The Resource

In This Issue

Career Development
The Whole U
Money Matters
WorkLife
Home Loan Program
Wellness
Preparing to Retire
Community

Published: April 8, 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.

Career Development  
 
 

Professional & Organizational Development (POD) courses 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.

   

Little Things Mean a Lot
Learn about a continuous improvement philosophy that focuses on small, ongoing changes. Kaizen encourages a holistic approach to viewing and adjusting work processes; when done well, it can eliminate overly hard work, improve morale, increase productivity, and eliminate waste. Register for Kaizen Methods and Practice.

 

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.

   

Become Your Own Tech Support
Need to improve your computer skills? POD offers dynamic live webinars on a variety of tech-oriented topics. Upcoming sessions can help you get up to speed with Google Docs & Drive; Google Apps for email; Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word fundamentals; and advanced PivotTable and macro functions in Excel. Register for POD Webinars.

   

"Spring Clean" Your Career
Is it time to dust off your résumé and toss out your old ideas about your career? Training and Organizational Development Consultant Susan Templeton can help you polish your job-search and interviewing skills, unearth your unique skillset, and add some sparkle to your success and satisfaction at work. 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.

The Whole U  
 
 

2015 UW Scavenger Hunt: A Race Through Time
In 1936, nine rowers from the University of Washington united as one and unexpectedly brought home Olympic gold. Relive the experience in our 2015 Scavenger Hunt inspired by the best-selling book The Boys in the Boat. Race through time and learn UW history as you uncover each clue. Find the final destination to celebrate with The Whole U. The hunts are in Bothell, Seattle, and Tacoma on Thursday, April 23 and in Seattle on Saturday, April 25. The Thursday hunt in Seattle will also feature Daniel James Brown, the author of The Boys in the Boat! Learn more.

   

Earth Day Seminar with Washington Toxics Coalition
You'll learn about the primary chemicals of concern for the health of people and the environment in the Puget Sound region and tips for avoiding concerning chemicals when shopping for you and your family. Join us Tuesday, April 21 at noon in the HUB. Sign up now.

   

Free Husky Baseball Tickets
Bring your family and friends to cheer for Husky Baseball as they take on Oregon State! The game is Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m. Tickets are general admission for UW faculty and staff and up to four guests. Limited availability. Sign up now.

   

Try Indoor Cycling at Flywheel
Flywheel Sports is offering a free class at their South Lake Union and Bellevue locations for The Whole U. Never taken a flywheel class before? It's a high intensity cardio workout in a welcoming, energetic, and fun environment. The classes are Sunday, May 3. Sign up for the Bellevue location or for South Lake Union.

   

Life Hacks for Eating Better & Moving More
Join The Whole U for a fascinating talk by Kristen Hammerback, research scientist at the Health Promotion Research Center, a CDC research center affiliated with the UW School of Public Health. Kristen will show us how to tweak our environment to make healthy choices easy and unhealthy choices difficult. She will share some life hacks for eating better and moving more. Are you ready to make healthy choices easier? Join us in the W.H. Foege Genome Sciences Building on Thursday, May 21 at noon. Sign up now.

   

Find more upcoming Whole U events.

Money Matters  
 
 

Join Fidelity Investments for any of the following free 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 approach
  • Manage your investment strategy to help meet your long-term goals

Confident Investing in Any Market

  • Evaluate if you have the right mix of investments
  • Assess what factors impact portfolio performance
  • Identify different investment vehicles to help reduce taxes

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

Register to attend one or more of these seminars.

   

Social Security: A Foundation for Your Future
Everyone dreams of a secure, comfortable retirement. 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 this free Social Security seminar to get a better understanding of how Social Security and Medicare work.

Learn what benefits to expect and when these will be available to you and your family. Open to UW faculty, staff, students, and retirees.

Wednesday, July 22
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Health Sciences, Hogness Auditorium, Room A-420

Access seminar information and registration.

   

Financial Education Seminars
Save more and better manage your finances with financial education seminars. Presented by two local nonprofit credit unions, WSECU and SECU, these free seminars are held at convenient campus locations during the lunch hour.

  • Financial Yoga: Stretching Your Hard-Earned Dollars – Learn tips that will help you gain control of your finances and reduce financial stress.
  • Scams, Shams, and Identity Theft – Learn how to better protect yourself, your money, and your personal information.
  • Social Media and Your Child's Financial Future – Learn effective strategies for your child and the top 10 social media mistakes to avoid.
  • Credit Reporting 101 – Come away with valuable tips to help you get the most from your creditworthiness.

Access seminar information and registration.

   

Take Advantage of Free Retirement Planning Guidance
Did you know that you can receive free retirement planning guidance from a Fidelity or TIAA-CREF consultant? Individual appointments are an excellent time to:

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

Schedule an appointment in a way that works best for you.

