Congratulations to the Live Healthy Iowa 100 Day Wellness Challenge Winners
Posted: May 21, 2012

Burst Your Thirst Challenge
Posted: May 18, 2012
Are you drinking enough water? Gather a team of 2-10 employees and participate in the 6 week Live Healthy Iowa "Burst Your Thirst" physical activity and hydration challenge taking place June 18-July 30. UNI Employee Wellness is funding half of each employee's $8 registration fee. For more information about the Challenge and registration, view the Burst Your Thirst flyer.

Understanding Family and Medical Leaves:
A Supervisor's Toolkit
Posted: May 14, 2012
Join us for a live webcast. Learn supervisor responsibilities, best practices, procedures, and legal concerns involved with Family and Medical Leaves. For additional information, view the webcast flyer.

Flexible Spending Drop-in Session
Posted: May 8, 2012
A representative from ASI Flex will be on campus Wednesday, May 30 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in 025 Gilchrist to answer employee questions related to flexible spending. Please stop in at your convenience.

Open Enrollment: Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Posted: April 30, 2012
All non-temporary employees eligible for life insurance can make changes to or enroll in Voluntary Term Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage now through May 31, 2012. Coverage is available for employees and their family members. This voluntary coverage is in addition to the University provided life insurance. Employees pay the full cost of the premium with after-tax dollars through payroll deduction. All individuals must be approved for coverage by Principal Life Insurance Company. If approved, coverage will begin on July 1, 2012.

Health and Dental Open Enrollment
Posted: April 30, 2012
Current Faculty, P&S, Academic Administrators, Institutional Officials and Merit Supervisory staff have until Thursday, May 31, to make changes to their current health and/or dental insurance plans. All changes will be effective August 1. Submit completed enrollment forms to Human Resource Services, 0034.

P&S Performance Appraisals
Posted: March 23, 2012
Ended: May 14, 2012

Managing staff performance is an ongoing/year-round process and as a reminder we've reached the time of year when P&S staff receive an annual performance appraisal. The performance appraisal meeting is an excellent opportunity to discuss performance and progress toward goals during the past year and determine career development opportunities and performance goals for the coming year. Performance appraisal meetings should be conducted before May 9, 2012. Completed and signed appraisals should be sent to your division head's office (VP, Provost or President) with a copy sent to HRS. For more resources, please visit the Performance Appraisal Training web site.

Stress Management Seminar
Posted: April 13, 2012
Ended: April 30, 2012

UNI Employee Wellness is hosting a stress management seminar on Monday, April 30 from 11:00-11:45 a.m. in CME, Maucker Union. All faculty & staff are invited to take a break and join Amanda Schara from the Allen Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for a free, interactive session on stress management. Stress at home and in the workplace is directly linked to our physical well-being; learn what you can do to effectively manage it. REGISTER HERE, space is limited.

Women and Money Educational Seminar
Posted: April 10, 2012
Ended: April 30, 2012

HRS is hosting a TIAA CREF seminar on Wednesday, April 25 from noon to 1:00 p.m. in Gilchrist 009, titled "Women and Money: Exploring the Generational Evolution of Financial Independence." The relationship between women and money has evolved over the past four generations. Join us as we take a look at that evolution and how it's impacted women today. This is an inter-generational presentation, and we encourage you to bring a daughter, niece, granddaughter or friend to promote financial education between the generations. Presenter will be Cheryl Red, CFP, CRPC, Director Wealth Management Investment Specialist, TIAA CREF. Please call HRS at 3-2423 to register for this event.

Adverse Weather
Posted: December 16, 2011
Ended: April 9, 2012

The winter season brings with it the potential for adverse weather conditions. Questions on how faculty and staff absences should be handled during adverse weather are common this time of year. Please visit the supporting web page to learn more about the policy and leave options.

General

IPERS Representative Coming to Our Area
Posted: February 9, 2012
Ended: April 9, 2012

You are invited to an IPERS retirement planning session. Come and learn about possible retirement dates, benefit option payouts, and service purchase options. For more information, please view their flyer.

Benefits

Family Caregiving Leave
Posted: February 15, 2012
Ended: March 23, 2012

Beginning February 19, the name of the sick leave code Emergency Leave is changing to Family Caregiving Leave. The change was made to clarify the intended use of the benefit. The definition has not changed, and the time used will continue to reduce accrued sick leave. Employees will now see the time card option Family Caregiving Leave in place of Emergency Leave. For additional information and examples of when this leave code would apply, please listen to the Family Caregiving Leave presentation.

