What You Need to Know
2026 Annual Open Enrollment is Coming Up
The 2026 Annual Benefits Open Enrollment period will run from Saturday, November 1 through Sunday, November 30, 2025. During this time you may review and change your benefit elections. Any changes made to your benefit elections will be effective January 1, 2026. Watch for an email announcement on November 1 as well as an informational mailing that will be sent to your home address later this month. Informational sessions are scheduled to highlight upcoming changes and provide an opportunity to address your questions. Please see times and registration below. Utilize UNI Works to make all changes; please plan accordingly so you can navigate the system.
Upcoming Change to UNI Insurance Plans – Tiered Premium Structure Coming January 1, 2026
Effective January 1, 2026, UNI’s health, dental, and vision insurance plans will transition to a tiered premium structure.
What does this mean for you?
Instead of just ‘Single’ and ‘Family’ coverage options, plans will now include the following tiers:
- Employee Only
- Employee + Spouse
- Employee + Child(ren)
- Family
- Family Dual UNI Spouse
Do you need to take action?
No action is required—unless you would like to explore or switch to a different tier of coverage during the open enrollment period. You have already been placed in the option appropriate for the dependents who are currently covered on your plan.
More information about open enrollment will be shared on November 1.
Open Enrollment 2026 Informational Sessions
Human Resource Services will be offering several informational sessions about Open Enrollment and your 2026 benefits. Led by the HRS Benefits Team, these sessions will highlight upcoming changes and provide an opportunity to address your questions. Advance registration is required.
Date | Time | Location | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 6 | 10 a.m. | Gilchrist 009 | Register for the Nov. 6 Open Enrollment Session |
| November 12 | 2 p.m. | Zoom | Register for the Nov. 12 Open Enrollment Session |
| November 18 | 10 a.m. | Gilchrist 009 | Register for the Nov. 18 Open Enrollment Session |
Upcoming Flu Vaccination Clinics
All benefit eligible faculty and staff are eligible for one free flu vaccination each year. For additional information on clinic dates and times visit our flu vaccination webpage.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| October 2 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Maucker Union Ballroom Lobby |
| October 8 | 12:30 - 3 p.m. | Rod Library Room 287 |
| October 16 | 12:30 - 3 p.m. | Schindler Education Center |
Upcoming Events
Click on the event title to register.
| Event | Description | Registration |
|---|---|---|
10/8 | 8:05 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. | New Hire Orientation is scheduled monthly to assist and welcome Merit and P&S staff to UNI. This session provides the opportunity for staff to learn about the university's history, mission, policies and procedures, as well as employee benefits. | Click to Register |
Fortifying Your Financial Future 10/21 | 11 a.m. - noon | Join Justin Dams, with Veridian Investment Services, as we discuss: strategies for building a retirement savings, balancing different financial goals and preparing your estate plan. | Click to Register |
Confidential Biometric Screening 10/24 | 7 - 9 a.m. | All benefit eligible employees may participate in one free biometric screening per academic year. For more information, and to register, visit the confidential biometric screening webpage. | Click to Register |
Retire from UNI 10/29 | 9 - 10 a.m. | Human Resource Services will host an informational session on retiring from UNI, for faculty and staff planning to retire soon or in the foreseeable future. Participants will learn guidelines and benefits available at retirement from UNI. | Click to Register |
Show Your Money Who’s Boss 10/30 | 10 - 11:30 a.m. | Join UNI’s own Brett Olsen, Department Head and Professor of Finance, for an engaging session on the fundamentals of financial health. Discover your “why” when it comes to money, learn how behavior impacts financial success and explore practical steps to eliminate debt and create a budget. This back-to-basics approach will help you build a stronger financial future. | Click to Register |
Weekly Campus Walk Every Friday | noon - 12:30 p.m. | Faculty and staff, join your colleagues by walking your way to a healthier you on a weekly campus walk. Promote your physical and mental health by adding up to 2,000 steps into your day, and connect with others across campus. | Click to Register |
Open Enrollment 2026 Informational Session 11/6 | 2 - 3 p.m. | Human Resource Services will be offering several informational sessions about Open Enrollment and your 2026 benefits. Led by the HRS Benefits Team, these sessions will highlight upcoming changes and provide an opportunity to address your questions. | Click to Register |
Open Enrollment 2026 Informational Session 11/12 | 2 - 3 p.m. | Human Resource Services will be offering several informational sessions about Open Enrollment and your 2026 benefits. Led by the HRS Benefits Team, these sessions will highlight upcoming changes and provide an opportunity to address your questions. | Click to Register |
Open Enrollment 2026 Informational Session 11/18 | 10 - 11 a.m. | Human Resource Services will be offering several informational sessions about Open Enrollment and your 2026 benefits. Led by the HRS Benefits Team, these sessions will highlight upcoming changes and provide an opportunity to address your questions. | Click to Register |
Retirement Webinars
Register for upcoming webinars hosted by TIAA and IPERS.
