Disaster Aid Needed Now
Hurricane Isaac caused flooding and destruction in the Gulf Coast. You can help the Isaac Relief Effort by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, charity code 1468727, through the UW Combined Fund Drive. The Red Cross is providing emergency response vehicles, food, water, mental health counselors, shelter, and other aid to those affected by the storm.

The wildfire that burned between Cle Elum and Ellensburg over the past few weeks destroyed nearly 100 homes and outbuildings, blackened more than 23,000 acres, and caused hundreds to evacuate and leave countless animals behind. Victims of the devastation need our help. You may make an ongoing payroll donation or one-time gift through the UW Combined Fund Drive to any of the following organizations currently working on the ground in eastern Washington:

• American Red Cross—Kittitas County Chapter
• Salvation Army Northwest
• United Way of Central Washington

For more information or to make a donation, visit the UW Combined Fund Drive website.

Save the Date! Charity Fair & Silent Auction Set for October 10
Kick off the 2012 UW Combined Fund Drive, our workplace giving campaign, by attending the Charity Fair on Wednesday, October 10, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the newly renovated HUB Ballroom!

Take a break, check out the HUB's new look, enjoy refreshments, and enter to win door prizes (such as gift cards to Metropolitan Market, Ram Restaurant & Brewery, Dick's Drive In, and the grand prize of a VIP party for 20 at FOX Sports Grill) while learning about more than 80 nonprofit organizations that benefit from the UW Combined Fund Drive.

Help support Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Western Washington & Alaska, our featured charity for 2012, at the Charity Fair:

• Participate in the silent auction! Items include: Agua Verde & Paddle Club experience; Brian Carter Cellars Wine Tasting for four and red wine; a Microsoft Kinect and games; Seahawks gift pack; Stevens Pass adult lift tickets; and much more!
• Stock the pantry! Bring new food and household items from the selection list to the Charity Fair from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Additional items can be dropped off October 11-31 at one of the many donation bins across campus.
• Bring your spare change to the Charity Fair from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and help fill the big coin jar! A little change can mean a lot of impact!

Learn more about the Charity Fair.

Elder Care Topics in September
Did you know that September 9 was National Grandparents Day? One of the best ways to show that you care is by educating yourself on key issues related to aging. In and out of the workplace, we are facing new challenges and opportunities as we age. UW CareLink is here to help with a number of events in September.

Communicating Through the Workplace Generation Gap
Thursday, September 27, 2012, Noon to 1 p.m., Tower Auditorium. The workshop is free, no registration is required, and we encourage you to bring your lunch. Presenter: Althea Brandis, UW CareLink. Many work groups today are comprised of four generations—a first in the history of workplaces. These generations carry the names of Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y, and they each have their own relatively distinct set of work values. This results in different beliefs about work, communication styles, and workplace behaviors. Communication can be challenging at any time, but even more so when there are fundamental differences in values. In this fast-paced seminar, you will gain an understanding of the basic generational differences, be challenged to increase your sensitivity, and have an opportunity to review communication techniques that aim to minimize conflict and maximize team work.

Know the Ten Signs: Early Detection Matters with Alzheimer’s
On Wednesday, September 19, the Alzheimer's Association presents a one-hour webinar entitled “Know the Ten Signs; Early Detection Matters” at 10 a.m. The warning signs of Alzheimer's disease are often dismissed as side effects of normal aging. If you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss or behavior changes, it's time to learn the facts. Early detection gives you a chance to begin drug therapy, enroll in clinical studies, and plan for the future. To register for this session, visit www.apshelplink.com (enter “UW” as the company code). On the right-hand side of the page, click on the appropriate link under “Online Seminars.”

Elder Care Referral and Consultation Services
UW CareLink provides elder care consultation and referral services for UW employees, and can be a source of some much needed assistance as you face this challenge in your life. To access the full array of resources by phone, call 866-598-3978. You may also use the LiveConnect instant messaging tool through the APS HelpLink portal by visiting 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 who specializes in elder care referral services.

Campus Flu Shot Clinics are Coming
Starting next week you can get a seasonal flu shot at one of several convenient campus locations. Take advantage of your Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) medical plan and get immunized. No appointment is necessary. Bring your photo ID, your health insurance card, and a completed claim form so we can bill your plan at no cost to you. View the schedule and see what to bring.

