The Resource

In This Issue

WorkLife
Home Loan Program
Wellness
SafeCampus
UW Discounts
Retirement Seminars
Benefits
Career Development
Take a Break

Published: July 11, 2012

Compensation at the University of Washington goes beyond salary. The UW offers a vast range of benefits—from the traditional to those offered by other premier employers to those that are truly unique to working at the UW. The Resource—UWHR's e-newsletter keeps you informed of all of these offerings so that you can make the most out of your UW employment.

WorkLife  
 
 

CareLink Monthly Feature: Financial Health
July's monthly feature is all about our Financial Health. Log in to the CareLink main page at www.apshelplink.com (enter “UW” as the company code) to read about how to make your money last during retirement, managing money in midlife, and see tips for planning your retirement no matter what your age.

   

Internet Safety for Kids
As the summer months stretch on, bored kids increasingly turn to digital media to pass the time. CareLink provides a wealth of articles and resources to help educate your children about using the Web responsibly. Article topics include cyberbullying, protecting privacy, and a parent’s guide to social networking sites. To access these resources, log in to www.apshelplink.com (enter “UW” as the company code), then click on the “Parenting” tab. Select “Kids’ Well-Being” and, from the menu category on the right of the page, click “Media and Internet Awareness.”

   

Warning Signs that a Senior Needs Help
Many families visit older relatives during summer break. During these visits, a loved one may exhibit concerning changes in behavior. CareLink offers these warning signs that assistance may be needed:

  • Are they having any difficulty with basic activities, like eating? This may mean it’s a good time to visit a dentist or doctor.
  • Are piles of paper and unopened mail mounting? Unpaid bills may result in services being cut off.
  • What's in the medicine cabinet? Your loved ones should be able to answer questions about the medications they are taking.
  • Check out their behavior. Are phone calls going unreturned? Are appointments being missed? They may be more forgetful than you think.
  • Are they getting lost walking or driving? Are they losing interest in activities and friends? It might be time to reevaluate their transportation methods. How will they get around if they can't drive?

If your loved one exhibits any of these behaviors and you are interested in exploring care options, UW CareLink provides elder care consultation and referral services for UW employees. To access the full array of resources, call 1-866-598-3978 to talk to a consultant. You may also use the LiveConnect instant messaging tool through the APS HelpLink portal by logging on to www.apshelplink.com (enter "UW" as the company code). Look for the LiveConnect button in the upper right corner of the home page to connect with a consultant specializing in elder care referral services.

Home Loan Program  
 
 

Summertime Brown Bag Seminars
The Hometown Home Loan Program's Education Series offers the following free seminars to UW faculty and staff this summer:

  • Buying a Distressed Property Thinking of buying distressed real estate? Learn where to find properties, how to finance this type of purchase, and how the industry defines terms like short sale, bank-owned, owner-occupied, and investment home. Offered Tuesday, August 21, at UW Tower in Seattle.
  • Home Maintenance through the Seasons Homeownership is a major responsibility, and seasonal temperature fluctuations can take a toll on your important investment. Learn what you need to do to maintain a sound and healthy home, and find out about payment options for basic home maintenance. Offered Thursday, August 23, at UW Bothell.

Access event information and registration on the HomeStreet site.

   

Free Individual Homeownership Counseling
Make your dream of homeownership a reality! Schedule a free, private, half-hour, one-on-one counseling appointment with a HomeStreet Affinity Loan Officer to discuss your homeownership options. Spouses, partners, and anyone else who might be on the loan are welcome to attend with you. HomeStreet will be visiting the UW Tower, South Lake Union, and Bothell on July 23, 24, and 25 respectively. Access appointment and registration information.

Wellness  
 
 

Uniform Medical Plan Members’ Healthy Journey Program
Regence’s Healthy Journey provides the help you need to make the trip on the proverbial road-to-better-health successful. This program will help you become better aware of how your daily decisions impact your health, and motivate you to make lasting, healthy changes in your behavior. The idea is to incorporate incremental changes into your daily routine, and then track those changes over a one-year period—think of it as a 12-month journey to better health. To learn more, log into www.myregence.com, then under the My Health tab, choose Programs.

   

Group Health Members’ Fitness Network
Whether you’re in the peak of health, on your way to improving your health, or just starting your path to better health, you’ll find events and tools at Group Health’s Fitness Network that empower you and your family to reach your fitness goals. Group Health sponsors dozens of fitness events and kids’ summer camps each year. Members are eligible for entry fee discounts to sponsored fitness events and can enter to win prizes including trips and fitness and athletic equipment. Learn more about these events and tools.

   

Peace of Mind While Traveling
If you're traveling this summer, find out how you can protect your health while you're away from home. Knowing your health care options at your destination can give you peace of mind, save you time, and avoid confusion when it comes to possible emergencies. Learn more about emergency care while away from home.

   

Weight Watchers at Work
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. Sign up for a monthly pass to attend sessions at Schmitz Hall on Tuesdays or at UW Medical Center on Fridays. The pass allows you to enjoy lower monthly fees, attend unlimited meetings anywhere, and get free access to Weight Watchers eTools—the interactive Web tools, tips, and recipes that help you stay on track. Learn how to get started.