WorkLife  
 
 

Tender Loving Care Program Discontinued!
As of March 31, 2015, the TLC program through Virginia Mason is discontinued. TLC has provided much needed care for the children of many of our faculty, staff, and students, and we've enjoyed a wonderful relationship with this program. Unfortunately, the decision was out of our hands. We are actively working to find alternative options to this program and we hope to have potential solutions soon. For more information, please contact Director of WorkLife and Childcare Access Amy Hawkins.

   

Eldercare Seminar Series
Don't miss out on the last two sessions of the Eldercare series in the UW Tower Auditorium from noon to 1 p.m. Please register to attend. We hope to see you there, and feel free to bring your lunch!

   

Spring Seminars with UW CareLink
All sessions are held in the UW Tower Auditorium from noon to 1 p.m. The seminars are free, but please register for each session you plan to attend by following the links below. Join us for one or all three of the seminars, and feel free to bring your lunch!

Emotional Intelligence for Success - Thursday, May 7
Being aware of our own emotional intelligence, known as EQ, has benefits at home and at work. When we recognize the feelings of family members and coworkers and respond in balanced, rational ways, our relationships and collaborations improve. Presented by Althea Brandis, MA, LMHC.
Managing Stress & Remaining Resilient - Thursday, May 21
Life contains adversities: inevitable daily hassles or unexpected major setbacks. What makes some people more resilient, allowing them to adapt and persevere, while others are reactive and stressed? Presented by Sue Covey, MS.
A Personal Guide to Effectively Managing Life Changes at Home & Work - Thursday, June 18
Change is part of life. Yet many of us resist it or find it triggers uncomfortable feelings of loss, disorientation, and lack of control. Learn to understand your personal triggers to change, and learn strategies to navigate change. Presented by Alex Smith, LMHC, CEAP.
   

Think Positive! It's Good for Your Health
When life hands you lemons, do you make lemonade? Research indicates that people who possess an optimistic attitude are healthier and lead more satisfied lives than their pessimistic counterparts. Positive thinkers engage in activities associated with healthy living such as staying smoke-free, making healthy food choices, and exercising regularly, all of which contribute to reducing stress. This month's tip sheet from UW CareLink reinforces the benefits of positive thinking.

For more information on staying positive, UW CareLink will broadcast a one-hour webinar "Disrupting Negative Thoughts" on April 21 at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and noon. You must pre-register at least one hour before the presentation. Visit www.apshelplink.com (use "UW" as the company code) and click the Online Seminars section. Select the presentation and then register by clicking on the first or second session option. The webinar will also be archived on the site and available for viewing by the beginning of May.

Home Loan Program  
 
 

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 9 between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at HUB Lyceum, Room 160.

Learn more at HomeStreet-UW Home Fair.

   

What's Your Next Move?
HomeStreet 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 Condominium

  • The pros and cons of condo ownership
  • Ways that condos differ from single-family homes
  • How to find the right community
  • How to secure the right financing

Buying a Home

  • Today's real estate market
  • Role of the real estate agent
  • Pre-approvals vs. pre-qualifications
  • Mortgage applications, home inspections, and appraisals

Buying a Home with Down Payment Assistance

  • Low down payment programs and strategies
  • How to use down payment assistance and the eligibility requirements
  • Which down payment assistance programs are in your area
  • How to assess your eligibility for programs

Access event information and registration.

   

Free Home Ownership Counseling
Are you 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.

Wellness  
 
 

Earn a $125 SmartHealth Incentive in 2016
SmartHealth is Washington state's new voluntary, confidential wellness program that helps you improve your health and well-being while having fun and connecting with others. As a bonus to eligible Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) subscribers, you can earn a $125 incentive in 2016 when you earn 2,000 points by June 30, 2015!

How do you start? Log in to SmartHealth and select Get Started to walk through the one-time activation process. Next, complete your confidential well-being assessment for 800 points, and also earn up to 400 points per year when you visit your doctor and dentist for preventive care.

Have fun exploring the diverse SmartHealth wellness activities designed to help you progress on your wellness journey. Categories are refreshed often to keep you engaged. Here's a sampling of this month's activities:

  • Livin' La Vida Local, eat fresh, local foods - 450 pts. max.
  • Healthy Cooking - 50 pts.
  • Conquer Your Inbox - 50 pts.
  • Make a Bucket List - 50 pts.

Learn more about the SmartHealth program.

 

What's Your Score?
An annual diabetes screening is a proven method of detecting prediabetes in its early stages—when it's easier to treat successfully—but did you know it's possible to reverse prediabetes through the "NOT ME" prevention program? This is a free benefit available to PEBB members who are 18+ and enrolled in PEBB's Uniform Medical Plan or Group Health.

