About
Staff Appreciation Week is a celebration of the staff, their service and contributions to the University of Mississippi. The week is filled with a packed schedule of activities – social and recreational. Staff are encouraged to take full advantage of all this week has to offer. Typically, the week culminates with an Awards Ceremony, recognizing staff achievements and service, and a the staff luncheon.
UM Today to Supervisors (5/7/24): “Supervisors are asked to encourage and allow employees to participate. Employees should not be charged for personal leave for attending Staff Appreciation Week activities.”
2024 Staff Appreciation Week
May 13-17, 2024
Schedule and event details are subject to change.
Staff Appreciation T-Shirt, Certificate, and Pin Pickup
Monday-Thursday (week of May 13-16)
10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Ole Miss Student Union – Front Door Entrance
Monday, May 13th
Nature Power Hike*
A Red, Blue & Well Event
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
South Rec Campus Trails
*Limited number of spots available for sign up (My.OleMiss.Edu)
Enjoy the health benefits of nature while exploring the “Single Track Trails” located off the South Campus Rail Trail, just south of Highway 6 and west of Chucky Mullins Drive. Join Red, Blue & Well enthusiasts for a 2.5-mile, 1-hour guided power hike on the less traveled trails.
Bike the Rail Trails with Campus Recreation Outdoors
Noon to 1 p.m.
South Rec Campus Rail Trail
Join Campus Recreation Outdoors on a bike ride and explore the South Campus Rail Trail. Sign up by completing the Google Form (click here). If you have any questions about this activity, please contact Campus Recreation Outdoors by email omod@go.olemiss.edu. Limit: 9 per session.
Table Tennis Tournament
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Facilities Management Breakroom
Come to the Facilities Management Breakroom and participate in the 4th annual singles and doubles table tennis tournament.
Tuesday, May 14th
Guided Meditation w/ UM Counseling Center*
A Red, Blue & Well Event
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Paris-Yates Chapel, Statue Garden
Rain Location: Paris-Yates Chapel
Join us for a soothing session led by UCC Counselors, designed to melt away stress and foster gratitude for yourself and your colleagues. Whether you’re a seasoned meditator or new to the practice, come as you are and join us for a moment of tranquility and self-care.
*Bring a mat or a towel to sit on*
Painting with Studio Whimzy
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Jackson Avenue Center Main Event Center
Studio Whimzy will instruct the painting of something Ole Miss and you get to take it home or put it in your office! No art experience or skill required. Space is limited.
Cornhole Tournament
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Facilities Management Breakroom
Grab a partner and play cornhole in the Facilities Management Breakroom. The boards will be set up for open play or a tournament if there is enough interest.
Line Dancing 101
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Johnson Commons Ballroom
Join Facilities Management’s own Mr. Rod Wilson, aka DJ Smack, for instructional line dancing in the Johnson Commons Ballroom.
Wednesday, May 15th
Music and Meditation
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Paris Yates Chapel
Join us for inspirational messages and music from some of our most talented staff members & music favorites.
Blood Drive
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ole Miss Circle
One pint of blood can save up to 3 lives! Join us for a day of giving Life! Mississippi Blood Services will be parked at the Circle.
Painting with Studio Whimzy
Noon to 1 p.m.
Jackson Avenue Center Main Event Center
Studio Whimzy will instruct the painting of something Ole Miss and you get to take it home or put it in your office! No art experience or skill required. Space is limited.
Pickleball Tournament*
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Pickleball Courts (Turner Center)
*Short How-To Clinic at 11 a.m.*
The Turner Center will have courts of pickleball ready to go! 11:00am-12:00 noon is open play and practice time. There will be a doubles tournament format from 12:00 noon-1:30pm.
Chair Yoga and FroYo Popsicles
A Red, Blue & Well Event
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Jackson Avenue Center Auditorium B
Join us for a chair yoga session designed to help build strength and flexibility of the body and mind from a seated posture. Enjoy a refreshing fro-yo popsicle!
Thursday, May 16th
Bingo!
9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Jackson Avenue Center Main Event Center
Bingo time again! Two opportunities available again this year, led by Staff Council’s own, Aretha Nabors! Space is limited, so be sure to come early to secure your spot.
Plant Swap
10:30 a.m. to Noon
Grove Stage
Bring a plant or two or some seeds and swap them with friends. Staff Council will supply a limited number of plants. This year Ann O’Dell and other Master Gardeners will be around to answer questions and provide assistance.
Basketball Tournament
12:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Turner Center
It’s BACK! It’s game time and we’re playing BASKETBALL! The winning team keeps playing, tournament format.
Family Fun Night
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Grove
Bring the family for a night of food, fellowship and fun. We will enjoy snocones, live music, playing games, and making memories. Also, be there early to “Stuff a Juice,” while supplies last!
Friday, May 17th
Staff Appreciation Awards Ceremony and Luncheon
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. – Grove Stage
The Grove
Staff Awards Ceremony – Join us in recognizing employees (EEO Categories 1,3, 4-7) who have served the university from 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 years and up. UM Employees serving 20, 25, 30 year plus years will receive a token of our appreciation as well as a lapel pin and certificate. The university will also recognize outstanding staff members. Please join the Staff Council as we honor our employees.
Staff Appreciation Lunch – Join Staff Council for lunch in the Grove. This year’s luncheon will have music and various menu options provided by Aramark.
Bingo!
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Jackson Avenue Center Main Event Center
Bingo time again! Two opportunities available again this year, led by Staff Council’s own, Aretha Nabors! Space is limited, so be sure to come early to secure your spot.
RECess in The Grove
A Red, Blue & Well Event
3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
The Grove
Join your colleagues for some fun in the Grove playing corn hole, tug of war, Kan Jam, giant connect 4, hoop shoot, and Spikeball!