The Resource

In This Issue

Your Benefits
Combined Fund Drive
WorkLife
Investment Seminars
Wellness
Career Development
The Whole U
Money Matters
Preparing to Retire
Home Loan Program
Community

Published: April 9, 2014

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.

Your Benefits  
 
 

Surcharges and Wellness Incentive Program
Changes are coming to Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) health coverage costs that will require you to take action. Last year the Legislature passed two new premium surcharges, the first related to tobacco use, and the second to whether a PEBB-enrolled spouse or domestic partner qualifies for health coverage through his or her employer.

In addition, Governor Inslee issued an Executive Order in 2013 to improve the health and productivity of state employees. One of the directives resulted in creating the SmartHealth wellness incentive program for PEBB subscribers. If you participate in the wellness incentive program by June 30, 2014, you will be eligible to receive a wellness incentive in 2015: a $125 reduction in your 2015 deductible, OR, if you’re enrolled in a consumer-directed health plan with a health savings account, a one-time deposit of $125 into your PEBB health savings account.

To AVOID the surcharges or RECEIVE the incentive, YOU MUST TAKE ACTION. Respond to the surcharges and incentive online through PEBB’s My Account. If you don’t have or can’t find internet access, call 855-635-8380 to request paper attestation forms. If you don’t respond to the surcharges by May 15, 2014, you will pay premium surcharges starting July 1, 2014.

For more information about the surcharges and incentive and how to take action, read the “Take Action” letter, which was mailed to your home by the PEBB on March 27, 2014.

   

Special Open Enrollment is Available through May 15
Between April 1 and May 15, 2014—the premium surcharge implementation period—you are allowed to make “open enrollment” type changes to your PEBB account. (Exception: you cannot enroll or make changes to your existing Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance Program.) Changes made by May 15 will go into effect on July 1, 2014. View a list of allowable changes at the PEBB website.

The HCA is responsible for open enrollment and attestation forms so please do NOT return any forms to the Benefits Office, even if the form instructs you to do so. If you have questions about the premium surcharges, wellness incentive, or open enrollment, please contact the Health Care Authority or 800-200-1004.

Combined Fund Drive  
 
 

Support the Landslide Relief
You've heard the reports: dozens unaccounted for, many lost, and fatalities growing due to the devastating landslide near Oso, Washington. The UW Combined Fund Drive has quickly supplied a vehicle for UW faculty and staff to donate to the disaster relief effort. Support the relief work by donating to:

  • American Red Cross Disaster Relief (designate Snohomish County Mudslide Relief), charity code 1468727
  • Catholic Community Services of Western Washington (designate Mudslide Relief), charity code 1478521
  • Hope Unlimited, charity code 1481476
  • Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue Unit, charity code 0456977
  • The Soup Ladies, charity code 1481469
  • United Way of Snohomish County (designate Mudslide Relief), charity code 0316733
  • Washington State Department of Transportation Memorial Foundation, charity code 1480378

Visit this UWCFD page for details.

 

Earth Day Challenge, April 14-30
UW faculty, staff, and students are invited to celebrate Earth Day by participating in the Earth Day Challenge presented through a unique teaming up of the UW Combined Fund Drive and EarthShare Washington.

The challenge supports 36 premier conservation groups doing a range of work right here in Washington that includes protecting our wilderness and waterways, finding solutions to climate change, and maintaining parks and forests for recreation.

There are two ways to participate. Make a one-time donation to any of the 36 groups, or choose to support EarthShare Washington and your donation will be divided among them. Or, volunteer and track your conservation-related hours. Each volunteer hour counts as a $10 donation towards UW's goal. Find volunteer opportunities on the UWCFD volunteer page.

From Audubon Washington to Seattle Tilth to The Nature Conservancy, to name only three, support your favorite environmental cause between April 14-30 and rise to the Earth Day Challenge.

