VI. DENTAL INSURANCE

VII. LIFE INSURANCE

Group term life insurance (including AD&D) is provided and underwritten by The Standard 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.

IX. LONG-TERM DISABILITY

(All regular, part-time employees are not eligible for the long-term disability plan.)

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.

X. RETIREMENT

XI. 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

XII. 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.

XIV. 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 (6) credit hours per semester for full-time employees and three (3) credit hours for regular part-time employees.

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.

XV. HOLIDAYS

Eight legal holidays are observed: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Presidential Election Day, Thanksgiving Day (and the following day), and the holiday break in December. 

In addition for calendar years 2005-07, staff members actively employed on President's Day will be provided with an alternative floating holiday.  An amount equal to one work day will be credited to the employee's vacation accrual.  Maximum accrual balances will be expanded to allow for the additional hours.  The Board of Regents or the president may grant special holidays in addition to those listed.

XVI. VACATION/ANNUAL LEAVE

XVII. TEMPORARY MEDICAL DISABILITY LEAVE

Sick leave is designed to cover employees during a time of an extended illness or incapacitation. Sick leave allowance accumulates but is not available for use until the initial 90-day probationary period is completed. Unused sick leave will not be paid upon separation from the University. Sick leave may be accumulated without limitation on days. Full-time staff members accrue one day of sick leave for each calendar month of employment, part-time staff members accrue 1/2 day of sick leave for each calendar month and Grant/Contract accrue at the rate of one day per month for each month of the grant/contract.

XVIII. UNIVERSITY IDENTIFICATION CARD (ALL CARD)

NKU All Cards (IDs) are available for all new employees. Cards can be obtained in the All Card office in SU 120, 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://allcard.nku.edu/

XIX. CAMPUS RECREATION CENTER

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: $84 annually, Family: $108 annually.

The CRC offers a wide variety of amenities for employees to access including:  Main Activity Area, Racquetball 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:  http://campusrec.nku.edu/

XX. CREDIT UNION

XXI. 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.

XXII. PAYROLL

Payday for bi-weekly paid staff (non-exempt) is every other Friday. Generally, it is four weeks before an employee receives his/her first paycheck, since checks are issued two weeks after the end of each pay period. Time cards must be in Payroll by noon on the Monday following the end of each pay period. 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 Cincinnati tax (if desired, a form must be completed); City of Highland Heights; county tax (TANK); retirement; and benefits: credit union, health insurance dependent coverage, court-ordered garnishments, etc.

XXIII. 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.

2. Safety: Direct Deposit eliminates the possibility of a lost or stolen paycheck.

XXIV. DRUG-FREE WORK PLACE 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.

XXV. SAFETY AND SECURITY

NKU’s Department of Public Safety provides 24-hour security service. The phone number to call in case of any emergency is 7777 or 572-7777. Some other important security and safety measures are:

• Report suspicious activities or persons immediately to your supervisor or Public Safety

• Always secure your valuables and keys

• Keep your work station clean

• Lock your office doors when leaving or if you work after hours

• Dress for safety

• Don’t take unnecessary chances

• Report any potential safety hazard or violation to your supervisor.

Every employee is insured under Worker’s Compensation for any job-related injury or illness. If an injury or illness is incurred on the job, it should be reported immediately to the employee’s supervisor and the Department of Human Resources.

XXVI. PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS

Supervisors are required to evaluate employees’ job performance at the end of their initial 90-day probationary period. Subsequent evaluations will be made at regular intervals in accordance with University policy. If an employee receives a promotion or transfer, a new probationary period will be served, after which job performance will again be evaluated. Northern Kentucky University is a pay-for-performance employer.

XXVII. PROMOTIONS

The University encourages employees to apply for positions that would represent promotional opportunities. Vacant positions are posted on the web at https://jobs.nku.edu/

XXVIII. PERSONAL INFORMATION

In order to maintain accurate personnel and payroll records, any changes in name, address, telephone number, marital status, etc., should be reported to the Department of Human Resources as soon as possible. Maximum attention is given to assuring the confidentiality of all information maintained in personnel files.

XXIX. 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

Emily Sumner, Benefits Manager, (859) 572-6387

sumnere1@nku.edu

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

buechel@nku.edu

Benefit and Enrollment Questions, Deductions and Eligibility Determination, and 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.

While every attempt has been made to be as accurate as possible, the benefit coverage is governed by specific contracts. Please read and refer to your summary plan description for details in order to understand the full extent of coverage.