Benefits & Well-being Newsletter
What You Need to Know
Why Haven't You Scheduled Your Mammogram Yet?
UNI's self-insured health plans show that more than 44% of those eligible for a breast cancer screening have not received one. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a good reminder to prioritize preventive care and schedule your mammogram if you’re due.
For most women, mammogram screenings are recommended beginning at age 40. UNI’s self-insured health plans cover one preventive mammogram each calendar year at 100%, including 3D preventive mammograms when received as preventive care.
Your recommended screening schedule may vary based on your personal and family health history. Talk with your health care provider about when you should begin mammograms and how often you should be screened.
If you’re due for a mammogram, don’t put it off. Schedule yours today. Taking care of preventive care now can be an important step toward protecting your health.
Your Health & Habits
What if feeling your best started with something you already have?
You don’t need another membership, another expense, or a complete lifestyle overhaul to start building healthier habits. You already have a place to start.
UNI Employee Well-being offers free resources and opportunities to help you move more, fuel your body, learn something new, strengthen your well-being, and grow. Whether you’re ready to make a big change or simply take one small step, there’s something for you.
Small changes add up. And when you have the right resources to support you, those small steps can become habits that last.
Ready to invest in yourself? Explore Your Health & Habits and discover the free resources available to help you feel your best, not just today, but for the long run.
Ready to Give Your Retirement Savings a Boost?
October is also National Financial Planning Month, a great time to take a closer look at your overall financial well-being and make sure your retirement savings are on track.
Looking for a way to save more for retirement? Join us October 15 for a UNI-exclusive webinar presented by TIAA to learn more about UNI’s Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) Plans. Learn how TDA's can help you increase your retirement savings and how to get started.
You are in control of how much you contribute each month. You can increase or decrease your monthly contribution at any time to fit your financial goals and circumstances. Whether you participate in the TIAA or IPERS retirement plan, you are eligible to contribute to a TDA.
Ready to take the next step? See the Enroll in or Change Your TDA Job Aid for instructions on how to get started.
Do You Really Know What Self-Insured Means?
Did you know that urgent care visits are among the more expensive options for our health plan when treating common, less serious conditions?
When virtual care is an appropriate option, choosing a virtual visit instead can help reduce costs for our self-insured health plan. And because UNI’s health plan is self-insured, the choices we make directly impact the cost of the plan. Imagine the savings if we all chose virtual care when it’s a good fit!
Where you choose to receive care can make a difference. Small choices can add up to big savings.
Upcoming Events
| Event | Description | Registration |
|---|---|---|
Flu Vaccine Clinic 10/1 | 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. | Rod Library Room 287 | All benefits-eligible faculty and staff can receive one free flu vaccination each year. Take advantage of this convenient, on-campus benefit. | Click Here for More Information |
IPERS: Ready, Set, Retire 10/6 | 9 - 10 a.m. | Virtual | Register to attend this virtual presentation, sharing details for members about their IPERS retirement benefits, applying for retirement and using IPERS My Account. | Click to Register |
TIAA: What No One Ever Told You About Job Pay and Benefits 10/6 | 11 - 11:30 a.m. | Virtual | Starting your first job? Get clear on paychecks, taxes, and benefits so you can make better informed decisions. | Click to Register |
Flu Vaccine Clinic 10/6 | 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Maucker Union Ballroom A | All benefits-eligible faculty and staff can receive one free flu vaccination each year. Take advantage of this convenient, on-campus benefit. | Click Here for More Information |
Healthy Eaters 10/7 | 10 - 10:30 a.m. | Virtual | Healthy eating starts with habits—not just what’s on the plate. Join Employee & Family Resources (EFR) as they explore how to help kids develop positive relationships with food, learn to listen to hunger and fullness cues and build routines that make nutritious choices feel natural and enjoyable. Register in advance and learn how to build healthy habits that last! | Click to Register |
2026 Healthiest State Annual Walk 10/7 | 12 - 12:30 p.m. | Campanile | UNI is joining thousands of Iowans for the 2026 Healthiest State Annual Walk. We’ll walk together for 30 minutes to celebrate the importance of physical and mental well-being. Register today to join Team UNI! | Click Here to Register |
Flu Vaccine Clinic 10/7 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Rod Library Room 287 | All benefits-eligible faculty and staff can receive one free flu vaccination each year. Take advantage of this convenient, on-campus benefit. | Click Here for More Information |