   
WorkLife  
 
 

Counseling Awareness Month
April is Counseling Awareness Month. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or having difficulties with a family member or co-worker, a counseling professional can help you identify issues and work through them. If you’ve never tried counseling before, UW CareLink has a handy tip sheet. In addition, UW CareLink offers up to five free sessions with a master’s- or doctoral-level professional for benefits-eligible faculty, staff, and their household members. To get started, call 866-598-3978 or visit apshelplink.com (use “UW” as the company code).

   

Webinar: Will There Be a Couch? What to Expect From Counseling
April 15, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m PT
Many people avoid counseling due to misconceptions or fear. Learn about the counseling process, different types of counseling, what is talked about, and common terminology. You must pre-register at least one hour before the presentation. Visit apshelplink.com (use “UW” as the company code) and visit the Online Seminars section. Select the presentation and then register by clicking on the first or second session option.

   

Lunchtime Seminars in the UW Tower Auditorium
UW CareLink presents the spring 2014 seminar series focusing on common areas of concern on the home front and ways to stay healthy amid workplace stress. Please join us for one or all of the sessions, and feel free to bring your lunch! All sessions are held in the UW Tower Auditorium from noon to 1 p.m.

Add these to your calendar now and register to attend!

  • Changing Relationships: You and Your Aging Parent/Relative—Wednesday, April 23
  • Teaching Children to Embrace Cultural and Racial Differences—Wednesday, May 28
  • Creating Resiliency in the Face of Stress—Thursday, June 26
   

Summer Planning for Your Family
Spring has only just sprung, but it’s never too early to start planning for summer. UW Summer Youth Programs offer unique, hands-on enrichment opportunities for children and teens. Students can enroll in full-day camps, academies, and intensives as well as half-day short courses (morning or afternoon). Summer Youth Program offerings cover a wide range of topics designed to appeal to students who have interests in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), the visual and performing arts, humanities, and more.

Visit the UW Summer Youth Programs for details.

   

Community Resources for Parents of Young Children
The Program for Early Parent Support: PEPS strengthens families, increases wellness, and prepares families to cope with life stresses by creating small, thriving neighborhood-based new parent groups.

Child Care Resources: Since 1990, CCR has helped build a strong early learning system for all children in King County. CCR is a trusted resource for families seeking child care and is adept at guiding families through their early learning options.

Fremont Community School Summer Freedom: Currently open for registration for Summer Freedom, a flexible program that focuses on art, creativity, and free play for children ages 2 1/2 through 5.

Investment Seminars  
 
 

Investing for Your Future
Join Fidelity Investments for any of the following complimentary seminars to learn how to manage your workplace savings:

Building a Portfolio for Any Weather

  • Determine an appropriate investment mix and your investment style
  • Select investment options that fit your investment approach
  • Manage your investment strategy to help meet your long-term goals

Offered on April 22 at Seattle’s UW Tower, June 18 at Health Sciences, and July 8 at Harborview.

Developing Your Financial Roadmap

  • Design a financial roadmap to help you achieve your savings goals
  • Establish a budget and manage debt
  • Balance and prioritize other nonretirement goals (such as college planning)

Offered on April 29 only at Seattle’s UW Tower.

Getting on the Right Path with Your Workplace Savings Plan

  • Effectively balance your saving, spending, and debt
  • Set goals and develop a plan to reach them
  • Estimate how much to save for retirement and set your contribution rate

Offered on April 28 at South Lake Union, May 8 at Harborview, May 13 at Health Sciences, and July 11 at Seattle’s UW Tower.

Preserving Your Savings for Future Generations

  • Explore key estate planning tools
  • Examine the importance of beneficiary designations
  • Learn gifting and insurance replacement strategies

Offered on June 20 only at Seattle’s UW Tower.

Register to attend one or more of these seminars.

Wellness  
 
 

Be Healthier for the People in Your Life!
One in three American adults has prediabetes, a condition that, if left unchecked, can lead to Type 2 diabetes and most people don't even know they have it! Recent health data shows that PEBB members’ rates for prediabetes and diabetes are in line with national statistics. With the NOT ME Diabetes Prevention Program, we can change that.

