Wellness Newsletter
THRIVE @ LOYOLA
Caring for Our Common Home
Quarterly Wellness Newsletter
Fall 2026, Volume 6
As autumn arrives and the leaves begin to change, it's the perfect time to Fall Into Wellness by cultivating healthy habits that support your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Just as we harvest the fruits of our efforts throughout the year, the small choices we make each day can yield lasting benefits for our overall health.
WHAT'S NEW?
Financial Planning with tiaa
Review your retirement plan and discuss your financial goals with David Hean, TIAA financial consultant.
- When: October 21, 2026, November 12, 2026, and December 8, 2026
- Where: Main Campus, Office of People and Culture Conference Room
On-Campus Flu Clinics
Get your flu vaccine on campus. Open to Students and Employees.
- When: 10 am to 2 pm on September 25, 2026, October 6, 2026, October 20, 2026, and November 4, 2026
- Where: McGuire Hall East
- Remember to bring a copy of your insurance card with you
September Wellness Focus: Healthy Aging Month
September is Healthy Aging Month, a reminder that it's never too early, or too late, to invest in your health and well-being. Healthy aging is about making small, positive choices that help you feel your best today while supporting your future self. Whether it's taking a daily walk, scheduling a preventive checkup, getting enough sleep, managing stress, or staying connected with family and friends, every healthy habit counts.
Wellness Tip: Challenge yourself to take one small step toward better health. Over time, those small steps can add up to a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant you. After all, healthy aging is not about a number, it's about living well at every stage of life.
Get Help
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat
- Cigna Veteran Support Line: Call 855-244-6211
- Loyola's EAP: 800-765-0770, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Tickets-at-Work Discounts 
Summer is over but you can still have fun. Use your employee discounts with these participating partners. Get details at .
2026 - 2027 Plan Year Reminders
- Complete your Wellness Steps at before October 31, 2026 or visit the Wellness page for details
- If you're due for an annual physical exam, schedule one as soon as possible. Consider a virtual wellness screening which satisfies the wellness step
- Review and update your Beneficiary information in Workday
- 403(b) employer contribution changes on July 1. Read the annoucement
IRS Maximums for 403(b) and HSA 
The IRS sets annual limits for both the retirement plans and the HSA. Employees can update their contributions anytime during the year, outside of open enrollment. View the new annual limits below or visit the retirement plan page and HSA page for details including how to update your contributions.
| plans | annual contribution limits | age based annual contribution limits |
|---|---|---|
| 403b + Roth 403b (Combined) | $ 24,500 | $ 32,500 (age 50+) |
| HSA - Employee Only Coverage | $ 4,400 (EE & ER total) | $ 5,400 (age 55+, EE & ER total) |
| HSA - 2 Party & Family Coverage | $ 8,750 (EE & ER total) | $ 9,750 (age 55+, EE & ER total) |
Retirement Plan Catch-up Contribution Changes under SECURE 2.0
If you’re age 50 or older, earned more than $145,000 in the prior calendar year, and contribute the maximum amount, your catch-up contributions will automatically be made as Roth (post-tax) to your 403(b) account. This means you’ll pay taxes now, but enjoy tax-free withdrawals later. Plus, if you’re between ages 60 and 63, you qualify for an even higher catch-up limit. Speak with a TIAA plan advisor at 800-842-2252 or log in to your to schedule a consultation.
Update your Beneficiary in Workday
This is very important as all benefits-eligible employees are automatically enrolled in the Core Life Insurance plan. In addition to life insurance, benefiicary information is also needed for the retirement plan and HSA.
- Review/update your life insurance and HSA (if enrolled) beneficiary information in Workday.
- You can now add your favorite charity (501c org) as a beneficiary
- Review/update your 403(b) beneficiary information online at .
Loyola Wellness Community
Be healthy, active, and inspired. Loyola's Recreation and Wellness department offers to support physical fitness, mental wellbeing, and overall lifestyle
—through group classes, wellness programs, outdoor adventures, and more.
