Greetings!
With spring in full bloom, it's also the time of year we encourage you take a fresh look at your impressive UK benefits. With Open Enrollment starting April 26, it's a good time to think about making changes to take full advantage of your benefits package. For a preview of Open Enrollment, check out our Spotlight and Events sections below. The big news: The University is committing an additional $5.7 million to cover increased health plan premium costs. As a result, rates for the vast majority of health plan members will remain the same.
In addition, we're already receiving inquiries about UK's popular, voluntary Reduced Seasonal Hours program. With the end of the spring semester in sight, it's a good time to review these and other workplace flexibility options available to you. Continue below for details on these and other offerings available to you as a UK employee.
Kim Wilson
Associate Vice President
UK Human Resources |
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Features
 Reduced Summer Hours The University of Kentucky is pleased to once again offer a voluntary Reduced Seasonal Hours Program to its regular, full-time staff members. The 2010 Reduced Summer Hours Program will be offered from May 11, 2010 through August 13, 2010. This alternative flexible offering will allow those who would like to reduce their schedules during the summer months the ability to do so. This program provides employees more flexibility and serves as a potential cost-saving solution for the University. For more information click here.
Youth Summer Camps at UK
Are you looking for a summer camp for your child that is close to work? The University of Kentucky offers many exciting camps for children of all ages. For your convenience, The Work-Life Office has compiled a list of camps offered on and around the UK campus. Visit our Summer Camp page and learn more.
Eat (Really) Fresh, Organic Produce AND Support Kentucky Farmers, UK Students
 If you're interested in eating well (and sustainably), UK's College of Agriculture can help you do just that - all while helping support student educational programs. The Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is about creating direct relationships between farmers and the community. In exchange for becoming a member of the CSA, you will receive a weekly basket of fresh, organic vegetables while supporting education, extension and research efforts in sustainable agriculture.
Beginning May 20th, CSA shareholders will receive a weekly basket of fresh produce harvested from over 150 varieties of vegetables and culinary herbs! All produce will be grown on the USDA-certified organic section of the UK Horticulture Research Farm. For details, click here.
PTS Announces Launch of Car Sharing Program
Don't have a car? No need. Use ours! UK Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) has teamed up with Connect by Hertz car sharing company to offer car sharing to the campus community. This low-cost, short-term car rental option offers an hourly rate for use of a car. The car sharing program requires membership, which will be free for one year under an introductory offer.
UK's car sharing program is a great option for those who don't have cars on campus, those who regularly use alternative transportation, and those who want to avoid wear and tear on their vehicle. Basic membership includes a $25 application fee and a $50 annual membership fee -- both fees are waived if you register by May 15. Sign up today! Visit the Web site for more information |
Spotlight
Benefits 2010 Open Enrollment Preview
Open Enrollment, which takes place from April 26 through May 14, provides a time period to review UK benefit offerings for yourself, your dependents and/or beneficiaries. Generally, re-enrollment is not required unless you need to add, drop or change coverage ( or to continue participation in health care and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts, which require annual re-enrollment).
For complete details on this year's Open Enrollment, including a sneak peek at benefit rates for the coming plan year, click here.
Continue below for details on special Benefits Office Open House events starting April 26!
Staff Shared Leave Pool Donation Period
May 1 - May 31
Throughout the month of May, UK staff may donate accrued vacation time to the UK Staff Shared Leave Pool, which enables UK employees to help fellow staff members who may have exhausted paid leave due to catastrophic illness. For details, visit the Web site. Last Chance to Convert Sick Leave
to Vacation Leave This YearThrough April 30, employees may convert accumulated sick leave to vacation leave. For details, visit this page.
Upcoming Training & Development Course: Mediating Workplace Conflict
In every workplace of more than one person, conflicts are inevitable. Conflict can signal a need for change or a different way of doing business. The issue that is of the greatest importance is how to manage the conflict. Visit the Web site for a more detailed description and date and registration information.
T&D Staff Introduction: Maria Fischer
 The HR Training & Development group welcomes Maria Fischer, Professional Development trainer, to its staff. Maria will offer customer service training, training on FISH! philosophy and FMLA training, with more courses to come. Prior to joining UK, Maria was a corporate trainer for several Fortune 500 wireless telecommunications companies.