Questions can be directed to Therese Callaghan at 273-6164 or therese.callaghan@uni.edu

Performance Appraisal Training Sessions
Posted: January 23, 2012
Ended: March 8, 2012

To reserve your spot in one of these sessions, email scott.klahsen@uni.edu with your name, department, number of employees you supervise and their classification, along with your session preference. All training sessions will be in Gilchrist 007

• Thursday, February 23, 2012 from 1-3 p.m.
• Wednesday, February 29, 2012 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 7, 2012 from 9-11 a.m.

Training

Blood Chemistry Profile (BCP)
Posted: January 23, 2012
Ended: February 10, 2012

A BCP screening will be held from 7 to 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15, in the Rod Library. Employees and retirees enrolled in a university health insurance plan are eligible for one free BCP per academic year. Spouses and UNI students may sign up for a $20 fee. To schedule an appointment, contact Sandy Law at 273-2423.

Wellness

Live Healthy Iowa - 100 Day Wellness Challenge
Posted: January 17, 2012
Ended: February 9, 2012
Join thousands of Iowans and the UNI Employee Wellness Committee in Live Healthy Iowa’s annual 100 Day Wellness Challenge!  The challenge begins on Jan. 23 and ends May 1.  The Employee Wellness Committee is encouraging all departments to form a team of 2-10 people and participate in some friendly competition between departments!  To learn more, view the Live Healthy Iowa @ UNI! informational document

Wellness

Your Benefits @ Work
Posted: November 7, 2011
Ended: January 9, 2012

Want to explore your benefits? Check out our benefits newsletter (text version).

Benefits

2011/2012 Holiday Reduced Operations
Posted: October 28, 2011
Ended: January 9, 2012

To learn more about the holiday reduced operations from Monday, Dec. 26, 2011 through Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, please view the Holiday Reduced Operations supporting web page. This web page contains important information about steps to be taken depending on whether your office will be open to the public or closed.

2012 Group Supplemental Retirement Annuity (GSRA) Limits
Posted: October 25, 2011
Ended: January 9, 2012
The IRS has announced the 2012 dollar limitations for retirement plan contributions. The GSRA maximum for 2012 will increase from $16,500 to $17,000 per year. Employees who are 50 years of age or older by December 31, 2012 may contribute an additional $5,500 in catch-up contributions. To enroll or to change your 2012 election, please complete a Salary Reduction Agreement. If you have additional questions or need assistance in calculating your contributions, email hrs-benefits@uni.edu or call 3-2423.

Free Flu Shots
Posted: November 21, 2011
Ended: November 30, 2011

UNI Employee Wellness is sponsoring FREE flu shots for employees enrolled in a university health insurance plan. View the UNI Student Health Clinic website for flu shot clinic dates and locations. No appointment is necessary! Contact Bobbi Vandegrift if you have additional questions.

Benefits

2012 Open Enrollment: All Employees

Posted: October 14, 2011
Ended: November 30, 2011
Open Enrollment Period set for October 17–November 30, 2011.

All benefits eligible employees can make changes to or enroll in the following plans during this open enrollment period:

• Flexible Spending Account
• Vision Insurance

Merit 2012 Open Enrollment: Health and Dental

Posted: October 14, 2011
Ended: November 17, 2011
Open Enrollment Period set for October 17–November 17, 2011.

Free Flu Shots
Posted: September 17, 2011
Ended: October 25, 2011
I am...staying healthy by getting a flu shot! UNI Employee Wellness is sponsoring FREE flu shots this year for employees enrolled in a university health insurance plan -1,000 flu shots will be available first come, first serve while supplies last. Note: the flu shot is not available for employee's spouse/dependents. Additionally, 2,000 flu shots are available for UNI students (sponsored by the Student Health Clinic).

Click here information about the benefits of receiving a flu shot, dates, and locations. No appointment is necessary! Contact Bobbi Vandegrift if you have additional questions.

Social Security and Medicare: Overview with Joseph Carrillo
CANCELED

Posted: October 18, 2011
Ended: October 20, 2011
The Social Security Office has canceled the October 20, 2011 seminar.

Free Blood Chemistry Profile
Posted: September 28, 2011
Ended: October 14, 2011
The next Blood Chemistry Profile (BCP) will be held in the Student Health Clinic on Wednesday, October 12 from 7:00-8:30a.m.. One free BCP is offered per academic year to UNI employees who qualify for health insurance benefits. Students, retirees, spouses and partners may take part in the wellness blood profile screening for $20.

To schedule an appointment, contact Kacie in HR at kaciekd@uni.edu - include your name, UID and preferred time.

[ More information about BCP ]

Announcing Reduced Fund Expenses for UNI TIAA-CREF Retirement Plan
Posted: August 26, 2011
Ended: October 14, 2011
UNI and TIAA-CREF are pleased to announce that UNI is adopting a new class of mutual funds with lower management fees and expenses for our TIAA CREF Retirement Savings Plan (the “Plan”). The effective date of this change is September 9, 2011.