NOT ME is a new preventive health initiative offered through the PEBB. And because it’s preventive, it’s free to PEBB members who:

  1. Are age 18 or over,
  2. Are enrolled in Uniform Medical and Group Health plans,
  3. And have elevated blood glucose, or have been diagnosed with prediabetes.

Do you know if you’re at risk? Take a 30-second quiz to find out. If you score 9 or higher, you should request the A1c (finger stick) test from your doctor as soon as possible or register to attend a NOT ME diabetes screening event on campus. The next screening event will be held on May 28 at the UW Tower Cafeteria, 4th floor.

Access registration and event information.

 

Annual Mammograms for Women
Take advantage of the “MammoVan” for your next routine mammogram! The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance MammoVan is a customized, mobile breast imaging clinic bringing the latest technology in digital mammograms to you at your workplace. The average appointment time is just 15 minutes. Convenience, state-of-the art technology, and exceptional quality are the reasons why women choose this service.

The MammoVan is scheduled to visit on Tuesday, April 23, at parking lot W-13 between University Street and Brooklyn Avenue NE, with the first and last appointments starting at 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Access screening information and schedule an appointment.

Career Development  
 
 

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.

   

Last Call for the Spring Retreat
Don’t miss out on this April 22 event especially for UW support staff! Spaces are filling up fast, but room is still available in a number of workshops, including “The Power of Influence,” “Keep Calm and Carry On,” and “Optimal Sleep/Abundant Energy.” Register for the Support Professionals Spring Retreat.

 

See Things in a Different Light
In an interactive, nonjudgmental setting, explore the isms that can bias communication, examine various perspectives for enhancing communication across cultures, and practice approaches for tackling sensitive topics in a positive and productive way. Register for Cultivating Cultural Competence.

   

Turn Hours Into Minutes
Discover how to condense meeting hours into minutes! In this half-day workshop, learn tools and techniques for preparing to take notes, organizing material, writing clearly and concisely, and presenting meeting notes effectively. Register for Writing Minutes and Meeting Notes.

   

Think it Over
What are your thinking habits? Is it time to rethink them? Examine explanatory style—the way you explain events to yourself—and its effect on your attitude, and gain new insights about how to respond when you experience life’s inevitable setbacks. Register for Learned Optimism: Understanding Your Explanatory Style.

   

Grow Your Career
When’s the last time you thought about what you wanted to be when you grow up? Spring is a good time to take a fresh look at your goals and aspirations. Through one-on-one sessions with Training and Organizational Development Consultant Susan Templeton, evaluate your strengths, assess your career fit, and develop a plan for becoming what you want to be. Fees 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.

The Whole U  
 
 

Whole U Activities You Won’t Want to Miss
This spring The Whole U brings you fun, educational, and healthy ways to get involved with your UW community. Register early to secure your spot in these specially curated faculty and staff activities.

Scavenger Hunt—Last chance to register for the The Whole U Scavenger Hunt on April 11 and April 12. NEW: A 30 min. short version has been added! Enjoy the hunt on a break or with a few colleagues or bring your family and friends on Saturday. Celebrate at the final location with The Whole U with giveaways and snacks! Watch our two minute video to see just how simple and fun the event will be.

Free Yoga—Breathe Hot Yoga offers free classes on Thursday, April 24 to faculty and staff. Three locations to choose from. For more information and registration info find Breathe Hot Yoga on The Whole U Discounts page.

Mindfulness One-Day Retreat—The Whole U, UW Medicine, and Mindfulness Northwest, have partnered to bring faculty and staff a full day of Mindfulness Retreat with Tim Burnett on Saturday, May 31 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The retreat is based on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) - a well-researched class that has proved to be very effective in helping with many stress-related issues. Immerse yourself into mindfulness, stress reduction, body awareness, and inner care. Learn how to practice body scanning, mindful yoga, sitting, and walking. The day concludes with small group discussions on how mindfulness can be integrated into daily life. Register now for one of the 100 spots available for this class.

Partners/spouses are also welcome. Location: Mt. Baker Sailing and Rowing Club. 3800 Lake Washington Blvd S, 98118 Fee: $35.00.