Step Aboard the MammoVan
Women age 40+ know it's not always easy to find time to get a routine mammogram to screen for breast cancer. Thanks to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) mobile mammography service or "MammoVan," now there's a faster and more convenient way to get it done. Step aboard the MammoVan at the south parking lot of the UW Tower on September 25 and 26. Schedule your appointment today!

Note: Women 40+ who are enrolled in a Uniform Medical or Group Health plan are allowed one free mammogram screening per calendar year when seeing an in-network provider like SCCA. Because it's covered at 100% and not subject to the medical deductible, you pay nothing.

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 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—interactive Web tools, tips, and recipes that help you stay on track. Learn how to get started.

UW Bike Classes Brought to You by U-PASS & Cascade Bicycle Club
Bicycling is the ideal way to get to campus, allowing you access to all of the amenities of the area with a short ride. Sponsored by Commuter Services, UW Bike classes are taught by Cascade Bicycle Club instructors who will help you identify the ins and outs of biking to and around campus, demystify the process of finding a bike that’s right for you, research new routes and destinations, and get you ready for Ride in the Rain. Most classes are free to UW faculty, staff, and students. Register here.

• September 25: Intro to Bike Commuting
• September 26: How to Buy a Bike
• September 27: Planning Your Bike Route
• October 16: Getting Ready for Ride in the Rain

For Your Benefit
By now, you should have received the August issue of PEBB’s For Your Benefit newsletter at your home mailing address. (If not, see the “Help Us Find You” article below.) You can also find it on the PEBB’s publication webpage under Employee Newsletters. Inside the August issue, you’ll find some useful information about:

• How childhood immunizations protect your child, your family, and your community
• A drill-down on PEBB’s dental plans
• CDHP/HSA enrollment and Medicare don’t mix if you’re turning 65
• Results from PEBB’s open enrollment survey

Annual Open Enrollment
The PEBB Program’s annual open enrollment is coming November 1-30, 2012. During this time, you can make changes to your PEBB health coverage effective January 1, 2013. Learn more at:

• PEBB's For Your Benefit newsletter: The October issue will include a summary of health plan benefits changes and premiums effective January 1, 2013. It's scheduled to arrive at your home in late October or via email (if you opt in to PEBB’s email subscription service).
• Open Enrollment: Access medical and dental plan benefit comparisons, 2013 premiums, and more on the UW Benefits or PEBB websites. Enrollment forms and online plan changes will be available starting November 1.
• Benefits Fair: Save the date to attend a UW Benefits Fair where you can meet plan providers and explore all the benefits available to you and your family. The UW Benefit Fairs will be held at Harborview Medical Center on October 30, UW Medical Center and Health Sciences Buildings on October 31, and the Husky Union Building on November 1. The PEBB offers benefits fairs in other locations, too.

Help Us Find You Before Open Enrollment Begins
If your home mailing address has changed this year, be sure to update your address profile in Employee Self Service before September 20 so you will receive important mailings regarding Open Enrollment.

Also, if you would prefer to save paper, sign up for PEBB’s email subscription service. This service replaces some of PEBB’s general mailings (such as newsletters and reminders). To sign up for the email subscription service, visit www.pebb.hca.wa.gov and select My Account.

Retirement Plan Changes
If you’re currently participating in the University of Washington Retirement Plan (UWRP) and/or the Voluntary Investment Program (VIP), by now you should have received a variety of mailings regarding changes to come this November. But did you know that free retirement planning guidance appointments arealso available from Fidelity or TIAA-CREF representatives? Schedule your one-on-one appointment in a way that works best for you! Also, check out the website at www.fidelity.com/uw.

Note: Department of Retirement System plans such as PERS, TRS, or LEOFF are not affected by these changes.

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 the seminar, "Social Security: A Foundation for Planning Your Future," to gain a better understanding of how it and Medicare works. This session is offered on Friday, October 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/or eligibility.

• Retiring from UW Retirement Plan (UWRP)
• Retiring from Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)
• UW Supplemental Retirement Plan (UWSRP)

Access workshop information and registration.