For more information, please read the Frequently Asked Questions informational document and a list of the new class of mutual funds. As always, you can contact the Benefits department with any questions about the Plan.

TIAA-CREF Market Volatility - Employee Communication
Posted: August 22, 2011
Ended: September 28, 2011
Given the current market turmoil, many of you may have concerns about the effect this could have on your future retirement plans. Please read their response to the recent market volatility.

4.75 Staff Tuition Reimbursement Program
Posted: July 28, 2011
Ended: September 17, 2011
The President's Cabinet recently approved an update to the university policy 4.75 Staff Tuition Reimbursement Program (formerly named 'Staff Training Grant'). Tuition reimbursement may be made available for courses offered by the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) or other accredited post-secondary institutions. The program is available to Merit and Professional & Scientific staff members holding a non-temporary position appointment of at least 20 hours per week and having at least one year of active University service contiguous to the current appointment. This policy identifies the eligibility requirements, program requirements, and procedure for receiving tuition reimbursement.

For additional information, please visit the supporting web page.

Change in Prescription Mail Service Vendor
Posted: June 13, 2011
Ended: August 26, 2011
Wellmark's prescription mail order vendor is switching from Walgreen's to Immediate Pharmaceutical Services (IPS) effective July 1, 2011. Click here for more information and to view Frequently Asked Questions.

| More |

Taking Relay Phone Calls
Posted: May 09, 2011
Ended: July 28, 2011
Relay Iowa is a service provided at no charge to assist with phone communication for individuals who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech impaired. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Users simply need to dial 711 or (800) 735-2942, to connect with a communication assistant. The communication assistant will then connect the individual phone extension, and utilize TTY technology to relay the message between both parties.

Any phone extension on campus may receive calls from Relay Iowa users, or utilize Relay Iowa to contact an individual who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech impaired. These phone calls should be taken on the same priority level as any call received, and calls must be accepted. Proper etiquette is to speak directly to the individual, as if the communication assistant is not relaying the message. For more information, please visit www.relayiowa.com.

| More |

Annual Children’s Health Insurance Program Notice
Posted: May 09, 2011
Ended: June 6, 2011

| More |

ADA Updates

Posted: May 4, 2011
Ended: June 6, 2011

Changes to the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) took effect earlier this year. These changes are in addition to those made effective in January 2009 with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA).

| More |

Enrollment for Voluntary Term Life Insurance and AD&D

Posted: May 3, 2011
Ended: June 1, 2011

Available to all non-temporary employees eligible for life insurance.

• Benefits-At-A-Glance (PDF)

Health and Dental Open Enrollment:
Academic Administrators, Faculty, Institutional Officials, Merit Supervisory and P&S

Posted: April 27, 2011
Ended: June 1, 2011
Open Enrollment Period set for April 18-May 31, 2011.

Attention Academic Administrators, Faculty, Institutional Officials, Merit Supervisory and P&S:
Explore your new benefit options

Posted: March 24, 2011

Ended: June 1, 2011
Please visit the Benefits homepage to learn more about the new health and dental plan options that will be available to you. Your benefits are a large part of your total compensation package at the University of Northern Iowa, so please review your them carefully to ensure that your choices suit your individual circumstances.

| More |

TIAA-CREF Seminar on Retirement

Posted: April 6, 2011
Ended: April 27, 2011
Join us as TIAA-CREF presents 'Are We There Yet? Investing for Retirement in the "New Normal" Economy' from 10 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 26, in the Center for Multicultural Education (CME), Maucker Union. Brett Hammond, a TIAA-CREF managing director and chief investment strategist, will provide a short presentation about how to stay focused on achieving your retirement goals with a complete retirement investment strategy. This event is open to all UNI employees enrolled in the TIAA-CREF retirement plan.

Important Message from TIAA-CREF

Posted: April 5, 2011
Ended: April 27, 2011
The University of Northern Iowa has been informed by TIAA-CREF that Epsilon, a vendor TIAA-CREF uses to send e-mails, had an unauthorized person access files that included first names, last names and e-mail addresses of customers of some of Epsilon's corporate clients, including TIAA-CREF.

The University does not provide e-mail addresses to TIAA-CREF; therefore, e-mails provided to TIAA-CREFF were at the client’s discretion.

TIAA-CREF has communicated:

• They do not share any participant account or financial information with Epsilon; therefore, their participant's accounts have not been compromised and they remain secure. TIAA-CREF takes information security very seriously, and they will continue to take the steps necessary to safeguard their clients' personal information.
  
