Author: Jolene Truckenbrod

Submit Leave Reports by June 30, 2023

Faculty, Academic Staff and Limited Appointees (who have or had an active leave-eligible appointment) must submit monthly leave reports for each appointment, whether or not leave is used. Employees are required to report leave on or before the day the leave is taken, or if no leave is taken, to enter a “No Leave Take” at the end of the month.

Missing leave reports must be submitted by June 30, 2023 for fiscal year July 2022 through June 2023.

Failure to submit leave reports will result in a permanent reduction of sick leave hours. Even one unsubmitted leave report will reduce an employee’s sick leave balance resulting in less sick leave available to use if needed.

Long term, a reduction of sick leave hours will result in fewer hours available for the Sick Leave Credit Conversion Program which allows employees to pay for health insurance in retirement.

How do I Know if I have Missing Leave Reports?

Employees with missing leave reports receive email reminders every two weeks listing their missing reports. Employees may also check for missing leave reports at any time in the MyUW portal.

Resources

Source: UW System Human Resources

UW 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program Counseling Sessions and Webinars Available

As a UW System employee, you are eligible for the UW 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program (SRP) – a voluntary supplemental retirement savings plan administered by UW System specifically for UW employees.

In the UW 403(b) SRP, there are two record keepers to choose from—TIAA or Fidelity. Both record keepers offer the same 18 best-in-class choice of mutual funds, and each also offers a guaranteed interest option and access to a brokerage window. You decide how much to save, which of the fund options to invest in, and whether to contribute on a pre-tax and/or Roth (after-tax) basis. You can start, change, or stop your deductions at any time.

Individual Counseling Sessions
To help you better understand how the UW 403(b) SRP works and the options available to you, UW System is offering individual counseling sessions. No matter where you are in life—just getting started or planning for retirement—a session with a financial consultant can help you create a plan for your goals.

These one-on-one counseling sessions are a free service available to participants in the UW 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program (SRP) as well as those considering participation. Counseling sessions are open to all employees, and you are not obligated to open an account with a provider.

TIAA Individual Counseling Sessions
Schedule an appointment at tiaa.org/public/support/contact-tiaa/consultations-seminars or call 1-800-732-8353, weekdays, 8 am to 8 pm (ET).

Fidelity Individual Counseling Sessions
Schedule an appointment at fidelity.com/atwork/reservations or call 1-800-642-7131. For on-demand help, utilize the Call Now button in the appointment search scheduler.

Live and On-Demand Webinars
Whether you are a current contributor to the 403(b) or looking for more information, check out the Live and On-Demand Webinars available to all UW employees. The on-demand webinar: SRP: Investing in Your Financial Future: Intro to the 403(b) Program is a good resource for new enrollees.

Additional Resources
Additional resources are available on the UW 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program web page.

Source: UW System Human Resources

June 30 Deadline for Faculty, Academic Staff/Limited Appointees to Use Holiday and Vacation Carryover Hours

Faculty, Academic Staff and Limited Appointees must use personal holiday, floating legal holiday and vacation carryover hours by June 30, 2023, or this leave will be lost.

Paid leave is granted on a fiscal year basis (July 1 – June 30) to Faculty, Academic Staff and Limited Appointees who have annual basis appointments.

Faculty, Academic Staff and Limited Appointees

Paid Leave Type                Year Granted             Deadline to Use
Personal Holidays               7/1/22 – 6/30/23            6/30/23
Floating Legal Holidays     12/24/22 & 12/31/22     6/30/23
Vacation Carryover            7/1/21 – 6/30/22             6/30/23

University Staff Employees

As a reminder, paid leave for University Staff employees is granted on a calendar year basis.

  • Personal Holidays granted January 1, 2023, must be used by December 31, 2023.
  • Floating Legal Holidays (December 24, 2023, and December 31, 2023) must be used by December 31, 2023.
  • Vacation carryover must be used by December 31, 2023.

Resources

UW System Policies:

Source: UW System Human Resources

WRS Webinars

ETF (Department of Employee Trust Funds) is offering a series of short, live, interactive webinars designed to increase your understanding of Wisconsin Retirement System benefits.  Individuals can also ask questions at the end of these sessions. To avoid connectivity issues during webinars, we highly recommend using Google Chrome as your web browser.

Preparing for Your Retirement
Planning to retire in the next 5 years? Then this webinar is for you. Learn about your WRS benefits and the retirement process.

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

  1. Explain how the WRS retirement benefit works
  2. Recognize eligibility and prepare to apply for benefits
  3. Identify the different types of annuity options
  4. Prepare for health and life insurance changes in retirement
  5. Find additional resources
  • Wed, Jun 7, 2023 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
  • Thu, Jun 22, 2023 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
  • Tue, Jul 11, 2023 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Wed, Jul 26, 2023 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
  • Thu, Aug 10, 2023 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
  • Thu, Aug 24, 2023 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
  • Thu, Sep 7, 2023 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Wed, Sep 20, 2023 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/7817059707818435598

MAY WEBINAR

Additional Contributions
Looking to increase your WRS retirement? Learn how Additional Contributions can increase your WRS retirement benefit.

