The Resource

Also In This Issue

Events
Career Development
Policy
Benefits
Community

Published: August 11, 2010

You earn more than a paycheck when you work or teach at the University of Washington. Come discover how to make the most of your UW employment by exploring The Resource—UWHR’s e-newsletter designed to keep you informed of offerings from across the University that help you make the most out of UW employment.

Back to School  
 
 

Back-to-School or College Readiness
Get your kids ready for school or off to college by taking full advantage of your health plan coverage for preventive care visits, sports physicals, and immunizations. Your young students may need to start adjusting their sleep schedules, too! Read more.

   

Discounts for Back to School
This year, check out UW Discounts before you purchase big ticket back-to-school items. The discount program is available to all UW faculty, staff, students, and retirees. Visit the UW Discounts page and click View the Discounts.

Events  
 
 

 
The Benefits Office sponsors the following seminars to help you save, invest, and plan for your retirement. Each free seminar is offered during lunchtime on a Thursday and is presented by either Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECU) or School Employees Credit Union (SECU).

   

Credit and Banking for High School Students
Does your student know the advantages and pitfalls of checking accounts, debit and credit cards, and payday loans? Do they know the role credit reports play in their life, how to maintain good credit, and how to protect against identity theft? UW faculty and staff are invited to attend this event—with or without their high school student—to learn answers to these questions. Offered August 19 at South Lake Union or September 16 at Health Sciences. Access seminar information and registration.

   

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. Limited space is available at South Lake Union on August 19. Access seminar information and registration.

   

Identity Theft—When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name
Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the nation. This free workshop will bring you up-to-date on the newest statistics, how it happens, and how to prevent it from happening to you. For those affected, there will be advice and support to help you make a full recovery and restoration of your good name. Limited space is available at Health Sciences on September 16 . Access seminar information and registration.

 

Need help focusing on your total financial picture?
Schedule a free, half-hour consultation today, and let one of our fund sponsors guide you to the right resource for help with a variety of financial needs including:

  • Consolidating your retirement accounts
  • College planning, estate planning, wealth management
  • Identifying strategies to help you meet your retirement and financial goals

To sign up for your free consultation, register by phone or online.

 

Homeownership 101 Series
With interest rates at an all-time low, refinancing your home loan might be a smart move for you. This month's seminars focus on the home buying process, refinancing, and tapping into your home equity. Enroll in one of these free lunchtime seminars—each presented by HomeStreet Bank, our Hometown Home Loan partner:

  • Home Buying Process — August 12 at South Lake Union
  • Using Home Equity & Refinancing — August 25 at Bothell and September 1 at Seattle

You can take advantage of free on-campus homeownership counseling too! Access information and registration.

 

Eastside Domestic Violence Program
Eastside Domestic Violence Program (EDVP), one of the largest domestic violence service providers in Washington State, provides life-saving and life-changing services and programs to the community including a 24 hour crisis line, counseling, support groups, education, and emergency shelter. Learn more about the work of EDVP this month at our free UWCFD Meet the Charities workshop. Visit UWCFD for more information.

   

Family Caregiver Network
You are not alone. UW employees, who are providing care to adult loved ones, meet the last Tuesday of every month to discuss the frustrations, challenges, and successes of caregiving. The Family Caregiver Network will provide you with information and encouragement. The next meeting is Tuesday, August 31, at noon. Access session and registration information.

Career Development  
 
 

Support Professionals Development Day
Step away from the office and focus on you—your personal growth as an individual and your professional development as a UW employee. Relax, reflect, and recharge as you attend workshops, connect with peers, and take a day for you! Workshop topics include email etiquette, networking, communication styles, and dealing with change. Access event and registration information.

   

Hourly Career Counseling
What's next for you and your career? One-on-one career counseling can help you make the most of your strengths, prepare for a job search, or explore a new career path. 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.

   

POD Courses are for You!
Autumn quarter registration for Professional & Organizational Development (POD) opens on Monday, August 23. All UW staff and faculty are eligible to attend POD programs, courses, and events, including employees of UW Seattle, UW Tacoma, UW Bothell, UWMC, HMC, and UW employees at other locations (Children's Hospital, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, the VA, etc.). Learn more about who is eligible and how to register for POD classes.

Policy  
 
 

Do you have a workplace bully?
Threatening violence, harassment, intimidation, interfering with freedom of movement or expression are behaviors that you do not need to tolerate. Review the UW Policy & Procedure on Violence in the Workplace to understand your rights and how to seek help.

Benefits  
 
 

Health Plan Changes for 2011
The Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) recently approved medical and dental plan changes which will go into effect on January 1, 2011. While the average employee premium share remains at 12 percent (the UW share is 88 percent), employees should review their plan's premiums for possible changes. Also note that Aetna Public Employees Plan will no longer be offered. Learn more at our Open Enrollment website.

   

UW Benefits Fairs Coming Soon
Save the date to attend a UW Benefits Fair near you: November 2 at the UW Medical Center/Health Sciences Building, November 3 at Mary Gates Hall, or November 4 at Harborview Medical Center's Research & Training Building. This is an excellent time to explore all the benefits available to you and your family. Remember, any changes to your medical and dental plans or additions to previously uncovered dependents must be made during the Open Enrollment period with changes taking effect on January 1, 2011. See more details.

Community  
 
   

Adult Eldercare Consultations
Spending one hour with a worklife consultant, focusing on your concerns for your elderly parents or loved ones, will provide you with options and resources available in the community. Contact UW WorkLife to request an eldercare consultation.

   

The Resource Center
Have you ever wondered what children think about their family's work/life balance? In her book, Ask The Children, noted work-family researcher Ellen Galinsky did just that, and her book offers dozens of proven strategies busy families can use to feel more successful at work and at home. Email your request for this book on loan to WorkLife Resource Center.

   

Benefits of Exercising
Exercise is good for you and this month's Tip Sheet provides information about the specific health benefits — adding additional incentives for your regular exercise.

   

Take a Break
The Center for Urban Horticulture, a part of the UW Botanic Gardens, offers a pleasant break from the hustle of campus and the city. A stroll through the Center's 16 acres offers gardening ideas for selecting plantings for Pacific Northwest gardens, as well as a lovely landscape to enjoy. Round out the visit with a picnic in the shade provided by the plantings in the Soest Garden and the Goodfellow Grove.

 

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