Category: HR Buzz

MAP out an adventure!

Posted on by Renee Boelcke

The Michigan Activity Pass (MAP) is a statewide collaborative program between Michigan’s public libraries and participating partner destinations. MAP provides Michigan library cardholders the opportunity to discover and learn more about participating cultural destinations, parks, campgrounds, and recreation areas in the state at a discounted rate. Learn more at Activity Pass – Michigan Activity Pass (miactivitypass.org).

Kalamazoo area participants include

  • Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum
  • Calhoun County Trailway
  • Gilmore Car Museum
  • Kalamazoo Nature Center
  • Kalamazoo Valley Museum
  • Vicksburg Historic Village
  • Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery & Visitor Center

Reminder: Ambrose Prize Nomination

Posted on by Renee Boelcke

Time remains to nominate a staff colleague for the W. Haydn Ambrose Prize for Extraordinary Service to Kalamazoo College. Through one act, or many, nominations should show how a candidate has made a positive impact on our community.

Nominations are due by Friday, April 19, 2024. Nominations may be submitted in the manner most convenient for the submitter, such as via paper format or by completing the online form. All nominations are kept confidential.

All staff members are eligible, regardless of the length of service or number of hours worked per year. Nominations will be retained for a period of three years. If a nomination was received in the past and continued support exists, additional documentation may be submitted to append to the original nomination. The Award recipient will be announced during the fall All Campus Gathering.

On behalf of the selection committee,
Renee Boelcke

TIAA Individual Counseling Sessions, April 2024 -June 2024

Posted on by Miasha Wilson

Dear Colleagues,

No matter where you are in life—just getting started or planning for retirement—a session with TIAA can help you create a plan for your goals. And, it’s at no additional cost as a part of your retirement plan. You’ll get answers to these questions and more:

  • Am I invested in the right mix of investments to help meet my goals?
  • Am I saving enough to create the retirement income I need?
  • How do I take income from my retirement account once I stop working?

TIAA will be available these dates and times for one-on-one sessions:

  • Tuesday, April 9, 2024 9:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. Mandelle Hall 1st Floor Conference Room, HR Wing
  • Tuesday, May 14, 2024 9:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. Mandelle Hall 1st Floor Conference Room, HR Wing
  • Tuesday, June 11, 2024 9:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. Mandelle Hall 1st Floor Conference Room, HR Wing

RSVP today, as space is limited. Register for sessions at https://shared.tiaa.org/private/tools/directscheduler/HALLOWE or by calling 800-842-2252, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ET).

Best regards,

Miasha Wilson
HR Manager

HR Buzz: Spring Forward

Posted on by Renee Boelcke
orange hibiscus

Daylight saving time will begin for 2024 on Sunday, March 10 at 2 a.m. EST, when our clocks will move ahead one hour.

Pro Tip Check/change the batteries in your smoke detector.

Did you know?

The time change impacts our circadian rhythm. Here are some ways to help with the adjustment.

  • Keep your dinnertime consistent. Eat more protein and less carbs. 
  • Get more light! Go outside, take in the sunshine and fresh air. (Weather permitting, of course.)
  • Practice good habits before bedtime. For example, no caffeine 4-6 hours before bedtime.
  • Go to bed and get up at the same time. Schedule yourself so that you get at least seven hours of sleep.

ASR Healthcare Choices + Rewards Program

Posted on by Miasha Wilson

Dear Colleagues,

Did you know that healthcare costs vary by location?
Did you know that you can estimate healthcare costs and “shop” for planned procedures?
Did you know that you can earn money for choosing a reward-able location?

Starting, 9/1/2022, ASR launched a new Healthcare Choices and Rewards program.  This program gives you the ability to “shop” for medical services and provides a reward for certain services when your visit a recommended location.  We have created a webpage with more information regarding this program and included frequently asked questions.  If there are any questions or concerns, please let us know.

Be well,

Miasha, and Renee
HR Team

TIAA Live Essentials Webinars March 2024

Posted on by Miasha Wilson

Dear Colleagues,

Below is the TIAA webinar information for the upcoming month.  To register, please click on the appropriate link or visit TIAA.org/webinars at any time.

The Starting Line: Beginning to save for retirement

There’s no time like the present to save for the future. Retirement may not seem especially pressing right now, but the truth is, now is when you can do the most good for your future.

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

12:00 p.m. ET

Register here: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4424782/703C3EE185AF14E06D7E65B65469F9BF

Paycheck for Life: Set your sights on retirement security

Do you have a plan to avoid outliving your retirement savings? In this webinar, you’ll learn how to leverage a portion of your savings to create a retirement paycheck that’s guaranteed as long as you live.

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

12:00 p.m. ET

Register here: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4424784/86A751D4D2AEE46C8F114A5D5C0D1C0A

Live with Confidence in Retirement: Five steps to creating your retirement income plan

If you’re thinking about making the transition to retirement, this webinar is essential for understanding how to create an income plan that helps you maximize your savings.

