“The event provides an excellent opportunity for faculty, staff and retirees to gather information about their benefits and ask questions of the providers and representatives of the human resources office,” Chris Ulrich, manager in the Office of Human Resources, said. “We are very pleased that the fair is of interest to so many employees and retirees.”
Helping to answer employee and retiree questions concerning benefits options and on-campus services were representatives from more than 20 University departments and benefit provider organizations. Attendees were treated to free hot dogs, chips and sodas, as well as other giveaways and special prizes.
“Coming to the Benefits Fair is a great way to get to know people at UD,” Kathy Corbitt, director of UD Wellness, said. “We have had a lot of traffic and inquires about Wellness dollars and the programs that we will be offering. Popular Wellness programs include hearing and osteoporosis screenings.”
Laurie Wood, a staff assistant for recruitment and employment in the Office of Human Resources, said that attendance had remained steady since the doors opened at 9 a.m.
“People have been coming in and asking a lot of good questions,” Wood said. “A lot of people have left the fair with bags full of goodies and information.”
Drew Brancati, of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Delaware, said that UD employees visiting the fair always seem to have done their homework regarding benefit options available during the annual open enrollment period.
“It has been an extremely busy day for us. Our organization participates in a lot of benefit fairs during the year, but the one at UD is the biggest of them all,” Brancati said. “The accommodations are great, and we have a great repartee with the staff. University employees are very knowledgeable, and they ask all the right questions.”
“I thought the event was pretty nice,” Gene Taylor, a locksmith in Facilities and Building Management's Lock and Hardware Services. “The people I wanted to talk to were here, and they had a pretty good knowledge of their product.”
“I don't know of any other organization that takes so much trouble to do this for its employees,” William Katorkas, an assistant director in Public Safety said. “It was a very organized and informative affair, and it also is an opportunity to see people that I have not seen in a long while.”
Benefits Open Enrollment runs through May 30
UD's 2007 Benefits Open Enrollment period continues through Wednesday, May 30. For more information on changing benefits during the open enrollment period, visit [www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2007/may/benefits050807.html]. To check benefit costs and confirm enrollment for July 1, employees can visit [www.udel.edu/flexnet].
Article by Jerry Rhodes
Photo by Sarah Simon