Spiritual Wellness
Explore spiritual wellness through reflection, faith, and connection. Loyola’s Campus Ministry offers opportunities for prayer, retreats, service, and community - welcoming all
backgrounds and beliefs. Discover resources that support your journey toward meaning,
purpose, and belonging.
Wellness Incentives for Cigna Members Deadline 11:59 pm on October 31, 2026
- Online Health Assessment
- Have a completed annual physical exam between July 1, 2025 to October 31, 2026
Employee Assistance Program 
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) managed by Acentra Health, offers all benefits-eligible employees and their family members free, confidential support, 24/7, 365 days a year.
Call 800-765-0770 or visit . Remember to enter the Company Code "LOYOLA".
Monthly Themed Tip Sheets and Webinars
How to Help Someone in Need of Support?
Coming Soon
Tip Sheet
Coming Soon
Tip Sheet
EAP Podcasts 🎙️
Preventing Tragedy: Empowering Supportive Conversations
Practical approaches for engaging in supportive conversations and connecting people to appropriate resources when they need assistance.
Back-to-School Without the Stress: Helping Your Family Navigate the Transition
Back-to-school transition can be challenging for both children and parents. Learn to recognize normal adjustment versus concerning anxiety. Get practical strategies and evidence-based insights, relatable parenting examples, and actionable tips.
Podcast Library
Find more health topics
Health Tools and Resources
Cigna’s well‑being resources and digital tools make it easier for participants to manage whole‑person health, anytime, anywhere. Through the myCigna® web and mobile experience, members can view claims and benefits, find in‑network care and cost estimates, access digital ID cards, and connect to virtual visits (including urgent care, behavioral health, dermatology, and wellness assessments), often at low or $0 cost depending on the plan. Cigna’s national virtual care network—such as MDLIVE—offers on‑demand access to board‑certified clinicians and preventive screenings, with prescriptions sent to a preferred pharmacy when appropriate. Beyond care delivery, Cigna provides evidence‑based programs and coaching for stress management, weight management, tobacco cessation, and common behavioral health needs to help employees build healthy habits and resilience. Availability and features vary by plan; members can log in to myCigna to see what’s included for them.
Financial Wellness
Financial wellness is key to your overall well-being. Whether you're budgeting, saving, or planning for retirement, Loyola offers tools and guidance to help you make informed decisions and reduce financial stress. Explore resources designed to support your goals - so you can focus on what matters most.
Free Live and On-Demand Financial Webinars 
Educational Benefits 
- 2027-28 Tuition Exchange and FACHEX Online Applications now available at .
- General Tuition Remission Benefits Information. Visit Loyola Tuition Remission.
Wellness Calendar Highlights
September
September 10: World Suicide Prevention Day
September 6 - 12: National Suicide Prevention Week
September 15 - October 15: Hispanic Heritage Month
September 26: Family Health and Fitness Day
September 27: National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
September 29: World Heart Day
Healthy Aging Month
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
National Cholesterol Education Month
National Recovery Month
National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
October
October 4 - 10: Mental Illness Awareness Week
October 10: World Mental Health Day
October 12 - 18: OCD Awareness Week
October 19 - 23: National Health Education Week
October 20: World Osteoporosis Day
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Dental Hygiene Month
Emotional Wellness Month
Health Literacy Month
National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month
National Work and Family Month
November
November 2 - 6: International Stres Awareness Week
November 11: Veterans Day
November 13 - 19: Transgender Awareness Week
November 19: Great American Smokeout
November 21: International Survivors of Suicide Day
November 26: National Family Health History Day
American Diabetes Month
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
National Healthy Skin Month
National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month
National Family Caregivers Month
Native American Heritage Month
Past Editions
Disclaimer: Content in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not replace official policies or plan documents. For accurate benefits details, refer to the appropriate OPC materials. Loyola is not responsible for the content or services of external websites or vendors mentioned.