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

3:00 p.m. ET

Register here: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4434264/58AD6439263CDF15144DD58D801D5377

Be well,

Miasha Wilson

HR Manager

Mental Health

Posted on by Miasha Wilson

Get the Care You Need!

Whether through the EAP or your medical insurance, help is here when you need it.

Utilize the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Free + confidential for all employees and their immediate family members – K College does not get information about who is using this service. Receive up to 3 counseling sessions per year, per household. Also explore online resources for work/life balance, substance abuse, dependent/elder care assistance + referral, etc.

800-854-1446

A script to get you started

“Hello – I am interested in starting therapy. I would like to use my free counseling sessions through my Unum EAP with Kalamazoo College. I am seeking therapy because…

  • I struggle with anxiety and it’s affecting my life.
  • I’ve been having negative thoughts about myself and want to talk about it.
  • I experienced a traumatic event and need help processing it.
  • My partner and I are going through a divorce and would like for our child to talk to someone.
  • I need financial counseling and I’m not sure where to start.
  • I have an aging parent and need advice.

How soon can I set up an appointment?“

If you are not ready to speak with someone, explore the online resources available

unum.com/lifebalance Click on “Access Your EAP Benefits.”

Utilize Your Medical Insurance

If you are enrolled in an ASR medical plan through K College:

Therapy Session | Black plan: $20 copay | Orange plan: $10 copay

Many prescription drugs used to treat mental health conditions offer generic options. The copay for generic drugs is $10 on the Black Plan and Orange Plan.

Pro Tip! Start small! If you haven’t explored mental health assistance before, start by just looking at your options and maybe come up with a script of your own for when you are ready to reach out!

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Benefits that Benefit YOU

Plan Year: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024

FSA Info

Posted on by Miasha Wilson

Know Your Dates

Plan Year -> January 1 – December 31

Incur expenses between -> January 1 – December 31

Submit expenses for reimbursement by -> March 31

Note: expenses are incurred on the date you receive the service, not the date you pay an invoice.

Using Your Plan

Register for an online account at bfgroup.wealthcareportal.com.

Pay for eligible expenses using your Burnham & Flower Benefits debit card.

Download the Burnham & Flower mobile app to manage your funds wherever you are.

Some Eligible Expenses

Health Care FSADependent Care FSA
*Copay/coinsurance/deductible expenses
*Medications (certain OTC + Rx)
*Medical Equipment
*First aid supplies
*Menstrual products
*Lactation supplies
*Vision services + supplies
*Dental/orthodontic services + supplies		*Child (9 to age 13) or adult/elder care
*Preschool
*Before/after school programs
*Day Camp



Reference IRS Publication 502 for a complete listing of eligible expenses

Pro Tip! Come up with a system for saving receipts and substantiating claims so you don’t forget and end up losing your hard-earned money at the end of the year!

K logo

Benefits that Benefit YOU

Plan Year: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024

HR Buzz: Heart Health in February

Posted on by Renee Boelcke

Benefits Concierge

616.541.1245
concierge@acrisure.com

Monday – Friday
8:00am – 5:00pm ET
Pro tip Save as a new contact

  • Eligibility questions
  • Referral guidance
  • Pharmacy Information
  • Claims assistance
  • Plan Information and explanations

February is a time to turn the nation’s focus on awareness about cardiovascular disease and steps we can take to reduce the risk. With cardiovascular disease remaining the greatest health threat to Americans, awareness, education and prevention is more important now than ever before. Here are some simple steps you can incorporate to live a healthier life and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease:

  • Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Get plenty of sleep.
  • Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol use.
  • Take deep breaths and stretch regularly.
  • Reduce stress.

Understanding Chronic Conditions

Posted on by Miasha Wilson

Seeing your doctor regularly can help manage chronic conditions; maintain good health and avoid more significant health issues.

Depression (major depressive disorder)

A common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. Learn More • www.psychologytoday.com

Diabetes

A long-term (chronic) disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood. Learn More • www.diabetes.org

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure numbers of less than 120/80 mm Hg are considered within the normal range. From there, you can be categorized as elevated, hypertension stage 1 or 2, or hypertensive crisis. Learn More • www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure

Back Pain

Physical discomfort occurring anywhere on the spine or back ranging mild to disabling. Back pain is considered chronic if it lasts three months or longer. Learn More • www.webmd.com/back-pain

Weight (Metabolic Disorders)

Metabolism is the process your body uses to get or make energy from the food you eat. A metabolic disorder occurs when abnormal chemical reactions in
your body disrupt this process. Obesity occurs when a person’s body mass index is 30 or greater. Learn More • www.nutrition.gov

Cholesterol

Your blood needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels can increase your risk of heart disease. You can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels which can grow, making it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries. Learn More • www.heart.org

Pro Tip!

Treatment is
important! If you
have a chronic
condition, take
some time this
week to learn more
about your
condition and
contact your
doctor to discuss
treatment options

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Benefits that Benefit YOU

Plan Year: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024