Benefits & Well-being Newsletter
What You Need to Know
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Deadline Approaching
March 15, 2026, is the last day to experience claims for your 2025 Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Make sure all claims are submitted to ASIFlex by March 31, 2026 as unused balances will be forfeited. You may use the convenient ASIFlex app or upload claims through ASIFlex.com. Don't forget you may also use your remaining 2025 balance by visiting FSAStore.com to purchase eligible items, which include over-the-counter items.
New Benefit Alert: Financial Support for Adoption
Effective March 1, 2026, UNI is offering eligible employees the option to participate in the Adoption Assistance Program. The purpose of the Adoption Assistance Program is to provide financial reimbursement of eligible expenses incurred in connection with the adoption of an Eligible Child after the adoption is finalized. Eligible employees participating in this program will be reimbursed up to $5,000 per adoption for eligible expenses. Should an employee adopt a second child, they can be reimbursed an additional $5,000. For more information about this program, visit our webpage.
One Year to Retirement: Are You Ready?
The transition from "saving" to "spending" is one of the biggest shifts you’ll ever make. If you’re feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty, you’re not alone—and you don't have to figure it out by yourself.
TIAA Consultants specialize in helping you create a sustainable income strategy that covers the essentials and protects your lifestyle.
The Retirement Income Consultant team focuses on:
Income Options
The consultant team will analyze your full household financial situation.
Invested Appropriately
Discuss the key risks you may face in maintaining your quality of life throughout retirement.
Personalized Advice*
Meet with a specialist to develop an income plan tailored specifically for your personal situation and goals.
*Advice is obtained using an advice methodology from an independent third-party.
Schedule a meeting with a TIAA consultant by visiting tiaa.org/schedulenow.
Get to Know UNI Works
How to View Your 1095-C
- Login to UNI Works.
- Open the Benefits and Pay app from the main Menu.
- In the left sidebar, select Benefits, then click ACA Forms.
- Your forms are organized by year. Select the year you need to view or print your document.
Need Help? For a detailed walkthrough, refer to the 1095-C Form Job Aid.
Upcoming Events
| Event | Description | Registration |
|---|---|---|
Retiring Before 65? Here’s How to Stay Covered Until Medicare 3/3 | 10 - 11 a.m. | Gilchrist 009 | If you’re retiring or leaving work before Medicare eligibility, your health coverage choices matter more than ever. Learn how to compare ACA plans on healthcare.gov, evaluate COBRA, and understand short-term, sharing, and group plan options in a clear, one-hour presentation by Todd Cooper of Veridian. | Click to Register |
What is EAP? 3/10 | 1 - 1:30 p.m. | Zoom | Join us as we take a deep dive into what the Employee Assistance Program has to offer. This session will be presented by Teresa Belden, with Employee and Family Resources. | Click to Register |
New Hire Orientation 3/11 | 8:05 a.m. - 1:15 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 |
TIAA: Your Guide to Living Well in Retirement 3/11 | 10 - 11 a.m. | Virtual | Retirement is a major life transition that can be both challenging and deeply rewarding. This webinar will focus on the human factors that can help you add a new and exciting chapter to your life story. We’ll talk about how you can:
| Click to Register |
IPERS: Creating a Secure Retirement 3/24 | 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Virtual | 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: Understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) 3/26 | 11 a.m. - noon | Virtual | If you’ve saved in a traditional IRA or workplace retirement plan, RMDs are a key part of your income strategy. This webinar helps simplify the rules and timelines around RMDs - so you can stay on track and avoid unnecessary penalties. In this webinar, you’ll learn:
| Click to Register |
Confidential Biometric Screening 3/27 | 7 - 9 a.m. | Gilchrist 009 | Human Resource Services is hosting a confidential biometric screening on March 27 from 7 to 9 a.m. in Gilchrist 009. All benefit-eligible employees get one free screening per academic year. Spots are limited, so register now on the confidential biometric screening webpage. | Click to Register |
Weekly Campus Walk 3/27 | noon - 12:30 p.m. | 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?
The Weekly Campus Walk is Back!
Dust off your walking shoes! Join your colleagues starting March 27 as we kick off our weekly strolls.
- When: Every Friday at noon
- Where: Meet at the Campanile
- The Perk: Add ~2,000 steps to your day while connecting with colleagues.
It’s a simple way to boost your physical and mental well-being. While you don't need to sign up every week, annual registration is required. If you haven't registered for the 2025–2026 academic year yet, sign up now through UNI Works. For requirements, walk status updates, and more information, visit our webpage.
National Nutrition Month + Employee Dining Discount
March is National Nutrition Month. If you’re hoping to make healthy choices during the workday, both dining halls offer a wide range of nutrient‑dense items including salad bars, lean proteins, whole grains and customizable stations. The Refinery provides simple, allergen‑friendly entrées, and doubles as a “clean eating station” for those looking for more simply prepared meals.
Did you know? Housing & Dining offers a discount to faculty and staff when dining in the two dining halls on campus (Piazza located in Redeker & Rialto located in Towers). Merit, P&S, Faculty and Emeritus are all eligible for the discount.
The discount is currently $9.00 for breakfast and $10.50 for lunch or dinner. The discount can be used during any meal period.
Faculty and staff engagement with students outside the classroom is one of the many things we can do to contribute to student success. Having healthy food options makes it easy to enjoy a meal with students while supporting your own wellbeing.
Follow @dining_uni on Instagram all month long for fun nutrition tips and events.
To access the discount, you must show your faculty/staff UNI ID to the dining hall greeter and mention the faculty/staff discount. Student greeters will not always recognize that an ID is faculty/staff, especially during busy mealtimes so please be sure to mention the discount to ensure that it is applied. The discount is available for dine-in only (no to-go meals) at Piazza and Rialto. The discount cannot be used for guest meals, regardless of who is paying for the meal; nor can the discount be used for faculty/staff meal purchases paid for by a UNI department with university funds. Both dining halls accept payroll deduction, dining dollars, gift card or credit/debit card.
World Obesity Day: Small Steps, Big Impact
March 4 is World Obesity Day, a global reminder to prioritize our long-term health. With obesity affecting over two billion adults, it remains a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancers, neurological disorders, chronic respiratory diseases, and digestive disorders.
The Mayo Clinic reminds us that a healthy diet, increased physical activity and behavior changes can help us lose, and maintain a healthy weight. Real change doesn’t happen overnight; it takes time and the right support. That’s why UNI offers WeightWatchers for FREE to all benefit-eligible employees. Whether you're looking for new recipes, activity tracking, or a supportive community, you’ll find the tools you need to succeed. Enroll in WeightWatchers today and do something great for yourself!
Monthly Motivator
Don’t let your "to do" list overshadow your "done" list. This month, take a moment to celebrate every win, big or small. Reflecting on how far you’ve come isn't just a pat on the back; it’s the fuel you need to power through your next big goal.
Recognizing Our Retirees
Rinda Bergen
Clerk III | Public Safety
11 Years of Service, Retiring in March
Valerie Turner
Senior Systems Analyst CRM | IT-Administrative Information Systems
26 Years of Service, Retiring in March