SHIIP: Welcome to Medicare Seminar 10/7 | 5 - 6 p.m. | MercyOne Hospital | New to Medicare or planning ahead? Join SHIIP for this in-person seminar covering the basics of Medicare. The seminar will be held at MercyOne Hospital in Waterloo (3421 W. 9th St.). To register, call 319-272-7857. | Click Here for More Information |
Getting the Most Out of Your UNI Benefits 10/13 | 9:30 - 11 a.m. | Gilchrist 009 | An overview of your benefits package isn’t just for new hires! Join a member of the HRS Benefits Team for a comprehensive review of the benefits available to you as a benefits-eligible employee. Whether you’re new to UNI or simply want a refresher, this session is a great opportunity to learn more about your benefits and make the most of what’s available to you. | Click to Register |
New Hire Orientation 10/14 | 8:05 a.m. - 1:20 p.m. | Gilchrist 009 | Orientation is scheduled monthly to assist and welcome Merit and P&S staff to UNI. New Hire Orientation provides the opportunity for staff to learn about the University's history, mission, policies and procedures, as well as employee benefits. | Click Here for More Information |
TIAA: Decoding AI, Interest Rates, and the Midterm Wildcard - Q4's Big Three 10/14 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | 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 |
Food & Mood 10/15 | 10 - 10:30 a.m. | Virtual | Mood changes the way we eat and what we eat changes our mood. Instead of tracking calories and various nutrients, think about how tracking your emotions can identify ways to eat healthier and feel more energized. | Click to Register |
Beyond the Basics: How the UNI TDA Plan Can Supercharge Your Retirement 10/15 | 11 a.m. - noon | Virtual | Looking to boost your retirement savings? Discover how you can contribute to a Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) Plan. In this UNI-exclusive webinar, you’ll learn:
| Click to Register |
Flu Vaccine Clinic 10/15 | 2 - 4 p.m. | Student Health Clinic | All benefits-eligible faculty and staff can receive one free flu vaccination each year. Take advantage of this convenient, on-campus benefit. | Click Here for More Information |
IPERS: Ready, Set, Retire 10/20 | 9 - 10 a.m. | Virtual | Register to attend this virtual presentation, sharing details for members about their IPERS retirement benefits, applying for retirement and using IPERS My Account. | Click to Register |
TIAA: What is an Annuity? Know the Basics 10/21 | 10 - 10:30 a.m. | Virtual | Uncover how annuities work and how they can help build lasting retirement income and security. | Click to Register |
Diets Debunked 10/21 | 12 - 12:30 p.m. | Virtual | Diets are everywhere, and it can be tempting to fall for the quick-fix solutions that make promises too good to be true. Learn how to determine if a diet will deliver results, as well as what to consider before changing your diet. Join us for an insightful session hosted by Employee & Family Resources. | Click to Register |
Retire from UNI 10/23 | 2 - 3 p.m. | Gilchrist 009 | 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 |
Fitness Fundamentals 10/28 | 11 a.m. - noon | Virtual | Regular physical activity is one of the most important things adults can do to improve health and overall quality of life. In this training, you will learn how to incorporate physical activity safely into your daily routine to maintain overall health. | Click to Register |
Confidential Biometric Screening 10/30 | 7 - 9 a.m. | Gilchrist 009 | All benefit eligible employees get one free screening per academic year. Spots are limited, so register now! | Click to Register |
Walk, Talk & Connect Every Tuesday & Friday | noon | Campanile | Join fellow faculty and staff for a refreshing campus walk that supports both your physical and mental well-being. Add up to 2,000 steps to your day, enjoy meaningful conversations, and build connections with colleagues from across campus, all while taking a healthy break from your routine. | Click for More Information |
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?
World Mental Health Day
Mental health is an important part of overall well-being. World Mental Health Day on October 10 is a great reminder to check in with yourself and take advantage of the resources available to you.
Your EAP Is Here to Help
Through Employee & Family Resources (EFR), UNI employees and their household members have access to confidential support for a variety of challenges. And EAP is more than counseling. If financial concerns, legal questions, family issues, or other life challenges are contributing to your stress, EFR can help with those, too.
You don't have to wait until you're overwhelmed to reach out. EFR can help you address the challenges affecting your well-being and connect you with the right resources.
Call EFR at 800-327-4692 to get started, or visit our webpage to learn more.
Monthly Motivator
Eating the same thing day after day? It might be time to shake things up!
Challenge yourself to try a new food, give a once-disliked food another chance, or experiment with a new recipe. You never know, you might discover your next favorite!
This month, step outside your usual routine and make mealtime a little more exciting.
Recognizing Our Retirees
Clint Wrede
Cataloger Librarian and Associate Professor | Library
21 Years of Service, Retiring in October
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.