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

  1. Define additional contributions
  2. Identify how additional contributions increase your retirement fund
  3. Arrange to make additional contributions to your WRS account(s)
  4. Find and use ETF resources to calculate your additional contribution amount
  • Tue, May 30, 2023 11:00 am – 11:30 am

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/8581265372594571094

JUNE WEBINARS

Annuity Options
When you get your retirement estimate, you’ll see that there are many options for receiving your retirement benefit. You can choose to receive the payment for your life or extend it beyond your life to your loved ones. The choice is yours. We’ll discuss how each option impacts the size of your payment and affects your loved ones.

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

  1. Define and explain annuity, annuitant, beneficiary and named survivor
  2. Compare the different annuity options
  3. Find resources with more information
  4. Identify the next steps for you to choose an annuity option
  • Wed, June 21, 2023, 11:00 am – 11:30 am
  • Thu, June 29, 2023 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/2220665373364672351

Variable Fund
Does putting money in the Variable Fund make sense for you? You and your employer put money in to your WRS account to save for your future. The money in your account is then invested to increase your savings. By default, your money goes into the Core Fund, but you can choose to put half your money into the Variable Fund.

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

  1. Define Variable Trust Fund and explain how it works
  2. Analyze how the Variable Fund can affect your retirement benefit
  3. Elect to join or cancel the Variable Fund
  • Tue, June 6, 2023 11:00 am – 11:30 am
  • Mon, June 19, 2023 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/7517959563873288796

JULY WEBINARS

Beneficiary Designations – What Happens to My Account When I Die?
Death is never easy to talk about, but it’s important to know where your money is going. Learn what happens to your WRS account when you pass away, why it’s important to designate a beneficiary and the importance of keeping your account up to date.

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

  1. Define beneficiary and standard sequence
  2. Explain the importance of a beneficiary form
  3. Identify who or what could be a beneficiary
  4. Select the appropriate beneficiary form
  5. Update your beneficiary
  • Wed, Jul 12, 2023, 11:00 am – 11:30 am
  • Thu, Jul 27, 2023 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/3973693727826657879

Overview of the Wisconsin Retirement System
Are you new to the Wisconsin Retirement System? We’ll let you know what to expect.

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

  1. Identify and explain the elements of the Wisconsin Retirement System
  2. Explain how the WRS pension works
  3. Identify benefits available through the WRS
  4. Find resources for more information
  • Wed, Jul 19, 2023 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm
  • Tue, Jul 25, 2023 11:00 am – 11:30 am

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/3434988005797919832

Bellin Run 2023

It’s time to register for the 47th Annual Bellin Run!  The Bellin Run will be an in-person and virtual event on June 10, 2023 in Green Bay.  This 10K & 5K event is for runners and walkers of all participation levels.

UW-Green Bay is part of the Bellin Run Corporate Challenge.  Being part of this program gets you these perks if you register by May 15th:

  • An early incentive gift (fanny pack) with the Bellin Run logo on it
  • Your race packet (bib and race shirt) will be delivered to the Green Bay campus and available for you to pick up in the Human Resources office about a week before the event (we’ll email you when it’s ready).

Friends and family can be registered on our team so that they receive these benefits as well.

In addition, the Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) is investing in the health of our employees by paying for $10 of your registration fees.  This discount will input during the registration process.  This discount does not apply to friends & family members.

Employees, family and friends are encouraged to sign up to participate as part of the UW-Green Bay Corporate team!

To register:

  1. Click on this link:  https://raceroster.com/events/2023/67305/bellin-run/register?team=508198 
  2. Step #1 may ask you to create an account on Race Roster, if you don’t already have one (enter your email and create a personal password)
  3. Team password: UWGB23
  4. Team discount code: UWGB23  (for employees only)
  5. Insert discount code during registration here:

Check out the helpful training information online such as tips, videos, training plans, free training runs and walks, etc. at https://www.bellinrun.com/training 

Questions? Please contact wellness@uwgb.edu.

WRS Statement of Benefits Available

Employees covered by the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) can now view their WRS Statement of Benefits as of January 1, 2023, in the My UW portal. To view your statement, launch the Benefit Information tile and click on the WRS Statements of Benefits tab.

Your WRS Statement of Benefits includes 2022 earnings and service, retirement benefit projections (if vested), separation benefit, death benefit, and employee and employer contributions.

