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Author: Shannon Cary

Benefits Office Has Upgraded Online Retirement Calculator

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UM System Benefits Office has upgraded its online retirement calculator; check it out at: myHR and sign in – SelfService – Personal Information – Retirement Calculator link – Retirement Calculator (take you to an external web site) – log in again – Click on ‘I Understand’ button on the disclaimer page – you will see several links including one for estimating your future pension payments (which allows you to add in other retirement payments such as Social Security, IRA’s, etc.). The calculator works best in Internet Explorer. I am working with Benefits to schedule a couple of on-site demos of the new calculator and will keep you posted on when/where.

Leo

MU Staff Advisory Council – Staff Development Award

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Are you trying to find funding to attend a conference or workshop? The Staff Development Award can help. Available to MU campus staff (individuals and groups), the program is intended to assist in personal and professional development. Applications must be received by August 16, 2010 to be considered for the September 15, 2010 award. Submission of application does not guarantee funding. Visit http://staffcouncil.missouri.edu/awards/sdaward.html for information on the program and how to apply. Have questions? Call Gina Scavone in the Staff Advisory Council office at 882-4269.

MU Policy – HR 411 Voting

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With the August 2010 elections date just around the corner, it seems like a good time to review HR 411, the University’s policy on voting and related requests for time off. To highlight the main points:

MU Policy – HR 411 Voting

The main points:

  • Employees may be excused from work for time necessary to allow them to vote (this includes time away for absentee voting, if necessary).
  • This time may be up to, but not exceed, three (3) successive hours for the purpose of voting.
  • Such period of time includes any off-duty time between the opening and closing of the polls (e.g., lunch).
  • Employees shall be paid for any time requiring absence from duty to allow up to three (3) successive hours; provided, however, that such absence is requested prior to the election. Such time must be recorded on a time sheet or a monthly absence form.
  • Supervisors have the right to specify the time an employee may be absent for voting (e.g. for coverage issues).
  • Employees whose work hours permit three (3) successive hours between the opening and closing of the polls when not on duty, will not be eligible for any paid time off for the purpose of voting.

Feel free to contact Leo at 882-9166 or agnewl@missouri.edu if additional information is needed.

Healthy for Life Update

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Want to Quit Smoking?
Are you or someone you know ready to quit tobacco once and for all? The FREE QuitNet Smoking Cessation Program is offered by the University health plan to UM Choice Health Care Program members. selected medications are available through the UM Prescription Drug Program.  Click here for more information. Volunteers are also needed to take part in an online study which involves reading several consumer reviews of quit-smoking products and takes about 25-30 min.  You can join a raffle for one of several $50 gift cards from Amazon.com.  To participate, go to www.EcklerResearch.com If you have questions, e-mail the researcher at ecklerp@missouri.edu.

Become a Wellness Ambassador
Healthy for Life is now recruiting volunteers to serve in their departments as a Wellness Ambassador. Being an Ambassador takes little time to make a big difference.  Aside from disseminating information and bringing wellness into their workplace, Ambassadors will also have volunteer opportunities such as health fairs, wellness walks and more. We would love it if you would put Healthy for Life on your next staff meeting agenda.  If you wish to become an ambassador please send Jaclyn Heider an email including your department, t-shirt size, and campus mailing address.

Tips for Mindful Eating Blog
‘Tips for Mindful Eating: It’s more than just about food’ is a new blog that offers a weekly post with tips, articles, research, reflections, and opportunities to practice mindful eating and living through the way that you eat, move, work, play and relate to yourself, others, and the world. It grew out of the ten week program entitled “Eat for Life” developed by Dr. Lynn Rossy and Hannah Bush, M.A. offered through the wellness program. Click here to subscribe to weekly posts.

Workplace Fitness Opportunities
Take advantage of these classes that fit your budget. Full payment is due at the beginning of the first class and space is limited. Please contact the instructor directly to register or for questions. All classes are designed so that exercises can be performed in work clothes.