Volunteer with The Whole U Team at the Rock ‘n Roll Marathon—On June 21, The Whole U will be sponsoring Water Station 16 at the 10.5 mile marker for the half marathoners and the 23.6 mile marker for the full marathoners. Handing out water is super fun and important to thousands of runners and walkers (including the 130 who have signed up to train for the marathon with The Whole U) that complete the race to raise money for a number of charitable causes. Be part of our Whole U Race Crew by volunteering from 6 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Family members including children ages 10+ are welcome to join this volunteer opportunity. More details coming soon.

Bring Functional Fitness to Your Workplace—Do you have a hard time fitting in fitness? Do you like the support and camaraderie of exercising with a small group of colleagues? Are you interested in a workout program that you can do anywhere with no equipment?

To start, form a team of four to six colleagues who will be your functional fitness community for the next month and then join The Whole U and Coach Marti Young for a functional fitness clinic. Space is limited for these two-day clinics scheduled from noon-1:00 p.m. in Red Square. All team members must attend the same clinic dates. Find course dates and registration information online.

Money Matters  
 
 

Free Financial Education on Campus
Two local credit unions—Washington State Employees Credit Union and School Employees Credit Union—are offering these complimentary and timely seminars at various campus locations. (Note: you do not need to be a member to attend.)

Credit Reporting 101 - Worried if your credit is good enough to refinance your home, or get that RV, boat, or new car? Learn how the credit bureaus develop your credit score and come away with valuable tips to help you get the most from your creditworthiness. Get to know what affects your credit, learn why your scores may differ, find out how to get a free report, and learn five steps to a better score.

Financial Yoga: Stretching Your Hard-Earned Dollars - In today’s tough economic climate, stretching a paycheck is more important than ever. Learn tips that will help you gain control of your finances and reduce financial stress.

Scams, Shams & Identity Theft - Identity theft is a continual threat that catches people unaware. This workshop will bring you up-to-date on the latest statistics, explain how identity theft happens, offer ways to prevent having it from happening to you, and educate you on ways to protect yourself from scammers. For those affected by fraud or identity theft, we offer advice and support to help you make a full recovery and restoration of your good name. Come to this seminar so you can better protect yourself, your money, and your personal information.

Social Media and Your Child’s Financial Future - Social media can help or hurt your child’s chances of getting into college, landing a job, and gaining financial independence. Focusing on Facebook, you’ll learn effective strategies for your child and the top 10 social media mistakes to avoid.

Access registration and seminar information.

Preparing to Retire  
 
 

Income Strategies for Your Retirement
Join Fidelity Investments in a complimentary workshop about retirement income planning. In this seminar you will learn:

  • How to address the need for inflation protection vs. market risk
  • Key portfolio risks in retirement and how to make your money last
  • How to balance portfolio risk vs. return in retirement
  • How to create a withdrawal strategy that will mitigate the key risks of retirement

This seminar is recommended for employees who are planning to retire within the next 12 months. Offered at various times this spring at Seattle’s UW Tower.

Access registration and event information.

   

Ready to Retire?
If you're planning to retire from the UW within the next 12 months, be sure to attend a free retirement workshop to help you plan for this major milestone. Each workshop is geared toward your specific retirement plan—UWRP, PERS, TRS, or LEOFF. Topics include arranging details for retirement, tailoring your benefits to best meet retirement income needs, and continuing your health plans. Timelines, forms, and procedures are also covered—plus you’ll receive all of the materials necessary to file for retirement.

Check the Benefits Calendar to see when these workshops will be held:

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

Access workshop information and free registration.

Note: You must apply for PEBB retiree benefits (or insurance deferral) 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.

Home Loan Program  
 
 

For the Do-It-Yourself Type
HomeStreet Bank offers free lunchtime seminars to help you learn about a variety of homeownership issues related to budgeting, buying, remodeling, refinancing, and selling your home. The following seminars are great for D.I.Y. types!

