Open Enrollment is Coming
Are you thinking of choosing a different health plan, or is your medical plan being discontinued next year? Do you need to re-enroll, waive, or drop a currently-enrolled dependent? Or perhaps you're thinking of participating in an optional pre-tax savings program in 2011? If so, now is the time to sit down with your family and review your options.

As a UW employee who's eligible for Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB) benefits, you're allowed to make changes to your medical and dental plan choices during annual "Open Enrollment" which runs from November 1-30 this year. In addition, you can enroll or re-enroll in one or both of the optional pre-tax savings programs described below. All changes made during this period are effective January 1, 2011. Learn more.

Make the Most of Your Benefits
The annual UW Benefits Fair is an excellent place to gather information, ask questions, and compare health plans so you feel confident knowing that you're taking full advantage of the many UW benefits available to you and your dependents. Attend a fair at the UW Medical Center on November 2, Mary Gates Commons on November 3, or Harborview Medical Center on November 4.

Stretch Your Dollars with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Looking for a great way to save valuable tax dollars on health expenses? Consider a Flexible Spending Account—an IRS-approved, tax-free account— that can save you money on eligible medical expenses. All benefits-eligible employees who wish to participate in a 2011 FSA–whether new or returning —must enroll during the month of November for benefits to begin January 2011.

Save More with the Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
If you're currently paying for child or adult care, consider taking advantage of pre-tax savings for these expenses. DCAP allows you to take a deduction from your pay for eligible dependent care expenses before taxes are calculated. You save money in your paycheck now because the deductions are exempt from taxes. Whether you're applying for the first time or renewing for 2011, see how to enroll this November.

Flu Prevention
With the flu season upon us, take advantage of a campus flu shot clinic offered at UW Bothell on October 13, Health Sciences on October 14, UW Tower on October 19, or South Lake Union on October 20. This year's flu vaccine will include both the usual 'seasonal' strain and the H1N1-like virus strain. Help prevent the flu—get vaccinated today! View the schedule.

Mammovan is Coming
While women age 40 and over already know they should have a routine mammogram to screen for breast cancer, it's not always easy to find the time to get it done. Now there's a faster and more convenient way to get screened—the "Mammovan"—a mobile mammography service provided by Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. So don't delay any longer—schedule your on-campus mammogram appointment for November 17, December 6, or December 20 on the Seattle campus. Learn more.

Protect Your Hearing
Did you know that more than half of the people with hearing loss are younger than age 65; and that 12 million Americans develop hearing loss as a result of exposure to noise? This 'noise-induced hearing loss' or NIHL is preventable. Learn about NIHL and other causes of hearing loss, how you can protect your hearing, and what your medical plan covers for annual hearing exams and hearing aids—plus, take a hearing quiz. See Protect Your Hearing.

Also, you can get a FREE Hearing Screening during fall quarter! Reserve your 30-minute hearing screening appointment by calling the Speech & Hearing Clinic at 206-543-5440. Plus, get a 10% discount on all custom earplugs. Learn more.

Weight Watchers Open Houses
Weight Watchers at Work teaches you how to stick to healthy living and have a healthier relationship with food so you can lose weight and keep it off. Attend a Weight Watchers Open House at UW Medical Center on October 22 or at UW Bothell on October 26 to learn about the program, ask questions, and meet the leader. No RSVP necessary, just drop in. See dates and locations.

Tender Loving Care—TLC
Knowing how difficult it can be for parents to work when their children are ill, the University provides mildly ill childcare to all benefits-eligible employees. TLC teachers and registered nurses provide quality care for your mildly ill children while you work. Use of accrued sick leave to care for your sick child is an option, but with TLC you have an additional choice. The University underwrites the entire daily fee and employees pay only a one-time registration fee of $5. For more information, visit the sick childcare web page.

UW Combined Fund Drive Charity Fair October 13
Last year, UW faculty and staff contributed over 2 million dollars to support programs in the arts, environment, health, education, disaster relief, and human services. On October 13, the UW Combined Fund Drive, our workplace giving program, kicks off with a charity fair in Mary Gates Hall Commons from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. featuring more than 70 non-profit organizations. Representatives will be on hand to share programs and services as well as volunteer opportunities at this free event. Enter to win door prizes including a Purple Cafe and Wine Bar gift certificate. Bring your spare change to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Refreshments provided.

Also, look for your giving form arriving in campus mail this week. You can give to the charity of your choice via the giving form or online. The campaign runs until December 3. Visit the UW Combined Fund Drive for more information.

Boosting Your Child's Social, Emotional, and Academic Potential
As children navigate their own, unique educational journeys, parents face a multitude of questions and challenges. Join author Linda Morgan on Wednesday, October 20 for a lively discussion of contemporary information that parents can apply throughout their children's developing years—tots through teens. Access seminar information and registration.

