Open Enrollment has new dates! Open Enrollment is an optional, once-a-year opportunity for PEBB benefits-eligible employees to enroll in or make changes to their health plan elections in Workday. This year, it runs Oct. 28 through Nov. 25.
You DO need to make changes during Open Enrollment if you want to:
1. Change your medical or dental plan. 2. Add or remove dependents to your plan. 3.Choose a new vision plan. Benefit-eligible employees will now be able to choose between three new standalone vision plans. If you don’t act, you and your dependents will be automatically enrolled in the default plan, MetLife Vision.
NEED HELP? Learn more online about this year's changes or get help in person at the UW Training Center next week. UW Benefits team members will be available on Wednesday, Oct. 30 to provide Open Enrollment support. No appointment needed, just drop by!
DATE: Wednesday, Oct. 30 TIME: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. WHERE: UWF Training Center conference room
Bring DUO Two-Factor Authentication (on your smartphone or token) in order to log in to Workday. If you want to add a dependent, bring a scan or photo of their verification documents.
REFLECTIONS FROM LOU
We asked Vice President Lou Cariello to reflect on his time at UWF now that he's retiring.
Favorite memory? Grabbing an available shovel and clearing snow from some walkway steps in the Quad a few years ago. It felt so good to join the crew hard at work getting the campus back to full operations.
What will you miss the most? Definitely the people. Leaving this talented and cohesive team is the hardest part of this transition for me.
How has UWF prepared you for what’s next? Most every day at UW, I've had the opportunity to recognize a unique value that someone brings to the fore in helping solve difficult challenges. If you make the effort to look for those nuggets, the sky is the limit for what the Team Can Do.
Message to the UWF community? Remain persistent in driving for what is right for the organization you serve. Facilities challenges are not always understood by those whom we serve. While we don't need to be in the spotlight, there is great value in telling our story so customers understand. That way, together, we can be more effective in delivering the best solutions to serve the mission.
TEAM SPOTLIGHT
Sheet Metal Mechanic Lead Eric Johnson, Sign Shop Lead Jaime Pabst and Carpenter Lead Andy Schlais pose with the prize wheel they built for the UWF Summer All-Hands. Andy built the wooden circle, Jaime created the graphic look, and Eric and his team built the frame and added the pegs, which were designed to make a noise reminiscent of "The Price Is Right" when the wheel is spun. The writing also wipes off so that you can change the prizes as needed. Thanks to their efforts, UWF will enjoy the wheel and the treasurers it offers for years to come!
PARTNER RESOURCES UPDATES
NOMINATE YOUR COLLEAGUES FOR THE DISTINGUISHED STAFF AWARD The Distinguished Staff Award is the highest honor for UW staff. Five recipients will be selected to receive a $5,000 award and will be recognized at the annual Awards of Excellence ceremony. Nominations are open now through Dec. 13. We encourage employees to nominate individuals or teams who deserve recognition.
TIPS FOR PROVIDING FIRST AID/CPR Most of us have experienced our minds going blank during a high-stakes incident. Having this happen in the middle of a first aid emergency can add stress to the situation. UWF Safety recommends printing this General First Aid Steps guide (pdf) and placing it with UWF-owned first aid kits for easy access. More UWF first aid training information is available online.
CAMPUS CONNECTION
ZERO WASTE & REUSE PROGRAMS AT THE UW
Rethinking and reusing items are some of the most impactful ways to move towards the UW's sustainability goal of reducing waste. Learn about UW programs focusing on rethinking and promoting reuse.
CENTERING BIPOC VOICES: ON OUR TERMS
All staff are invited to join these free virtual lunch & learn sessions hosted by POD. Contact your supervisor about release time and email uwhrdei@uw.edu for any other questions.
FLU, COVID-19 VACCINE CLINIC ON OCT. 23
There will be a flu shot and COVID-19 booster vaccine clinic at the Plant Services Building on Wednesday, Oct. 23 from noon to 3 p.m. Register online to save time. Other times and locations are listed at The Whole U.
PET OF THE MONTH
Sherbet, cat
Owner: Pedro Borrayo Alatorre, Custodian Lead on swing shift (BSD)
"He likes playing with little mice but never kills any. He doesn't like to share me with other cats. He's very jealous."
If you'd like your pet to be featured, emailmistysr@uw.edu.
RECOGNITION
Welcome Welcome to our newest employees: Chris Adams, Facilities Project Engineer Shop 69, CEUO; Clair Cassidy, Executive Assistant to the AVP, Real Estate; Jorge Ferrufino, Custodian Area B, Building Services; Kirsten Gretza, Mason/Plasterer Shop 54, Maintenance & Construction; Francis Hourigan, Senior Computer Specialist, Business Innovation & Technology; Blane Kimball, Control Technician Shop 24, Maintenance & Construction; Jennifer McLendon, Power Plant Operating Engineer 1, CEUO; Antonio Ortega, Plumber/Pipe/Steamfitter Shop 17, Maintenance & Construction; Alex Partida, Custodian Area G, Building Services; Helen Smetana, Compliance Analyst, Finance & Administration; Tae Mee Yoo, Custodian Area E, Building Services
Promotions Congratulations to the following people on their new roles: Scott Meyering, Program Support Supervisor 2 NE Zone, Maintenance & Construction and Jeffrey Peterson, Sheet Metal Mechanic Shop 14, Maintenance & Construction
Retirements A very sincere thanks to recent retirees Leita Bain (22 years) and Ramona Leppell (9.5 years).
A partnership between UWF and the College of Built Environments, with the aid of a Campus Sustainability Fund grant, helps students and brings new business to the Salvage Wood Program.