Did You Know?
Take Our Survey: Healthy Weight Program
UNI Employee Well-being is committed to encouraging and supporting employees in achieving their optimal health and well-being. True well-being extends beyond physical health—it encompasses living a balanced, fulfilling, and meaningful life.
Through a variety of free services and benefits, UNI Employee Well-being is here to help you thrive—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether you're looking to boost your fitness, reduce stress, or simply feel more energized each day, we’re here to support your journey to total well-being.
Take our anonymous survey now and reflect on your current lifestyle. You’ll be invited to take this survey again at the end of the academic year—an opportunity to see how your habits and health have evolved.
Visit our webpage to explore all that the program has to offer and register for upcoming sessions.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know it's recommended that women begin scheduling annual mammograms starting at age 40?
UNI’s self-insured health plans cover one preventive mammogram per calendar year at 100%, including 3D mammograms.
Talk to your healthcare provider for personalized guidance on when to begin screenings and how often to test—especially if you have a family history of breast cancer.
Early detection saves lives. Take a proactive step for your health this October.
World Mental Health Day
Mental health is just as important as physical health—and it deserves attention every day, not just once a year. World Mental Health Day on October 10 is a meaningful reminder to pause, reflect, and take action to support emotional well-being for yourself and others.
At UNI and throughout the Cedar Valley, there are numerous resources available to help you and your household members manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Whether you're looking for confidential counseling, stress management tools, or ways to build emotional resilience, support is within reach.
Here are a few ways to make mental health a priority:
- Schedule time for self-care – even small moments of rest, movement, or mindfulness can make a big difference.
- Use your available benefits – UNI employees have access to mental health services through Employee & Family Resources (EFR) and other benefit providers.
- Talk openly about mental health – reducing stigma starts with honest conversations.
- Check in with others – a simple act of kindness or a listening ear can mean a lot.
Don’t wait until you feel overwhelmed—proactively caring for your mental health is a vital part of overall wellness. For more information on available resources, visit our webpage.
National Substance Abuse Prevention Month
Substance abuse affects individuals, families, and communities—but support is available. The Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic (SAFE) Project offers resources for those struggling with substance use, as well as for friends and family members supporting a loved one in recovery.
At UNI, there are also resources available for eligible faculty and staff:
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Offers up to six free, confidential sessions of short-term counseling and referrals for employees and their household members.
- UNI Self-Insured Health Plans – Provide coverage for certain substance abuse treatment programs.
Monthly Motivator
Employee and Family Resources (EFR) puts it perfectly in this month’s motivator, if you’re giving your car more attention than your own health, it might be time to rethink your priorities!
This month, EFR highlights a list of recommended health exams—how many have you checked off this year? Preventive care isn’t just important—it can be life-saving. Regular checkups with your provider can help catch potential health issues early and keep serious problems at bay. If you're enrolled in UNI’s self-insured health and dental plans, many of these exams are covered at 100%.
Ready to put your health first?