Ready to try something new? Take advantage of these opportunities from The Whole U:

September is National Yoga Month
It’s not too late to celebrate with us. Enter to win a class for you and your colleagues and/or join the 21-Day Yoga Pose Challenge and have a pose-of-the-day emailed to you. Learn more.

NEW! Whole U Singing Group
Find your voice and meet like-minded faculty and staff with The Whole U Singing group. It doesn’t matter if you sing professionally or in the shower—this group is free, all-inclusive and perfect for all levels. Sing with us every Tuesday starting on September 23 from 5–6 p.m., and then showcase what you've learned at The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition on Friday, December 5. The group will be led by Linda Callecod, senior consultant for UW Professional & Organizational Development.

Go Dawgs!
Husky Football has an amazing offer for faculty and staff—50% off up to six tickets for the September 20 game. Come cheer on the Huskies against the Georgia State Panthers.

Composting 101
Join us Wednesday, October 1 at noon in the HUB for The Whole U Speaker Series: COMPOSTING—Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask. UW experts will share easy tips for composting at home or at work. Register now.

The American Heart Walk Is Only a Month Away!
Walk with us on Saturday, October 11. UW Medicine will have t-shirts for everyone from UW that day, the walk itself is FREE, and fundraising is optional.

This is just the tip of Dubs' tail! Want the latest UW events, articles, discounts, and contests on your radar? Follow us on Twitter.

You're Invited! UWCFD Charity Fair & Silent Auction
Kick off the 2014 UW Combined Fund Drive, our workplace giving campaign, and celebrate 30 years of giving by attending the UWCFD Charity Fair & Silent Auction on Thursday, October 16, from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the HUB ballroom. Meet representatives from more than 80 nonprofit organizations and hear about the great work they do. Learn about volunteer opportunities, too. Enjoy refreshments, enter to win door prizes, and bid on silent auction items to benefit ArtsFund. The fair is free and open to faculty, staff, students, and retirees. Visit the UWCFD Charity Fair for details.

Benefits Fairs are Coming. Save the Date!
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. This year, the UW Benefits Fairs will be held:

• November 4 - Health Sciences Building for health plan exhibitors
• November 4 - UW Medical Center's Plaza Café for all other exhibitors
• November 5 - Harborview Medical Center
• November 6 - Husky Union Building

If you can’t attend one of these fairs, you can still attend any off-campus, Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB)-sponsored fair, available to all state employees.

Get Ready: Open Enrollment is Coming Soon
The PEBB annual open enrollment will be held November 1–30. During this time, you can make changes to your PEBB health coverage before it becomes effective January 1, 2015. This is also your chance to enroll or re-enroll in a Flexible Spending Account and/or Dependent Care Assistance Program if you wish to participate in 2015.

To compare medical and dental plan benefits, view 2015 premiums, learn about the new SmartHealth Wellness Program, and more:

• Visit the Open Enrollment website.
• Read the October issue of PEBB’s "For Your Benefit" newsletter when it arrives at your home.
• Review information at PEBB’s website starting in early October.

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 so you receive important mailings regarding Open Enrollment and other health plan updates.

Want 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, visit My Account on PEBB’s website.

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.

Explore Autumn Opportunities
With more than 50 classes and webinars being offered for UW employees this autumn, there’s something for everyone! Don’t miss out on classes typically offered just once a year, including Business Email Etiquette and Management, The Ethics Law and the U, Labor Relations Skills, The Likeability Factor, Managing Stress, and Proofreading and Editing. Register now—when it’s still easy to score a seat in the classes and webinars of your choice! Check out POD’s autumn offerings.

Get a Jump on Fall
Don’t wait until the leaves change color to flourish at your job! Acquire new skills and strategies straightaway by taking classes in the first few weeks of autumn quarter. One early fall offering is a new class designed for seasoned presenters: Advancing Your Facilitation and Presentation Techniques. Other late September and early October classes include Employment Law and UW Policies, Grant and Contract Fiscal Administration: Compliance, and Writing Minutes and Meeting Notes. View upcoming offerings.

