Buy a turkey, complete open enrollment

Things to do before Thanksgiving: Buy a turkey. Take care of open enrollment. That’s right, the deadline is Tuesday (Nov. 22), the day before we take off for Thanksgiving break.

You have until 5 p.m. that day to enroll in or opt out of medical, dental and vision plans, or transfer to different medical or dental plans; or enroll in a tax-saving flexible spending account for health care and/or dependent care.

Open Enrollment at a Glance (including the complete schedule of group presentations and help desk hours).

Remember: WarnMe test Nov. 29

This is the last warning you will get from Friday Update about the WarnMe test scheduled for later this month. We do not plan on putting out Friday Update next week, due to the Thanksgiving break, so, please remember:

On Tuesday, Nov. 29, the day after most of us return, be prepared for the WarnMe test, set to take place shortly before noon, with electronic messages going out to students and employees on the Davis and Sacramento campuses and at other facilities.

This test had originally been scheduled for Nov. 9. With the postponement, you have more time to check to make sure that your e-mail addresses and cell phone numbers are registered with WarnMe and up to date. Some people may need to configure their computers' junk mail filters, to ensure that WarnMe messages get through to inboxes.

For help configuring your computer’s spam filters, contact your departmental tech support or follow instructions specific to your e-mail software. Also, the IT Express Computing Services Help Desk is available to provide assistance at (530) 754-HELP (4357).

HR issues statement on UPTE sign-ups

Human Resources released the following statement:

The University Professional and Technical Employees union (UPTE) is asking administrative professionals to sign materials about union representation.

Before signing anything, employees should understand what it means to sign a union card, petition, or other literature. Employees should make an informed decision about how union representation could affect them.

The university does not discourage or encourage union membership. That choice resides with employees. The university supports each employee’s right to decide what they think is right for them.

Some key facts to understand before signing a union card or petition:

• Your signature is your “vote.” Read carefully before you sign anything.
• Union cards or petitions are not just an expression of interest. Signing them may mean unionization — even for employees who didn’t give their signatures or want a union.
• An election for unionization is not guaranteed.

For more information on union representation, UC Davis employees may call Employee and Labor Relations at (530) 754-8892.

Quick Fit with WorkLife and Wellness

The WorkLife and Wellness Brown Bag Series joins up with Aggies on the Move for a free program on Quick Fit, a 20-minute circuit-training workout.

Jennifer Miramontes of Fit House in Davis is scheduled to give the presentation, from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, in the Cabernet Room at the Silo. No pre-enrollment necessary.

The organizers said Miramontes will tailor this session for novices, and she will allow plenty of time for questions.

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