  • Refinancing & Using Home Equity - When is it a good time to refinance? Learn the advantages of using cash from your home, how to consolidate or avoid debt, and how to distinguish the difference between a home equity loan and line of credit. Offered at UW Tower on April 16 and at South Lake Union on April 24.
  • Buying a Fixer Upper - Do you know what improvements add value to your home? Should you hire a contractor or fix it yourself? Learn how to start, manage, and pay for a remodeling/construction project. Offered at Bothell on May 13 and at Seattle’s UW Tower on May 15.

Access free event registration and information.

   

Free Home Ownership Counseling
Thinking of buying or refinancing a home but not sure how to get started? Why not schedule a free personal home ownership counseling session with a HomeStreet Bank representative who can walk you through the process? These 30-minute, one-on-one sessions are both private and informative. Your spouse, partner, or potential co-signer is welcome to attend with you. To schedule an appointment, call 206-628-0207.

Community  
 
 

Drop By the UW Home Improvement Fair Tomorrow!
What’s on your home project list? Need a little more motivation and inspiration? Come to the UW Home Improvement Fair for creative ideas to transform, improve, and update your living spaces. Chat with interior designers, home-efficiency specialists, and other experts. Enjoy refreshments and enter to win door prizes, including a chance to win a Kindle™ Fire! Drop by the Fair on Thursday, April 10 between 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at HUB Lyceum, Room 160.

Learn more at HomeStreet.

   

UW Police Annual Open House, April 16
All are welcome at the annual UW Police Department Open House on Wednesday, April 16. Come see demonstrations by the explosive detection K9 and her handler as well as demonstrations by bicycle officers and crime scene processers. Meet our community outreach sergeant, our victim advocate, and representatives from our partners at Health & Wellness, Seattle Fire Department, Sound Transit, and more.

Special guest appearances will be by Coach Petersen of Husky football and Chief for a Day Athena Pentcholov, a brave and amazing young girl who inspires and thrives despite her serious medical condition.

Wednesday, April 16, 1-4 p.m.
Bryants Building
1117 NE Boat Street, Room 111

Departmental and community awards will be presented at 2 p.m.

 

Free UW-IT Workshops: Make Data Work for You
Is data analysis part of your job? Sharpen your skills with free workshops from UW Information Technology on Excel, Tableau, Enterprise Data Warehouse, and more. Upcoming classes include:

Tableau Hands-on Introduction Take a hands-on tour of Tableau software, which allows you to work with large sets of data and then simplify their meaning by creating dynamic data visualizations.

Handling Data 101 While you may not have intended to become a data analyst, you are now in a position where you need to use and analyze data to be successful. In this two-hour workshop, learn how to begin to take control of your data and analyses using Excel pivot tables and charts.

See all class offerings.

   

Intro to Meditation
Meditation has scientifically proven benefits for your body and mind, and the way you interact with and impact the world around you. During each week of this course, you will learn and practice a new method of meditation. The goal is to establish a regular meditation practice that works for you – a practical tool for a centered, peaceful, and enriching life. The class is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from April 15-June 5 from 5:30-6:45 p.m. Fee is $54. Register online under Special Interest. An IMA quarterly membership is required ($66 + tax). Questions? Contact Fitness Coordinator Anne Garrett.

   

Self-Defense for Women 1-Day Workshop
Become aware and empowered at the Self-Defense for Women Workshop at the IMA on Saturday, May 3 from 1-5 p.m. Participants will discuss and practice non-physical skills including awareness, assertiveness, and boundary setting. Participants will also develop physical skills that employ simple techniques to increase options and build confidence. Instructor Jennifer McClearen is a black belt who has taught martial arts since 2006 and self-defense since 2008. Fee is $20. IMA members register online under Special Interest . Non-members register by emailing Anne Garrett.

   

Take a Break
Visit the Jacob Lawrence Gallery April 16-18 for the Photomedia BFA Show, a graduation exhibition for those receiving Bachelor of Fine Art degrees from the Photomedia program. Admission to the gallery is free and open Wednesday-Saturday, 12:00-4:00 p.m..

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