Turn Your Career Goals Into Accomplishments
Whether you’re trying to set career goals or finally achieve them, one-on-one career counseling can provide direction, focus, and momentum. Training and Organizational Development Consultant Susan Templeton offers a variety of tools and strategies for evaluating your strengths, assessing your career fit, exploring your career path, and planning for success. 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.

Campus Flu Shot Clinics are Coming
The flu can quickly put your life on hold with mild to severe illness. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. Flu shot clinics will be available at several campus locations for faculty, staff, and retirees who are covered by a PEBB health plan and to students who are covered by a GAIP or ISHIP plan. It’s easy—no appointment necessary! Just bring your health insurance card, photo ID, and completed claim form (otherwise you may pay $25 by cash or check and seek reimbursement from your health plan). Dependents covered under PEBB, GAIP, or ISHIP are welcome to attend too.

View the entire flu clinic schedule or download a flyer here.

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 but it can be reversed through “NOT ME,” a diabetes prevention program designed to stop prediabetes in its tracks. NOT ME is a free benefit available to PEBB members who are 18 or over and enrolled in PEBB’s Uniform Medical Plan or Group Health.

If you (or your dependent age 18+) scores 9 or higher on the above risk quiz, visit your doctor or attend one of these free screening events on campus:

Wednesday, November 5
Harborview Research & Training Building Auditorium
10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Thursday, November 6
HUB, Room 250
10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Tuesday, November 18
UW Bothell, UW1 Building, Room 103
10 a.m.–2 p.m.

While drop-ins are welcome, scheduling an appointment is recommended. This can be done online or by calling US Wellness customer service representative at 866-926-6099 x326 between 5:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. (PST).

Learn more at UWellness.

Pre-Diabetes Follow-Up Sessions
If you recently completed the 16-week class series of the NOT ME Diabetes Prevention Program, whether on campus or in your community, trained coaches are available to help you stay on track. Save the date to attend free monthly follow-up ("maintenance") sessions for up to eight months after you complete your initial class series. These group support sessions also apply to adults 18+ who are on your PEBB health plan. No registration necessary, just drop-in.

Third Tuesday of each month
2:00–3:00 p.m.
UW Tower, Building C, Room C-107
(Next to Benefits Reception Desk)

Mammography Screenings for UMP Members
Are you a woman age 40+ who is enrolled in the Uniform Medical Plan with claims paid by Regence? Consider scheduling your next routine mammogram at the MammoVan! 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 reasons why women choose this service.

The MammoVan is scheduled to visit on Friday, September 26 at 12th Avenue NE and NE 43rd Street, near the southwest corner of the UW Tower. Appointments are available to UMP members on a first-come, first-serve basis between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Access screening information and schedule an appointment.

Important note to Group Health members: Because you are required to receive all mammography services directly from a Group Health Cooperative facility, claims submitted from a non-Group Health facility such as the MammoVan will not be reimbursed.

Weight Watchers Fulfills One SmartHealth Activity
Did you know that enrolling and participating in a weight management program such as Weight Watchers qualifies as one of three incentive requirements of the SmartHealth Wellness Program? UW Benefits sponsors four Weight Watchers at Work meetings on campus:

• Tuesdays, Schmitz Hall
• Wednesdays, UW Tower
• Thursdays, Harborview Medical Center
• Fridays, UWMC/Health Sciences.

Check out a meeting nearest your workplace and get started!

Lunchtime Seminars in the UW Tower Auditorium
UW CareLink presents the fall 2014 seminar series. The focus of the three sessions is common areas of concern in the workplace—working with conflict, building strong relationships, and decoding non-verbal communication. The knowledge gained from these seminars can easily translate to handling situations in your everyday life. Please join us for one or all 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 follow the links to register!

