Benefits & Well-being Newsletter
What You Need to Know
Are You a WeightWatchers Member?
If you're not already a WeightWatchers member and are interested in joining, WeightWatchers is available at no cost to all benefiteligible UNI employees! Whether your goal is to eat healthier, increase movement and water intake, boost nutrition, or lose weight, WeightWatchers offers tools and support to help you succeed. With the WW app, you can:
- Track your meals, activity, water, and sleep
- Discover recipes and meal planning
- Explore mindset & wellness tools
- Connect with support & community
In addition to the great resources provided by WeightWatchers, you’ll also receive a weekly motivational email from your UNI Benefits Team. For more information about this benefit, or to sign up, visit our webpage. Take advantage of this valuable wellness resource today!
Get the Most from Your Dental Plan
UNI’s dental plan covers two teeth cleanings per year at 100% for all members. In addition, the plan includes Enhanced Benefits—a free feature that provides additional covered cleanings for members with certain health conditions. Want to learn more or see if you qualify? Review the Enhanced Dental Benefits handout for full details. Take advantage of these extra benefits to support your overall health!
Upcoming Events
| Event | Description | Registration |
|---|---|---|
New Hire Orientation 8/13 | 8:05 a.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 |
TIAA: Your Guide to Living Well in Retirement 8/14 | 11 a.m. | You can thrive in retirement. Let's explore strategies and tips to get you there. | Click to Register |
IPERS: Creating a Secure Retirement 8/27 | 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | IPERS and ISU Extension Services team up to provide you with how social security, Medicare, IPERS, and personal savings work together for financial security. | Click to Register |
TIAA: Live Long and Prosper: Your Guide to 8/28 | 2 p.m. | Learn how longevity affects finances, caregiving, and retirement planning across physical, mental, and social dimensions. | Click to Register |
Understanding Retirement Health Care Options (Zoom) 9/3 | 11 a.m. | Join us as Wellmark presents about Medicare basics, supplemental plans, MedicareBlue Rx Plans (Part D), and Medicare Advantage Plans. | Click to Register |
One Ingredient, Four Ways 9/4 | 11 a.m. | Join UNI’s very own Stacey Runde and Lisa Smith for a fun and informative workshop. Over the coming year, Stacey and Lisa will lead a flavorful journey through four seasonal programs, each spotlighting a single ingredient and demonstrating four creative, delicious ways to use it - as well as providing general information about eating healthy. Kicking off the series, the first session will celebrate the bounty of local farmers markets, with a special focus on zucchini—versatile, abundant, and perfect for summer-inspired dishes. | Click to Register |
UNI Benefits 101: A Review of Your Benefits 9/5 | 9 a.m. | An overview of your benefits package is not just for new hires. Join us as a member of the HRS benefits team reviews all of the benefits available to you as a benefits eligible employee. | Click to Register |
Understanding Retirement Health Care Options 9/9 | 11 a.m. | Join us as Wellmark presents about Medicare basics, supplemental plans, MedicareBlue Rx Plans (Part D), and Medicare Advantage Plans. | Click to Register |
Weekly Campus Walk Every Friday | noon | 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 |
Did You Know?
Keeping Your Personal Information Up to Date
Having accurate, up to date information is essential for every employee. All UNI employees are encouraged to review and update their personal details in UNI Works annually—or anytime a change occurs.
In addition, please take a moment each year to verify your emergency contact information. This information is vital in the event of an emergency.
For step-by-step instructions on how to add or update your information, refer to the Edit Personal Data Job Aid in UNI Works.
Mid-Year Reminder: Protect Your Accounts
As we reach the halfway point of the year, it’s a great time to review and update your passwords—especially for your financial and other sensitive accounts.
Unfortunately, data breaches and hacking incidents are becoming more common. While we hope you never need them, please remember that free identity protection services are available through our benefit vendors as part of your UNI benefits package.
Taking just a few minutes to review your accounts now can make a big difference in safeguarding your personal information.
Monthly Motivator
We’re often reminded that true well-being goes beyond just physical and mental health—but are you nurturing all eight dimensions of wellness?
The August Monthly Motivator from Employee & Family Resources (EFR) encourages you to explore and engage with each dimension. It’s a great opportunity to reflect and see how many you’re actively supporting in your life.
How many can you check off your list?
Recognizing Our Retirees
Shelley O'Connell
Assistant to VP Planning and Assessment, Student Life
23 Years of Service, Retired in July
shelleymaeoconnell@gmail.com
Denise Tallakson
Associate Professor of Instruction, Curriculum and Instruction
39 Years of Service, Retiring in August
Denise.Tallakson@uni.edu
Sue Wood
Information Technology Specialist, IT-Client Services
13 Years of Service, Retiring in August