Benefits fair is next week

The 2006 SIUC Employee/Benefits Fair will be held two days next week at the Student Health Center, 400 E. Grand Ave.

The fair is from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 3, and from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Thursday, May 4. The event is sponsored by the Department of Human Resources, Recreational Sports & Services, and the Student Health Center.

All SIUC faculty, staff, and retirees are invited to attend. More than 40 vendors in healthcare, benefits, financial/retirement planning, emergency/safety, and senior services will provide information about their services. A door prize drawing will be held Thursday afternoon.

Employees do not need to use vacation or sick time to attend the fair. Employees should consult with their supervisor about scheduling a reasonable period of time.

The benefits fair is being held in conjunction with the annual benefits choice period.

Benefits choice seminars will also be held to explain changes in the fiscal 2007 benefit plans. Representatives from Human Resources and plan providers will be available to answer questions.

The 2007 benefits choice period for Illinois is May 1 through May 31. Employees may change their coverage under the State's Group Insurance Program during this time. Changes made during benefits choice period become effective July 1, 2006.

Plan to visit the vendor area and take advantage of this great opportunity to learn about the kinds of services and organizations available on campus and in the region. Informational sessions will be given by financial advisors, the SIU Credit Union, the State Universities Retirement System, the Social Security Administration and SIUC's Department of Public Safety.

Medical screenings including blood pressure checks, lipid profile, PSA tests, body composition, blood oxygen and bone density tests will be offered by some of the area's health care providers. Some of the tests are at no charge to the employee; some will have a nominal fee.

Complete times and additional details were sent in a brochure through campus mail. Information is also available at human resources or by calling the Employee Benefits office at 618/453-6668.