Quarterly Market Update for Active Investors
Attend a Quarterly Market Update for a look at where and why the market's turning. Receive valuable perspectives on current market conditions and guidance on what it means for you as an investor who actively manages several funds within a portfolio. Learn from our Fidelity representative what's been driving the economy, the financial markets, domestic and international stock performance, and bond market interest rates. Q & A included. Seating is limited for this free update at the UW Tower on October 29. Register now.

Financial Yoga: Stretching Your Hard-earned Dollars
In today's tough economic climate, having the skills to stretch a paycheck is more important than ever. Reduce your financial stress by learning key tips to becoming a more effective money manager. Attend a free session on October 28 at Harborview, November 19 at South Lake Union, or December 16 at UW Medical Center. Access seminar information and registration.

Reduce Debt, Build Wealth, and Get Ahead!
Are you ready to take better control of your finances? In this free seminar, you will learn how to create a spending plan, determine your net worth, and find out how to reign in credit and manage your debt. Presented by a Vanguard representative on October 21 at the Seattle campus. Access seminar information and registration.

Feel Financially Secure
This seminar provides an overview of several financial planning topics such as budget and debt management, determining net worth, creating a spending plan, managing credit, and general investment information. In addition, planning for unexpected life events, estate and insurance planning, and dealing with divorce and widowhood will be discussed. Presented by a Vanguard Group representative on October 21 at the Seattle campus. Access seminar information and registration.

Approaching Life's Milestones
Regardless of where you are in your life journey, there is planning to be done. This seminar covers the common (and not so common) life milestones, and provides timely advice on how to approach them in a financially sound way. Presented by Washington State Employees Credit Union and sponsored by the UW Benefits Office. Access seminar information and registration.

Social Security: A Foundation for Planning Your Future
Do you know what benefits to expect from Social Security and when they will be available to you and your family members? Attend this informative seminar to gain a better understanding of how the Social Security and Medicare systems work. Access seminar information and registration.

Time to Review Your Retirement Portfolio?
When was your last retirement plan checkup? Representatives from Calvert, Fidelity, TIAA-CREF or Vanguard are available to meet with you and your spouse—either by phone or in person—to provide general investment information, discuss your savings objectives, or review an existing account. To sign up for your free consultation, register by phone or online.

Family Caregiver Network
Caring for a family member can be a challenge and coping is much more than just handling it. Caregivers need self-care strategies to prevent burnout and remain able to care for their loved one. Join the Family Caregiver Network's informal, guided discussions—family caregivers sharing their ideas, experiences, and successes. The next meeting is Tuesday, October 26, in Loew Hall Conference Room, room 103. Access information and registration.

POD courses are open to all UW employees, subject to supervisor/budgetary approval and UW's release time policy. Please view our policy page for additional information.

Strategic Thinking
This is your last chance to register for this October 19 class! Stop tackling goals and problems haphazardly and instead learn to look at challenges and opportunities in a way that enables better decision making on a day-to-day basis. Access course information and registration.

Sharpen Your Writing Skills
This fall there are three opportunities for improving your written communications. If you wear an editor's hat as part of your job, Proofreading and Editing can show you how to apply different levels of editing to improve your own and others' writing. And for anyone who sometimes struggles to remember the rules, Punctuation Tune-Up provides a practical review of punctuation basics, along with exploring some of the subtleties and intricacies of punctuation. Finally, Business Email Etiquette and Management can help you stay on the right side of email etiquette and make the most of email as a valuable and productive tool. Access registration and course information via POD's online course catalog.

Hourly Career Counseling
Don't fall back into the same old routine this year! Learn how to make the most of your strengths, prepare for a job search, or explore a new career path through one-on-one career counseling. Sessions are offered through Training and Organization Development Consultant Susan Templeton for $80 per one-hour career counseling session if paid with a UW budget number (with supervisor approval) or $92.48 if paid with cash, check, or credit card (due to a mandatory institutional overhead fee). Learn more about this service.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month
In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, please join us as we take time to remember six members of the UW community who lost their lives on campus as a result of domestic violence. The walk will start on Red Square at the front of Suzzallo Library (south end of steps) and will end at Gould Hall Memorial Garden. The walk will be a little less than a mile and is wheelchair accessible.

Memorial Walk
October 27, 2010
Noon-1:00, Rain or Shine

Relationship Abuse
This month's tip sheet, from UW CareLink, focuses on the signs of intimate partner abuse; learning to recognize signs helps to identify relationships at risk.

You can also find more relationship violence information and UW resources for help on the SafeCampus website.