How do you know if you're at risk and what can you do about it? First take the 30-second Risk Quiz and if you score 9 or higher, schedule an A1c (finger stick) test in one of two ways:

  1. Attend a blood sugar testing event. Drop-ins are welcome, or schedule an appointment.
    1. June 9 at Harborview's Research & Training Auditorium, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
    2. June 24 at Seattle's UW Tower, 4th floor cafeteria, from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
  2. Get tested by your physician. If your A1c results show that you're prediabetic then email kpmartinez@seattleymca.org to enroll in the free NOT ME Diabetes Prevention Program.

Stay on track! If you recently completed a NOT ME Diabetes Prevention Program class series, drop in to a monthly follow-up session at the UW Tower or Harborview.

Access registration and event information.

   

Mammography Screenings for UMP Members
Are you a woman age 40+ who's enrolled in Uniform Medical Plan/Regence? If so, consider scheduling your next routine mammogram at the MammoVan! Seattle Cancer Care Alliance's MammoVan is a customized, mobile breast imaging clinic bringing the latest technology in digital mammograms to you at your workplace. Convenience, state-of-the art technology, and exceptional quality are reasons why women choose this service.

The MammoVan visits the Seattle campus six times a year, and is next scheduled to arrive on May 5 near the UW Tower. Appointments are available to UMP members on a first-come, first-served basis between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The average appointment time is just 15 minutes.

Access screening information and schedule an appointment.

Preparing to Retire  
 
 

Are you thinking of retiring within the next 12 months? If so, the Benefits Office offers the following workshops that should interest you.

Income Strategies for Your Retirement

  • How to address 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 withdrawal strategy that will mitigate the key risks of retirement

Preparing Your Savings for Retirement

  • Maximizing your savings as you work
  • How to conduct an income and expense analysis
  • Strategies to maximize income sources, and the impact of health care costs on retirement
  • The importance of estate planning and introduction to key estate planning tools

Register to attend one or both of these seminars.

Community  
 
 

Spring Wellness Courses at the IMA
You'll find new offerings and more flexibility this spring at the IMA where online registration is open (link: https://ima.rsp.washington.edu/default.aspx). As always, IMA courses are offered at low rates, with IMA membership required to enter the building for all classes ($66 + tax per quarter, or $21 + tax per month). Contact Fitness Coordinator Anne Garrett with questions.

  • Lunch Classes that Fit Your Work Schedule.
    The IMA is now offering two lunchtime fitness classes to fit into the workday! Join us for Cardio Combo from 11:30-12:15 p.m. and/or Ab Lab from 12:15-12:45 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Cardio Combo combines step, interval training, and cardio kickboxing to maximize your time. Ab Lab improves your functional fitness by progressively strengthening the entire core. Cardio Combo is listed under the Cardio category and Ab Lab under Strength and Conditioning.
  • Intro to Meditation
    Meditation has scientifically proven benefits for your body and mind and for the way you interact with the world around you. This course offers a new method of meditation each week and helps you establish a regular practice that works for you. Choose from two sections: Mondays or Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the IMA. Fee is $20. Find courses under the Mind/Body category.
  • Self-Defense for Women 1-Day Workshop
    Become aware and empowered at this workshop on Saturday, April 25 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. Participants will discuss and practice non-physical skills including awareness, assertiveness, and boundary setting. Lead instructor Jennifer McClearen is a black belt with a background in martial arts and self-defense. Learn more about the course in this article from The Whole U. Fee is $20. Find the course under Health & Safety.
  • Self Defense Weekday Class
    Learn how to instinctively respond to a variety of aggressive acts (punches, kicks, chokes), defend against multiple attackers, and respond mentally and physically in a time of need. Please note this is a full contact and high intensity class; those with serious injuries are not recommended to take it. Class is on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. from April 13-May 13. Cost is $26.25 and this course is found under Health & Safety.
  • Adaptive Yoga
    The IMA is partnering with Adaptive Yoga Northwest to offer Adaptive Yoga. People who have lost sensations in parts of their bodies or deal with chronic pain can still experience the energy flowing in their limbs and a sense of release, ease, and freedom from their practice. Adaptive yoga classes are smaller than traditional classes, with a more hands-on approach and poses adapted for people with physical limitations due to a range of conditions. Read about instructor Julie Fournier and check out The Whole U article. The course is on Thursdays from 5:30-6:45 p.m. on April 16-June 4 and is listed under Mind/Body.
 

Call 911 for Suspicious Activity
If you see something suspicious, don't hesitate to call 911—whether it is a suspicious, unattended backpack, someone loitering with no apparent purpose, or a person trying doorknobs in your building. When you call from a campus phone, you will reach a UW Police Department 911 dispatcher. When you call on a cell phone, you may reach a Seattle Police or State Patrol 911 operator. If that happens and the issue is occurring on campus, request to be transferred to the UWPD 911 center. This gets your call quickly routed to UWPD so they can respond quickly. Be prepared to describe the suspicious person's behavior as well as personal appearance and last known direction of travel or location. UWPD encourages staff and faculty to call 911 for any suspicious activity—it helps prevent crime and catch criminals.

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