Ovations Performance Showcase!
President Michael Young and Mrs. Marti Young invite you to Ovations Performance Showcase, a celebration of the season featuring the amazing talents of our own faculty and staff. Bring your team or bring your family, but don't miss this one-night special event in the beautiful Meany Theater on Friday, December 12 at 7 p.m. Holiday attire. Learn more or reserve your seats now. Whole U photographers will be on hand to capture your family's special moments and don't miss the special grand finale performance involving the whole family.

Open Enrollment Ends November 30
Do you want to choose a different health plan or add previously uncovered dependents to your PEBB health coverage? Have you considered enrolling in a 2015 pretax savings program such as a Flexible Spending Account or the Dependent Care Assistance Program? November is open enrollment which means this is your chance to do these things! Learn more about open enrollment.

Spousal Attestations Due by Nov. 30—Action Required
If you will have a spouse or domestic partner enrolled on your PEBB medical plan next year, PEBB requires that you attest or re-attest to the spousal coverage premium surcharge during annual open enrollment. The spousal coverage attestation will be effective January 1, 2015.

Get all the attestation tools you need at the Spousal Attestation web page. When you're ready to attest, visit My Account. If you still have questions, contact the HCA at 800-200-1004.

Winter Weather is Coming
With winter weather arriving, now is the time to make sure you understand the UW’s policies on suspended operations and inclement weather. Learn about telework options, how your pay and/or leave balances could be impacted, and where to look for official UW announcements regarding operational status.

• The Inclement Weather policy addresses employee time off when the University is in operation, but local weather conditions are hazardous or impact transportation.
• The Suspended Operations policy is used when UW officials temporarily suspend non-essential operations, requiring only staff performing essential functions to report to work.

Nominate for the Distinguished Staff Award through Nov. 21
Nominations for the Distinguished Staff Award remain open through 5:00 p.m. on November 21. Nominate an individual or a team of up to eight, who innovates, inspires, and whose work surpasses all expectations. Eligibility requirements state that all classified and professional staff who hold a 50% or greater regular appointment and have been employed at the University for a minimum of six months as of November 21 may be nominated. Up to five individuals and/or teams will receive the honor, along with $5,000, at the Annual Awards of Excellence ceremony. Visit the Distinguished Staff Award site to nominate.

Nominations Being Accepted: David B. Thorud Leadership Award
Nominations are open for the David B. Thorud Leadership Award. Through December 5, submit a nomination for the award which is presented to one faculty and one staff member who shines, leads, and innovates with great impact. The faculty and staff member chosen will receive $2,500 at the Annual Awards of Excellence ceremony. Visit the David B. Thorud Leadership Award site to nominate UW staff and faculty.

Stretch Your Dollars with a 2015 Flexible Spending Account
Are you looking for a great way to save valuable tax dollars on health expenses? Consider an IRS-approved, tax-free Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to save money on eligible medical expenses. To participate in an FSA for 2015, you must enroll during open enrollment for benefits to begin January 1, 2015.

Note: If you or your spouse are currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a Consumer-Directed Health Plan with a Health Savings Account (CDHP-HSA), you may not enroll in an FSA during the same year. If you already have an FSA for 2014 and choose a CDHP-HSA for 2015, you will be required to use all funds by the end of this year with no grace period or claims “run-out” period.

Before you enroll in a 2015 CDHP-HSA, be sure to check the CDHP-HSA site which highlights some of the restrictions for high-deductible plans.

FSA accounts allow you to contribute between $240 and $2,500 as mandated by the federal Affordable Care Act. The CDHP-HSA allows a maximum contribution of up to $3,350 for individual coverage or up to $6,650 for family coverage in 2015.

DCAP: Stretch Your Dollars Further in 2015
Are you looking for a way to save valuable tax dollars on child care or elder care expenses? By enrolling in Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), you save money in your paycheck now because the deductions are exempt from taxes. To participate in DCAP in 2015—whether as a new or returning participant—enroll by November 30 for benefits to begin January 2015. Learn more and enroll in a 2015 DCAP account.

Exercise your way through stress with ZUMBA!
Join us for free Zumba in the HUB at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18. Led by Daren Wade, clinical instructor for Global Health and director for the Global Health Resource Center, and Meghan Fitzpatrick, communications specialist for the Northwest Center for Public Health Practice, this workout is appropriate for all levels. Sign up now.

Dawgs Meet Dogs
Make your furry family member’s day and meet fellow UW dog lovers at Woodland Park on Saturday, November 22 at 9:30 a.m. Register now and receive surprises for your pup at the park!