Safety Practices for Using ATMs
Most of us stop by an ATM to get cash. Who waits in line at a bank branch anymore? ATMs are the most convenient way to get money, but getting cash in public can be risky. SafeCampus and UW Police share some smart steps you can take to make sure your cash stays with you:

• Respect your PIN! Don't share your personal identification number with anyone, and don't write it down. When entering your number at an ATM, make sure that you are covering or blocking the screen so that it isn't visible to anyone else.
• Don't go alone. Take someone with you, or only use an ATM when there are other safe-looking people around.
• Try to use an ATM during the day. If you have to use an ATM after dark, use one that is well lit and is away from any tall bushes.
• Get in, get out, get on with it. Have your access card ready so that you can complete your transaction as quickly as possible–you should avoid fumbling around in your wallet or purse.
• Take a look around the ATM. Is there anyone hanging around? If you see anyone or anything that makes you suspicious, keep walking. Use an ATM at a different location or come back later.
• Once you're finished with the ATM, put away your cash quickly and leave. Don't count or display your cash.
• If you think you're being followed after withdrawing cash, go to an area with a lot of people and call the police.

Distinguished Staff Awards Open for Nominations on October 15
Now, more than ever, it is essential to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of UW staff. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to nominate outstanding colleagues for the 2010-2011 Distinguished Staff Award, the UW's highest honor in recognition of staff contributions. Those eligible for this award are classified, contract classified, and professional staff who hold a 50% or greater regular appointment and who have been employed at the University for a minimum of six months as of the nomination deadline, December 15, 2010. Individuals and small teams may be nominated.

Temporary state restrictions do not allow the University to provide cash recognition awards to staff. However, with the help of Planning & Budgeting, the Distinguished Staff Award Committee is pleased to provide this year's award recipients with meaningful award options, including up to $5k for training or conference participation, or deferring the receipt of the award amount until the restriction on cash awards is lifted.

Visit the Distinguished Staff Awards website to learn more and to submit a nomination.

Check Out the UW Sustainability Summit on Red Square, October 20
Students, faculty, and staff are invited to meet and chat with campus sustainability groups and learn about the new UW Campus Sustainability Fund. Find out more about the University's sustainability commitment through the Climate Action Plan, while sharing ideas and best practices for campus sustainability efforts. The event will include tables, presentations, and break-out group discussions. Learn more.

Follow the Office of Planning & Budgeting's New Blog
Want to stay on top of the latest budget news? Check out the Office of Planning & Budgeting's new OPBlog: Higher Ed Junction. The blog includes timely updates, analysis, and links to the many things OPB works on, such as:

• UW Budget and policy issues
• Higher education policy news and trends
• Institutional research/analysis

Update: NW Harvest Makes the Guinness Book of World Records
Last month, Facility Services invited other UW community members to join them in helping Northwest Harvest and Emergency Food Network's effort to break the Guinness World Record for collecting the most pounds of donated food in a single location within a 24-hour period. UW faculty and staff answered the call and on September 17-18 more than 515,000 pounds of food donations were delivered to the Stadium Bowl in Tacoma, including 4,350 pounds from UW!

Looking for a Babysitter or Elder Caregiver?
Check out the UW Caregiver Directory to find UW students looking for occasional or part-time work. You can post your own caregiving needs, too. The next time you need a sitter for that special evening out or to help an aging parent with errands or household help, remember that the UW Caregiver Directory is your own UW resource (accessible only with UW NetID) for short or longer term assignments.

Eldercare Consultations
Eldercare consultations help you assess your loved one's present situation, gather important information, and develop options in order to plan ahead. To schedule an individual consultation, email WorkLife.

The Lending Library

• Why are young people often quick to leave childhood behind, but so slow to become adults?
• What do young people at the threshold of adulthood really need and want?

In her book, The Myth of Maturity, social psychologist and author Terri Apter writes about what teenagers need from parents to become adults. Check out this and other books covering parenting in the WorkLife Resource Center's Lending Library. To borrow a book, email WorkLife.

UW CareLink, Our Faculty and Staff Assistance Plan
The challenges you face each day can lead to stressful feelings. At times, such feelings may overwhelm you. Your home life, your happiness, and your performance at work all can suffer. UW CareLink can help; find out more about free, confidential counseling.

Discounts
Check out the latest discounts available from participating local merchants when you use your U-PASS or UW FlexPass card. Find out more.

Take a Break
Have you noticed that fall is in the air…these foggy, damp mornings, the amazing clear crisp sunny afternoons, the crackle of fallen leaves as you walk through campus? Why not lunch outside one last time this year? Some of the places for outside dining include the tables with benches next to By George, various benches throughout The Quad and around Drumheller Fountain, Sakuma Viewpoint, benches along the Montlake Cut path, and many more.

FACT OR FICTION: The UW now has its own walking groups.

FACT. The UW has a program, with its own space online, called UWalk. It features information on four types of walking groups: Commute, Health, Lunch & Social, and Meetings, Classes, and Errands. UWalk holds events and activities throughout the year to promote the community of walkers on campus. For information on becoming part of a walking group, check out the details online. All you'll need is your UW NetID—joining a group is free.