Resources

Beneficiary Reminder 

It is recommended that you review the beneficiaries listed on your WRS Statement of Benefits and if a beneficiary is not listed complete a Beneficiary Designation Form.

Death benefits are paid according to the most recent beneficiary designation form on file with the Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) prior to your death. Your beneficiary does not automatically change due to a life event, such as divorce or marriage.

To add, change, or remove beneficiaries, complete one of the following forms and mail the completed form to ETF at the address listed on the form.

If you do not have a beneficiary designation on file, death benefits will be paid according to the statutory standard sequence in effect on the date of death.

Questions

If you have questions about your statement after reviewing available resources, please reach out to the UW-System Benefits Counseling team at benefits@uwss.wisconsin.edu or 888-298-0141.

Source: UW System Human Resources

Updated State Group Life Insurance Premiums Effective April 1, 2023

State Group Life Insurance premium rates will increase for most age categories effective April 1, 2023. There is no change to the premium rates for Spouse and Dependent coverage.

View Your Updated Premium
Employees who are currently enrolled in the State Group Life Insurance program can view their updated 2023 premium in their Personalized State Group Life Insurance Premium Notice. Any change in premium will be reflected on the March 23, 2023, paycheck.

Annual Premium Update
In addition to the premium rate increase, your State Group Life Insurance premium may also change effective April 1, 2023, if either or both your age category and salary have changed since April 1, 2022. Coverage levels are based on:

  • Your highest calendar year of eligible earnings,
  • Your age as of April 1 each year, and
  • Your elected coverage level(s).

The UW System contributes towards the cost of your State Group Life Basic and Supplemental Insurance coverage. You pay the full cost of Additional, Spouse and Dependent coverage.

Questions? Please review the 2023 State Group Life Insurance premiums or email hr@uwgb.edu. For general plan information, review the UW System Employee Benefits State Group Life insurance web page.

Source: UW System Human Resources

Onsite Health Screening

Time to register for your onsite health screening!

A free health screening* event has been scheduled for employees (and spouses) who are enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program.

At an onsite screening, you’ll learn your measurements for blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol (HDL, LDL and total), triglycerides and glucose, and be in and out in 20 minutes. Also, Kristi Mulcahey from WebMD/Well Wisconsin will be in the Phoenix Room on May 22nd to answer any questions you have about the Well Wisconsin program.  Register today!

  • LOCATION:  University Union, Phoenix Rooms, Green Bay campus
  • DATES:  Monday, May 22, 2023 or Wednesday, September 20, 2023
  • TIME:  8:00 am to 1:00 pm
    –
  • LOCATION:  Phoenix Room # 2114, Sheboygan campus
  • DATE: Thursday, September 14, 2023
  • TIME: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm

Please register at webmdhealth.com/wellwisconsin by clicking Benefits, and then Get Started on the Biometric Screening card.

Earn your $150 Well Wisconsin Incentive

Complete three activities by October 13, 2023 to earn the $150 Well Wisconsin incentive.

  1. Get a health screening or complete another health check option (ex. dental exam or coaching session).
  2. Complete the health assessment at webmdhealth.com/wellwisconsin – it takes about 10 minutes and is mobile and tablet friendly!
  3. Complete a well-being activity (ex. complete a challenge, listen to two Well Wisconsin pod casts, etc.).

For more information on the Well Wisconsin Program or to complete your activities, log in to webmdhealth.com/wellwisconsin­­.

*The Well Wisconsin incentive program is a voluntary program available to employees, retirees and spouses enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program, excluding Medicare Advantage participants who have incentives available through their health plan. The Well Wisconsin incentive will automatically be issued to eligible participants upon completing the applicable activities. All wellness incentives paid to participants are considered taxable income to the group health plan subscriber and are reported to their employer, who will issue a W2. In some cases, the Wisconsin Retirement System acts as the employer. Retirees, continuants and their spouses will have some taxes withheld from the incentive amount earned.

WRS Webinars in Spring 2023

ETF is offering a series of short, live, interactive webinars designed to increase your understanding of Wisconsin Retirement System benefits.  Individuals can also ask questions at the end of these sessions. To avoid connectivity issues during webinars, we highly recommend using Google Chrome as your web browser.

Annuity Options
When you get your retirement estimate, you’ll see that there are many options for receiving your retirement benefit. You can choose to receive the payment for your life or extend it beyond your life to your loved ones. The choice is yours. We’ll discuss how each option impacts the size of your payment and affects your loved ones.

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

  1. Define and explain annuity, annuitant, beneficiary and named survivor.
  2. Compare the different annuity options.
  3. Find resources with more information.
  4. Identify the next steps for you to choose an annuity option.
  • Mon, Mar 20, 2023 11:00 am – 11:30 am
  • Tue, Mar 28, 2023 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/2603924337669260894

Preparing for Your Retirement
Planning to retire in the next 5 years? Then this webinar is for you. Learn about your WRS benefits and the retirement process.

