The Resource

In This Issue

Benefits
Recognition
Wellness
Combined Fund Drive
The Whole U
WorkLife
SafeCampus
Career Development
Money Matters
Saving for Retirement
Hometown Home Loan Program

Published: November 12, 2015

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.

Benefits

 
 
 

Open Enrollment Ends November 30

Do you want to choose a different health plan or add previously uncovered dependents to your PEBB medical and dental coverage? Have you considered enrolling in a 2016 pretax savings program such as a Flexible Spending Account or the Dependent Care Assistance Program? November is Annual Open Enrollment which means this is the time to make these changes! Learn more about Open Enrollment.

   

Spousal Attestations are Due November 30

If you will have a spouse or domestic partner enrolled on your PEBB medical plan next year, PEBB may require that you attest or re-attest to the spousal coverage premium surcharge during Annual Open Enrollment with changes becoming effective January 1, 2016.

Get all the attestation tools you need at the Spousal Attestation webpage. When you're ready to attest, choose the "Log in to My Account link" in the upper left corner. If you still have questions, contact the Health Care Authority (HCA) at 800-200-1004. (Note: HCA experiences high call volumes during Open Enrollment.)

   

Stretch Your Dollars with a 2016 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. In 2016, you can contribute a minimum of $240 and a maximum of $2,500. To participate, you must enroll by November 30. Benefits will begin January 1, 2016.

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 cannot enroll in an FSA during the same year. If you already have an FSA for 2015 and choose a CDHP-HSA for 2016, you will be required to use all FSA funds by the end of this year with no grace period or claims "run-out" period. So before you enroll in a 2016 CDHP-HSA, be sure to check the CDHP-HSA site which highlights some of the restrictions for high-deductible plans.

   

DCAP: Stretch Your Dollars Further in 2016

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 2016-whether as a new or returning participant-enroll by November 30 for benefits to begin January 2016. Learn more and enroll in a 2016 DCAP account.

Recognition

 
 
 

Distinguished Staff Award Nominations Close Next Week!

November 20 marks the last day nominations for the Distinguished Staff Awards will be accepted. Ideal candidates are individuals who collaborate with others, display an inspirational work ethic, and go above and beyond expectations. All classified and professional staff who hold a 50% or greater appointment and have been employed at UW for at least six months as of November 20 are eligible. Up to five individuals or teams of up to eight will receive this award, which includes $5,000 and special recognition at the annual Awards of Excellence ceremony in the spring. Visit the Distinguished Staff Award website to learn more and nominate someone today!

 

Nominations Open for Thorud Leadership Award

Don't forget that this year's David B. Thorud Leadership Award is open for nominations through December 4. Faculty and staff are both eligible for this award, and nominees should be those who stand out as exceptional leaders and innovators. Recipients of this award will receive $2,500 and will be celebrated at the Annual Awards of Excellence. For more details or to nominate a colleague, visit the David B. Thorud Leadership Award website.

Wellness

 
 
 

Free Flu Shots-Last Chance this Season

There's still time to get a flu shot at this season's last clinic:

Wednesday, November 18
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Health Sciences Lobby
1959 NE Pacific Street

No appointment necessary, just drop in! Bring your health insurance card, photo ID, and completed Flu Shot claim form. (Otherwise you may be required to pay $25 by cash or check and seek reimbursement from your health plan.) Short sleeves or sleeveless tops are recommended.

Note: Dependents between ages 11-17 who are covered under your plan may attend a flu shot clinic provided they are accompanied by their parent or guardian who also signs the Claim/Consent form. Dependents age 10 and under should see their health care provider.

View the entire schedule, download printable flyers, and view flu season resources including FAQs.

   

Mammography Screenings for UMP Members

If you're a woman age 40+ who's enrolled in the Uniform Medical Plan, 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.

The MammoVan is scheduled to visit on January 13, 2016 at 11th Avenue and NE 43rd Street near the UW Tower. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis between 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Access screening information and schedule an appointment.

Note: Group Health members are required to receive all mammography services directly from a Group Health Cooperative facility.

 

Join the Great American Smokeout!

The 2015 Great American Smokeout is Thursday, November 19. This is the date when smokers everywhere are encouraged to make a personal quitting plan. If you're a smoker or know someone who is, check out PEBB's tobacco cessation program, Quit for Life. Through this program, you and your covered dependents not only receive free smoking cessation services but you may waive the $25-per-month Tobacco Use Premium Surcharge.

Post a flyer in your work area.

