Celebrate the Nominees of the Distinguished Staff Award
The Distinguished Staff Award reception is coming soon, and you’re invited. This celebratory event recognizes the individual and team nominees of UW's highest staff honor. Mark your calendar for Tuesday, March 26, from 2:30-4 p.m. in the HUB Ballroom and take this opportunity to congratulate colleagues who have exemplified excellence in their work. UW leaders will be on hand to highlight the incredible contributions of all nominees. Find details on the Distinguished Staff Award site.

Donate Your Air Miles to Make-A-Wish
When kids dream, they dream big. You can help a child who faces a life-threatening medical condition go on a life-affirming trip courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The UW Combined Fund Drive and Make-A-Wish Washington have teamed up to present “Wishes in Flight” during the month of March. Here’s how it works. If you have unused frequent flyer miles with a Make-A-Wish Foundation airline partner (Alaska, Delta, United, or US Airways), you can donate them to a child who hopes to swim with the dolphins, ride in the rodeo, or meet her favorite actors in L.A. Visit Wishes in Flight and donate before March 31.

Miles are in high demand as the majority of wishes involve travel. Please give. You may also support Make-A-Wish through payroll deduction by visiting the UW Combined Fund Drive.

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.

Spring Registration is Open
Registration is open for dozens of spring 2013 training classes! Make plans now for classes that are typically offered just once a year, including Learned Optimism: Understanding Your Explanatory Style, Strategies to Overcome the Five Dysfunctions of a Team, and a new class, The Trust Advantage. Access registration and course information.

Explore Your Options through One-on-One Career Counseling
You’re the one driving your career—but at some point everyone needs to stop and ask for directions. Discover how to leverage your strengths, prepare for a job search, or chart a new career path through one-on-one career counseling. Sessions are offered through 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.

Support Professionals Spring Retreat
Whether your work supports an entire program or one busy leader, this event is for you—the support professional who keeps schedules, manages records, proofreads reports, processes payments, and helps UW run smoothly. Relax, reflect, and recharge as you attend workshops, connect with peers, and take a day for you! Choose from workshops covering a variety of topics, including leadership skills and styles, self-motivation, and goal setting. The event returns to the Bell Harbor Conference Center this year and will be offered only once, so reserve your spot now! Access event information and registration.

Maintaining a Positive Attitude
Spring is a time of renewal and light that encourages a refreshed outlook. But there are days when we find our attitude is heading south. A positive attitude helps you cope with life’s challenges and may even improve your health and well-being. While maintaining a positive attitude may seem to come more easily to some people, anyone can learn to develop one. This month’s UW CareLink tip sheet on staying positive suggests practicing your “gratefuls.” These are daily lists of what you appreciate most, such as friends and family. Another tip is scheduling your “worry time” by allowing a few minutes each day to think about your worries. If negative thoughts pop up throughout the day, then jot them down to reflect upon at your next scheduled time. These are only a few tips to get your started. Refer to the tip sheet and the UW CareLink website for more resources to maintaining a positive attitude.

If you find yourself needing extra support, UW CareLink offers free, confidential counseling services that include up to five sessions with a state-licensed professional who can help you stay on track and identify obstacles. To get started, call 866-598-3978.

Webinar: Feeling the Pressure? Building Resiliency 101
It’s how we react to stress that determines if it has a harmful impact on our health and well-being. Learn helpful tools and techniques to become more resilient to stress at home and work. UW CareLink is offering a webinar, “Building Resiliency 101,” on March 19 at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. (PST). In order to participate in the webinar, you must pre-register at least one hour prior to the start time. Visit www.apshelplink.com to register (enter “UW” as the company code) and look for Online Seminars in the lower right-hand corner of the homepage. Since these times may not be convenient for everyone, the webinar will be archived on the site and available for viewing by the beginning of April.

UW Youth Program Summer Registration is Open
UW Summer Youth Programs offer unique hands-on enrichment opportunities for children and teens. Choose from a variety of full-day camps, academies, and short courses that explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), as well as the arts and humanities. Registration is open now. Space is limited, so enroll soon!

Preventing Violence is Everyone's Responsibility
Preventing violence on our campus and in our workplace is a responsibility we all share. You can help prevent violence by learning to recognize behaviors of concern. These are behaviors that could mean a friend or colleague is experiencing distress and may benefit from the many resources the UW offers such as UW CareLink, the UWPD Victim Advocate, or assistance from a Human Resources Consultant. Additional resources are listed on the SafeCampus website. If you see behaviors of concern, please report them to your supervisor or SafeCampus at 206-685-SAFE (7233). To help you learn about your role in violence prevention, we hold training sessions each quarter. They are free and open to the entire UW community. The next session is on Tuesday, March 19, at 9:30 a.m. in the UW Tower Auditorium. Register via the SafeCampus homepage.

