University Times

TIAA-CREF Chief Investment Strategist to Address Faculty and Staff

Brett Hammond, the Managing Director and Chief Investment Strategist for TIAA-CREF, will address interested faculty and staff. Dr. Hammond’s presentation is titled “The New Rules of Investing: Six Principles for Planning a Safe and Secure Retirement.” The discussion will include:

Adequately saving for retirement

Wisely choosing investment vehicles

Firmly maintaining an appropriate risk tolerance

Selectively tuning out distractions in the market

Achieving a safe and secure retirement

Dr. Hammond serves as TIAA-CREF’s ambassador on issues relating to the macro economy, financial markets, and long-term investing.

The session is open to all faculty and staff. Seating will be limited. To register, follow the link from the Benefits Home Page at www.hr.pitt.edu/benefits.

What: “The New Rules for Investing”

When: Wednesday, September 30

Time: Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Where: Connolly Ballroom, Alumni Hall

To Register: Go to:  www.hr.pitt.edu/benefits or: http://events.signup4.com/Pitt

Seasonal Flu Shot Schedule

Once again the Benefits Department has partnered with UPMC Health Plan, Student Health Service, and the Falk Pharmacy to provide seasonal flu shot clinics on campus.

Listed below are the complete schedules:

Oakland

21-Sep    WPU    Dining Rm B    10 am-2 pm

28-Sep    Posvar    Galleria Hall*    10 am-2 pm

1-Oct    Salk    402     1 pm-6 pm

2-Oct    Cathedral    1228    10 am-2 pm

7-Oct    Benedum    1175    10 am-2 pm

12-Oct    Bridgeside Point    540    10 am-2 pm

16-Oct    Craig    341    10 am-2 pm

21-Oct    Medical Arts    500    10 am-3 pm

27-Oct    Medical Arts    500    10 am-3 pm

27-Oct    Posvar    Galleria Hall*    10 am-2 pm

16-Nov    WPU    Dining Rm B    10 am-2 pm

* Set-up will be in Galleria Hall by escalators.

Falk Pharmacy also will offer seasonal flu vaccinations on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. from September 15, 2009 through January 28, 2010.

Regional Campuses

24-Sep    Johnstown    Student Union  Cambria Rm    11 am-3:30 pm

14-Oct    Greensburg    214         Chambers Hall    3-6 pm

The Titusville campus is offering flu shots by appointment in the Student Union.

A few important points to keep in mind:

• Flu shots are covered at no cost to members with the University’s medical plan coverage.

• University UPMC Health Plan members who obtain a flu shot on campus do not need to submit any paperwork and will not incur any out of pocket expense. You simply need to show your current UPMC HP membership card.

• Flu shots obtained in a community clinic may be reimbursed but a claim form must be filed and include a receipt for the flu shot.

• Most primary care physicians in the UPMC plan network will dispense flu shots and may file the claim on your behalf.

• UPMC Health Plan will be sending correspondence on the topic to the homes of its members during the month of September. The letter will include a flu shot reimbursement form.

My Health Advice Line

The H1N1 flu has been reported throughout the region. As mentioned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best advice to prevent contracting or spreading the virus is:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Faculty and staff who have influenza-like symptoms should self-isolate (i.e. stay away from others) until free of fever for 24 hours in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Faculty and staff may want to consider contacting the toll-free UPMC MyHealth Advice Line for a review of their condition and recommendations for a course of action. The advice line provides coverage by registered nurses 24/7. Take advantage of this no cost service available for you and your family members.

My Health Advice Line may be reached at:   1-866-918-1591

Health Care and Dependent Care Spending Account Deadline

The deadline for claims submission to receive reimbursement from the Health Care and Dependent Day Care Saving Accounts can be confusing. One year overlaps with the next.

For FY 2009, which ran from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009, the claim submission deadline is December 31, 2009.

While this date appears to be in the distant future, it will be upon us quickly. File your claims now to avoid the loss of any funds remaining in your account!

If you are not sure which expenses may be reimbursed, a brief listing may be found at:

www.hr.pitt.edu/benefits/flexible.htm

A more detailed explanation of eligible expenses may be obtained by logging into your account at the EBDS Web site at:

www.ebdsbenefits.com/eoSA/Login.asp

Benefits Message Board

In an ongoing effort to seek avenues to communicate with faculty and staff on relevant benefit-related information, the “Benefits Message Board” has been created. The link may be found within the Benefits Department home page and can be transferred to your desktop. As significant information and events occur, messages will be posted to this site. To visit this site   go to:

www.hr.pitt.edu/benefits

Click on “Benefits Message Board”

Direct Deposit for National City Customers

The Payroll Department would like to assure employees that although First Niagara and PNC have acquired numerous National City branches in and around Pittsburgh, you do not need to do anything for your personal accounts to be transitioned into our system. The financial institutions will notify us via a NOC (Notice of Change) for each individual and we will automatically convert the information. If you feel more comfortable letting us know that your banking information has changed, you are welcome to fill out a new direct deposit form, which can be found on our Web site at:

www.bc.pitt.edu/payroll/forms.html

Keep in mind, if you decide to switch banks now or at any time on your own, you must complete a direct deposit form. These authorization agreements should be submitted to the Payroll Department, located on the 2nd Floor of Craig Hall.

For more information, First Niagara offers a helpful link to Frequently Asked Questions by visiting their Web site at: www.fnfg.com/welcomepa/customers.asp

or visit PNC’s Customer Service Personal Finance page at

www.welcometopnc.com/docs/personal_finance.html