Author: Jolene Truckenbrod

WRS Webinars Offered in August

Additional Contributions

Adding money to your WRS account, via additional contributions, can enhance your eventual WRS retirement benefit. Learn how contributions grow with effective rate interest crediting, how to deposit (payroll deduction or direct pay), and much more.

Thu, Aug 6, 2020 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Mon, Aug 10, 2020 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Thu, Aug 20, 2020 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Mon, Aug 31, 2020 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/3523075356874234379

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.

Fri, Aug 7, 2020 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Wed, Aug 12, 2020 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Fri, Aug 21, 2020 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thu, Aug 27, 2020 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/4268226481646071051

WRS Retirement Benefit Calculation Methods

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

Wed, Aug 5, 2020 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Fri, Aug 7, 2020 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Thu, Aug 20, 2020 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Fri, Aug 28, 2020 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/3619511322725445392

Preparing for Your Retirement

Planning to retire in the next 1-10 years? Then this webinar is for you.

We’ll discuss:

  • The money you and your employer have put towards your retirement account.
  • How your retirement account grows through investments.
  • When you can retire.
  • Options for receiving your retirement benefit.
  • Rules you must follow if you return to work after retiring.
  • What happens to your account after you die.
  • Changes to your health and life insurance in retirement.

Thu, Aug 6, 2020 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Mon, Aug 17, 2020 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Tue, Sep 1, 2020 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thu, Sep 17, 2020 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Thu, Oct 8, 2020 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tue, Oct 20, 2020 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Mon, Nov 2, 2020 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Wed, Nov 18, 2020 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Thu, Dec 3, 2020 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Mon, Dec 14, 2020 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/2062561071726664450

Register for a webinar

Gratitude and Meditation in Times of Stress and Anxiety

STAYWELL PRESENTS WELL WISCONSIN RADIO

Monthly expert interviews on various health topics with professionals around the state!

Gratitude and Meditation in Times of Stress and Anxiety: A conversation with Robert McGrath

In this interview, we talk with Robert McGrath, a psychologist with UW-Madison’s University Health Services. Robert has expertise in Health Psychology, Living with Vitality and Resilience, and Mind/Body Wellness.

  • AUGUST 11th, 2020
  • NOON-12:30PM

Please note that you must attend live in order to be awarded credit toward your 2020 Well Wisconsin well-being activity.

A recording will be available after the event but will not count toward your well-being activity completion.

REGISTER HERE

Source: The StayWell Company, LLC

More Ways to Earn Your $150 Wellness Incentive

We have two pieces of good news to share with you today:

  1. You still have time to complete your Well Wisconsin activities to earn $150*.
  2. You now have more options for completing the health check portion of the program.

NOT SURE WHAT WE’RE TALKING ABOUT?
This is the Well Wisconsin program. We offer you tools and resources to help you achieve better well-being.

And you can earn $150 by completing three activities by October 9, 2020:

  • Take the 10-minute StayWell health assessment.
  • Complete a well-being activity through StayWell.
  • (UPDATED!) Complete a health check.

ALREADY EARNED YOUR $150?
Nice! Feel free to give yourself a high-five, and go about your day.

ABOUT THAT UPDATED HEALTH CHECK ACTIVITY …
If you haven’t already earned your incentive, you now have multiple options for completing the health check portion of the program. Just complete one of the following:

  • Biometric screening: Click “SCHEDULE NOW” on the Quest Diagnostics slider on the wellwisconsin.staywell.com homepage to get started. You’ll have two options:
    1. At-home test kit: Request a kit by registering and clicking “Order Materials.” To meet the October 9 deadline, please request your kit by September 25.
    2. Onsite screening event: Find an event near you by registering and clicking “Make an Appointment.”  There will be an onsite health screening event at the UWGB Sheboygan campus on Friday, September 18th, and at the Green Bay campus on Thursday, September 24th.  The August 12th event on the Green Bay campus has been cancelled.
  • Health Care Provider Form: Download the fillable form here.
  • Dental cleaning: Complete a routine dental cleaning visit between January 1 and October 9. Report your completion on the My Incentives tab of the portal.
  • One coaching call: Call 800-821-6591 to schedule a call, or schedule a video meeting on wellwisconsin.staywell.com or on the My StayWell app.

