The Resource

In This Issue

Benefits
The Whole U
WorkLife
Career Development
Wellness
Retirement Seminars
Home Loan Program
Money Matters
Investment Seminars
Community

Published: May 14, 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  
 
 

Last Call to Avoid Surcharges—Deadline is May 15
Remember, tomorrow is the last day to submit your PEBB attestations online to avoid extra fees to your medical premiums!

Can you attest that everyone under your health plan has been tobacco-free for the past two months? Then be sure to attest to this fact by tomorrow, May 15, otherwise you will have to pay a $25-per-month tobacco surcharge starting July 1, 2014.

Can you attest that your spouse or domestic partner is enrolled in medical coverage through his or her employer that is comparable to Uniform Medical Plan? Then be sure to attest to this fact by May 15, otherwise you will have to pay a $50-per-month spousal surcharge starting July 1, 2014. (Note: before you submit your spousal attestation, please complete this quick Spousal Questionnaire.)

Attesting is fast and easy! Get started now.

The Whole U  
 
 





Want to get your mind or body ready for summer? Take advantage of these opportunities from The Whole U!

Endurance Mindset. Neal Dempsey is an avid marathoner, successful entrepreneur, generous donor, and UW alum. You might also recognize his name on a few buildings around campus! An accomplished man that gives so much. How does he do it? Bring your lunch and learn how having an endurance mindset in this game called life can take your farther than you ever imagined. Join us on Thursday, May 29, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in HUB South Ballroom.

Summer of FUNction. Are you on a quest to keep your body strong and healthy? The Whole U is here to help with the Summer of FUNction fitness challenge. Join a team and get ready to eat healthy, fit fitness into your day in unexpected ways, and find new ways to make your quest fun. This challenge begins on June 2 and you will have 12 full weeks to complete the Fitness Challenge Checklist. Successful teams will have a chance to attend a barbeque hosted at the home of President Michael Young and Marti Young. Register now!

Chi Walking and Running. Chi Master Instructor Laura Houston joins us June 16, noon – 1 p.m. at the HUB. Learn ways you can improve your posture, strengthen crucial core muscles, and stay pain-free by reducing impact during running or walking. Laura Houston is a research scientist in Pediatrics who wants to share her passion for Chi movement with her colleagues. Space is limited so please register now.

Mindful Parenting. The parents who attended the Mindful Parenting Seminar loved the insight and realistic tips offered by Dr. Liliana Lengua and Dr. Suzanne Kerns. Did you miss it? Check out the video!

47 to go! We’re giving away three Whole U prize packs when we reach 1,000 followers on Facebook. Follow us for contests, discounts, event news, and more!

WorkLife  
 
 

Summer Child Care

Whether you’re preparing your infant to start day care or figuring out if your teen has outgrown the need for a “babysitter,” UW CareLink has resources to help.

This month’s webinar, “Home Alone? When Kids Outgrow Child Care,” focuses on learning the signs of independence readiness, general rules around self-care, and other options for care as children mature and express their desire for more autonomy. The webinar broadcasts on May 20 at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Pre-register at least one hour before the presentation. Visit www.apshelplink.com (enter UW as the company code) and visit the Online Seminars section. Select the presentation and register by clicking on the first or second session option. The webinar will be archived and available for viewing in June.

For parents of younger children who are getting ready to start day care, UW CareLink’s May Tip Sheet offers ideas on how to make the transition. Knowing what to look for is the first step in finding quality child care. UW CareLink has all the information on the types of care available such as centers, family day care homes, nannies, and au pairs. To find out more, and speak to a consultant call toll-free 866-598-3978 or visit www.apshelplink.com (enter UW as the company code) and look for the Live Connect button.

The Best Plans have Hiccups. Once you’ve established child care for your family, you’ll find that things may come up at the last minute—day care closures, caregiver illnesses, or vacations. Remember that the Bright Horizons Back-Up Care Advantage program is available when your regular caregiver is unavailable. Bright Horizons has a one-stop registration and call center open 24/7 designed to help you evaluate your needs and the sites available to you. Register now, so that when the need arises, you’ll be ready to call or go online to find care. To register, call 877-242-2737 or visit http://backup.brighthorizons.com. Log in with the user name UnivWA and the password 4Backup to create your personal account. Then, use it to request care for up to one month in advance of the date it’s needed, find child care locations near you, check invoices, and learn about providers. Be prepared to show your current UW Husky card at time of drop-off. The cost is $100 per day, paid by the parent of the enrolled child.

   

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

Add these to your calendar now and click here to register to attend!

  • Teaching Children to Embrace Cultural and Racial Differences—Wednesday, May 28
  • Creating Resiliency in the Face of Stress—Thursday, June 26
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.