• How to Work Well With Conflict – Thursday, October 2
• Strengthening our Relationships in the Workplace – Thursday, November 13
• Communication Without Words: Unawareness of How We Share Information – Wednesday, December 3

Webinar—Caring for an Aging Relative
Many people spend the summer reconnecting with family through vacation visits, reunions, weddings, and other gatherings. For some, these occasions can be bittersweet with the realization that aging relatives have changing needs. According to the National Council on Aging, 29% of the US population will need to care for a chronically ill, disabled, or aging relative in the coming year. Learn how to determine the type of care needed, options typically available, and where to turn for help with UW CareLink’s webinar, Caring for an Aging Relative, on September 16 at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Pre-register at least one hour before the presentation. Visit apshelplink.com (use “UW” as the company code) and click the Online Seminars section. Select the presentation and then register by clicking on the session of your choice.

Tip Sheet—Multigenerational Living
Multigenerational living is certainly not a new concept. In fact, it is common in many parts of the world. In the U.S., many families are following suit, either by choice and/or financial necessity as aging parents, extended family members, and grown children are moving in. This month’s UW CareLink Tip Sheet offers valuable guidance on how to broach the subject with your family, how to organize and delegate household tasks, and how to address issues of privacy in a crowded home.

UW CareLink Resources
If you have any concerns about elderly family members and you would like assistance in exploring care options, UW CareLink provides free elder care consultation and referral services for UW employees and their household members. To access the full array of resources by phone, call 1-866-598-3978 to talk to a consultant. You may also use the LiveConnect instant messaging tool through the APS HelpLink portal (use "UW" as the company code). Look for the LiveConnect button in the upper right corner of the home page to connect with a consultant specializing in elder care referral services.

Meet with a Retirement Planning and Guidance Consultant
Whether your retirement is years away or just around the corner, you can schedule a free, one-on-one consultation with a Fidelity consultant or a TIAA-CREF representative in a way that works best for you, by phone or in person. Take advantage of this opportunity to:

• 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

Get started today!

Ready to Retire?
If you’re thinking of retiring within the next 12 months, and you want to prepare a sound strategy, consider attending a free retirement workshop based on your current retirement plan and/or eligibility.

Access workshop information and free registration.

• Retiring from UW Retirement Plan (UWRP) – October 7, 15, and 22
• Retiring from Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) – September 25, October 14 and 23

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.

Retirement Workshops
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.

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.

Choose the workshop that matches your specific retirement plan:

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

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.

Multi-Goal Planning Workshops
Join Fidelity Investments for a free multi-goal planning workshop to get the guidance you need on how to actively evaluate your investment portfolio, build a tax-smart investing strategy as you begin to think about saving outside of your workplace savings plan, and prioritize, budget, and save for other nonretirement savings goals.

Confident Investing in Any Market
Learn how to evaluate whether you have the right mix of investments, assess factors that impact portfolio performance, and identify different investments to help reduce taxes. Offered on September 19 at the UW Tower.

Designing Your Financial Roadmap
Learn how to design a financial roadmap to help you achieve your savings goals, establish a budget and manage debt, and balance and prioritize other nonretirement goals such as college planning. Offered on October 21 at Harborview Medical Center and October 23 at Tacoma.

Shifting from Saving for Spending
In this seminar, which is designed for the beginning investor nearing retirement, you will learn the importance of asset allocation in retirement, elements for building your investment strategy, and considerations for portfolio withdrawal rates. Offered on October 10 at the UW Tower in Seattle.

Access workshop information and free registration.

Credit Union Educational Seminars
Join our credit union partners at any of these free seminars to learn how to protect your money and good name.

Scams, Shams & Identity Theft
Get up-to-date on the latest statistics, discover how identity theft happens, learn ways to prevent it from happening to you, and see how to protect yourself from scammers. Presented by WSECU, this seminar will be offered on October 2 at Health Sciences.

Social Media & 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 ten social media mistakes to avoid. Presented by SECU, this seminar will be offered on October 14 at Harborview.

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 easy steps to a better score. Presented by WSECU, this seminar will be offered on October 21 at Bothell.

Access event registration and information.

HomeStreet offers free seminars to help you learn about a variety of homeownership issues related to budgeting, buying, remodeling, refinancing, and selling your home.

