UHR News
University Human Resources
September 21, 2007
Questions? Please use the contact information found within each article for the fastest reply.
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Open Enrollment Set for October 8 – 19, 2007
Open Enrollment, the time for faculty, staff and retirees to update or make changes to their benefits packages for 2008, takes place Oct. 8-19.
Open Enrollment is an important time each year to consider your personal circumstances and choose the most economical benefit plans that fully meet your needs. This year it is especially important to review benefit options as M-CARE plans will be replaced at the end of the year.
Open Enrollment books will be distributed to faculty and staff through Campus Mail by the end of September. Important information is summarized below.
M-CARE Medical Plans Replaced
The M-CARE HMO, M-CARE POS, and M-CARE PPO PLUS plans will be discontinued at the end of 2007 and U-M Premier Care will be added to the plan offerings. Consider all plan options available during Open Enrollment. Current M-CARE HMO, POS, and PPO PLUS members who do not elect a new plan for 2008 will be automatically enrolled in U-M Premier Care to prevent any lapse in coverage.
Introducing U-M Premier Care
The U-M Premier Care plan (administered by BCN Service Company) will be available only at the University of Michigan and offers access to all U-M providers, University Health Service, and nearly the entire current M-CARE provider network. For more on U-M Premier Care and a link to an online directory of providers, visit: www.benefits.umich.edu/events/oe/
GradCare Continues
GradCare will continue to be offered to benefits-eligible graduate students and will be administered by BCN Service Company of Blue Care Network of Michigan in 2008. Current GradCare members will be automatically enrolled in the GradCare plan administered by BCN.
Care Choices is Now Priority Health
Care Choices has been sold to Priority Health. In most cases, Care Choices members may continue seeing the same doctors and using the same hospitals. Anyone currently enrolled in Care Choices who does not elect a new plan during Open Enrollment will be automatically enrolled in the Priority Health HMO plan for 2008.
Benefits for Same-Sex Domestic Partners (SSDP) Discontinued
U-M will discontinue SSDP benefits after the expiration of our current plan contracts on Dec. 31, 2007. (Date may vary for individuals covered by a collective bargaining agreement.)
New Benefits Eligibility for “Other Qualified Adult”
An Other Qualified Adult is an individual who can be covered on the benefits plans of a U-M employee beginning on Jan. 1, 2008 if specific eligibility criteria are met. For more information, go to: www.benefits.umich.edu/eligibility
Currently enrolled in an FSA? Remember that you must re-enroll every year—it’s not automatic.
If you are already enrolled in an FSA, you must re-enroll if you wish to participate for 2008. If are currently enrolled in a Health Care FSA and choose to re-enroll for 2008, retain your SHPS Spending Account Card and it can be used to pay for your eligible 2008 health care expenses. Keep in mind that the SHPS Spending Account Cards are only accepted at merchants that are classified as qualified spending account service providers and accept Visa debit cards. Examples include:
- Physicians’ offices
- Hospitals
- Pharmacies
- Vision centers
- Dentists
You can Elect or Change Certain Plans any Time of Year
Some benefit plans, such as life insurance, expanded long-term disability coverage, long-term care, and the retirement savings plan, are not part of Open Enrollment. These plans may be elected or changed any time you choose. The Benefits Office encourages you to periodically review your enrollment in these benefits to make sure your coverage needs are met.
Questions?
Web: www.benefits.umich.edu
E-mail: benefits.office@umich.edu
Phone: Call the HR/Payroll Service Center at 5-2000 (Ann Arbor campus), 734-615-2000 (local or off-campus), or 866-647-7657 (toll-free long-distance)
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Connecting the Dots: Annual Work/Life Conference
Set for October 24 - Registration Now Open!
The 2nd Annual Work/Life conference, Connecting the Dots, will be held on October 24 at the Michigan League from 8:00am - 4:00pm. University campus and health system staff, and community business leaders are invited to attend. Click here for registration information: http://hr.umich.edu/worklife/dots/index.php.
The motivational keynote address will be delivered by C. Leslie Charles, author and work/life consultant. Author of "Why is Everyone So Cranky?", Leslie's humorous presentations illustrate her company motto "You are the key to your own success."
Topics for University Staff
University staff can choose from a number of sessions providing insight and practical information into integrating work and personal life.
All-staff sessions will include:
- Aging Successfully
- Bully-proofing Your Child
- Time Management
- Fitness Sampler
A Management Focus
A management track will offer sessions with tools and information on developing and maintaining a work environment that is supportive of work/life integration. These sessions are designed for both University Managers and community business leaders.
For more information and to register, visit http://hr.umich.edu/worklife/dots/index.php Space is limited! Register today!
Connecting the Dots is co-sponsored by:
The Department of Labor Women's Bureau
Michigan Healthy Community
In partnership with:
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HRD Programs and Courses for Professional Development
The advent of a new academic year brings the start of Human Resource Development’s new annual offerings. We are pleased to present a targeted and focused set of competency-based programs, aimed at contributing to and supporting the excellence of the University. Please click on the link below to see our newest planning tools that will assist units and individuals in their performance planning related to the new U-M Organizational Competencies.
HRD Learning Tracks and Competency Map: http://www.umich.edu/~hrd/programsandcourses/comptraining.html
Below you'll find links to courses that are coming up in the next month. Remember, many of our courses can also be customized and brought to your unit. For further information, visit the new site at: http://www.umich.edu/~hrd. Further information about custom courses can be found at: http://www.umich.edu/~hrd/customizedtraining.html and about our consulting services at: http://www.umich.edu/~hrd/consulting.html.