Finding Happiness Through Giving
Discover the link between volunteerism and happiness at this seminar lead by Ellen B. Taylor PhD, AVP for Student Life and director of the UW Counseling Center and Joe Gruber, executive director of the University Food Bank. Bring your lunch and learn how the act of volunteering creates personal energy, validation, and the opportunity to get more out of life on Monday, November 24 at noon in the HUB. Sign up now.

New Cooking Demos
Two new Whole U Cooking Demos will hook you up with delicious samples and easy recipes for the holidays from UW Executive Chef Tracey MacRae. Learn the wonders of pumpkin and how to make Mostarda, an Italian spread that makes a great edible gift. Learn more.

Menu Prep Secrets
Get menu tips and tricks from UW Club Executive Chef Jon Maley on Wednesday, December 10 at the HUB at 5 p.m. Learn how to prepare your holiday feast the night before so you can relax and enjoy your next gathering. Sign up now.

Professional & Organizational Development (POD) courses and events 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.

Learn a New Language
Do you know the difference between osteopathy and osteopenia? Many who don’t practice medicine need to understand its lingo. Develop your basic medical vocabulary skills by exploring root words, prefixes, suffixes, proper pronunciation, and usage in this interactive class. Content includes medical terminology language structure, pharmacy and laboratory terms, and major terms for each organ system, including mental and dental. Register for Medical Terminology.

Start a Winning Streak
Hoping to change your luck at work or in life? You may not think of likeability as a skill that can be honed, but it’s possible for anyone to become more likeable—and likeability is directly linked to trustworthiness, credibility, and success. In this half-day workshop, assess your likeability, learn strategies for increasing likeability, and construct a plan to enhance your success. Register for The Likeability Factor.

Create Better Visual Effects
Do you have ninety minutes to learn new techniques for presenting information? Choose from two upcoming live webinars: Microsoft Visio Techniques—Intermediate focuses on increasing Visio data visualization skills to create advanced charts and diagrams, including complex brainstorming grids, organizational charts, and timelines (register by 11/13). Microsoft PowerPoint Techniques explores formatting presentations, using templates, and presenting data with tables, charts, and diagrams. View upcoming POD Webinars.

Turn Over a New Leaf
Ready to make a fresh start? Career counseling can provide direction, focus, and momentum for a career change or occupational adjustment. Evaluate your strengths, assess your career fit, explore your career path, and plan for success with one-on-one assistance through Training and Organizational Development Consultant Susan Templeton. Sessions are $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 career counseling.

Charities Battling Ebola
Since the end of July, hundreds of new cases of the Ebola virus have been reported across four countries in West Africa, and the World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak a state of emergency. Nonprofits in the UW Combined Fund Drive campaign are working on the ground right now and need our help. Visit the UW Combined Fund Drive to learn more and make a donation today.

The UW Combined Fund Drive has reached the midpoint of their annual campaign. Our goal is to raise more than $2 million. $1,858,576 has been pledged, but there’s still time to give. The campaign runs through November 28.

Eating Healthy in November
Did you know that a little planning ahead can go a long way when it comes to healthy eating during the holiday season? Habits like creating a menu and sticking to it and committing to eating breakfast every day can lay the groundwork for solid nutrition. UW CareLink’s November tip sheet has more great ideas to keep you on track.

Healthy eating doesn’t have to involve a major life overhaul. A few small changes such as adding more fruits and vegetables, lowering sugar intake, and watching portion size can add up to a more energetic, healthful lifestyle for you and your family. Learn how to choose and prepare healthy foods, receive tips for eating healthily, and find resources to make eating healthy a habit with Eating Your Way to Wellness, a free, one-hour webinar that will be broadcast on November 18 at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

You must pre-register at least one hour before the presentation. Visit apshelplink.com (use “UW” as the company code) and then click the Online Seminars section. Select the presentation and register by clicking on the first or second session.

Lunchtime Seminars in the UW Tower Auditorium UW CareLink presents the fall 2014 seminar series. The sessions focus on common areas of concern in the workplace—building strong relationships and decoding non-verbal communication. The knowledge gained from these seminars can easily translate to situations in your everyday life. Please join us for one or both of the sessions, and feel free to bring your lunch! The location and time: UW Tower Auditorium, noon-1 p.m.

Add these to your calendar now and register online!

• Strengthening our Relationships in the Workplace—Thursday, November 13
• Communication Without Words: Unawareness of How We Share Information—Wednesday, December 3

November is Diabetes Awareness Month
Did you know that by 2020, more than half of American adults will either have type 2 diabetes or be at risk of developing it? Most people won't even know they're diabetic or pre-diabetic until they get tested!

See if you’re at risk for developing diabetes by taking this 30-second quiz. (Share it with your family members, too.) If you (or they) score 9 or higher, then visit your doctor or stop by a free campus screening event. Screenings are free to PEBB members who are age 18+ and enrolled in Uniform Medical Plan or Group Health.