   

Summer—Time to Quit Tobacco
Summer is a great time to get outdoors, be active, and shake up those tobacco habits. By quitting tobacco, you'll have increased lung capacity, heal from injuries more quickly, be better able to enjoy a more active lifestyle, and save money. You can do it! Learn how.

SafeCampus  
 
 

Final Training of the Summer
The final Violence Prevention and Response Training of summer is August 1, from 1:00–2:00 p.m., at Health Sciences T439. Register to attend this session.

Would you like Violence Prevention training for your workgroup? Contact Kelly Schrader at kschrad@uw.edu to arrange training for a team or department.

UW Discounts  
 
 

Discover Nature
Some things in life are free! Like using your UW Husky Card to gain free admission to the Burke Museum, where you'll learn about the natural wonders of Washington state, the Pacific Northwest, and the Pacific Rim. Check out the various exhibits, including the breathtaking International Conservation Photography Awards. This biennial-juried competition was founded by acclaimed local nature photographer, Art Wolfe. Featuring 75 award-winning photographs from around the globe, it captures beautiful moments in the natural world. The photos connect us to tiny creatures and enormous environmental changes—and inspire, educate, and encourage us to consider our impact on the world’s natural resources. Visit the Burke’s website for more information. Also, check out other UW Discounts available to you.

   

Share the Husky Love at Dawgs at the Drive-In!
Faculty and staff are invited to join UW alumni for an evening of fun and Husky spirit on August 4 at the Valley 6 Drive-In Theatres in Auburn. The UW Alumni Association (UWAA) is offering discounted admission to your choice of five double features of first-run movies. Sign up online, and admission is just $6 per adult (regularly $9). UWAA members pay just $3. Bring the family; bring the dog! It's all to celebrate the vital support UW specialty license plate holders provide to UW student scholarships. Learn more about this event and how to purchase tickets.

Retirement Seminars  
 
 

Social Security: A Foundation for Your Future
A secure, comfortable retirement is everyone's dream. And now, because we're living longer, healthier lives, we expect to spend more time in retirement than our parents and grandparents did. Learn what benefits to expect from Social Security and when benefits will be available to you and your family. Attend Social Security: A Foundation for Planning Your Future to gain a better understanding of how Social Security and Medicare work. This session is offered on Thursday, July 26, at UW Tower. Access seminar information and free registration.

   

Ready to Retire?
If you're thinking of retiring in the next 12 months, consider attending one of these workshops to learn how to construct a sound strategy. Workshops are free and based on your current retirement plan and eligibility. Access workshop information and registration.

Benefits  
 
 

Name/Address Changes
I recently got married. How do I update my name and address in the UW systems?

If you were recently married, had your name legally changed, or moved to a new address, update your personal information in the UW systems to ensure you receive important benefits information at your home address. Remember, legally changing your name requires that you complete a number of local and federal government forms before making changes to your benefits. See Name and Address Change instructions. To access more Benefit FAQs, see our Benefits Help webpage.

Career Development  
 
 

Professional & Organizational Development (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.

   

Overcoming Barriers to Care
For health care workers and providers, see what the health care system that you work in is like for those trying to access care. Explore an innovative tool called the Barriers to Care Map as you identify obstacles, vulnerable groups, consequences, and solutions for overcoming barriers in your health care system. Access course information and registration.

   

POD Webinar: Stress Management
In just two short sessions, this live webinar can help you find better ways to manage the ever-growing demands of the information age. Learn how to rewire your brain to think and respond differently, discover simple processes to reverse the effects of stress, and create a personal stress relief plan. Access course information and registration.

 

Time Management
Get ready for the coming academic year by learning how to take charge of your time! In this half-day class, evaluate how your time is currently being spent, learn prioritization techniques, and improve your time management skills so that you feel more productive and less stressed at work. Access course information and registration.

   

Unlocking Possibility
Explore a groundbreaking approach that can help you leave your fears behind and realize your full potential. If you’re stuck in a rut, but ready to break free, this interactive workshop can help you unlock your possibility, both personally and professionally. Access course information and registration.

   

Explore Your Options Through One-on-One Career Counseling
In the midst of planning summer getaways, don’t forget about mapping out options for your career. Summer is a great time to discover how you can make the most of your strengths at your current job or explore a new career path for the future. One-on-one career counseling sessions are offered through Training and Organizational Development Consultant Susan Templeton for $95 per one-hour career counseling session if paid with a UW budget number (with supervisor approval) or $109.82 if paid with cash, check, or credit card (due to a mandatory institutional overhead fee). Learn more about this service.

Take a Break  
 
 

Now that summer is finally here, use the better weather as your opportunity to stroll through the grounds of UW’s Center for Urban Horticulture to view the recent McVay Courtyard Renovation or take in the tantalizing fragrances of the Seattle Garden Club’s Scented Garden. See directions and maps.

   

UW Staff: Art Break
University of Washington staff, faculty, and affiliates are invited to participate in free 30-minute exploratory tours of the Henry Art Gallery’s exhibitions. Get together with your colleagues to explore and discuss current exhibitions.

Exhibition guides will focus on a selection of objects and use visual-thinking techniques to draw a lively discussion.

Upcoming:

  • Wednesday, July 25, 2012, 12-12:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, August 29, 2012, 12-12:30 p.m.
 

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