  • July 8-29: Core Conditioning. Lewis Hall, Room 3. Class meets on Thursdays from 12:10-12:50 p.m. and costs $8. Pre-registration is required and registration deadline is July 6. Click here to sign up with Ashley Jenkins.
  • July 8-29: Zakti. University Hospital, School of Nursing. Class meets on Thursdays from 1:15-1:50 p.m. and costs $8. Pre-registration is required and registration deadline is July 6. Click here to sign up with Ashley Jenkins.
  • July 9-23: Pilates/Yoga Combination (Pi/Yo). MOREnet, Room 224-225 (on Lemone Industrial Boulevard). Class meets on Fridays from 11-11:40 a.m. and costs $6. This is a fusion of the strength and movement of Pilates and stretch and relaxation of Yoga. A mat is highly recommended for floor exercises. Pre-registration is required and registration deadline is July 7. Click here to sign up with Rebekka Mars.
  • July 13-Aug. 17: Yoga. Jesse Hall, Room 220. Class meets on Tuesdays from 4:15-5 p.m. and costs $12. *Minimum of 10 participants are needed to start the class. Pre-registration is required and registration deadline is July 11. Click here to sign up with Rebecca Peters.
  • July 14-Sept. 1: Yoning (Yoga+Toning). Dalton Research Library, Room 132. Class meets on Wednesdays from 11:40 a.m.-12:20 p.m. and costs $16. “Yoning” is a dynamic mix of basic yoga postures and core strengthening, designed for all levels of fitness and all core work can be done regardless of back or neck issues. Pre-registration is required and registration deadline is July 12. Click here to sign up with Lisa Nagy.
  • July 19- Aug. 23: Yoga. Missouri Psychiatric Gym. Class meets on Mondays from 12:15 to 12:50 and costs $12 for the six week session. Pre-registration is required and registration deadline is July 17. Click here to sign up with Kate Walker.
  • July 21- Aug. 18: Beginner Yoga. Missouri Psychiatric Gym. Class meets on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:15 and costs $12 for the six week session. This is a beginners class for those who aren’t flexible, however all levels of fitness are welcome. Pre-registration is required and registration deadline is July 19. Click here to sign up with Kate Walker.

Dancing in the Street
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, July 21, from 6-8 p.m. Enjoy Salsa, ballroom, clog, square, and swing dancing in the streets by Flat Branch Park. Free entertainment for the entire family will feature music, special performances, art activities, bounce-houses, hands-on activities, balloon-animals, face painting and guaranteed fun for all ages. Family Fun Fests are presented by Columbia Parks and Recreation. Sponsored by Convention & Visitors Bureau, KPLA 101.5 Radio, KOMU TV8 and Columbia Home & Lifestyle Magazine.

Summer Cycling Opportunities
Summer time and bike rides go hand-in-hand. The Ride to Wellness program encourages movement for those riding bicycles or using wheelchairs. For $20 participants receive an odometer and log book. When you reach 500 miles, turn in the booklet for a prize and receive a $20 refund. To enroll, send or bring a $20 check (our cost, made payable to Healthy for Life) to 205 Heinkel Building. Click here for more information.

Check out the GetAbout Columbia’s website for multiple cycling opportunities such as commuter skill classes, family fun rides, and guided rides.

Walk-a-Hound, Lose-a-Pound
Are you looking to make a new friend or two? Help a shelter dog get some much needed exercise and fresh air while walking for better health in the Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound program! Friendly, adoptable dogs from Central Missouri Humane Society & Columbia Second Chance will be available for exercise walks on Bear Creek Trail. Participants receive a program t-shirt and may participate in a study of the benefits of dog walking.  Leashes and dog treats provided…just bring your walking shoes! To register, call Parks and Recreation at 874-7460 or go online.

DAC Announcement – Save the Date for a Luncheon

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The MU Libraries’ Diversity Action Committee invites you to participate in the Second Annual Diversity Luncheon on July 22 that will feature ethnic food. Here are the details in Q&A format:

  • When/where will it be held? July 22, in the Ellis Library Staff Lounge; lunch runs 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Who is providing the food? You, if you are willing to do so.
  • What type of food should I bring? Anything that represents any part of your heritage.
  • How much food should I bring? That is up to you.
  • Should I let DAC know if I’m bringing food? Yes, please contact Leo at AgnewL@missouri.edu and provide the name or type of dish and the estimated number of people it will serve.
  • Where will the luncheon take place? In the Ellis Library Staff Lounge. There are plenty of outlets for slow cookers and a microwave will be on hand in the room.
  • Do I need to do anything after I drop off my dish? Yes. We ask that you take responsibility for setting up the dish prior to the lunch period.
  • Would it be okay for me to talk about my dish as people pass through the food line? Absolutely. In fact, we encourage it for anyone so inclined.
  • Is this a legitimate DAC activity? Yes. One goal is to highlight the cultural diversity embodied by library employees.
  • Does attendance during lunch count as release time? No, since this is a volunteer luncheon versus a workshop or program.
  • But what about the food prep time? Yes, with supervisor approval.
  • If possible, bring your own plates and flatware for a green and diverse lunch.
  • Can I attend the event even if I don’t bring food to share? Yes! This is open to all library employees.