Access event registration and information for these upcoming seminars:

Buying a Home with Down Payment Assistance
Are you interested in buying a home but want to keep your down-payment to a minimum? In this seminar you will learn:

• Low down-payment programs and strategies
• How to use down payment assistance and the eligibility requirement
• About down payment assistance programs in your area
• How to assess your eligibility for programs Offered on October 21 at the UW Tower and October 23 at South Lake Union.

Seasonal Home Maintenance
Learn how to save money through regular home maintenance, budget for basic home repairs, plus receive a fall home maintenance checklist. Offered on September 18 at Health Sciences, and November 20 at Bothell.

Individual Prequalification Appointments
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 prequalification? 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 register, scroll to 9/22, 9/24, 10/27, or 10/30 on the HomeStreet events calendar, or call 206-628-0207 to request a prequalification appointment.

Home$tart Program Grants Available for a Limited Time
HomeStreet recently announced that Home$tart Program grants are available to qualifying homebuyers who have previously owned a home as well as to qualifying first-time homebuyers. The grants provide a match of $3 for every $1 of a home buyer’s funds up to $5,000, to be used for down payments, closing costs, or rehabilitation of owner-occupied housing. Homebuyers earning 80 percent or less of the area median income could qualify. Funds are available for a limited time on a first-come, first-served basis. Call HomeStreet at 888-425-6990 to learn more.

As a reminder, Hometown benefits extend to your immediate family members too!

Unique Offerings at IMA: MBSR, Meditation, Yoga & Self-Defense
Four unique classes are being offered at the Intramural Activities building this quarter. Self-Defense for Women is a 1-day workshop. For this class, the IMA quarterly membership fee has been waived. For the other classes, an IMA quarterly membership is required ($66 + tax) which can be purchased at the IMA front desk. If you have any questions, contact Fitness Coordinator Anne Garrett. Registration begins online on September 22.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course at IMA
Mindfulness is the practice of sustained focus, awareness of the present, self-exploration, and self-liberation with an accepting, open, and kind attitude. Practicing mindfulness can promote calmness, resilience, compassion and expanded awareness. Scientific studies have shown decreased burnout, improved immunity, and improved athletic and academic performance. A course on Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is being offered at the Intramural Activities Building this autumn. Offered on Tuesdays, October 7-November 25 from 6-8:30 p.m. with a retreat on November 15. This is offered at $130 as a benefit to faculty, staff, and students. Learn more about MBSR and the instructor, UW Medicine Professor Emeritus Dr. Richard Berger.

Intro to Meditation
The contemplative practice of 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. Offered on Wednesdays, October 8-December 3 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Fee is $27.

Adaptive Yoga NEW at the IMA this Fall!
Adaptive yoga classes are smaller than traditional classes, allowing for a more hands-on approach. Yoga poses are adapted for people with physical limitations due to a range of conditions (paralysis, amputation, MS, stroke, etc.) Classes incorporate breathing exercises and relaxation/meditation. Participants may practice in a sturdy chair (provided), thick mat (provided), wheelchair, or their own yoga mat. Offered on Thursdays, October 9-December 4 from 5:30-6:45 p.m. Instructor Julie Fournier is a registered yoga teacher who studies adaptive yoga under Matthew Sanford, and is part of Adaptive Yoga Northwest. Fee is $54.

Self-Defense for Women 1-Day Workshop
Become aware and empowered at the Self-Defense for Women Workshop at the IMA on Saturday, October 18 from 1:00-5:00 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 Search for Courses then Health/Safety. Non-members register via email to Anne Garrett.

UW Retiree Resource Fair: September 17
Do you know what perks, privileges, and volunteer opportunities will be available to you at retirement? If you’re getting ready to retire, save the date to join us at the UW Retiree Resource Fair on Wednesday September 17, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the HUB South Ballroom to explore your options! Preview the current list of vendors. Sponsored by the UW Retirement Association.

Mad Campus: Discover Art in Unexpected Places
Mad Campus is MadArt’s newest public art exhibit, consisting of 12 large-scale, temporary, site-specific works to be displayed in various outdoor locations on the UW campus. Inspired by their location, the selected artists’ new sculptures will be interactive and innovative.

Find the unexpected on campus September 13–October 25. Visit the project’s website for more details.