Annual Tobacco Pledge Certification Changing Process During Open Enrollment

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The annual benefits open enrollment period for U of A employees to select plans for 2024 will begin on Oct. 23 and will close at 5 p.m. on Nov. 6.  

The tobacco pledge will no longer be a part of the open enrollment process in Workday. The pledge will be available as an incentive item in a new wellness program enrollment process on the UMR website. Employees must enroll during open enrollment and certify that they do not use tobacco or that they will participate in a cessation program. They will then receive 50 wellness points, which equal $50 to spend on the wellness site. UMR's wellness program has been revised and expanded for 2024, offering additional resources for employees on the site. 

In preparation for open enrollment, employees enrolled in the health plan are encouraged to register their account with UMR prior to Oct. 23 so it will be set up when ready to enroll in the wellness program. 

According to Fayetteville Policies and Procedures 724.0, the U of A actively seeks to create a campus environment that is completely free of tobacco use and secondhand smoke. The Arkansas Clean Air on Campus Act prohibits smoking on each campus of state-supported institutions of higher education. 

Assistance to students, faculty and staff to overcome addiction to tobacco products, such as referral to cessation services, is available through Human Resources and the Pat Walker Health Center. 

More information about other benefits changes and open enrollment details will be released before Oct. 23.  

University of Arkansas Human Resources: The U of A is committed to being an employer of choice by fostering a work environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging, works toward a meaningful purpose, and has the data, resources, connections and foundation of support to be most effective, grow and advance their careers and thrive in their personal and professional lives. Our people are our greatest asset.