Combined Fund Drive

 
 
 

Support Nonprofits, UW Programs, & Help the Homeless

Did you know that many in our community give to UW scholarships and programs, as well as to favorite nonprofits through the UW Combined Fund Drive? You can choose your favorites causes, too. The campaign runs until December 4. We've seen incredible support for our special event next Wednesday, November 18, the Climb to $10K for Facing Homelessness, and we're looking forward to reaching a million steps across our three campuses and two medical centers. Together, we're making a huge impact for this small, but powerful, Seattle nonprofit. Special portraits will be on display in the stairwells connecting us to why we're climbing. View locations and sign up here, even if you can support Facing Homelessness but won't be climbing. A $10 minimum donation is required.

The Whole U

 
 
 

The UW Climb to $10K for Facing Homelessness

Back in July we climbed 750K steps together. This time let's climb for a cause: The UW Climb to $10K for Facing Homelessness. Help us reach our goal of $10,000 and one million steps on Wednesday, November 18 for those living on the street in our community. All you need to do is pledge the $10 suggested donation and climb stairs. The Whole U and UW Combined Fund Drive team members will be passing out prizes at six locations (UW Tower, UW Bothell, UW Tacoma, South Lake Union, UW Medical Center, and Harborview) from noon-1 p.m. Track your stairs climbed throughout the day and report your totals on November 19. Sign up here.

   

Cooking Demo with Chef Tracey: Mini Tarts for Holiday Entertaining

Want to impress your guests with a beautiful and delicious appetizer spread at your next holiday party? Join us at the Chef's Table in Lander Hall to learn how to make a variety of savory tarts. Campus Executive Chef Tracey MacRae will show us how to make roasted red grape, rosemary, and goat cheese tarts, bacon jam with caramelized onion and gorgonzola tarts, and more! All participants will receive a copy of the recipes and be able to try samples after the demonstration. It's Thursday, December 10 at 5:15 p.m. Limited seating available. Register early!

   

De-stress with an All-Day Mindfulness Retreat

The Whole U and UW Medicine invite you to experience a full day of mindfulness with Tim Burnett from Mindfulness Northwest. Join us on Saturday, December 12 for a full day of mindfulness, stress reduction, body awareness, and inner care. Formal practices including body scan, mindful yoga, and sitting and walking meditation will be practiced together in silence. The day will conclude with small group discussion and dialog with the instructor on your experience and how mindfulness can be integrated into daily life. The retreat is based on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) - a well-researched practice that is very effective with many stress-related issues. The cost is $45 and there are 110 spots available. Friends and family members (over 18 years of age) are welcome. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. Sign up here.

WorkLife

 
 
 

Fall 2015 Seminar Series

UW CareLink presents the Fall 2015 Seminar series! Experienced counselors lead the sessions and approach subjects creatively. Join us in the HUB or the UW Tower for one or all three, and feel free to bring your lunch! Seminars are free for all UW faculty and staff. All sessions are noon-1 p.m. Register for each session you plan to attend.

The 5 Buckets Principle™-Thursday, November 19
Explore proven tactics on meeting the competing demands of job, family, friends, and school. Learn how to manage expectations, prioritize better, and find more time for yourself. Balance is hard, so come learn how to do it like a pro!

Fostering Inclusion in the Workplace-Wednesday, December 2
Boost the morale in your workplace by recognizing and excluding exclusive behaviors. Create cohesion and learn how to cultivate a community where everyone feels welcome. This session examines the attitudes and activities that help you succeed.

Responding to the Changing Needs of Aging Parents-Wednesday, December 16
Learn what resources are available while you navigate the complexities of caring for an aging loved one. From assessing health concerns to coordinating care, come figure out what you need and where to find it with UW CareLink's elder care consultation services.

   

Creating a Budget

Budgeting is one of the first great lessons of personal finance, yet relatively few people are taught the basics of creating one. The inability to measure how much money is coming in and how much is going out is a primary reason for financial illiteracy in this country. This month's Balanced Living article, Creating Your First Budget, provides guidance when balance is what you seek (use "UW" as the company code to log in).

UW CareLink will broadcast a one-hour webinar "Basics of Budgeting" on November 17 at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Learn why budgeting matters, how to make one that works for you, and how to stick to it! Pre-register at least one hour before the presentation. That day doesn't work? The webinar will be archived and available for viewing by the beginning of December.

SafeCampus

 
 
 

Workplace Security Assessments & Safety Presentations

The UW Police Department's Community Outreach unit provides security assessments for your workplace or building at your request. Following the security assessment, an officer can come speak with your department or unit about the assessment and what you can do to stay safe in the workplace. For more information, contact UWPD Community Outreach or 206-616-0873.

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.

