This is a big week – our annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon/Fundraiser is today, Halloween is on Thursday and our open enrollment period kicks off on Friday.

Staff Senate and Chartwells host the Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon/Fundraiser each year and today’s the day! It’s from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the PSU Ballroom. Tickets are $14. You can bet that Teri Trickey, director of catering from Chartwells has planned a wonderful meal with fantastic desserts. Reservations aren’t required and 50% of funds raised will be donated to Staff Senate to go toward their fundraising efforts for cancer research in the Ozarks.

Teri also has some fun in store for employees with the Hocus Pocus Lunch at the Union Club (PSU Room 400) on Halloween from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. It’ll feature another amazing menu that includes a caramel apple station. And, of course, there will be a costume contest – all for $9.60.

Mark your calendar

Take note that open enrollment for medical, dental, vision and cafeteria/flexible spending plan opens on Friday and runs through Dec 1. So you’re aware, Dec. 1 falls on Sunday at the end of our Thanksgiving holiday break.

I’d recommend enrolling early so you don’t forget during the holiday rush. Kristin and I received our enrollment booklet in the mail. We’re reviewing that information and everything available online as we make important benefit decisions for the coming year.

If you don’t make changes to medical, dental and vision, your choices for last year will automatically roll over. Cafeteria/flexible spending plan elections must be completed annually. These don’t automatically roll over.

As always, you can also receive a discount on your medical premiums by completing wellness incentive activities. To be eligible, you must complete two of the three options:

• Educational “Did You Know 2.0” video: Qualifies for $15 per month discount. The video will be accessible through My Learning Connection from Nov. 1-Dec. 1, 2024
• Seasonal flu vaccination: Qualifies for $15 per month discount. Flu vaccination should be received between Aug. 1, 2024-Dec. 1, 2024
• Biometric screening: Qualifies for $15 per month discount. Biometric screening should be completed between Jan. 1, 2024-Dec. 1, 2024

You’ll need an appointment for the biometric screening. You’ll also need one for a flu shot if you aren’t already scheduled at one of the various clinics on campus. Use MyHealth Portal to schedule now.

Again, I’d recommend completing these activities before the Thanksgiving break.

Congratulations are in order

To end with some fun news, Missouri State’s Army ROTC took first place and dominated the Ranger Challenge competition last week! The Ranger Challenge is a grueling 72-hour gauntlet that tests the mental and physical capabilities of our cadets.

With the win, the team will move on to compete against teams from nine different states in the 3rd Brigade U.S. Army Cadet Command. I’m confident the cadets will continue to make us proud.

Thanks for checking in. It’s a great day to be a Bear!

Biff