"The fair helps College employees learn about the different programs available to them," James Burger, director of communications for the Office of Human Resources, said. "The work-balance program, for example, allows employees to combine some of their interests with work as an employee."
The theme of this year's fair was environmental sustainability, with a specific focus on reducing waste and recycling, Burger said. A representative from the Office of Sustainability staffed a booth at the fair and offered employees suggestions for reducing their personal energy costs.
Employees should make an effort to increase environmental sustainability not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it saves money, Burger said.
"[Having a theme] also keeps the interest level," he added. "We want people to learn about how each department is doing things to become more green."
The fair also featured two seminars on budget and financial planning for employees.
"We have tried to make the fair more than just a benefits fair, but educational as well," Burger said.
TIAA-CREF, a retirement plan provider for College employees, was one of four financial institutions present at the fair.
"There are a lot of questions with regard to the market considering the current economic situation," Charles Doolittle, a consultant for TIAA-CREF said. "Employees are wondering if they should make any changes, and we help to answer those questions."
Other external organizations present included MetLife, Fidelity Investments and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Also present was the Dartmouth College Tobacco Task Force, a group that offers support for Upper Valley residents trying to quit smoking. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center provides free carbon monoxide screenings and a tobacco dependence treatment clinic on Tuesdays and Thursdays, according to Ellen Prior, a tobacco treatment coordinator.
"Our goal is to educate the community about smoking and second-hand smoke and in turn to create a healthier population," Prior said.
The College also provided free flu shots for faculty and staff in Tindle Lounge in conjunction with the fair.
The annual fair precedes next week's open-enrollment period, during which employees will re-enroll in different benefit programs.
