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EPA Summary of Employee Benefits
EPA Summary of Employee Benefits
A variety of benefits are available to University employees.
This summary was prepared by the Benefits Office to highlight
the benefits and services available to you. Additional information
may be obtained on this website or by contacting the Benefits Office,
919-515-2151, Sullivan Dr., Room 222.
Print
your Benefits Booklet to review the details of
the following benefits and services provided:
INSURANCE PROGRAMS
HEALTH INSURANCE
Eligible employees may elect health insurance coverage in
the North Carolina Teachers’ and State Employees’ Comprehensive
Major Medical Plan (State health Plan), which is underwritten
by the State and administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield.
This is a traditional indemnity plan. New employees and dependents
enrolling when first eligible are not subject to a waiting
period for preexisting conditions under the plan. The University
pays the full cost of the premium for employees who work at
least ¾ time in a permanent position; employees pay the cost
of dependent coverage. Permanent part-time employees who
work at least half-time are eligible to participate in the
program by paying the full cost of the coverage.
TRICARE Supplement plan is offered to State
of North Carolina TRICARE eligible employees as an alternative
choice to the State Health Plan. If you are eligible for the
TRICARE medical plan provided by the Department of Defense,
you have the opportunity to enroll yourself and your eligible
dependents in the ASI TRICARE Supplement plan. Eligible employees
must drop their SHP coverage to enroll in the TRICARE Supplement
plan.
The TRICARE Supplement plan provides TRICARE beneficiaries
additional coverage that pays 100 percent of the member’s
out-of-pocket covered costs. The State of North Carolina pays
for coverage under the Plan for the Employee only premium.
You can find additional information this plan at www7.acs.ncsu.edu/benefits/health_welfare/tricare_supplement.asp.
NC FLEX
The State of North Carolina contracts with vendors to provide
an array of voluntary pre-tax plans that include dental, vision,
flexible spending accounts, accidental death and dismemberment
(AD&D), and a supplemental medical plan. Employees eligible
to participate in the NC Flex program must work 20 or more
hours per week in a permanent, probationary, or time limited
position (graduate students working as teaching assistants
or research assistants are not eligible). Participation for
new employees begins the first of the month after you sign
your enrollment form as long as it is within 30 days of hire.
Premiums for this program are paid by the employee. Once
enrolled in the NC Flex program, federal laws regarding pre-tax
benefits prohibit changing or stopping participation during
the year unless there is a qualifying event.
- Dental - two traditional options are available:
High Option: offers coverage for diagnostic care, preventive,
basic and major services for you
and/or your family (orthodontic coverage is also provided
for dependents under age 19. (High Option)
Low Option: offers coverage for diagnostic care, preventive,
and basic services for you and/or your
family. (Low Option)
- Vision - this plan offers two schedules of benefits
Plan 1: provides comprehensive vision care services, including
the vision exam.
Plan 2: provides benefits for vision care materials (lens,
frames, contacts, etc.) but not the
vision exams.
- Health Care Flexible Spending Account - - this
plan allows for reimbursement of out-of-pocket medical expenses
from pre-tax dollars you contribute for medical, dental,
or other health care expenses not covered by your health
or dental insurance. You must enroll in this plan each
year.
- Dependent Day Care Flexible Spending Account -
This plan benefits employees with dependent children under
age 13, an incapacitated spouse, or dependent adult who
lives with the employee at least 8 hours a day. With this
account you are reimbursed with pre-tax dollars you contribute
for child care or dependent adult care expenses that allow
you to continue to work. You must enroll in this plan
each year.
- AD&D - this is not a life insurance plan. It
pays a benefit if you suffer a loss or disabling injury
as a result of an accident while covered.
- Supplemental Medical Insurance- Health Care Plus
is designed to supplement your medical plan by providing
benefits for physician's office visits and inpatient hospital
stays. Benefits are paid directly to you. Please understand
this plan provides limited benefits and is not a replacement
for comprehensive medical coverage.
- Cancer Plan- This plan is designed to help pay
for cancer–related expenses. In addition to cancer
coverage, this insurance pays benefits for 29 other specified
diseases such as Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis,
Tuberculosis, Sickle Anemia and Cystic Fibrosis. A complete
listing of covered diseases and details about the plan is
located in the certificate of coverage located on www.ncflex.org.
The plan offers a High and Low option. Please understand
this plan provides limited benefits and is not a
replacement for comprehensive medical coverage.
- NC Flex Pre-Tax Term Life Insurance- This pre-tax
term life insurance plan is designed to provide financial
security for your family in the event of your death. New
employees who apply for coverage within 30 days of hire,
may enroll for an amount up to $100,000.00 without submitting
evidence of insurability. Amounts above $100,000.00 require
evidence of insurability and is subject to approval by the
plan. You can elect life insurance coverage in $10,000 increments.
