March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month serves to raise awareness about colorectal cancer, emphasizing its prevention, early detection, and treatment options. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States but can be prevented with early detection. It often begins as a growth called a polyp inside the colon or rectum. Finding and removing polyps can prevent colorectal cancer.
What can you do?
- Be aware! Report any changes in bowel habits, including bleeding and persistent changes such as constipation or diarrhea, to your primary care doctor.
- Get Screened: If you’re eligible or at risk, prioritize getting a colorectal cancer screening. Regular screening, beginning at age 45, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum). If you’re 45 to 75 years old, get screened for colorectal cancer regularly. If you’re younger than 45 and think you may be at high risk of getting colorectal cancer, or if you’re older than 75, talk to your doctor about screening.
- Encourage loved ones to do the same. It can save their lives as well.
More information can be found on the Colorectal Cancer Alliance website.
RiceFest 2024
Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Location: the Grand Hall, Rice Memorial Center.
RiceFest is an opportunity for Rice employees to learn about health care and other benefits. RiceFest also provides employees valuable information about services and opportunities available within the university, as well as additional services provided by off-campus organizations.
Staff members from Human Resources will be available to assist
you with any questions regarding your coverage or the annual enrollment process. Employees will have access to handouts, free massages, promotional gifts, and door prizes.
For more information, please visit the RiceFest 2024 page.
Open Enrollment for 2024-2025 (FY25)
Open Enrollment will begin on Monday, April 2nd, and end on Monday, April 22.
It is your one time a year to add, make changes, or cancel benefits without a qualified life event. Don't miss this opportunity to review Rice's benefit offerings and make the best choice for you and your eligible dependents. All changes made during the annual enrollment period will be effective July 1, 2024.
For more information, please visit the Open Enrollment page.
TIAA One-on-One Appointments
Book your appointment today.
Making decisions about your money can feel difficult, especially when it comes to retirement. But you don’t have to go it alone—especially since access to our financial consultants is included as part of your retirement plan.
A TIAA representative will be on campus on the following days:
- April 16, 2024
- May 22, 2024
- June 5, 2024
Please look at the flyer for more information on booking an appointment.
TIAA Financial Counseling Flyer
Medicare Webinar
Are you planning on retiring? Enrolling in Medicare? We are excited to share a great opportunity that can help answer your questions! Whether you’re curious about Medicare or are confused, overwhelmed, and looking for answers, the Total Rewards team is here to provide guidance.
In-person: Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at noon in the Kyle Morrow Room.
Zoom: Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 10 a.m. Visit this link.
For more information about this event, please see the flyer.
The section below is for benefits-eligible employees:
Aetna Benefits - Preventative Services
If you have specific syndromes/conditions, talk to your doctor about which test is right for you.
Common colorectal cancer symptoms include:
- Blood in your stool
- Changes in bowel habits or the texture of your stool
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Unexplained weight loss
For more information on different screening services, please visit this Aetna page.
New Hire Benefits Information Sessions
Rice University offers a wide range of benefits to all benefits-eligible employees. However, maneuvering and understanding all available options can sometimes be challenging. The benefits team now has new hire sessions every other Tuesday and Thursday to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Please have a look at the link below to see the dates and times for these sessions. We highly encourage your new employees to register.
To register for this month's sessions, click here.
Thank you,