REMEMBER: YOU HAVE UNTIL OCTOBER 9 TO EARN YOUR $150!
Go to wellwisconsin.staywell.com to get moving.

There, you’ll find a full list of well-being activities, plus a trove of information to help you improve your overall wellness!

QUESTIONS? Contact the StayWell HelpLine at 800-821-6591 or wellwisconsin@staywell.com.

*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.

Source: The StayWell Company, LLC

University Services Program Associate – Training Registry

Under limited supervision, this position performs a wide variety of duties and responsibilities requiring a broad, complex skill set. This position is responsible for providing a high level of customer service within the Division, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Wisconsin Community-Based Care and Treatment Training Registry and partnering organizations. The individual will serve as a liaison with internal and external constituencies on matters assigned by the Wisconsin Community-Based Care and Treatment Training Registry Director. This position interacts with a diverse audience of individuals and organizations by communicating procedural information, interpreting and implementing System regulations and policies, and resolving complex problems as they occur. Program support includes a high volume of recurring daily phone calls, emails and communication through our online Chatbox, the creation of registration and roster auditing, payments, and updating the website and coordinating program logistics. The position calls for a highly organized, flexible, and detail-oriented individual with excellent customer service skills who is energized by connecting with customers.

For further information and position responsibilities, please see the full position announcement.

To ensure consideration, please apply by Sunday, August 16, 2020.

Marketing and Graphics Design Specialist

The Marketing and Graphic Design Specialist is responsible for providing marketing and graphic design services for the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Climate.  Responsibilities include supervising the Union Graphic Design, Marketing & Promotions student teams.  This position provides guidance to the design efforts of the University Union, Student Life, and Residence Life graphic designers for quality, consistency, copy, and adherence to the style guide requirements of the University.  This position serves as the design lead for major Student Affairs projects across all mediums including web, print, and social media.  Additionally, the Marketing and Graphic Design Specialist will assist Division personnel on marketing research to support effective connection and communication of information and promotional efforts that engage the campus community. This position reports to the Manager of Union Services with additional oversight from University Marketing and Communications. This position will work to create a safe and inclusive environment for all UW Green Bay students where all feel a sense of place and pride.

For further information and position responsibilities, please see the full position announcement.

To ensure consideration, please apply by Tuesday, August 4, 2020.

Multicultural Admissions Counselor

The Multicultural Admissions Counselor implements a comprehensive recruitment plan designed to enrich the campus community by attracting and enrolling a diverse student body, with special focus on the recruitment of underrepresented minority students including African American, American Indian, Asian, Latinx, and Somali students. Recruit students and provide support for prospects as they progress through the admissions process. Advise on academic planning, programs, requirements, and campus resources. Coordinate and attend recruitment events to increase brand awareness and to build a diverse recruitment pipeline. Assist in identifying, communicating, and implementing vital recruitment strategies targeting diverse populations, in an effort to enhance and grow the University’s student body. Recruit and serve within the local community, while creating and implementing outreach programs targeted toward all students of color. Work to enhance UW-Green Bay’s multicultural recruitment efforts and create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates those with diverse identities, beliefs and cultural backgrounds.

For further information and position responsibilities, please see the full position announcement.

To ensure consideration, please apply by Sunday, August 2, 2020.

Refinding Your Work Groove After Sheltering in Place

For many people, the COVID-19 pandemic created a whole new work reality. During shelter-in-place orders, you may have been working from home—or maybe you were unable to work at all.

Either way, when it’s time to restart your work life—heading into the office again, rejoining your old job, starting a new gig—the transition may feel a bit odd. Going from sweatpants (or no pants) to work attire is tough enough. But then you throw in the new routines, the different environments, and the overall newness of everything and, whew, this sounds tough.

Here are tips for smoothing your transition back to work and refinding your day-to-day groove.

Act Like You’re Starting a Brand-New Job—Even If You Aren’t

Hey, a little extra effort never hurt anybody at work.

If you’re starting a new job, congratulations! If you’re returning to an already-held job, you’re getting reacquainted with your office, your coworkers, your bosses, etc. In any case, use it as an opportunity to establish yourself.

