May 17, 2022

News you need

Responding to change

Last month we asked you to share the strategies you’re using in your departments to encourage teamwork and keep office spirits high. Check out some of our early responses. But we want to know what you’re doing in your unit. Please take a few moments to share your good ideas by completing this survey. And, remember, if you are working remotely or on an hybrid arrangement, you must complete a Telework Agreement as soon as possible.

The Return of the UDid IT Picnic, June 6

Come celebrate all our individual and collective achievements at the return of the UDid It Picnic, set from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday, June 6, on The North Green. Catch up with colleagues and enjoy music and yard games. RSVP now to be included in a raffle for great prizes.

Benefits Open Enrollment Ends May 18

The 2022 flexible benefits open enrollment period ends Wednesday, May 18. Benefit-eligible employees may review or change their benefits online. Learn more on our enrollment site and make sure you visit our Virtual Benefits and Wellbeing Fair. In addition, if you cover your spouse under a medical plan, you are required to complete a Spousal Coordination of Benefits form each year during open enrollment.

Changes to UD Retirement Criteria, Rule of 80

Effective July 1, 2022, the University of Delaware retirement eligibility criteria will change. The new criteria, known as the Rule of 80, require that age and service years combined must equal 80 for employees to be eligible for the University’s retirement benefits. Minimum age and service criteria apply and are detailed on the Retirement page of the HR website.

FYI

Implementation of CrowdStrike at UD

UD Information Technologies (UDIT) is leading an initiative to protect all UD-owned endpoints—laptops and desktops—with CrowdStrike, an enhanced endpoint protection solution. This initiative is part of a multi-faceted approach to better protect the University from cybersecurity threats and to meet the requirements of our cybersecurity insurance. Over the course of 2022, UDIT, with the support of departmental IT professionals, will be deploying CrowdStrike across UD-owned devices.

You Can Help Students Look Their Best

Donations are now being accepted for the Student Government Association’s Career Closet, a resource to help UD students look their best for internships, interviews and career fairs, regardless of their financial situation. You can help stock the closet by donating professional attire such as blazers, shirts, blouses, shoes, belts, ties, pants, skirts and more. Please be sure that items are clean and in relatively good shape. Faculty, staff and students can bring in any unwanted or old professional clothing to the drop-off boxes outside the Career Closet on the third floor of Perkins Student Center during regular business hours.

Featured Jobs

The University is seeking applicants for the following positions. Please share these position descriptions to help spread the word.

• Product Manager
• IT Support Consultant III

TIAA Virtual Counseling Sessions

Access virtual TIAA counseling by phone or on any device and learn about your retirement savings, managing debt and your investment strategy. Meetings are highly secure and private. Schedule a virtual counseling session. Learn more and register.

Work-Life

Faculty and Staff Discounts at Delaware Football!

Spend Saturdays this fall with the Blue Hens! Enjoy tailgating, the Fan Zone for family fun, performances from the spirit squad and marching band, and the great tradition of Delaware Football with new head coach Ryan Carty! At our Faculty and Staff Appreciation game on Sept. 10 we take on Delaware State at 6 p.m. with discounted tickets available for faculty and staff. Stick around after the game for fireworks. Want to come to all home games this season? Season tickets are the best value, including a 20% discount on select seats for UD faculty and staff. For families and friends, take advantage of our Family Pack of general admission end zone season tickets for just $72 each when you purchase 4 or more tickets. Learn about everything happening this season at BlueHens.com/FBPromotions. See you in the stands! Go Hens!

Bike to Work Day Event

Bike into work on Friday May 20, but first, stop by Mentors’ Circle between 7:30-8:30 a.m. to enjoy some food, hear brief messages from UD and government officials, and celebrate with the local biking community. Bike Newark and the City of Newark will be co-presenting the 2022 Bicycle Friendly Community Leader Award to a very deserving individual. Learn More

Thank You for Showing Your Love for UD!

The fifth annual I Heart UD Giving Day on May 4 was a huge success, raising more than $1,059,000 from more than 6,600 donors (and counting!) and supporting more than 135 student, faculty and alumni-led projects. This record-breaking event would not have been possible without your generous support! To see the full results, visit www.udel.edu/iheartud.

Bring Your Family and Friends to Alumni Weekend!

All are welcome to attend Alumni Weekend 2022, which takes place Friday to Sunday, June 3-5. From the signature Dela-fest featuring Kristen & The Noise, to college receptions and family-friendly events like Brunch with the Mascots and the 5K, there’s sure to be an event for everyone. View all of the events and register.

UnDeniably Well Podcast

Listen to Employee Health and Wellbeing’s conversations with experts from the UD community that are designed to help spark your curiosity, invest in yourself and others, explore connections and ensure that you feel your absolute best. Stay tuned and subscribe for new episodes every other Monday.

Use Wellness Dollars by June 30, or Lose Them!

Benefited employees may use their 75 wellness dollars until June 30, 2022, to offset the costs of wellness programming and fitness services, including the All-Access Membership and personal training packages. Learn more and sign up for the All-Access Membership or a free initial fitness consultation before wellness dollars renew on July 1, 2022.

Employee Fitness Classes Free this June

Thinking about trying a group exercise class? Sample as many in-person or virtual classes as you like with Employee Health and Wellbeing’s (EHW) certified instructors this June at no cost to you! Choose from a variety of formats like yoga, indoor cycling, barre and more. Learn more about EHW fitness classes and register as early as seven days in advance.

Employee Assistance Program

Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is now being provided through ComPsych® GuidanceResources®. This is a free program available exclusively for State of Delaware Group Health Plan non-Medicare members and their dependents. Those not eligible to enroll in the Group Health Plan will have access until the COVID-19 pandemic has ended. EAP can help with a wide variety of work and life issues.

This email is approved by Melissa L. Bard, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer