WELCOME!

II. HEALTH INSURANCE

 

Premium Contributions: 2008 - Humana We understand the need for you to evaluate costs when making a decision on your healthcare needs, Humana’s Plan Professor is a great tool to will help you evaluate the different plan options with a personalized cost analysis on items such as copays, coinsurance amounts, payroll costs, deductibles and many other important variables that are all part of your decision on healthcare. Remember, you can off set any out-of-pocket costs with your flexible spending account or health spending account through FEBCO – even more ‘user friendly’ in 2008 with the added debit card feature. Non-active faculty and COBRA rates may be obtained by contacting Human Resources at 859.572.5200. Below please find the 2008 employee payroll contribution rates for the plan options available with Humana:

*There is an additional plan (Classic 250) available for employees residing outside of the tri-state area.

Group term life insurance (including AD&D) is provided and underwritten by Unum Provident Life Insurance Company. The University provides for one times the employee’s annual base salary (rounded up to the nearest thousand) at no cost. Coverage begins the first of the month after 30 days of employment. Initially, optional term life insurance is available in an equal amount based on age-rated premiums at the employee’s expense. To add optional life insurance after the initial eligibility period would require a statement of insurability by the employee and approval by the carrier.

V. SHORT-TERM DISABILITY

The University offers employees the ability to participate in a voluntary Short Term Disability program provided by MetLife.  Short term disability benefits provide income replacement when an eligible individual has been off work more than 30 days due to illness or injury.  Benefits are available at various levels up to 60% of your basic weekly salary, up to the $1000 weekly maximum.  Participating employees may receive benefits on approved claims for up to 22 weeks or until they are no longer disabled.  A pre-existing condition limitation applies for any condition that exists within three months prior to the effective date of coverage for the first 12 months that an employee is enrolled under the plan.

VI. LONG-TERM DISABILITY

The Standard Insurance Company is the carrier for the University’s long-term disability plan (LTD). The University provides for LTD coverage after one year of employment at no cost to the employee. Disability benefits are payable (if approved) after six months of consecutive disability. Once approved, a monthly benefit is provided at 60% of the employee’s covered monthly salary (1/12 of base annual salary). This benefit will not exceed $10,000 per month less the sum of benefits from other sources.

VII. RETIREMENT

The University has a 403(b) defined contribution plan for all full-time, non-temporary faculty members through TIAA-CREF. Participation in the plan is mandatory the first of the month following 90 days of employment. For members that have previously contributed to a TIAA-CREF retirement plan, participation may begin immediately. The University contributes 10% of contract salary each pay period and the participant contributes 5%. Contributions are made on a pre-tax basis. Faculty members may contribute additional monies to the plan as provided by law.
 

VIII. ADDITIONAL RETIREMENT SAVINGS

NKU encourages employees to contribute additional savings towards their retirement. Contributions are made on a tax-deferred basis as allowable under IRS regulations. Employees may choose from the 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan designs. For additional detailed information on these plans please contact these respective vendors:

TIAA-CREF

403(b) plan: 1-800-842-2776 or www.tiaa-cref.org

Kentucky Deferred Compensation Authority

401(k) & 457 plans: 1-800-793-4401 or www.kentuckydcp.com

IX. LONG-TERM CARE (LTC) INSURANCE

The University offers employees the opportunity to purchase long-term care insurance on a voluntary basis. Long Term Care Financial Group administers the plan. There are three different plan designs available. Premiums are at a group discount rate based on the participant’s age. Coverage may begin after 90 days of employment. Premiums are paid on an after-tax basis.

Extended family members of the employee and the employee’s spouse (i.e. parents, parents-in-law, brothers & sisters) are also eligible as long as they are working full-time (defined as 30 or more hours outside the home) and under the age of 65.
 

X. TUITION WAIVER PROGRAM

NKU provides a Tuition Waiver plan to employees and their legal spouses and dependent(s). Employees can utilize the tuition waiver program for undergraduate, graduate or law classes. The plan allows for a maximum of six credit hours per semester.

 Classes may not be taken during an employee’s normal working hours. Employees will not be allowed to waive tuition if they have terminated employment, either voluntarily or involuntarily, or submit written notice of intent to terminate prior to the first day of the semester or summer session for which the waiver is requested. Tuition benefits may be applied to the statewide program to attend other state universities or colleges.

The Tuition Waiver plan allows for the participation of an employee’s spouse and eligible dependent(s). Spouses and eligible dependent(s) must meet admissions requirements to NKU and the college/program to which they are applying. They are provided a maximum of six credit hours per semester for undergraduate courses. Spouses and dependents of part-time employees are provided a maximum of three credit hours.

XI. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Employee Assistance Program is a free, confidential service that is available to all employees that are eligible for health insurance benefits.  NKU realizes that your family, job and wellness are central to your life.  Occasionally, ordinary problems seem overwhelming and being able to talk to someone, no matter what the issue, would be a helpful.  For more information contact St. Elizabeth Employee Assistance Program at 1.800.436.9300 or 859.301.2570 or visit their website at http://www.stelizabeth.com/services/our_services/eap/

XII. HOLIDAYS

Nine legal holidays are observed: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day*, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Presidential Election Day, Thanksgiving Day (and the following day), and the holiday break in December. The Board of Regents or the president may grant special holidays in addition to those listed.

XIII. UNIVERSITY IDENTIFICATION CARDS

NKU All Cards (IDs) are available for all new employees. Cards can be obtained in the All Card office in UC 115, 24 hours after the first day of employment providing all paperwork has been completed and submitted to Human Resources. Once an All Card is made, it is activated the following business day. The All Card allows access to the University libraries, the Albright Health Center, discounts for dining, vending, and for employee purchases at the University bookstore. During this automated process an e-mail account is also set up for the employee.

If necessary, manual entry of employee information can be arranged in advance (at least five working days) of employee’s first day by contacting the All Card office. For information regarding the NKU All Card, please access the website:  http://access.nku.edu/allcard/

XIV. WELLNESS PROGRAM   

This program provides all University employees and retirees free access to the Campus Recreation Center (CRC). Employees must show an NKU All Card to enter the building. Employees’ spouses and/or dependent children may purchase memberships: Spouse or dependent child: $60 annually, Family: $84 annually.

The CRC offers a wide variety of amenities for employees to access including:  Main Activity Area, Raquetball Courts, Fitness Room, Pool, Multipurpose room, locker room, sauna, indoor track, and equipment rentals.  For more information regarding activities and services offered, please access the website:  www.nku.edu/~camprec/index.html

This program provides all University employees and retirees free access to the Albright Health Center. Employees must show an NKU All Card to enter the building. Employees’ spouses and/or dependent children may purchase memberships:

XV. CREDIT UNION

Northern Kentucky University is affiliated with two credit unions for employees to join.  No membership fees are required in either of the credit unions. 

For details on the different programs available please refer to the links for each:  www.deltacommunitycu.org   or  www.nkefcu.org/nkefcuorg/

XVI. U.S. SAVINGS BONDS

Savings Bonds may be purchased by authorizing a payroll deduction. Bonds are issued as per the terms of the contract agreement.

XVII. PAYROLL

Payday for monthly paid employees (exempt) is the last working day of the month. Absence record cards are due in Payroll on payday.

Payroll deductions are as follows: Federal income and FICA taxes; state income taxes; City of Covington tax (if the employee works at the Covington campus); City of Cincinnati tax (if desired, a form must be completed); county tax (TANK); retirement; and benefits: credit union, health insurance dependent coverage, court-ordered garnishments, etc.

XVIII. DIRECT DEPOSIT OF PAYCHECKS

All University employees may deposit their paychecks directly into a bank, savings and loan, credit union or other financial institution. Direct depositing gives you the following benefits:

1. Convenience: Your net pay is available to you the first thing on the morning of payday. If payday occurs while you are on vacation or sick, your pay is waiting for you in your account.

XIX. DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE STATEMENT

Northern Kentucky University abides by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Campus Act of 1989. All employees receive a copy of Northern Kentucky University’s Drug-Free Workplace statement during the benefits orientation program.

XX. UNIVERSITY STATEMENT ASSERTING RESPECT FOR HUMAN DIVERSITY

Northern Kentucky University is a multicultural community of diverse racial, ethnic and class backgrounds, national origins, religious and political beliefs, physical abilities, ages, genders and sexual orientations. Our educational activities and everyday interactions are enriched by our acceptance of one another and, as members of the University community we strive to learn from each other in an atmosphere of positive engagement and mutual respect.

Because of the necessity to maintain this atmosphere, bigotry will not go unchallenged within this community. We will educate each other on the existence and effects of racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia, religious intolerance and other forms of invidious prejudice. When such prejudice results in harassment, intimidation or violence against persons or property, we will not tolerate such behavior.

All who work, live, study and teach in the Northern Kentucky University community should be committed to these principles, which are an integral part of Northern Kentucky University’s focus, goals and mission.

XXX. WHO TO SEE...

AC 708 Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST - (859) 572-5200

The Office of Human Resources is available to answer your questions.

Please email hr@nku.edu or contact one of the staff members below.

BENEFITS

Maria Chisholm, Benefits Manager, (859) 572-6387

chisholmm@nku.edu

Decca Buechel, Benefits Coordinator, (859) 572-5203

buechel@nku.edu

Benefit and Payroll Deductions, Paycheck Distribution, Leave Accruals, Employee Orientation.

Patricia Burke, Benefits Analyst IV (859) 572-7556

burkep1@nku.edu

Benefit Counseling, Benefit Questions, Deduction and Eligibility Determination, Employee Orientation, Exit Interviews, and Leave of Absence Processing.

This publication was prepared by Northern Kentucky University and printed with state funds (KRS 57.375). Equal Education and Employment Opportunities M/F/D. 25037 1/04

This brochure is for information only and does not constitute and employment contract or agreement. The benefits described herein are also for information only and in no way are the descriptions intended as contracts.

Most of the insurance plans are established and operated on our own group experience basis. Rates are determined by the claims paid to our group members. The University reserves the right to seek quotations and/or competitive bids as well as modify or change these programs and plans as deemed appropriate and in the best interests of the University and its employees.