   

Wise Up to SAGE
Working at one of the top research institutions in the nation means that employees across the University are involved with administering grants. In this hands-on class, learn how to create and submit electronic Grants and Contracts forms (eGC1s) using SAGE, the UW’s web-based system for supporting electronic Research Administration (eRA). Register for SAGE 101: Creating and Submitting eGC1s.

 

Treat Your Vocabulary
Administer aid to your medical vocabulary! Designed for individuals working within health care, this class focuses on developing basic medical vocabulary skills by exploring root words, prefixes, suffixes, proper pronunciation, and usage. Quizzes and exercises let you practice as you go along, and the course fee includes a medical dictionary and substantial course packet. Register for Medical Terminology.

   

Listen to Your Calling
Are you ready to discover your true calling? 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.

   

Perk Up Presentations
This live webinar introduces Prezi, a cloud-based presentation software and storytelling tool. In this 90-minute session, learn how to select a template, create a new presentation, and import an existing PowerPoint presentation, and discover the key design elements of Prezi. Register for Creating Engaging Presentations with Prezi.

   

Take On Your Inbox
Stop letting your email get the best of you! In this live 90-minute webinar, acquire time-saving email tips as you explore Outlook features such as customizing and setting flags, using calendar and tasks to track action emails, and organizing and archiving your messages for future reference. Register for Managing and Organizing Your Inbox in Outlook 2010.

Wellness  
 
 

Earn $125 Towards Your 2015 Health Care Expenses
Become healthier and save money through the PEBB’s new SmartHealth Wellness Program! The program offers a $125 wellness incentive in 2015 to eligible subscribers who complete three incentive requirements:

  1. Choose a primary care provider.
  2. Complete a PEBB medical plan’s health assessment. Bonus: UMP members who complete their assessment by June 30 get a $30 gift card!
  3. Begin a SmartHealth wellness activity.

It’s easy! Log in to My Account by June 30, 2014 to attest that you’ve completed your three requirements.

If your health status prevents you from doing the three incentive requirements, you may be able to earn the same incentive by doing different things. Visit www.hca.wa.gov/pebb and select SmartHealth wellness incentive to learn more.

 

Weight Watchers Open Houses
Speaking of wellness incentives, did you know that by enrolling in a weight management program such as Weight Watchers you can fulfill the third requirement of the SmartHealth Program? That’s why this spring we’re offering Weight Watchers Open Houses so you have a chance to experience a program that encourages healthy eating, increased physical activity, and healthy weight management behaviors. Open Houses will be held on:

Tuesday, May 20
12:15 - 12:45 p.m.
Schmitz Hall
Room 490

Wednesday, May 21
11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
UW Tower
Room C-140-E

Thursday, May 22
12:00 - 12:30 p.m.
Harborview Medical Center
Room 4WH-73

Learn more at UWellness.

 

What's Your Score?
Be healthier for the people in your life! Take this 30-second Risk Quiz to find your score and see if you're at risk for diabetes.

Prediabetes means you're at risk for type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, it can be reversed through a new diabetes prevention program called “NOT ME.” This program is designed to stop prediabetes in its tracks. It's a FREE benefit for all Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) members who are 18 or over and enrolled in PEBB’s Uniform Medical Plan or Group Health.

If you scored 9 or higher on the above risk quiz, plan to attend one of the blood sugar testing events below or visit your doctor as soon as possible.

Wednesday, May 28
8:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. (last appointment time)
UW Tower Cafeteria, 4th floor

Tuesday, July 8
9:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. (last appointment
Harborview Medical Center
Research & Training Building, Auditorium

Drop-ins are welcome although those with scheduled appointments receive first priority. Schedule your appointment online. You may also talk to a US Wellness customer service representative at 866-926-6099 x326 between 5:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PST.

Learn more at UWellness.

 

No Tobacco Day is May 31
It’s well known that quitting tobacco by yourself is tough. But did you know that you’re much more likely to succeed at quitting tobacco if you’re supported by a smoking cessation program? As a state employee, your medical plan allows you to have free access to the personalized “Quit for Life” plan. Besides all the positive health effects that quitting has on your body, it’s sure to put some money in your pocket too!

  • The PEBB’s smoking cessation programs are FREE.
  • If you enroll in a smoking cessation program before June 30, you can satisfy one of the SmartHealth activity requirement towards earning a $125 wellness incentive in 2015.
  • If you stop using tobacco products for two months and no other family member uses tobacco products, you can re-attest as a non-tobacco user and stop paying the $25-per-month tobacco surcharge—a potential annual savings is $300.

Learn more about smoking cessation programs.

Retirement Seminars  
 
 

Free Webinar: Fundamentals of Retirement Income Planning
Saving for retirement is different than living in retirement. That's why, as a benefit of your retirement savings plan, Fidelity is offering an educational live webinar on May 29 from 10:00 - 10:50 a.m. A question-and-answer session with the speakers will follow. This webinar will help you:

  • Decide when you may be able to retire.
  • Estimate how long your money may last.
  • Prepare for challenges you might face in retirement.