  • Respect the workplace environment. Every place of business has a unique dynamic and culture—and it may be different after the pandemic. Read the room so you can determine how to put your best foot forward.
  • Set boundaries. Even though you want to impress, it’s important to maintain a work-life balance and avoid burnout.
  • Be inquisitive. Asking questions is important: It’s how you learn. If you seek guidance from people around you, you’ll gain a lot of knowledge.

Relearn How to Focus

Your environment at work is likely different from what you had at home. Get back in the swing with these tips:

  • Prioritize your day. A to-do list can be your best friend when you’re looking to maintain focus.
  • Limit distractions. Set aside time without gadgets or interruptions.
  • Take breaks. Stopping and going for a quick walk can help recharge your mind.

Re-Establish Good Workplace Habits

Getting to a specific place on time. Packing a healthy lunch. Putting on pants. These are all habits you haven’t employed in a while. But that doesn’t mean they’re lost.

Reacquire and re-solidify these actions by:

  • Identifying your goals. Figure out the behaviors you want to change, or those you want to start, like showing up on time.
  • Making a plan of action. Set small, reasonable goals so you don’t dive in all at once. (Start setting your alarm earlier by increments, for example.)
  • Being patient. You may not fall back into these habits right away. Be nice to yourself and allow for hiccups.

We’re all coming back into the workplace together, so if you’re feeling a little uneasy, you’re part of a big club. You can find a groove again—just give it time.

Source: The StayWell Company, LLC

FSA and Dependent Day Care Account Change

Mid-Year Changes

Typically, outside of Annual Benefits Enrollment, the IRS requires a qualifying life event (e.g. marriage, birth of a child, etc.) to make a change to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Dependent Day Care Accounts.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Group Insurance Board has approved the flexibility granted by the IRS to allow a mid-year change to either of these accounts without a qualifying life event.

From July 1, 2020 until August 31, 2020, if you are currently enrolled in a FSA and/or Dependent Day Care Account, you have a one-time opportunity to increase or decrease your annual contribution.

    • Increases: Allowed up to the maximum of $2,700 for health care FSA and $5,000 for dependent day care. The increased amount may be used for any eligible expense(s) incurred in 2020, even those that occurred prior to your new election.
    • Decreases: You may only decrease your annual contribution amount to no less than what you have already contributed or spent year-to-date, whichever is greater.

Any change made is effective the first of the month following receipt of your change request form.

Increased Healthcare FSA Carryover

Additionally, the Group Insurance Board approved a $50 increase to the amount you may carryover for healthcare FSA effective January 1, 2021. You may carryover up to $550 from the 2020 plan year to the 2021 plan year. No action is necessary on your part to take advantage of the increased healthcare FSA carryover amount.

How to Make a Mid-Year Change

To make a change to your FSA and/or Dependent Day Care Account, complete an Election Change Request Form. On the form, in step 3, check “COVID-19” as the reason for your change. Then, submit the form by September 1, 2020 to UW-Shared Services, Service Operations:

Email: serviceoperations@uwss.wisconsin.edu
Fax: (608) 890-2327
Mail: 660 W. Washington Ave, Ste 201, Madison, WI 53703

Additional Information

There were items discussed during the June 29, 2020 Group Insurance Board meeting that allowed additional flexibility for benefit plans offered through the Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF). Some of these items are:

    • health plan enrollment changes,
    • an extended timeframe to submit 2019 FSA claims and
    • extended timeframes for COBRA continuation administration.

ETF did not recommend proceeding with these additional items due to low interest and the administrative challenges and complexities with the vendor change from TASC to ConnectYourCare.

Source: UW System Human Resources

Phoenix Rise Virtual Run/Walk held June 26-28

Congratulations to those who participated in the Phoenix Rise Virtual Run/Walk last weekend!  It was a hot one.  There were 36 people who walked or ran, including 7 UWGB alumni, 14 students, and 15 employees!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you to those who shared pictures from the event!  The little phoenix flyer pictured is Kaitlyn O’Claire’s two-year old daughter who walked with her mom during the virtual Phoenix Rise Run/Walk!  Great job everyone!