Faculty Handbook
SECTION 6
FACULTY BENEFITS
Insurance and leave benefits are available to all full-time faculty whose employment is for an academic year or longer. Paid leave benefits proportionate to the hours worked are available to faculty 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 faculty employed less than full-time. Retirement benefits are provided as prescribed by state law. Faculty hired for half-time or more employment that is continued for one year or longer must join the Teachers' Retirement System of Alabama. Faculty 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 the Office of Human Resources. The University of Montevallo continually reviews the benefits offered faculty to insure 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.
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 the Office of Human Resources.
Faculty may attend all on-campus regular season athletic events free of charge upon presentation of UM identification card.
6.03 Audiological /Speech Pathological Services
Faculty and immediate family members have available, at no cost, speech and hearing diagnostic and therapeutic intervention. Contact the Wallace Speech and Hearing Clinic for more information and/or appointments.
6.04 Bereavement and Funeral Leave
(Refer to Policy 04:100.)
Faculty members are eligible for a 20% discount on all items at the Bookstore, except textbooks and paperback books.
Food service is available to all UM faculty members, as are meal tickets offering savings below cash prices.
6.07 Concert and Lecture Series
Faculty are encouraged to take advantage of the annual Concert and Lecture Series, which, along with other concerts, lectures, and theatrical events provided for free or for a nominal charge, afford the faculty diverse cultural opportunities.
The University's Continuing Education program offers a variety of credit and non-credit courses. Offerings are available off-campus as well as on-campus. Additional information, including fee structure, is available through the Office of Continuing Education.
6.09 Court and Jury Duty Leave
(Refer to Policy 04:100.)
The University does not have its own credit union, but credit unions are available in the Birmingham metropolitan area.
6.11 Dependent Tuition Waivers
(Refer to Policy 04:125.)
Faculty 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.
(Refer to Policy 04:010.)
The University provides a benefit payment for those regular faculty who die while in an active pay status. (Refer to Policy 04:100.)
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, and faculty are urged to access and read that policy for a full explanation of their FMLA rights and obligations.
Faculty 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 University Police Department. The University assumes no liability or responsibility for injuries, accidents, or loss of property at the lake.
Faculty have the option of receiving certain tax free benefits provided in lieu of taxable compensation. This "cafeteria 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 are made each November for the next 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.)
Membership in an 18-hole golf course is available to faculty members. Casual play for modest fees is also available as are golf cart and pull cart rentals. Contact the Montevallo Golf Club for additional information.
Faculty are normally offered a free on-campus health screening each year. Additional services may be offered at a nominal cost.
(Refer to Policy 04:100.)
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, 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. Details of coverage are available in the Office of Human Resources. (Refer to Policy 04:100.)
Regular borrowing procedures shall apply to borrowed materials, including fines and assessments for lost or damaged books. Faculty spouses and children in the ninth grade or above may request a library card.
(Refer to Policy 04:100.)
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. 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 the Office of Human Resources.
The University of Montevallo, with a commitment to promoting a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle for all faculty, has joined with the Department of Kinesiology and Continuing Education to provide credit and non-credit physical fitness classes. Physical facilities available include a gymnasium, tennis courts, and the McChesney Student Activity Center, 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.
See Sick Leave in Policy 04:100.
6.27 Ramsay Conference Center and Lodge Services
Ramsay Conference Center and Lodge is available to faculty 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.
Eligible faculty 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 System of Alabama has a deferred compensation plan under Section 457 of the Internal Revenue Code. University faculty may participate in this program. (Refer to Policy 04:100.)
(Refer to Policy 04:100.)
See Section 3.09.
Faculty 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.
See Physical Fitness in Section 6.25.
The University has available several annuity plans including Teachers' Insurance Annuity Association and College Retirement Equity Fund (TIAA/CREF) and VALIC. Information and applications are available in the Office of Human Resources. All costs are borne by the faculty member.
The appropriate form for requesting a tuition waiver is available from the Office of Human Resources. (Refer to Policy 04:120.)
Faculty on nine-month appointments do not accrue vacation time. Librarians accrue and accumulate vacation time in accordance with Policy 04:100.