  
• To ensure that clients are aware of the situation, TIAA-CREF will be sending a statement to all participants for whom they have e-mail addresses.
  
  
• Their Chief Privacy Officer and compliance organization will continue to monitor the situation, and they will provide updates if warranted.

New TIAA-CREF Investment Options

Posted: January 18, 2011
Ended: April 6, 2011

Based on a recent review of the TIAA-CREF investment options, we have decided to introduce two new emerging markets mutual funds to the investment menu – the Emerging Markets Equity Fund and the Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund.

| More |

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)

Posted: January 12, 2011
Ended: April 5, 2011

On Monday, January 10, 2011, Title II regulations of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) became effective. This prohibits discrimination in employment based on genetic information. For more information and resources on GINA, please visit our GINA web page. For questions on GINA, please contact Human Resource Services at 273-2422.

UNI-United Faculty Insurance Contract Changes

Posted: March 15, 2011
Ended: March 24, 2011

Details of benefit changes and plan options, along with frequently asked questions, will be posted to the HRS website no later than Friday, March 25, 2011.

New Employee Development Opportunities

Posted: February 28, 2011
Ended: March 24, 2011

Visit our Employee Development section to learn about two new learning opportunities:

• Conducting Performance Appraisals
• Designing Webpages for Visually Impaired Viewers

| More |

Health Insurance Dependent Eligibility Audit

Posted: February 1, 2011
Ended: February 28, 2011

The Department of Administrative Services (DAS) has contracted with HMS Employer Solutions to conduct a dependent eligibility audit for merit employees. The audit is to confirm that persons covered by a State of Iowa group plan are eligible for coverage. Not all employees will receive a dependent eligibility packet; if you were selected, DAS is requesting that you provide proof of eligibility for the dependent(s) covered under your health insurance plan by February 25, 2011. If you don't respond or provide the required documents for your dependent(s), your dependent(s) may be removed from your health insurance plan effective April 30, 2011. Selected employees should address any questions or concerns about the audit to HMS Employer Solutions--contact information is provided on the packet.

4.41 Special Compensation Policy

Posted: January 7, 2011
Ended: February 1, 2011

The President's Cabinet has recently approved a new policy, 4.41 Special Compensation. This policy defines uniform calculation, limitation, authorization and payment of special compensation to employees for work which significantly exceeds their normal duties. The provisions of this policy are intended to conform to relevant state and federal regulations including the Fair Labor Standards Act and those governing grants and contracts including OMB Circular A-21.

4.26 Telework Policy

Posted: January 7, 2011
Ended: February 1, 2011

The President's Cabinet recently approved a new university policy, 4.26 Telework. Telework (or telecommuting) is defined as a work arrangement that allows employees to work outside their primary worksite at an alternate location on a regular basis. This policy identifies the conditions, limitations, authorizations and ongoing requirements for implementing a telework arrangement.

R.D. Drenkow & Co., Inc. Changed Their Name

Posted: September 20, 2010
Ended: January 18, 2011

2010/2011 Holiday Hours
Posted: November 4, 2010
Ended: January 7, 2011

The official UNI holidays are Friday, Dec. 24; Monday, Dec. 27; and Friday, Dec. 31. The normal workdays affected during this time are Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 28-30.

| More |

2011 Open Enrollment Period
Posted: October 14, 2010
Ended: December 6, 2010

The 2011 open enrollment and change period will be Friday, October 29 - Monday, November 29. Merit employees who are eligible for benefits can make changes or enroll in health and/or dental coverage. All benefits eligible employees can enroll in flexible spending for the 2011 plan year and can make changes or enroll in Avesis vision coverage. All changes are effective January 1, 2011.

New Veteran's Day Legislation
Posted: September 29, 2010
Ended: November 23, 2010

Expanded Coverage for Eligible Dependents

Posted: May 07, 2010
Ended: September 29, 2010

| More |

Annual Children’s Health Insurance Program Notice
Posted: May 05, 2010
Ended: September 29, 2010

| More |

Health and Dental Open Enrollment
Posted: May 14, 2010
Ended: June 22, 2010
Current Faculty, P&S, Academic Administrators, Institutional Officials and Merit Supervisory staff have until Monday, June 14, to make changes to their current health and/or dental insurance plans. All changes will be effective August 1. Submit completed enrollment forms to Human Resource Services, 0034.

HRS New Web Site
Posted: April 28, 2010
Human Resource Services has a new website look! Please return within the next week to view new and expanded content.

| More |

Academic Administrator

Merit Confidential
Merit Supervisory
P&S

| HRS Privacy Practices Notice | hrs-mail@uni.edu |