARES: Faculty and Staff Assistance Program Updates for 2026
Montgomery College’s MC CARES, the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) provided through ComPsych, is expanding its well-being offerings in 2026. These new and enhanced services are designed to support employee mental health, stress management, and overall wellness.
Confidential Well-Being Coaching
ComPsych offers personalized, one-on-one support with certified well-being coaches who help employees build healthy habits, manage stress, prevent burnout, and work toward meaningful personal goals.
Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CCBT)
ComPsych now offers guided CCBT through KAO Care, a secure digital platform that provides evidence-based mental health programs you can access anytime. KAO Care delivers self-paced modules to support skill-building, emotional regulation, and resilience.
Mental Health Counseling
Employees and their household members continue to have access to confidential mental health counseling through ComPsych, with up to six (6) sessions per issue, per plan for each eligible member.
Access these free services by either calling 844-236-2668, visiting ComPsych GuidanceResources, or using the GuidanceNow app with the one-time code “MCC.”
Visit the MC CARES page for the latest information and additional resources.
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MC Wellness: January Updates
MC Wellness offers a range of fitness classes, health programs, and well-being resources, with several updates available this month.
Classes, Pools, and Fitness Centers
Wellness classes resumed on January 12, 2026. MC pools are open and access to Open Fitness Centers will resume on Monday, January 26, 2026.
Mental Health First Aid Certification
Mental Health First Aid will be offered on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Central Services. Two (2) hours of required learning videos must be completed before the in-person session. Contact Megan Cooperman if you would like to participate.
Healthy Start Webinar Series
Join our three-session Healthy Start Webinar Series focused on practical well-being tips. Register here.
• Living a Healthy Lifestyle, Thursday, January 8, 2026, 12–1 p.m.
• Building Healthy Habits, Thursday, January 15, 2026, 12–1 p.m.
• Strong Heart Demo, Thursday, January 22, 2026, 12–1 p.m.
Kaiser Permanente Benefits Session
Kaiser Permanente members are invited to join a virtual benefits session on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from Noon to 12:35 p.m. on Teams. To request a recording, contact Megan Cooperman.
Cigna Wellness Programs
Cigna members have access to additional well-being resources:
• Active and Fit discounted gym memberships and free fitness videos.
• Omada weight-loss and diabetes-prevention program. Register here.
• Hello Heart blood pressure monitoring program.
To learn more, visit the MC Wellness page.
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Important PAP Information for Spring 2026
Please review the updated requirements for processing Period Activity Pay (PAP) for Spring 2026. Workload for part-time faculty must be kept accurate in Banner, and final instructional workload entries intended for integration must be submitted by Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The integration will run on Thursday, January 29, 2026, and will create PAPs in Workday for instructional assignments.
The January 12 memo sent to College Administrative Aides provides an overview of the Spring Parts of Term, pay dates, ESH limits, and general processing reminders for PAPs. Open labs will be available on Monday, January 26, and Thursday, January 29, 2026, for anyone who needs assistance.
For full guidance, including deadlines, instructions, and open lab details, please read the Important Information for Workday Period Activity Pay for Spring 2026 memo.
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Meet with our Retirement Plan Providers
Planning for your financial future is easier with expert guidance. Corebridge Financial and Voya are offering on-site and virtual appointments to help you review your retirement options, explore plan features, and enroll in a 403(b) or 457(b) plan.
Corebridge Financial Onsite Support
Nicholas Sigismondi, from Corebridge Financial, will be onsite to meet with MC employees for personal retirement planning sessions.
Rockville Campus: Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., in Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong Student Services Center (SV) 314. Register here.
Central Services: Thursday, January 29, 2026, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., in E103. Register here.
Voya Virtual Support
Marilyn Forrester, from Voya, is also available to assist with 403(b) and 457(b) enrollment, plan reviews, and general retirement questions.
Schedule your virtual meeting here or contact Marilyn at 301-318-3050.
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Employee Matters
on Hiatus Until January 28
Due to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday, Employee Matters will not publish on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
We will resume publication on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
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Important DatesThursday, January 15
Friday, January 16
Payroll Zoom Office Hours,
10 a.m.–Noon. Join the Waiting Room.
EARLY DEADLINE: Timesheets for non-exempt (hourly) employees and Period Activity Pay for all
part-time faculty and WDCE instructors are due in Workday by Noon.
Spring 2026 PTF hiring steps due.
Monday, January 19
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday; College closed.
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Staff and Administrators:
- Instructional Dean of Health Sciences
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Visit Careers at MC to view the current academic and staff openings.
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Workday Support for Employees
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Become a Contributor for Employee MattersAre you interested in submitting an employee-related article for publication or becoming a regular columnist for Employee Matters?
We’d love to collaborate with you and hear your story. Please submit your article to Tiffani Smith, Wednesdays by noon.
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Emergency Evacuation Accommodation In the event of an emergency, all employees should have an emergency evacuation plan. Those needing assistance during an evacuation due to a disability should inform their employers and building managers to aid in the planning process.
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MC Wellness provides free fitness classes, workout videos, wellness challenges, health events, and campus gym access for MC employees, spouses, and retirees to support your physical and mental well-being.
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Join the MC Employees Facebook Group
Join. Like. Comment. Share.
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Stay in the Know! Use this list for quick access to the information, resources, and updates every employee should have at their fingertips. Staying informed means staying empowered, so check your inbox and consider bookmarking these pages for easy reference.
The Monday Minute with Dr. Williams
Weekly newsletter for the College community from Dr. Jermaine F. Williams.
Inside MC
The digest newsletter sent to all students, faculty, and staff each Monday morning.
MC News
News, features, and press releases.
Brand Campaign
Access the new branding guidelines, logos, templates, and resources to help you implement Montgomery College's refreshed visual identity in your work.
Employee Matters
Find current and previous issues of the Employee Matters newsletter.
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