Register for this webinar OR for a more personalized approach, register for a free one-on-one appointment from a Fidelity Workplace Planning and Guidance Consultant.

 

Income Strategies for Your Retirement
Join Fidelity Investments in a free 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 expect to retire soon, especially those retiring within the next 12 months. Offered on May 29, June 4, and June 25 at Seattle’s UW Tower.

Access registration and event information.

Home Loan Program  
 
 

Add More Value to Your Home

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.

Buying a Fixer Upper

  • Where to find distressed properties.
  • Short sale versus bank-owned properties.
  • Investment homes versus owner-occupied.
  • Financing your purchase.

Offered at Seattle’s UW Tower on May 15 and Health Sciences on June 19.

Adding Value to Your Home

  • Which improvements add value to your home.
  • Hiring a contractor versus doing the work yourself.
  • Starting and managing a construction project.
  • Paying for your remodel.

Offered at Seattle’s UW Tower on June 17.

Access free event registration and information.

   

Homeownership: Dream to Reality
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 including pre-qualification? 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, or register here.

   

Seattle First-Time Home Buyer Workshop
Are you considering buying your first home and want a positive home buying experience? Then register to attend this in-depth, 5-hour workshop led by industry experts. You will learn:

  • The home buying process.
  • Understanding the mortgage application process, from pre-qualifications to home inspections and appraisals.
  • How to set your savings goals and create a budget in preparation for a mortgage payment.
  • Understanding credit reports and how financial institutions analyze your credit scores.
  • Financing options for first-time home buyers.

This workshop is co-sponsored by the Washington State Housing and Finance Commission (WSHFC) and HomeStreet Bank, our Hometown Home Loan partner. Upon completion, you will receive the WSHFC home buyer's certificate. Spouses/partners are welcome to register and attend with you.

Offered once a month at HomeStreet Bank's corporate office in downtown Seattle—choose to either attend either one Saturday or two weekday evenings. Access registration and event information.

Money Matters  
 
 

Financial Yoga & More!

Get a handle on your finances by attending a timely (and free!) financial education seminar offered by our local credit union partners. Open to all UW faculty and staff.

Financial Yoga: Stretching Your Hard-Earned Dollars - In today’s 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. Offered June 23 at Harborview, and July 9 at Tacoma. Presented by School Employees Credit Union.

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, and learn why your scores may differ, how to get a free report, and five steps to a better score. Offered on June 18 at Health Sciences and July 8 at Bothell. Presented by Washington State Employees Credit Union.

Access registration and event information.

Investment Seminars  
 
 

Building a Portfolio for Any Weather - In this seminar, to be held on June 18 at Health Sciences and July 8 at Harborview Medical Center, you will learn how to:

  • 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.

Getting on the Right Path with Your Workplace Savings Plan - In this seminar, to be held on July 11 at the UW Tower, you will learn how to:

  • 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.

Preserving Your Savings for Future Generations - In this seminar, to be held on June 20 at the UW Tower, you will examine:

  • Key estate planning tools.
  • The importance of beneficiary designations.
  • Gifting and insurance replacement strategies.

Access event registration and information.

Community  
 
 

Keep Your Bike Secure During Bike to Campus Month!

May is Bike to Campus month. Keep in mind the majority of the bicycles stolen on campus are locked with cable locks. UW Police recommends using a U-lock instead. They are solid steel and hard to cut. If you prefer a flexible lock, get one that is at least 3/8” in diameter. You can purchase locks at a discounted price with your UPASS at Hall Health. Check out the savings.

Improve the chances of recovering your lost or stolen bicycle by registering it with the UW Police Department. Have fun—and stay dry—as you Bike to Campus this month!

 

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.

   

Social Security: A Foundation for Your Future
A secure, comfortable retirement is everyone's dream, right? And now that we're living longer and healthier lives, we expect to spend more time in retirement than our parents and grandparents did. Join us at the free seminar, "Social Security: A Foundation for Planning Your Future" to get a better understanding of how the Social Security and Medicare systems work. Led by an expert from the Social Security Administration, you will hear what benefits you can expect from Social Security and when they will be available to you and your family. Offered on July 10 from 11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. at the UW Tower in Seattle. Open to UW faculty, staff, students, and retirees. Access seminar information and free registration.

   

Take a Break
Take a break to view the culminating exhibition for this year’s graduating Master of Fine Arts and Master of Design students. Admission is free to: Henry members; UW students, faculty, and staff with ID; high school and college students with ID; children 13 years and under; and on the first Thursday of each month.

2014 MFA + MDes Thesis Exhibition
May 24-June 22
Henry Art Gallery and Allen Center for The Visual Arts

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