Screening events are held at various campus locations throughout the year. The next one is scheduled for UW Bothell on Tuesday, November 18, UW1-103, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. View the schedule and learn more.

UWRP & VIP Fund Review Committee Presentation
Please join the UWRP and VIP Fund Review Committee for an update on current market conditions and performance of the funds currently offered in the plans. Following a presentation from the FRC investment consultant, Hewitt EnnisKnupp, there will be an open forum for participant questions. Friday, November 21, 12-1 p.m. in the UW Tower Auditorium. No registration is required.

Ready to Retire?
If you’re thinking of retiring within the next 12 months, don’t miss our free retirement workshop where you can gather information towards a smooth retirement. Workshops are based on your current retirement plan and/or eligibility. Access workshop information and free registration.

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

Remember, you must apply for PEBB retiree benefits (or deferral of insurance) within 60 days after UW-paid or COBRA coverage ends. If you miss that deadline, you will have to go back to work to re-qualify for PEBB retiree coverage.

Prepare for the Best!
Whether your retirement is years away or just around the corner, take advantage of a free, one-on-one consultation with a Fidelity Workplace Planning and Guidance Consultant or with a TIAA-CREF representative to discuss any of the following:

• Ask questions about saving for retirement and other goals
• Evaluate investment choices that meet your needs
• Create an action plan to stay on track for retirement
• Review retirement income options

Schedule an in-person or phone appointment today.

BALANCE Can Help
In a world with so many financial obligations and options, it’s no wonder money management often seems overwhelming. That’s why the UW and our local credit unions have partnered with a financial fitness program called BALANCE. Through this partnership, you have access to free and confidential financial counseling services to help you get out of debt, design a money management plan, and achieve your financial goals. Learn more.

Free Financial Education Seminars
Our credit union partners offer free financial education seminars, each held during lunchtime and open to all UW faculty and staff. Access seminar registration for these events.

Credit Reporting 101 Learn why your credit scores may differ, learn five steps to a better score, and find out how to get a free report. Presented by Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECU) on November 24 at South Lake Union and December 10 at Health Sciences.

Financial Yoga: Stretching Your Hard-Earned Dollars Learn tips that will help you gain control of your finances and reduce financial stress. Presented by School Employees Credit Union (SECU) on December 10 at Harborview.

Homeownership 101

Our Hometown Home Loan Program offers home education seminars—each free of charge and open to all UW faculty and staff.

Seasonal Home Maintenance Learn how to save money through regular home maintenance and how to budget for basic home repairs. Also, receive a handy home maintenance check list. Offered at November 20 at Bothell.

Understanding Credit Learn how credit reporting works, what’s behind it, how it’s used, and why checking your credit history is important before you finance a home or purchase big-ticket items. Find out how to clean up your credit history and fix reporting errors. Offered on November 18 and January 12 at UW Tower and on January 22 at South Lake Union.

Access event registration and information for these upcoming seminars.

Do You Have a High School Student at Home?
Don’t miss this last chance to register for the Husky College Planning Invitational on Thursday, November 13, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., in Kane 130. The Office of Admissions hosts this college planning event exclusively for UW faculty, staff, and their high-school children. Learn about the college search process, UW and selective college admission, and financial aid from the experts in the Office of Admissions. Register now.

UW Speech and Hearing Clinic Evaluations
The UW Speech and Hearing Clinic encourages you to consider your hearing health during Open Enrollment. Just as routine dental and eye care is recommended, a baseline hearing examination is recommended at 50 years of age. Testing is recommended earlier if you have a history of noise exposure, family history of hearing loss, perceived hearing loss, tinnitus, and/or chronic conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes or hypertension.

The clinic provides a baseline hearing evaluation conducted by graduate students supervised by licensed and experienced clinical audiologists. Note that PEBB plans cover an annual preventative evaluation directly or through reimbursement, as well as a plan-specified dollar amount for hearing device coverage. To schedule your evaluation, please contact the clinic at 206-543-5440.

Take a Break
Odegaard Undergraduate Library (OUG) hosts Mary Randlett Portraits: Artists, Writers and Arts Advocates of the Pacific Northwest through January.

The exhibit features Randlett's black-and-white photographic portraits of artists Morris Graves, Mark Tobey, Theodore Roethke, Jacob and Gwen Lawrence and George Tsutuakawa; writers Tom Robbins, Henry Miller, and Colleen McElroy; arts patron Betty Bowen and more.

The portraits are selected from Randlett's life work of approximately 70,000 photographs held by University of Washington Libraries Special Collections.