A minimum of $20,000 of coverage is available up to a maximum
of $500,000. However, coverage may not exceed five times
your base annual earnings.
Please note that you may not cover dependents
on this plan and the coverage may be taxable according
to IRS regulations.
LIFE INSURANCE - NC State MetLife Voluntary Term Life Insurance
- The voluntary after-tax term life insurance plan is available
to permanent employees who work a minimum of 20 hours (.50
FTE) a week for at least 9 months per year. The cost is
based on age and coverage amount. Employees may choose
1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 X their annual salary up to a maximum of
$500,000.00.
- A death benefit is provided for active members of the
Teachers’ and State Employees Retirement System after one
year of contributing service. Your beneficiary will receive
a lump sum payment equal to the highest 12 months’ salary
in a row during the 24 months before you die, but no less
$25,000 and no more than $50,000.00.
DISABILITY INSURANCE
Disability Income Plan of North Carolina (DIPNC) -
This plan is available at no cost to all full-time permanent
employees participating in either the Optional Retirement
Program (ORP) or the Teachers’ and State Employees Retirement
System (TSERS) upon completion of the length-of-service requirements.
The plan is divided into short-term and long-term disability
benefits. To be eligible for short-term disability, the employee
must have at least one year of contributing service in either
the TSERS or ORP, earned within 36 months prior to the onset
of the disability. Long-term disability is available to employees
with at least five years of contributing service in either
the TSERS or ORP, earned within 96 months prior to the end
of the short-term disability period.
Supplemental Disability Insurance (employee paid)
Colonial Insurance - This short-term disability
insurance plan was designed to provide coverage for those
who are not eligible for the DIPNC; and is ideal for employees
with little leave time. The plan provides a salary replacement
value up to 60% of your base compensation rate for up to 60
days.
Liberty Mutual - This long-term disability insurance
plan was designed to provide coverage for those who are not
eligible for DIPNC and for those who wish to supplement coverage
under the DIPNC. The plan provides a salary replacement value
up 662/3% of your base compensation, with a monthly maximum
of $10,000.00 and a minimum of $250.00. This plan coordinates
benefits received from DIPNC (once eligible), Social Security,
Workers’ Compensation, and other disability income.
Standard Insurance Co - This long-term disability
insurance plan is contracted by General Administration, the
governing body for the UNC system, provides salary replacement
value up 66 2/3% of your base compensation up to a maximum
of $10,000.00. Standard's disability program is available
to participants in the Optional Retirement Program only. In
addition, the plan protects the employee's retirement by funding
both the employee's and employer's monthly retirement contributions
while on an approved medical leave.
RETIREMENT
Participation in a retirement program is required for permanent,
probationary, or time-limited employees who work at three-quarter
time for nine months. Employees are required to contribute
6% of their gross salaries per month. There are two retirement
programs available:
Teachers’ and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)-All
employees eligible for retirement may enroll in this plan.
TSERS is a 401(a) “defined benefit plan” and retirement income
is based on a formula that is determined by average final
compensation, age at retirement, and years of creditable service.
An employee must have five years of contributing service in
order to be vested in the Retirement System.
Optional Retirement Program (ORP) - The Optional
Retirement Program is available ONLY to Senior Academic
and Administrative Officers (SAAO) or faculty members with
the rank of instructor or above (this includes professional
librarians). The Optional Program is a 403(a) “defined contribution
plan” and the benefit is determined by the accumulation of
the amount contributed and the investment earnings. An employee
must have five years of contributing service in order to be
vested. Under the ORP, employees may choose between four
different carriers: TIAA-CREF, VALIC, Fidelity Investments,
and Lincoln Life.
SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT
The University offers several tax deferred investment plans
in which eligible employees may participate. The plans allow
employees to reduce current taxable income while setting aside
funds to supplement retirement benefits. The provisions for
these investment vehicles are outlined by Internal Revenue
Codes 401(k), 403(b), 403(b)(7), and 457. An employee may
enroll at any time by completing an enrollment form and a
salary reduction agreement.
The Supplemental Retirement Income Plan of North Carolina
- 401(k) is a State sponsored retirement savings program
that allows employees to save and invest for retirement on
a tax deferred basis. This plan is governed by the Department
of State Treasurer and the Plan’s Board of Trustees which
contracted with Prudential to be the Plan Administrator.
North Carolina Deferred Compensation Plan - 457, is
also a State sponsored plan administered by Great- West Life.
457 is a long-term savings plan that allows employees to defer
a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis.
Tax Deferred Annuities - 403b is another retirement
income vehicle enabling employees to save and invest for retirement
on a tax deferred basis. Employees elect to participate in
a plan offered by one of the University approved carriers:
TIAA-CREF, Fidelity, VALIC, Metropolitan Plus, Prudential,
Lincoln, and Nationwide.
