Benefits & Well-being Newsletter
What You Need to Know
Prioritize Your Mental Health Now
Life is getting louder, and sometimes "just pushing through" isn't enough. You prioritize your physical health, but what about the mental engine that actually runs your life? Whether you’re hit with a sudden crisis or just feeling the heavy weight of the daily grind, you don't have to carry it all.
The 24/7 Benefit You Didn't Know You Had
Through Employee & Family Resources (EFR), UNI provides a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP) designed to support you and your household members, including children and adult college-age children living away from home.
Whether you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, work-related stress, or complex financial and legal problems, licensed mental health counselors are always available to connect you with the right assistance.
Ready for support?
EFR is available 24/7/365 at 800-327-4692. Your first step is just a phone call away.
Bigger TDA Limits in 2026: The Retirement Opportunity You Shouldn’t Ignore
A Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) allows you to invest in fixed and variable annuities and mutual funds through a tax-deferred account. This option helps you save additional funds for retirement beyond the university-sponsored retirement plans.
You may choose to contribute on a pre-tax and/or after-tax basis. Contributions are not matched by the university. You may contribute as little as $20 per month or up to the IRS-designated maximum.
All TDA elections are made through UNI Works, and contribution amounts can be changed at any time.
To learn more about TDAs and to review 2026 IRS contribution limits, please visit our webpage.
Please also consider attending the TIAA Roth Contribution presentation on May 7.
How to View the Job Aids (User Guides)
- Login to UNI Works.
- From the Menu, scroll down to the External Links section.
- Click on Faculty Job Aids or Staff Job Aids.
A new browser window will open with a library of job aids—step-by-step user guides—related to your benefits, pay, and personal tasks.
Upcoming Events
| Event | Description | Registration |
|---|---|---|
IPERS Retirement Benefits Workshop 4/7 | 9 - 10 a.m. | Virtual | This virtual presentation will share details for members about their IPERS retirement benefits, share how to apply to retire, and show how to use My Account. | Click to Register |
TIAA: What You Need to Know About Social Security 4/7 | 11 - 11:30 a.m. | Virtual | Discover Social Security strategies to help maximize retirement income, including spousal, survivor, and disability benefits. | Click to Register |
New Hire Orientation 4/9 | 9:05 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. | Gilchrist 009 | 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 |
Stop Eating Boring Cottage Cheese! 4/14 | noon - 1 p.m. | State College Room | Join UNI’s Lisa Smith and Stacey Runde turn cottage cheese into four crave-worthy meals, all while teaching you how to build healthy habits without the overwhelm. This fun, fast-paced workshop is packed with realistic nutrition tips, stress-free meal ideas and inspiration you can use immediately. Perfect for busy schedules, curious cooks and anyone ready to feel better without complicated rules. | Click to Register |
TIAA: Quarterly Economic and Market Update 4/15 | 11 a.m. - noon | Virtual | Hear from the experts in our Wealth Chief Investment Office about key drivers of the markets and economy that are impacting investors. | Click to Register |
IPERS Retirement Benefits Workshop 4/21 | 9 - 10 a.m. | Virtual | This virtual presentation will share details for members about their IPERS retirement benefits, share how to apply to retire, and show how to use My Account. | Click to Register |
TIAA: Navigating the Sandwich Generation: Financial Strategies for the Caregiving Squeeze 4/22 | 10 - 10:30 a.m. | Virtual | Learn how to manage caring for your aging parents while supporting your adult children. It can be done. | Click to Register |
Confidential Biometric Screening 4/24 | 7 - 9 a.m. | Gilchrist 009 | Human Resource Services is hosting a confidential biometric screening on April 24 from 7 to 9 a.m. in Gilchrist 009. All benefit-eligible employees get one free screening per academic year. Spots are limited, register today! | Click to Register |
Medicare 101: What You Need to Know Before You Enroll 5/6 | 9 - 10:30 a.m. | Gilchrist 009 | Confused by Medicare parts, deadlines and coverage options? You’re not alone. This session cuts through the confusion and gives you the clear, practical Medicare basics you need before enrolling. | Click to Register |
TIAA Roth: A Game-Changer for Your Retirement 5/7 | 10 - 11 a.m. | Gilchrist 009 | The University offers Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) Plans, giving you the opportunity to save even more for retirement beyond the university-sponsored retirement plans. Interested in learning more about TDA Plans and the after-tax Roth option? Join TIAA to get all the details. You'll learn:
| Click to Register |
Weekly Campus Walk Every Friday | noon | Campanile | 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 |
Retirement Education Opportunities
Explore TIAA and IPERS educational resources designed to help you prepare with confidence.
View upcoming events and online workshops to prepare for your retirement with help from IPERS, Iowa's largest public retirement system.
Essentials by TIAA gives you the tools, tips, and confidence to make everyday money decisions with lasting impact.
Did You Know?
Protect Your Identity — At No Cost to You!
University of Northern Iowa benefit vendors offer employees access to free identity protection resources. Through Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Principal Financial Group, and Employee & Family Resources (UNI’s Employee Assistance Program provider), employees can take advantage of services designed to help safeguard personal information.
Available resources may include credit monitoring, fraud detection, and identity theft resolution support. These tools are intended to help employees identify potential issues early and respond quickly if identity theft occurs.
Visit the UNI benefits website to learn more about the identity protection resources available through these vendors.
National Alcohol Awareness Month
April is National Alcohol Awareness Month. Do you, or someone you know, struggle with alcohol use disorder? In 2024, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reported that 27.9 million Americans (ages 12+) lived with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). It isn't just a "bad habit", it is a complex health condition that ripples through every part of a person's life.
What the Body Endures
According to the Mayo Clinic, the physical consequences are far-reaching. Over time, AUD can lead to:
- Organ Failure: Specifically liver, heart, and digestive diseases.
- Structural Damage: Bone density loss and neurological complications.
- Chronic Illness: Increased risks of diabetes and several types of cancer.
- Sensory Issues: Potential for significant eye and vision problems.
The Toll You Might Not See
Alcoholism affects more than just a person's mood. It creates a domino effect that impacts:
- Physical Vitality: Long-term damage to vital organs and the immune system.
- Mental Well-being: High correlation with anxiety, depression, and neurological shifts.
- Financial Stability: The hidden costs of alcohol go far beyond the price of the bottle.
- Broken Bonds: It takes a significant toll on the mental health of family members and friends.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism, please seek professional help. Reaching out to a primary care provider is a great first step. Visit our webpage for a list of professional support services and community programs.
Monthly Motivator
Ready to lower your financial stress? Start by auditing your spending and savings goals using EFR’s Financial Consultation tools. These resources are designed to help you build lasting habits and take control of your future. Dive into this month’s challenges to get a pulse on your financial health, and explore all of the tools provided by EFR.
Recognizing Our Retirees
Leah Gutknecht
Assistant to President | Civil Rights Compliance
30 Years of Service, Retired in March
leah.gutknecht@uni.edu
Questions?
We encourage you to visit hrs.uni.edu/your-benefits for answers to common questions. If you are unable to find what you need, please contact the Human Resource Services Benefits Team at hrs-benefits@uni.edu.