Insurance and leave benefits are available to all full-time staff whose employment is for an academic year or longer.  Paid leave benefits proportionate to the hours worked are available to staff employed in a regularly funded position that is at least half-time but less than full-time for an academic year or longer.  Insurance benefits are not provided to staff employed less than full-time.  Retirement benefits are provided as prescribed by state law.  Staff hired for half-time or more employment that is continued for one year or longer must join the Teachers' Retirement System of Alabama.  Staff employed in full-time positions externally funded via contract, grant or other agency arrangement may be provided UM benefits and services if included in the contract or if the agent agrees to pay 100 percent of the cost thereof.   (Refer to Policy 04:100)

 

This section provides a brief description of the University’s benefits program. In the event of any conflict between the information contained in this handbook and the information that appears in the master contracts of insurance between the University and insurance carriers or master plan documents, the master contracts/documents shall govern in all cases.  Unless and except to the extent such action is prohibited or restricted by law, the University reserves the right to amend or terminate its benefit programs and the terms and conditions of initial or continued participation in such programs in the event of financial necessity or otherwise at its discretion. This reserved right may be exercised in the event of financial necessity.  For more complete information regarding any of UM’s benefit programs, please contact Human Resources. 

 

The University of Montevallo continually reviews the benefits offered staff to ensure that persons employed at UM have access to the most comprehensive and up-to-date benefits package the University can afford.  Suggestions for improving it are welcomed at any time.

 

5.01    American Express

 

Corporate American Express cards may be available when travel or other expenses for the University is required on a consistent basis.  Information and applications are available in Human Resources. Additional information regarding other payment methods for University purchasing/travel is available in the Business Office.

 

5.02    Athletic Events

 

Staff may attend all on-campus regular season athletic events free of charge upon presentation of UM identification card.

 

5.03    Audiological/Speech Pathological Services

 

Staff and immediate family members have available speech and hearing diagnostic and therapeutic intervention at no cost.  Contact the Wallace Speech and Hearing Clinic for more information and/or appointments.

 

5.04    Bereavement and Funeral Leave

 

(Refer to Policy 04:100)

 

5.05    Bookstore Discount

 

Staff are eligible for a 20 percent discount on all items at the Bookstore, except textbooks and paperback books.

 

5.06    Cafeteria

 

Food service is available to all UM staff, as are meal tickets offering savings below cash prices.

 

5.07    Concert and Lecture Series

 

Staff are encouraged to take advantage of the annual Concert and Lecture Series, which along with other plays and concerts provided for free or for a nominal charge, afford the staff diverse cultural opportunities.

 

5.09    Court and Jury Duty Leave

 

(Refer to Policy 04:100)

 

5.10    Credit Union Membership

 

The University does not have its own credit union, but credit unions are available in the Birmingham metropolitan area.

 

5.11    Dependent Tuition Waiver Program

 

The appropriate form for requesting a dependent tuition waiver is available from the Office of Human Resources. (Refer to Policy 04:125)

 

5.12    Emergency Health Care

 

Staff may receive blood pressure checks and minor health care at Student Health Services without charge.  Any cost associated with referrals from the center will become the responsibility of the individual.

 

5.13    Emeritus Status

 

(Refer to Policy 04:010)

 

5.14    Employee Death Benefit

 

The University provides a benefit payment for eligible staff who die while in an active pay status. (Refer to Policy 04:100)

 

5.15    Family and Medical Leave

 

In compliance with the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 the University will grant an eligible employee up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during any one-year period for covered serious medical conditions of the employee or an employee’s family member or for childbirth, among other covered events.   The full text of the University’s FMLA policy is found at Policy 04:130, staff are urged to access and read that policy for a full explanation of their FMLA rights and obligations. Applications for leave in accordance with the FMLA are available through Human Resources.

 

5.16    Fishing Permits

 

Staff and their dependents may fish at the University Lake at no charge.  A state license and a valid UM ID must be carried at all times.  Rules governing the use of the lake are available at the police department.  The University assumes no liability or responsibility for injuries, accidents or loss of property at the lake.