LEAVE
Leave is available to permanent EPA non-teaching and EPA
12 month teaching personnel. Temporary employees are not
eligible for sick and vacation leave. Monthly leave is earned
when an employee works or is on approved leave with pay at
least half the working days of a month.
For policy information governing Leave for EPA, logon to
Leave Section of the Policies, Regulations, and Rules
Web Site.
Vacation
The amount of annual leave to which a permanent full-time
EPA employee, working one-half time (.5 FTE) or greater, in
an appointment of one year or more, and subject to reappointment,
are entitled to accrue is 24 days per year; 26 days for Senior
Academic Administrative Officers Tier-I. This policy does
not govern EPA 9 month employees, post-docs or time-limited
employees. On December 31, vacation leave in excess of 240
hours (30 days) is automatically converted to sick leave each
year. Accumulation vacation shall be paid out [to employees
who have been employed for 24 months or more] upon termination
of state employment, up to 240 hours (prorated for part-time
employees).
Sick
Permanent EPA (non-teaching) and EPA 12 month employees earn
8 hours per month. Sick leave may be used for the employee’s
illness or medical appointment, or the illness or death of
a relative as defined policy. Accumulated sick leave cannot
be paid out upon termination of employment. At retirement,
the balance of an employee’s sick leave can be converted to
creditable service at a rate of one month for every 20 days
of accumulated sick leave (applies only to members enrolled
in TSERS). For participants in the Optional Retirement Program,
any sick leave balance is forfeited upon retirement.
Extended Illness Leave for EPA Faculty (other than 12
month)
Forty (40) work days of paid leave per 12 month period is
provided for EPA 9 month faculty. This policy applies to
all 9 month faculty employed under the provisions of the tenure
policy who have been continuously employed for more than one
year and who are eligible to participate in either mandated
retirement program. This leave may be used for serious health
conditions, maternity leave, and parental leave as defined
under the Family Medical Leave Act.
Family Medical Leave - Family Medical Leave (FML)
may be granted to eligible EPA permanent, probationary, or
temporary full-time or part-time employees for birth and care
for a newborn, care for an adopted or foster child (proof
is required), care for a child, spouse, or
parent with a serious health condition or for a personal
serious health condition.
A probationary or permanent employee who has been employed
for 12 months and has worked at least 1040 hours in the previous
12 months is entitled to a total of 12 work weeks of paid
or unpaid leave during a 12 month period. Temporary employees
employed in excess of one year who worked at least 1,250 hours
in the previous 12 months are entitled to 12 work weeks of
unpaid leave during a 12-month period.
Family Illness Leave - Family Illness Leave is to
provide the opportunity for an employee to care for the employee’s
child, parent, or spouse when that child, parent, or spouse
has a serious health condition. Family Illness Leave is not
provided for the employee’s illness. EPA or SPA probationary
or permanent fulltime or part-time (1/2 time or more) employee
who has been employed with North Carolina State Government
for 12 cumulative months and who has worked at least 1040
hours in the previous 12 months is entitled to 52 weeks of
unpaid leave during a 5 year period to care for the
employee’s child, spouse, or parent with a serious health
condition. An employee may choose whether to use Family Illness
Leave or Family and Medical Leave.
Voluntary Shared Leave - The voluntary shared leave
policy allows an employee to assist another state employee
affected by a medical condition that requires absence from
work for a prolonged period of time resulting in a possible
loss of income due to a lack of accumulated leave. Twelve-month
EPA employees with serious and prolonged medical conditions
requiring absence from work for at least 20 days may apply
to receive shared leave.
Community Service - The purpose of community service
leave is to provide EPA employees with paid time off for parental
involvement in a child's school; volunteer activities in the
schools or in a community service organization; or tutoring
or mentoring in the schools.
Additional information regarding special leave provisions
that apply to Emergency Services, Blood and Bone Marrow Donorship
and Disaster Service Volunteer with the American Red Cross,
see Office of State Personnel Manual, Leave Section, Community
Service Leave Program.
Military Leave - Leave with pay is granted annually
for 120 working hours (prorated for part-time employees) for
active military duty and regularly scheduled unit training.
If annual training is scheduled so that an employee is required
to attend two periods of training in one calendar year, an
additional 120 hours leave is granted. Leave with pay is
granted to EPA employees who are members of Reserve Components
of the U.S. Armed Forces, the National Guard, the Army Reserve,
the Naval Reserve, the Marine Corps Reserve, the Air Force
Reserve, and the Coast Guard Reserve. Other leave with pay
may be granted for the National Guard or Civil Air Patrol
if special activities are required by proper authorities.
