Work-Life

With the fall semester classes beginning August 25, I hope you'll join me in welcoming our incoming and returning students to UK. We also send our best wishes to all faculty and staff this academic year.

Please consider joining hundreds of our colleagues volunteering to help during one or more K Week activities, including Move In Day and our FUSION student volunteer event, among others (visit this page for details).

It's fitting we kick off this month's newsletter highlighting our call for UK Supervisor of the Year Award nominations. After all, we rely on our great supervisors and their teams to carry out the University's education, research and patient care missions. Speaking of outstanding, I hope you'll take time to read about your colleagues recently recognized at UK's inaugural Outstanding Staff Awards event. Congratulations to all!

I hope you'll take a few minutes to check out our other features, including World Equestrian Game discounts, important Dependent Benefits Eligibility Verification deadline and more.

If you have questions or suggestions for this newsletter, simply reply to this e-mail. We welcome your feedback.

Kim Wilson
Associate Vice President
UK Human Resources

Submit UK Supervisor of the Year Award Nominations by September 3

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2010 UK Work-Life Supervisor of the Year Award. If you know a supervisor who demonstrates sensitivity to individual work-life needs and exhibits a positive leadership style that empowers and inspires employees to excel, please nominate that person! The Supervisor of the Year award winner, along with finalists and other nominees, will be recognized at a special luncheon on October 28. Deadline for submission is September 3, 2010. For more information, and to download the nomination form, click here.

New Preventing Discrimination and Harassment Course Now Available Online

A new course developed by the Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity, "Preventing Discrimination and Harassment," is now available online. This course replaces the "Preventing Sexual Harassment" online course and is required for all new faculty and staff. The course can be accessed through myUK under the Training tab in Employee Self-Service. For more information, visit the website.

Reminder - August 31 Deadline for Dependent Eligibility Verification

Please remember to submit "proof of relationship" documentation (such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.) for dependents covered on your UK health, dental or vision plan by August 31 to the Employee Benefits Office. All staff and faculty of the University of Kentucky are required to participate in the Dependent Eligibility Verification Program to confirm that every family member (spouse, children, step-children, etc.) enrolled in a University of Kentucky benefit plan qualifies for coverage. For more information and a copy of the Dependent Eligibility Cover Form, visit the website for complete details.

World Equestrian Games Discount for Employees, Retirees and Alumni

As a token of appreciation for the University of Kentucky's support of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, the Games Foundation is offering our employees, retirees and alumni the opportunity to enjoy the world's biggest equestrian events at a very special price.

Now through July 31, you can purchase tickets for many of the 2010 Games' most popular events for 35 percent off original pricing. Visit this page for details.

Emergency Preparedness Survey

The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government is seeking feedback from the UK community on emergency preparedness. Please take a few minutes to complete online survey on this topic by clicking here.

Farmers Market Bus Rides

We're going to the Farmers Market during lunch each Thursday through September 9 and we want you to come along. The bus ride is free, and you can't beat the market for the freshest fruits and veggies. Click here for pick-up locations and times.

Fall WOW Schedule Now Online

Wellness On Wheels (WOW) is a FREE mobile health screening. Your 10-minute appointment will include tests for: cholesterol (fasting optional), triglycerides and glucose, height, weight, blood pressure, body fat percentage, and waist circumference. Our expert staff will be on-hand for a consultation regarding your results. To check out the schedule and make your WOW appointment today, visit the website.

Weight Loss Matters: Reality-Based Weight Loss

Weight Loss Matters is a 10-week weight-loss program that teaches you how to eat, rather than how to diet. You'll work toward your goals with the help of our registered dietitians. Classes meet once a week either in-person or online. The initial fee is $50, and participants can re-join subsequent sessions for free as long as they make progress. New classes begin August 24, 25, and 26. The registration deadline is August 20. For more information and to register, visit the website.

Therapeutic Chair Massage

The UK Health & Wellness Program makes therapeutic chair massages available throughout the year. The cost is just $5 for 10 minutes or $10 for 20 minutes. Reservations and advanced payment are required (no refunds). The next chair massage will take place August 30, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., at Good Samaritan Hospital, Main Conference Room B. For reservations, call (859) 257-9355.

Experienced Leader Academy

Based on the books of John C. Maxwell, this leadership series is designed to encourage and support experienced managers to continue to maximize their leadership potential. Experienced leaders (managers and directors) who want to grow and develop their skills and abilities as leaders in the context of a structured discussion, self-study and peer support. Leaders will meet for 1.5 hours once every week for 11 weeks to focus on a different leadership principle. The class sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at 220 Scovell Hall, Suite 1, beginning September 15. Lunch will be provided. The cost of the course including materials will be $175.00. For registration information, visit the website.

Retirement Savings Corner

Retirement One-on-One Counseling Sessions Available on Campus August 30 - September 30. Have questions regarding your retirement investments? Are you saving enough for your financial future? Get answers by scheduling an appointment with a Fidelity and/or TIAA-CREF representative on campus. For details, visit the website.

SAVE THE DATE!

Retirement-Ready Workshop Coming Oct. 6 Are you thinking of retiring or are you dreaming of pursuing other aspirations after your years of employment? Attend this half-day conference (choose morning or afternooon session) on October 6 and learn how to make the most of your retirement. Betsy Newman, author of Retiring as a Career, will provide tools for successful retirement in today's economy, and hear from a panel of UK retirees. More details coming soon!

Top 10 Financial Tips. Click here.