R.A.D.: Free Self-Defense Training for Women
The University of Washington Police Department (UWPD) is offering free self-defense training in April and May. The program trains women in Rape Aggression Defense (RAD)—simple yet effective self-defense designed for women on university and college campuses. The program teaches realistic self-defense movements that do not require special skills, years of practice or any particular level of fitness.

The UWPD offers RAD for free to community members, including faculty, students and staff as well as our neighbors in the University District. Class participants praise the class for “inspiring” them and helping make them feel “much more confident” and “empowered.” Students come out of the class “really, really glad [and] proud [they] did the simulation” training.

Participants must be able to attend all four classes. April training sessions are April 4, 11, 18, and 25 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. May training sessions are May 4, 11, 18, and June 1 from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. You must register to attend. For more information or to register, contact Lynda Pease at peasel@uw.edu or 206-616-0873.

UW Home Improvement Fair
Whether you’d like to renovate, remodel, refinance, or are just now taking the first steps towards buying a home, you’ll find all the expertise you’re looking for at the 16th annual UW Home Improvement Fair. This year’s theme is "Building Your Future” with a focus on appreciating and adapting your home at any stage.

Drop by on Thursday, April 11 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the HUB, Lyceum Room (160).

Exhibitors include contractors, interior designers, gardening experts, do-it-yourself resources, and more. Refreshments, demos, and door prizes including an iPad! Learn more about the fair.

Home Ownership Seminar Offerings
Prepare for any stage of home ownership with these upcoming Hometown Home Loan Program seminars:

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. Attend this free lunchtime seminar on March 21 at Health Sciences.

The Path to Home Ownership: First-time homebuyers, consider attending this seminar to learn about today’s real estate market, how to use down payment assistance, and special programs specially designed for you. Find out what costs to expect in your first transaction. Attend this free lunchtime seminar on March 26 at Seattle’s UW Tower.

Understanding Credit: Do you know why credit history is important when getting ready to refinance your home? Learn how to clean up your credit history and fix reporting errors. Attend this free lunchtime seminar on March 26 at Harborview.

Buying a Condominium: Learn the pros and cons of condo ownership, how to find the right community, and how to secure the right financing. Attend this free lunchtime seminar on April 16 at Seattle’s UW Tower.

Access event information and registration at the HomeStreet website.

Free Individual Home Ownership Counseling
The Hometown Home Loan Program is here to help make your dream of home ownership a reality. Schedule a free, private, half-hour, one-on-one counseling appointment with a HomeStreet Affinity loan officer to discuss your home ownership options. Spouses, partners, and anyone else who might be on the loan are welcome to attend with you. HomeStreet is scheduled to visit the following campus locations: March 25 at Seattle, March 27 at South Lake Union, April 18 at Tacoma, and April 24 at Bothell. Access event information and registration at the HomeStreet website.

Wake-up Call
American Diabetes Association Alert Day® is a one-day "wake-up call" asking Americans to take a 3-minute Diabetes Risk Quiz to check if they’re at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The quiz asks simple questions about weight, age, family history, and other potential risk factors for pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. In return, you get great tips for preventing this common disease. While this year’s Alert Day will be held on March 26, you can take the test anytime. And don’t forget to take advantage of your health plan for preventive screenings for diabetes.

UW Relay for Life
Join a good cause while getting exercise too! UW Relay for Life involves teams and individuals walking, jogging, or running around the track to raise money for cancer awareness and research. Time off the track is spent listening to music, camping out, and participating in a wide variety of family-appropriate and cancer awareness activities with friends, family, and other supporters. An inspirational “Luminaria” ceremony is traditionally held in the evening with a multitude of candles lit in honor of those touched by the disease. Anyone can participate in this community event—all or part of the time. Join a team, bring your family and friends, or participate solo! UW Relay for Life will be held on April 27, 2013 near Husky Stadium. Access event information and registration.

Get Ready for Bike to Work Month
Get ready to bike to campus during Bike-to-Work Month in May. Check out the lively events sponsored by Commuter Services and U-PASS including bike classes and a trail party, and sign up for the "Group Health Commute Challenge" to win prizes. Check it out!

