Faculty/Staff - NMU Events and Announcements

Faculty/Staff

The 1st quarter issue of the Personal Best/HOPE Health newsletter has arrived.  Please take a moment for yourself to read and enjoy this issue, and remember to share it with your family members!  Of interest in this issue:  

• Health Fads You Don't Need
• Science of Satiety
• Health Maintenance Manual
• And MUCH more!

You may also find this issue and previous months on the HR mental health and wellness resources site.  Be sure to scroll all the way down the page to the Additional Resources section. While you’re on the site, check out the wide range of wellbeing resources available to you!

Faculty/Staff

The 403(b) retirement plan performance report for the 3rd quarter of 2024 is now available for viewing. The report includes industry updates, market commentary and review, plan investment review, and fund fact sheets for the 403(b) retirement plan (TIAA).  The Oversight Committee meets quarterly to review this information.  The meeting agenda and meeting minutes are also available for viewing.  Please visit MyNMU, click on My Employee Benefits tile, and click on Retirement Performance.

Faculty/Staff

The 4th quarter issue of the Personal Best/HOPE Health newsletter has arrived.  Please take a moment for yourself to read and enjoy this issue, and remember to share it with your family members!  Of interest in this issue:  

• Plant Based Proteins
• Diagnostic Mammograms
• Shopping Safely Online
• And MUCH more!

You may also find this issue and previous months on the HR mental health and wellness resources site.  Be sure to scroll all the way down the page to the Additional Resources section. While you’re on the site, check out the wide range of wellbeing resources available to you!

Faculty/Staff

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) is offering FREE webinars and meditations to support your Well-Being in December! 

Guided Meditations are offered LIVE on Wednesdays at 12pm EST.  Register here.  Not sure you'll be available at 12pm on Wednesday?  Needing a meditation right now instead?  Past meditations are available here.  

Well-Being Webinars are offered LIVE on Thursdays at 12pm EST.  Register here.  Past webinars are also available here.  Upcoming webinars are:

December 3: Winter Fitness Fun

December 10: Connect with others for a Healthy Holiday Season

December 17: Meditative Glitter Jar Workshop

Anyone can attend.  You do not need to be on NMU's Medical coverage to access.  Set aside time for your well-being today.

Would a text message reminder be helpful?  

• Text BREATHE to 222764 to receive weekly reminders of Wednesday meditations.
• Text MOTIVATE to 222764 to receive weekly reminders of Thursday webinars.

Faculty/Staff

The contribution limits for employees who participate in the voluntary 403(b) and/or 457(b) plans are increasing in 2025 from $23,000 to $23,500 while the catch-up contribution limit for employees age 50 and over who participate in these plans remains unchanged at $7,500. 

This means if you are under age 50 in 2025, the maximum amount you may contribute into your voluntary retirement plan is $23,500.  If you are age 50 or above, the maximum amount you may contribute is $31,000 ($23,500 plus $7,500 catch-up).  Employees interested in adjusting their retirement contribution amount should contact Kimberly Hongisto, Benefits and Onboarding Coordinator, at khongist@nmu.edu or phone x2470 and request a Salary Reduction Agreement.

Faculty/Staff

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) is offering FREE webinars and meditations to support your Well-Being in November! 

Guided Meditations are offered LIVE on Wednesdays at 12pm EST.  Register here.  Not sure you'll be available at 12pm on Wednesday?  Needing a meditation right now instead?  Past meditations are available here.  

Well-Being Webinars are offered LIVE on Thursdays at 12pm EST.  Register here.  Past webinars are also available here. 

Anyone can attend.  You do not need to be on NMU's Medical coverage to access.  Set aside time for your well-being today.

Would a text message reminder be helpful?  

• Text BREATHE to 222764 to receive weekly reminders of Wednesday meditations.
• Text MOTIVATE to 222764 to receive weekly reminders of Thursday webinars.

Faculty/Staff

Upcoming Webinar Hello Heart, Goodbye Stress: Take Control of Your Heart Health

It’s normal to feel stressed every now and then, but chronic stress can significantly increase your risk of heart disease.

That’s why Hello Heart is inviting you to join our webinar on managing stress for better heart health. Hear from experts about the link between stress and the heart and get practical tips to help you improve your well-being.

Date: October 29, 2024

Time: 12:00 PM ET/9:00 AM PT

Click here to RSVP

Faculty/Staff

The Human Resources Department will hold its annual enrollment period beginning Monday, November 4th through Monday, November 11th.   This is your opportunity to enroll in the Flexible Spending Accounts for next year.  In addition if you, your spouse, or children are not currently enrolled in the medical, dental, or vision plans this is your chance to do so without needing to prove a Qualifying Event.  

The benefits effective date is January 1, 2025. Watch your e-mail on Monday, November 4th for specific details.  Questions may be directed to Heather Haupt, Director of Benefits, at x1030 or e-mail hleisner@nmu.edu or Kimberly Hongisto, Benefits & Onboarding Specialist, at x2470 or email khongisto@nmu.edu. 

Faculty/Staff

Register for TIAA’s live webinars to get financial information, news, and tips from our experts.  Reserve your spot by registering now at tiaa.org/webinars. These webinars are part of your retirement plan benefits.

November 5th at 12pm: Investing Essentials: 5 Principles to Invest with Confidence
Get a head start on smart, secure investing with simple principles.

November 7th at 2pm: Naming Your Beneficiaries: Why it Matters
TIAA will help you make an informed decision based on legal issues, financial goals, and personal wishes.  You can update your beneficiaries at any time in your TIAA online portal!

November 13th at 3pm: How to Get the Most From Your Employee Retirement Plan
Let’s talk about tips for optimizing your retirement savings. The decisions you make (or don’t make) can really add up in the future.

November 19th at 1pm: Family Wealth Education
Family wealth includes more than just economic resources. The plan should also contemplate your family’s values, experiences, and passions.

Faculty/Staff

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan members can score big savings on a variety of health-related products and services. If you are on NMU's medical insurance, you automatically have access to these discounts - just log in and take advantage of them through Blue Cross!

Member discounts with Blue365 offers exclusive deals on things like:

• Fitness and well-being: Fitness gear and gym memberships
• Healthy eating: Meal delivery kits and weight-loss programs
• Lifestyle: Travel and recreation

Start saving today! You can view a full list of discount offers from your Blue Cross member account. 

• Log in or register at bcbsm.com or the mobile app.
• Once you’re logged in, select Blue365® Rewards & Discounts from the Programs & Services menu.
• Scroll down to Blue365® Member Discounts and tap or click the button to link to the Blue365 site.

Happy Saving!