HR QUARTERLY - WINTER 2026
Dear University Community,
Happy New Year!
As the new year begins and winter settles in with its crisp air, our campus transforms into a wet and sometimes snowy landscape. The quiet beauty that this season brings is a perfect backdrop for reflection, focus, and spirit of community.
While the shorter days and colder weather may challenge us, they also offer opportunities to bundle up, gather indoors, and recharge. Whether you're diving into research in the library with a warm cup of coffee, joining friends for winter events, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk across campus, let's embrace the season's magic together.
Have a productive and joyful winter quarter ahead!
Liz Parkes
Associate Vice President – Human Resources
Reception Hours Temporarily Reduced
Due to current staffing limitations, the Human Resources Reception Office will be operating with adjusted visitor availability effective immediately.
During this period, in-person reception services may be limited. We encourage faculty, staff & student visitors to contact Human Resources via email HR@wwu.edu to ensure timely assistance.
Beginning January 12, 2026, HR Reception Office will be operating with adjusted visitor availability.
- Monday 12:00 - 4:00
- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 11:00 - 4:30
- Friday 12:00 - 4:00
Please note that the HR Reception office may close unexpectedly due to inclement weather during the winter months (even if campus is open).
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to restore full reception coverage. Updates will be shared as staffing levels change.
HR UPDATES
FAQs
Accessing your W-2 via Web4U
Your printable W2 will be accessible via Web4U no later than January 31st, 2026. On Web4U employee landing page, select Employee Dashboard to bring you to the Pay Information page. Select Pay Information, Taxes, then W-2 Wage and Statement link.
Add or Edit Emergency Contacts
Changing your address
When you update your address in Web4U that automatically updates your address for your W-2 and Banner record. It will feed over within a pay period to your HCA Benefits 24/7 account, your insurance providers, and all retirement accounts.
Start at Web4U
Make updates on this form, making sure to check the box for W2/Employee Permanent if updating your address. Once complete, you must click the update button for the change to be accepted.
WINTER BREAK FUN
Here’s me with my beautiful partner - cross-country skiing in Mazama, then later taking a Christmas walk up to Hard Scrabble Falls. Happy to report that nobody slipped into the stream (a real holiday miracle). Now I just need to win the lottery so I can buy a little cabin out in Mazama to take all my Teams calls - Bow Jerns
Meet the Staff
Tara Terry
HR Data Integrity Supervisor
- Tara is entering her second year as Membership Director on the Mt. Baker Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Board of Directors.
- She began her career in Human Resources because she enjoys helping people and has since earned both the SHRM-CP and PHR professional HR certifications.
Fun facts: Outside of work, Tara enjoys spending time with her family, biking, and traveling, and is the proud owner of two cats named Snuggles and Cuddles.
Lisa Hill
Leaves and Medical Accommodations
- Medical leaves of absence
- Leave for your own serious health condition
- Maternity/Parental leave
- Leave to care for a family member
- Workplace accommodations
- Shared leave administration
Fun facts:
Lisa moved to beautiful Bellingham straight out of high school to attend WWU and never left. After 35 years in Whatcom County, she and her family relocated back to her hometown of Spokane in 2022 where they now enjoy being closer to her family, boating on all of the gorgeous lakes in the area and living in her 1930 childhood home. She is always available by phone or Teams chat and tries to be on campus every other month.
Sonja Dyer
Human Resources Consultant 1
(360) 650-7600
sonja.dyer@wwu.edu
- HRIS Team Member
- Gate Keeper - triage incoming PAs, Student Employment, Tuition Waivers
- PageUp to Banner data entry/audit
- EPAF processing
- Reply to incoming email/Teams/phone questions
- General data entry
- Assist HR Leadership and other department heads when request are made (Q & A)
Fun Facts:
Live in North Central WA at 2,500 ft elevation on 40 acres
Great Grandparents homesteaded in Whatcom County from Sweden/Norway in the late 1800s and my Grandmother graduated form Whatcom Normal School (WWU) in 1924
I am a gardener, crafter, baker and nature enthusiast
My husband and I love to travel/camp both in the States and internationally.
I have a German Shephard name Luna – she is my doorkeeper/secretary in my home office