 

5.17    Flexible Benefits/Cafeteria Plan

 

Staff have the option of receiving certain tax-free benefits provided in lieu of taxable compensation.  This plan” allows on a non-discriminatory basis a reduction in salary for the purpose of an election of a medical expense reimbursement plan, a dependent care assistance plan, and/or a group term insurance plan.  Elections for flex accounts are made each November for the following calendar year. Under normal circumstances, once an election is made it cannot be changed or deleted for that calendar year.  (Refer to Policy 04:115)

5.18    Golf Course Access

 

Membership in an 18-hole golf course is available to staff members.  Casual play for modest fees is also available as are golf carts and pull cart rentals.  Contact the Montevallo Golf Club for additional information.

 

5.20    Holidays

(Refer to Policy 04:100)

 

Emergency Closing  

The President may declare specific hours as administrative closing as the result of inclement weather or other emergency situations.  The campus will be notified of these situations through SchoolCast. (Refer to Policy 04:100)

 

5.21    Insurance

 

The University provides a voluntary group insurance program that includes comprehensive medical/hospitalization plans, dental insurance, term life insurance, and disability insurance.  The University offers optional employee-paid insurance programs for accidental death and dismemberment, vision insurance, and term and universal life insurance for employees, their spouse and/or dependents. The University also offers the option for continuing or converting health/dental insurance under COBRA for an employee and/or dependent(s) as prescribed by law.  Specific details of coverage are available in Human Resources. (Refer to Policy 04:100)

 

5.22    Library Use

 

Regular borrowing procedures shall apply to borrowed materials, including fines and assessments for lost or damaged books.

 

5.23    Military Service

 

(Refer to Policy 04:100)

 

5.24    On-The-Job Injuries

 

The University Police Department should be notified of all incidents resulting in on-the-job injuries (regardless of the severity of the injury), so that documentation of the incident can be recorded. 

 

The Alabama Workers’ Compensation Act does not apply to employment with state agencies and institutions, such as the University.  Therefore, in case of injury on the job, medical expenses should be filed on the employee’s personal insurance policy and time off should be reported under the University’s sick leave policy (which shall be reinstated upon confirmation of the OTJ injury).  The employee should then consult with the Director of Human Resources and Risk Management to file for reimbursement through the State Board of Adjustment.  Additional questions concerning on-the-job injuries should be directed to Human Resources.

 

5.25    Physical Fitness

 

The University, with a commitment to promoting a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle for all staff, has joined with the Departments of Kinesiology to provide credit and non-credit physical fitness classes.  Physical fitness facilities available include a gymnasium, tennis courts and the Student Activity Center.  

 

The University operates an 85,000 square foot center for a variety of recreational activities including swimming, walking, aerobics, weight and circuit training, and racquetball.  Staff and eligible dependents may use the facility at published times and membership rates.

 

5.26    Pregnancy

 

See sick leave in Policy 04:100.

 

5.27    Ramsay Conference Center and Lodge Services

 

Ramsay Conference Center and Lodge is available to staff for lodging and conference needs.  The Center can house up to 80 people in double occupancy rooms.  Each room has a private bath, individually controlled heating and air conditioning, and accommodations for the disabled.  A three-room VIP suite is also available by special arrangement.  Rooms are modestly furnished and priced.  Each of the five conference rooms is designed to fill special needs, providing comfortable chairs and work tables, refreshment center, blackboards and/or projection screens.

 

5.28    Retirement

 

Eligible employees must participate in the Teachers' Retirement System of Alabama. All contributions to the retirement system are tax deferred for federal income tax purposes until retirement or withdrawal from the plan.

 

The University offers voluntary tax deferred annuity plans under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Office of Human Resources maintains a current list of approved plans. The Teachers' Retirement Systems of Alabama has a deferred compensation plan under Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. University employees may participate in this program.   (Refer to Policy 04:100)

 

5.29    Sick Leave/Sick Leave Bank

 

Refer to Policy 04:100 for sick leave information and to Policy 04:135 for sick leave bank information.

 

5.30    Social Security

 

Staff are covered by the Federal Social Security Act and related laws.  Deductions are made at the current year’s prevailing rate as set forth by law.  The University pays a matching amount.

 

5.31    Student Activity Center

 

See physical fitness in section 5.25.

 

5.32    Tax Sheltered Annuity

 

The University has available several annuity plans including Teachers’ Insurance and Annuity Association and College Retirement Equity Fund (TIAA/CREF) and VALIC.  Information and applications are available in Human Resources.  All costs are borne by the employee.

 

5.33    Tuition Waiver

 

The appropriate form for requesting a tuition waiver is available from the Office of Human Resources. (Refer to Policy 04:120)