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

  1. Explain how the WRS retirement benefit works.
  2. Recognize eligibility and prepare to apply for benefits.
  3. Identify the different types of annuity options.
  4. Prepare for health and life insurance changes in retirement.
  5. Find additional resources.
  • Wed, Mar 22, 2023 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
  • Wed, April 12, 2023 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
  • Wed, Apr 26, 2023 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
  • Thu, May 11, 2023 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Tue, May 23, 2023 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
  • Wed, Jun 7, 2023 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
  • Thu, Jun 22, 2023 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/7817059707818435598

WRS Retirement Benefit Calculations
Have you requested a retirement estimate? Thinking about it? In this webinar we’ll discuss how we calculate your retirement benefit.

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

  1. Explain the individual components of the two retirement benefit calculation methods.
  2. Describe what affects your WRS retirement benefit for each type of calculation (money purchase and formula).
  • Tue, Mar 28, 2023 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/5832576461708627033

WRS Effective Rates and Annuity Adjustments
Each year you may see changes to the amount of your retirement payment. We’ll discuss why and how these changes happen.

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

  1. Define WRS effective rate and annuity adjustment.
  2. Explain how the Core Trust Fund and Variable Trust Fund effective rates are calculated.
  3. Explain how the Core Trust Fund and Variable Trust Fund annuity adjustments are calculated.
  • Thu, Mar 23, 2023 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
  • Wed, Mar 29, 2023 11:00 am – 11:30 am
  • Tue, Apr 4, 2023 11:00 am – 11:30 am
  • Thu, Apr 13, 2023 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
  • Tue, Apr 25, 2023 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm
  • Tue, May 9, 2023 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
  • Wed, May 17, 2023 11:00 am – 11:30 am
  • Thu, May 25, 2023 11:00 am – 11:30 am

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/6643854414797776735

How to Use ETF’s Online Retirement Calculator
Curious about how much money you’ll get during retirement? Our most used online tool, the retirement calculator, lets you see how much money you may get in the future.

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

  1. Find information on your Statement of Benefits used for calculations.
  2. Enter information into the WRS Retirement Benefits Calculator.
  3. See an unofficial estimate of your WRS Retirement Benefits online.
  • Wed, Apr 5, 2023, 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
  • Wed, Apr 19, 2023 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm
  • Thu, Apr 27, 2023 11:00 am – 11:30 am

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/112734455684813919

Understanding Your Annual WRS Statement of Benefits
Your annual Statement of Benefits shows you the current state of your WRS account. Not sure about something on your statement? Watch this webinar with your statement in hand. We’ll walk you through each section.

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

  1. Explain the purpose of the Statement of Benefits (ET-7365).
  2. Analyze the sections of your Statement of Benefits.
  3. Interpret your retirement benefit calculations.
  4. Find resources for more information.
  • Wed, Apr 19, 2023 11:00 am – 11:30 am
  • Thu, Apr 27, 2023 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm
  • Tue, May 2, 2023 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
  • Tue, May 9, 2023 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/3033582696825666144

Additional Contributions
Looking to increase your WRS retirement? Learn how Additional Contributions can increase your WRS retirement benefit.

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

  1. Define additional contributions.
  2. Identify how additional contributions increase your retirement fund.
  3. Arrange to make additional contributions to your WRS account(s).
  4. Find and use ETF resources to calculate your additional contribution amount
  • Thu, May 4, 2023, 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm
  • Wed, May 17, 2023 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
  • Tue, May 30, 2023 11:00 am – 11:30 am

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/8581265372594571094

Reminder: March 31 Deadline for 2022 Flexible Spending Account Claims

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows you to be reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses with tax-free dollars. Since these are spending accounts, the money should be spent. Eligible expenses include:

  • Medical (post-deductible only if you are also in the HDHP and HSA)
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Dependent Day Care

To be reimbursed from your 2022 Health Care FSA, you must have incurred eligible expenses by December 31, 2022. Expenses must be submitted and substantiated by March 31, 2023.

How to Submit Eligible Expenses for Reimbursement

The most efficient way to submit your eligible expenses for reimbursement is electronically by using the Optum mobile app or website. The links are below:

Remember to include the required IRS supporting documentation with your submission. Optum will contact you directly for additional information, if necessary.

Carryover Reminders

Up to $570 of unused funds in a Health Care FSA will carry over from 2022 to 2023 on/around April 15, 2023. Unused funds greater than $570 will be forfeited. The IRS does not allow carryover for the Dependent Day Care FSA.

More Information

For questions about your claims, eligible expenses, or your payment card, contact Optum at (833) 881-8158.

For general information, review the UW System Employee Benefits FSA web page.

Source: UW System Human Resources