Plan for the Future with UWRA Transitions: Long-term Care Insurance
Long-term care (LTC) insurance can raise plenty of questions: What exactly is LTC insurance? Is it right for you? How do you evaluate your coverage needs and vendors' policies?

Join the UW Retirement Association (UWRA) and UW Alumni Association (UWAA) for an educational workshop about insurance that’s designed to offset all or a portion of your possible future custodial or nursing care costs. The workshop, which will be presented by long-term care insurance specialist and broker Ken Story, is open to UW employees, retirees, alumni, and their partners/spouses. It will be held on Thursday, October 4, from 5-7 p.m. at the UW Tower. The cost is $15 for UWRA and UWAA members; $25 for non-UWRA/UWAA members. Space is limited, so sign up today or register by calling the UWAA at 206-543-0540. Access workshop information and registration.

UWRA membership is open to current UW employees. Learn more about UWRA and how to join.

Note: The next LTC insurance workshop will be offered in spring 2013. Workshops do not include promotion of policies or sales.

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. This free lunchtime seminar is offered Tuesday, September 18, at UW Tacoma and Tuesday, October 16, at Seattle’s UW Tower. The entire fall seminar lineup includes:

• Path to Home Ownership
• Refinancing and Using Home Equity
• Mortgage Accelerator
• Home Maintenance through the Seasons

Access event information and registration.

Homeownership Counseling
Thinking of buying or refinancing a home? Why not schedule a personal homeownership counseling session with a HomeStreet Affinity Loan Officer who can walk you through the process? These 30-minute, one-on-one sessions are free, private, and informative. Your spouse, partner, or potential co-signer is welcome to attend with you. Access event information and registration.

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.

Autumn Registration is Open!
Registration is now open for dozens of fall classes for UW staff, covering topics from accountability to kaizen. Offerings include two new classes to help office wordsmiths sharpen their skills: The Not-So-Simple Sentence—Revisiting Punctuation and Grammar, and Writing Minutes and Meeting Notes. Act now so you don’t miss out on classes typically offered just once a year, including Building on Emotional Intelligence: Transforming Communication Through Empathy, Business Email Etiquette and Management, The Ethics Law and the U, Labor Relations Skills, Managing Stress, Motivating Employees, and Proofreading and Editing. View the entire fall lineup in POD’s online course catalog.

Upgrade Your MS Office Techniques with POD Webinars
Quick—before fall quarter is under way—rev up your computer skills with 90-minute live webinars on Outlook, MS Office, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. POD webinars include advance distribution of the webinar slides via email and a link to a recording of it afterward, so you can access and review the course content at your convenience and in different formats. Access webinar schedule and registration.

Leverage Your Strengths through One-on-One Career Counseling
As you and your department prepare for fall quarter, you may find yourself falling into the same old routine. Start fresh this year by learning to make the most of your strengths or by exploring a new career path. Career counseling sessions are offered by Training and Organizational Development Consultant Susan Templeton for $95 per one-hour 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.

Building a Supportive Work Environment: Workplace Violence Prevention
Workplace violence includes more than serious or life-threatening incidents. It also includes disruptive, hostile, or aggressive behavior that creates a distrustful or anxious work environment and takes a toll on employee well-being and productivity. These behaviors could also be indicators of future violence. Some examples include:

• Angry outbursts
• Bullying
• Desperate statements
• Mood swings
• Extreme sadness
• Holding grudges
• Blaming others

One way you can contribute to a supportive work environment is to learn to recognize these behaviors and how to respond. Talk with the person you are concerned about, or report concerns to a supervisor or SafeCampus at 206-685-SAFE (7233). For more information about behaviors of concern and how to respond, we offer a free, 50-minute training for all members of the UW community. Upcoming training sessions include:

• Thursday, October 25, at 10 a.m. in Health Sciences D209
• Wednesday, November 14, at 1 p.m. in the UW Tower Auditorium
• Thursday, December 13, at 10 a.m. in the Allen Library Auditorium

Visit the SafeCampus website today to register.