Maria states "I have the opportunity to work with an excellent group of people, so I am excited about my own personal and professional growth meeting the standard of excellence of my peers." Check out our full lineup of Professional Development training. |
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Did You Know?
$250 Educational Assistance Award
for Employee Education Program Participants The UK Women's Forum sponsors Educational Assistance Awards of $250 for UK employees who participate in the Employee Education Program. These awards are $250 each to assist with the cost of books, course materials and any applicable lab fees.
They are now accepting online applications for both summer terms. The deadline for the four-week Summer Session is May 19th, and the eight-week Summer Session is June 25th. To learn more about this program, visit the Web site.
Career Skills Assessment Now Available Online
Knowing your skills and being able to articulate them is crucial for managing your career, writing your resume, interviewing, or preparing for your performance evaluation. The skills assessment, SkillScan™, has been purchased by HR Career Development for UK Staff to use free of charge and is now available on the Web site. The assessment takes about 30 minutes to complete and will generate a report identifying your strongest skill sets and their value in the workplace, as well as areas for improvement. If you would like to discuss the results with a Career Development Specialist, please call 257-9416 to schedule an appointment. |
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Events
Interview Training for Supervisors & Managers
If hiring employees is one of your responsibilities, HR Employment has designed a one-day training focused on hiring the most qualified, best fit candidate for your position. This training will provide an in-depth understanding of behavior based interviewing including what questions to ask, what information to gather, and how to analyze the information you receive to make a legal and informed hiring decision. To learn more about this training, visit the Web site.
Behavior Based Interviewing 1-Day
Thursday, April 22nd
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
220 Scovell Hall, Suite 1
To register for this training, please use the myUK Training Center available under the Employee Self-Service option at myuk.uky.edu. If you have any questions or need assistance with registration, please call or e-mail Jon Gent 257-2608 or jon.gent@uky.edu.
Career Planning Workshop Series
Session 1: Personality Assessment, April 22, 12:00-1:30, B108 WT Young Library
Session 2: Skills Assessment, April 30, 12:00-1:30, B108 WT Young Library
Session 3: Values and Interests Assessment, May 6, 12:00-1:30, 220 Scovell Hall
Session 4: Nuts & Bolts of Making Career Decisions, May 11, 12:00-1:30, 220 Scovell Hall
Registration is required. See descriptions and full workshop schedule on the Web site. Questions? Call 257-9416.
Learn More About Your Open Enrollment Options at Benefits Open House Events
Join us at an upcoming Open House event, and get all the information you need! You can even submit forms on the spot. Open Houses are being held at various locations across during Open Enrollment, April 26- May 14, 2010. Events happening this month include:
Kentucky Clinic
3rd Floor, Wing D
Tuesday, April 27
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Chandler Hospital
Room H133
Thursday, April 29
For a full schedule of upcoming Benefits Open House events, click here.
FREE Health Smart conversations with UK HealthCare Experts
Join UK Health & Wellness for FREE Health Smart: Conversations About Your Health:
"What Your 'Poo' Is Telling You," presented by Lisbeth Selby, M.D., April 28, noon-1 p.m., W.T. Young Library, Gallery Room.
It covers and protects your entire body. Now learn how to protect your skin! "Save Your Skin!" presented by Jennifer Neustat, RN, May 19, noon-1:00 p.m., 511 College of Nursing.
Register online today. |
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Financial Tip
How NOT to Waste Your Tax Refund
This brief article from CNN Money offers some basic steps you can take to make the most of your tax refund. Click here. |
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Work-Life Tip
Did you know that companion animals reduce stress, lower blood-pressure, help fight depression and loneliness, protect against heart disease by providing psychological stability, and even reduce the number of visits we make to a doctor! The UK Work-Life Pet Care Resources pages offer a variety of information on how to make pets a positive part of your life.
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About Thrive
Thrive is a monthly e-mail newsletter developed by UK Human Resources.
Editors:
Melanie J. Sparks and John Buzzard | |