   

Take Back Your Days

As the hours of daylight decrease, it can feel like we truly have fewer hours in the day, especially as we try to complete projects before the end of the year and set goals for the new one. Enter Kaizen. This holistic approach to improving work processes allows you to significantly streamline efforts by regularly making small changes. In this intensive three-session workshop, explore a variety of ways to apply Kaizen methodology, insights, and tools within your organization. Register for Kaizen Methods and Practice.

 

Go Cold Turkey on Bad Email Habits

The ease of email encourages many of us to take what seems to be the easy way out. We may dash off a quick email without checking for errors or overuse email in situations when a phone call or face-to-face conversation would be more appropriate. Such oversights and missteps can actually create more work in the long-run and damage our professional credibility. In this half-day course, learn tips and strategies for writing effective emails, formatting content for readability, choosing the right tone, organizing your inbox, and staying on the right side of email etiquette. Register for Business Email Etiquette and Management.

   

Bring on the Bells and Whistles

Whether budgeting for holiday parties or working on charts for a year-end report, this live webinar for PC users introduces a variety of formulas, functions, and techniques for taking your Excel skills to the next level. In this 90-minute session, explore approaches for manipulating and presenting data, the basics of PivotTables, tips for data entry and validation, time-saving techniques, and good practices for managing and sharing workbooks. Register for Microsoft Excel Techniques.

   

Get a Head Start on New Year's Resolutions

Are your skills and strengths well-suited to your present position? Is your current job aligned with your long-term career goals? Don't wait another year-POD's Susan Templeton can help you begin to answer these crucial questions. Susan's Assessing Your Career Fit class uses two assessments to explore work tasks and environments that might be a good fit, ways to make a job more interesting, and methods to enhance work/life balance. Susan also offers one-on-one career counseling to help you evaluate your strengths, plot your career path, or gear up for a job search. Sessions are offered for $110 per one-hour session if paid with a UW budget number (with supervisor approval) or $127.16 if paid with cash, check, or credit card (due to a mandatory institutional overhead fee). Some participants find it's a good value to take Assessing Your Career Fit followed by one or two career counseling appointments. Explore your career development options.

Money Matters

 
 
 

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 about this benefit.

   

Free Financial Education Seminars

Our credit union partners, Inspirus CU and Washington State Employees CU, offer free financial education seminars, usually held during lunchtime. These are 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.

Financial Yoga: Stretching Your Hard-Earned Dollars
Learn tips that will help you gain control of your finances and reduce financial stress. Presented by Inspirus.

Saving for Retirement

 
 
 

Whether you're starting out, building wealth, or getting ready to retire, UW Benefits sponsors free seminars packed with information that can help you through your journey. Below are seminars offered on campus by Fidelity Investments.

Access event information and register here.

Building a Portfolio for Any Weather
In this seminar, designed for the beginning investor, you will learn how to determine an appropriate investment mix and your investment style, select investment options that fit your investment approach, and manage your investment strategy to help meet your long-term goals.

Getting on the Right Path with Your Workplace Savings Plan
Are you maximizing your workplace savings plan? This beginner-level workshop is intended for individuals who are not participating in their workplace savings plan, or who would like to learn ways to save more.

   

UWRP & VIP Fund Review Committee Presentation

Please join the UWRP/VIP Fund Review Committee for an update on current market conditions and performance of the funds currently offered in the UW Retirement Plan and Voluntary Investment Program. Following a presentation from Aon Hewitt investment consultants, there will be an open forum to answer questions. Registration is not necessary.

Friday, November 13, 2015
12-1 p.m.
UW Tower Building
4333 Brooklyn Ave NE
Auditorium, Room 403

   

Retirement Readiness Check-Up

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:

  • 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.

Hometown Home Loan Program

 
 
 

Hometown Seminars

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

Access registration and information for the events listed below.

Buying a Vacation or Rental Property
Are you looking to invest beyond your primary home? Learn:

  • How to determine your investment style with respect to investing in real estate
  • How to obtain non-owner occupied financing
  • Pros and pitfalls of owning multiple properties
  • Tips for maintaining primary and secondary residences

Understanding Credit
How does credit reporting really work? Learn:

  • Why credit history matters when financing a home or buying big-ticket items
  • What's behind your credit report and FICO score
  • How to clean up your credit history
  • How to fix reporting errors
   

Individual Prequalification Appointments

Thinking of buying or refinancing a home but not sure how to get started? 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, and your spouse, partner, or potential co-signer is welcome to attend.

To request an appointment, click on your preferred date from the Classes & Seminars calendar tab on the HomeStreet website or call 206-628-0207.

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