Advice for the Unimaginable: Violent Incidents on Campus
In light of high-profile gun violence incidents across the United Stated, SafeCampus and UWPD are partnering to offer a training session focused on prevention and response to gun violence on campus. This one hour training will be held Monday, September 17, at 10 a.m. in Gowen Hall 201. Visit www.uw.edu/safecampus to register.

Save the Date: October Presentations to Address Rape and Sexual Assault
Relationship violence—at the hand of a loved one or someone in position of authority—takes many forms and is used to maintain power and control over another person. In October, coinciding with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, two critically acclaimed speakers will visit campus to address rape and sexual assault.

Monday, October 15: Anne Munch will speak to the campus community about rape on campus. Her talk, "She Asked for It! Why We Like to Judge Rape Victims," will examine the influences at work on children, college students, and other members of our communities as they consider the question of rape and what it means. Her presentation is scheduled for 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Kane Hall, room 120.

Wednesday, October 17: Jennifer Storm will speak about the Penn State sexual abuse scandal at 7 p.m. in Kane Hall, room 140. As a content expert on victims' rights issues, a survivor of sexual assault, and an outspoken advocate, Jennifer's analysis of the Penn State coverup and what should have been done differently will shed understanding and light onto the need for victim-centered practices and the cultural shift toward victim support versus victim blaming.

Additional information about both of these events is forthcoming.

Free Food and Prizes at the Rideshare Mixer
Relax and have fun while you mix and mingle with others who would like to start carpooling or vanpooling to campus. Both are great ways to save on gas, parking, and time.

Get to know some new rideshare friends with the help of FREE bowling, pool, ping pong, Xbox, and Wii games. There will be plenty of FREE snacks and drinks too, in case you get parched in the process. Prize drawings will happen throughout the event and you can check out what's up for grabs on the Rideshare Mixer Facebook page. A big thank you to our generous sponsors—Costco, Honest Tea, Popchips, Toyota of Seattle, and Collision Masters—for the snacks, drinks, and prizes.

If you already share your ride, you can still join in the fun! As you know from sharing the ride, the more the merrier!

If you want to learn about ridesharing, you can get tips from folks who currently do it and learn how to get started straight from UW Transportation Services, Metro Transit, and Community Transit.

Rideshare Mixer
September 18, 2012
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
HUB Games Area

Presented by the Transportation Services Rideshare Admin Team

Experience the Dawg Dash’s All-New Course
The Dawg Dash, a UW Homecoming tradition, sports an all-new course for the 10K run and 5K run/walk. The race starts on Memorial Way. The 5K will wind through campus, and the plan for the 10K is to go as far north as Ravenna Park before heading down the Burke-Gilman to campus. Finish is in the Quad. Enter kids ages 10 and under in the free Husky Pups Kid’s Dash with Harry the Husky. And yes, bring your dog! The Post-Dash Bash in Red Square features food, beverages, and awards. Faculty and staff will enjoy $5 off the general admission. The Dash benefits student scholarship programs.

When: Sunday, October 21, 9-11 a.m.
Where: Red Square, UW Seattle
Register online.

We’re barreling toward the beginning of autumn quarter, so now’s a great time to explore exhibits of local artists featured around campus.

There is No Frigate Like a Book: Art & Artists' Books by Margery Hellmann, which covers the lengthy career of Seattle artist Margery Hellmann as a marbler, collage artist, papermaker, printmaker, and creator of letterpress printed art books and broadsides. A founding member of the Book Arts Guild, Margery worked tirelessly to create a melding of text and structure to complement and expand meaning. Her work is held in collections around the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Britain. The UW Libraries contain the best single collection of her work. This exhibit is free to the public and runs through November 19 in the Special Collections Reading Room, Allen Library South Basement.

Ahn | Gale | Cheng School of Art Faculty Showcase
See the work of three School of Art faculty members who are being considered for promotion: Industrial Design Assistant Professor Sang-gyeun Ahn, Visual Communication Design Associate Professor Karen Cheng, and Painting and Drawing Associate Professor Ann Gale. The exhibit reception will be on Tuesday, October 2, 2012, from 4-7 p.m. The show closes on Friday, October 19, 2012. Hours are normally Wednesday-Saturday, 12-4 p.m. Jacob Lawrence Gallery (Room 132).