How Old Do You Feel?
Have you ever had your age appraised? Is it more or less than your actual age? By completing a General Health Assessment through your state-sponsored medical plan, you can get immediate feedback on your wellness score including an age appraisal. The assessment is simple, brief, and secure, and you’ll receive personalized results you can share with your doctor. Plus, if you’re participating in the Uniform Medical Plan, you’re eligible to receive a $30 merchant gift card when completing your “Health Counts” assessment by June 30. Learn more about health assessments.

Time to Schedule a Mammogram?
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's mobile mammography service, the "MammoVan," now there's a faster and more convenient way to get it done. The MammoVan is scheduled to roll into the south parking lot south of the UW Tower today and return to other campus locations in April, June, and September. Schedule your appointment today!

Resources for Free or Reduced-cost Tax Preparation and Advice
Spring is almost here! And while you may be gathering garden tools and selecting bulbs to plant, you’re likely gathering files, documents, and receipts to prepare your 2012 federal taxes too. To give you a boost with this year’s taxes, we’ve gathered a number of resources to help. First, check with your credit union—many now offer free or reduced-cost access to tax preparation software and discounts on professional services. See a list of helpful resources.

More Ways to Save
Discover more ways to save at the UW! As a UW employee, you have access to great savings on things like transportation (e.g., U-PASS), auto, home, and renters’ insurances, tuition, savings bonds, and more. See more employee savings and/or the UW Discount Program.

Thinking of Retiring Soon?
If you're thinking of retiring in the next 12 months, consider attending one of these workshops to learn how to construct a sound retirement 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.

Transitioning to Retirement
The UW Retirement Association (UWRA) invites all interested UW employees and retirees to “UWRA Transitions,” a series of two-hour workshops covering important issues and decisions facing retirees and soon-to-be retirees.

End-of-Life Personal and Ethical Considerations: Make thoughtful choices about the end of your life which reflect your ethics and values, and learn ways to discuss your wishes and make them understood by the significant people in your life. Presented by Marty Richards, M.S.W., at UW Seattle campus, Tuesday, March 19 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Long-term Care Insurance: How to Evaluate Policies and Brokers: Long-term care insurance can raise plenty of questions: What exactly is it and is it right for you? How do you evaluate your coverage needs and vendors' policies? This is your chance to learn more about this complex insurance product without promotion or sales. Presented by Ken Story C.P.C.U. at UW Seattle campus, Wednesday, April 3 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Click on title(s) above to access workshop information, registration, and membership information.

Admission to each session is $15 for UWRA or UWAA members and $25 for non-members. Contact the UWRA at 206-543-8600 or retiremt@uw.edu for more information.

DRS Annual Retirement Statements Available
Annual retirement statements from 2012 are now available at Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) for members of Public Employees (PERS) and Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters (LEOFF). Create an account if you haven't already done so, then log in to view your account details.

Social Security Statements Available
At each stage of your life, my Social Security is for you. This personal online account is a valuable source of information beginning in your working years and continuing throughout the time you receive Social Security benefits. Even if you aren’t receiving benefits now, you can still use your online account to:

• View your Social Security statement—these are no longer mailed out
• Get estimates on retirement, disability, and survivors benefits
• See your earnings record
• Find estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid

Paws-on Science: Husky Weekend at Pacific Science Center, April 5-7
Huskies of all ages are invited to join UW scientists and researchers for fun, interactive activities and exhibits. From building a race car to controlling underwater robots, Paws-on Science offers something for the whole family. UW students, faculty, staff, and guests will enjoy a 20% discount on general exhibit admission. Just show your Husky Card.

Your Story Needed for Employee Recruitment
Why did you choose to work at the University of Washington? Perhaps because it's your alma mater. Maybe you heard from friends, like Kerri Everly did, about how great a place it is to work. It could be the hands-on research opportunities. Or, like A.J. Hartman, perhaps you chose UW because of its impact on the community. If you’re passionate about your job and willing to let us share your experience with prospective employees via social media, tell us your story.

Take a Break
Stroll on over to the University of Washington Club, and enjoy a small sampling of photos shot by 15 students during the 2012 Design Program in Rome Exploration Seminar, which was led by Professor Christopher Ozubko. The exhibit is in the Colleen Rohrbaugh Room and typically available from 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. weekdays, but call 206-543-0437 to confirm.

Then head over to the Allen Library lobby to enjoy Journeys Ashore: South Asian Immigrants in the Pacific Northwest. Through photographs and oral histories, this exhibit explores the various routes that brought South Asians to the Pacific Northwest, their motivations for leaving their homelands, and their experiences upon arrival. This timeline continues to capture the experiences of immigrant life here following the Second World War.