The University of Iowa is committed to enhancing the well-being of its employees through a comprehensive range of benefits. Beyond the standard health and retirement plans, the university offers various programs aimed at supporting employees’ work-life balance, financial security, and overall well-being. Below is an overview of some of these valuable resources and information on how to access them.
Catastrophic Leave
The Catastrophic Leave program ensures that employees facing a severe medical condition, or those caring for an immediate family member in such circumstances, can maintain their income after exhausting all paid leave. Eligibility depends on meeting the university’s definition of a catastrophic illness or injury.
Employees have the option to donate vacation leave to colleagues in need, either directly or through a general pool. Confidentiality is maintained for all applications and medical records.
Dental Pre-Doctoral Incentive Program
Through the Pre-Doctoral Incentive Program, employees and their dependents enrolled in Delta Dental II can minimize out-of-pocket dental expenses. This program is offered by the UI College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, where dental students provide care under supervision.
- Eligible services are covered 100% up to the annual plan maximum.
- No copayments or deductibles for covered services.
Due to the educational setting, appointments may take longer. For more information, contact the college. In complex cases requiring higher-level treatment, patients may be referred to resident or faculty clinics, which are not covered by this program. Verify coverage with the College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics’ business office.
Childcare and New Parent Resources
The Work-Life program offers resources to help employees find suitable childcare solutions, including:
- Tools for locating licensed childcare facilities, preschools, and home-based providers.
- Center-based backup childcare options for well children.
- Summer program guides for school-aged children.
- An interactive map of lactation rooms on campus and healthcare locations.
These resources aim to support working families by helping them find the best childcare fit for their needs.
Elder Caregiving Resources
Through UI Work-Life, employees caring for elderly family members can access elder caregiving support. In partnership with LivWell Seniors, employees receive free guidance and support, including:
- Information and referrals for care providers.
- Advice on care planning and decision-making.
- One-on-one consultations with senior resource specialists.
- In-home assessments and personalized care plans.
liveWELL: Personal Health Assessment
The Personal Health Assessment (PHA) is an online tool designed to help employees evaluate their health and well-being. The PHA:
- Can be completed in about 10 minutes, covering topics like physical health, mental well-being, and lifestyle habits.
- Provides personalized health risk insights and improvement opportunities.
- Grants access to the Recreation Membership Incentive Program and other free well-being programs.
Completing the PHA is necessary to earn liveWELL points and qualify for specific incentives, connecting employees to university resources tailored to their needs.
UI Rideshare
UI Rideshare is a commute-matching service from Parking and Transportation, facilitating shared transportation for employees traveling to and from campus. Through this program, employees can:
- Find carpool matches by schedule and location.
- Explore vanpool options.
- Share commuting costs and reduce campus traffic.
380 Express
The 380 Express offers a regional bus service between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, providing a convenient commute for employees. UI offers:
- Discounted passes via UI Parking and Transportation.
- Options for single, multi-ride, and monthly passes.
- Service on a regular weekday schedule with stops in both cities.
Employee Discount Program
Through the Employee Discount Program, UI employees can access various discounts from local and national businesses. Offers are frequently updated, so employees should check regularly for new deals.
Learn More
Eligibility and participation vary by program. For more details and to get started, visit the respective program pages or contact the appropriate office. Exploring these offerings can help you maximize the benefits and resources available as a UI employee.
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