Upcoming Courses:
Click on the course title or the link after the course title for a description and registration information. Timely registration is very important.
Feedback That Works!
Tue. 9/25/07; 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. http://www.umich.edu/~hrd/programsandcourses/commandlistening.html#5
Developing Personal Leadership: Mastering the Art of Empowerment
Wed. 9/26/07; 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. http://www.umich.edu/~hrd/programsandcourses/leadershipdev.html#1
Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and
Get More Done in Less Time
Wed. 9/26/07; 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. http://www.umich.edu/~hrd/programsandcourses/timemanagement.html#1
Improving Your Listening Skills
Tue. 10/2/07; 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
http://www.umich.edu/~hrd/programsandcourses/commandlistening.html#1
Peer Leadership: Getting Results Without Authority
Wed. 10/3, 10/10, 10/17/07 (3-day course); 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. http://www.umich.edu/~hrd/programsandcourses/leadershipdev.html#2
Writing it Right: Punctuation
Wed. 10/3 & 10/10/7 (2 day course); 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. http://www.umich.edu/~hrd/programsandcourses/readingwrittencomm.html#p
Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway
Thu. 10/4/07; 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
http://www.umich.edu/~hrd/programsandcourses/selfdevelopment.html#4
Time Management: A Whole Life Approach
Thu. 10/11/07; 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
http://www.umich.edu/~hrd/programsandcourses/timemanagement.html#3
Conflict Management: The Fundamental Skills
Thu. 10/18/07; 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
http://www.umich.edu/~hrd/programsandcourses/conflictmanagement.html#1
Business Communication: Writing With Power
Wed. 10/24/07; 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
http://www.umich.edu/~hrd/programsandcourses/readingwrittencomm.html#2
Check our website often for the very latest in course offerings – especially courses that are currently in development. Or better yet, contact us. Tell us what you’re interested in and we’ll contact you when the course is available.
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Candace J. Johnson Award to Honor Exemplary Staff Member
 The University of Michigan Office of the Provost wishes once again to recognize exemplary staff on the Ann Arbor campus and in the U-M Health System with the Candace J. Johnson Staff Award for Excellence
Established in 2004, the award is a memorial to a dedicated staff member, Candy Johnson. Candy's special blend of professionalism and personality was a positive influence in the workplace. Faculty and Staff are encouraged to recognize those staff members who truly make a difference by combining enthusiasm with excellence by nominating them for the Candace J. Johnson Staff Award for Excellence.
A $500 cash award and certificate will be presented in December by the Office of the Provost.
For more information and nomination forms, please visit the Candace J. Johnson Staff Award for Excellence website < http://www.hr.umich.edu/cjjaward/index.html>.
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Improving Your Memory: A Class for Baby Boomers
Want to learn techniques to keep your memory sharp in your work life or as you move into retirement? Want to understand how memory works?
Attend "Improving Your Memory: How To Remember What You're Starting To Forget," a two-session memory course.
Improving Your Memory: How To Remember What You're Starting To Forget
Tuesdays October 16 & 23 5:30- 7:30.
Location 2401 Plymouth Rd. Turner Senior Resource Center
Fee: $40.00 including the course book
Call 764-2556 to register.
Related Eldercare Education Opportunity:
Turner Geriatric Clinic Social Work will present "Caring for Aging Relative Seminar", a 6 week series covering the following topics:
- Physical changes of Aging
- Dementia, Delirium and Depression
- Pharmacy Issues and Substance Abuse
- Medicare/Medicaid
- Legal Issues
- Community Resources
When: Every Thursday beginning September 27 through November 1, 2007 from 6 PM- 8 PM
Where: Turner Senior Resource Center, 2401 Plymouth Rd., Suite C, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: $35 per person or $60 per couple ( includes resource packet) Light refreshments will be served
For more information and to register for this seminar please call theTurner Geriatric Social Work and Community Programs office at
734-764-2556.
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Fidelity Investments: Look Forward with Confidence to Retirement Day
Knowing you can reach your retirement goals. That’s retirement readiness. And you can begin taking the steps to achieve your goals when you meet with a Fidelity Retirement Counselor. These sessions are designed to help you become better informed and more confident in planning for your retirement.
Please join Fidelity Investments for a confidential consultation. You will learn about investing for retirement and get a better understanding of the steps you can take to ensure your retirement readiness.
Consultations are conducted at:
- Michigan Union
- Michigan League
- Medical Professional Building
- Medical Inn Building
- North Campus-Pierpont Commons
- University Hospital
- Flint Campus
- Dearborn Campus
To schedule your confidential consultation call
1-800-642-7131, Monday – Friday, 8:00AM-midnight, ET, or reserve your space at: http://www.fidelity.com/atwork/reservation
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Get More Help on Your Retirement Plans – Anytime – with TIAA-CREF
In Person
TIAA-CREF has a consultant who is available to meet with you individually to discuss your investments needs and to conduct retirement planning workshops at many different U-M locations including Ann Arbor Campus, Health System, Flint and Dearborn. To view upcoming dates and locations and to register for an appointment or seminar, please click here http://www.tiaa-cref.org/umich or call the TIAA-CREF Ann Arbor office at 866 842-2949, extension 6804.
Online
Two of the more popular Financial Education Seminars (Pre-retirement and SRA/IRA) created specifically for U-M employees continue to be available for viewing 24/7 by clicking here: U-M Web Presentations http://www.umich.edu/~benefits/tiaa-cref .
On the Phone
You can talk to a TIAA-CREF representative about investment choices, income options, pre-retirement illustrations and other ways to help get the most from your retirement plan, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET at 800 842-2776.
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