Scholarly Assignment - It is essential that faculty
members maintain high competence as professionals in their
fields and keep abreast of the most recent developments in
their special areas of scholarly interest. Recognizing that
the pursuit of these scholarly interests often requires
concentrated efforts which are not usually possible during
long periods of heavy teaching loads and other campus responsibilities,
the administration encourages the colleges and departments
to foster, when possible, scholarly assignments off campus
for their faculty members at intervals of about seven years.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
NC State provides educational opportunities to enhance the
professional and personal development of its employees.
Tuition Waiver - The tuition waiver program is provided
under provisions outlined in the North Carolina General Statute
§116.143. Waiver of tuition/fee privileges shall be allowed
for full-time faculty of instructor rank and above and other
full-time employees of the University who hold membership
in the Retirement System for Teacher and State Employees of
North Carolina (TSERS) or are eligible for such membership
but have elected to participate in an approved optional retirement
program. Two classes per year may be taken during the fall
and spring semesters or during a summer session. The two classes
may not be taken in the same semester and only one class may
be taken during the summer. Courses may be taken through
the distance education program. Employees seeking to enroll
using a tuition waiver must be academically eligible for admission
and will be admitted to the course on a space available basis.
Application for Faculty/Staff Tuition Waiver forms are available
from the University Cashier's Office (515-2986) or may be
downloaded from http://www7.acs.ncsu.edu/cashier/forms/tuition_waiver.pdf
Educational Assistance - The
State of North Carolina's Educational Assistance Program allows
university departments to reimburse permanent employees for
the costs of job-related courses. Eligible courses are those
that are:
- Beneficial to both the employee and the university,
- Directly related to the employee's present responsibilities
or field of work,
- Are required to complete an academic degree program directly
related to the employee's field of work.
For more information, http://www2.acs.ncsu.edu/hr/ppm1001.htm
(Note: The plans presented here are based
on legal documents. If there is any conflicting information,
the legal document always prevails.)
NC State Family Scholarships - This program provides
need-based scholarships assistance to full-time undergraduate
students enrolled at NC State whose parent or parents are
employees of the University. The value of the scholarship
will vary depending upon the student’s need for financial
assistance. For additional information, http://www.ncsu.edu/annualfund/text/index.htm
HR Training Services - is committed to identifying
and addressing University, departmental, work team, and individual
development opportunities. Training Services' offer high
quality programs, services, and courses that meet the needs
of employees. From communications, to team building, to policies
and procedures, there is a learning solution to meet your
needs. Take a moment to review The Compass,
a resource to inform you about the programs and services offered
to develop knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Library Services - All facilities may be used by employees
and their families. Employees may check out materials using
their All-Campus Cards and spouses may obtain a borrowing
card for a modest fee. Dial-up access to library online catalogs
and databases is available to all registered borrowers. Contact
the Library, 919/ 515-3364, for more information; http://www.lib.ncsu.edu.
Additional Benefits
Paid Holidays - Each year holidays are scheduled in
accordance with the operational needs of the University.
The State of North Carolina allots 11 or 12 days each year.
The schedule is posted at http://www2.acs.ncsu.edu/hr/closings.html
The Spousal Hiring Market Assistance Program - is
a market driven program designed to make the university more
competitive for the best talent in the tenured, tenure-track,
and fixed-term faculty ranks. This program recognizes that
success in recruitment and retention often depends on opportunity
to facilitate appointment of an accompanying academic spouse,
and the Office of the Provost will assist departments and
colleges by providing matching funds in support of such appointments.
Moving with the Pack - Preferred Real Estate Services
Program - Current and new employees can enjoy this benefit
whether moving to or within the area. Administered through
FM Relocation, employees receive University negotiated discounts
and value added services A comprehensive Real Estate Services
Program tailored to meet the unique needs of each employee
and designed to minimize the stress associated with moving.
Services include cash-back incentives for home sale and purchase,
utility connection and disconnection convenience services,
mortgage discounts, rental assistance, moving van services,
and more. For additional information visit: MovingwiththePack.com
Recognition Programs - Employees are recognized in
formal ceremonies for achievements, accomplishments, and service.
Recognition programs can be found at http://www2.acs.ncsu.edu/hr/employee.html.
All Campus Card - Employees may use their ID badge
to charge purchases at all Campus Convenience stores, University
Dining, and the Bookstore. Charges are then payroll deducted
from employees pay. The All Campus Card may also be used
for gym access and for checking books out from the library.
For information, contact 919-515-3090 or apply at the West
Dunn building.
WolfPerks - The WolfPerks program is a partnership
with local, statewide and national businesses that offer discounts
or other incentives to NC State University employees with
valid University identification cards. Contact Employee Relations
with any questions regarding this program at 515-4282 or by
reviewing the website, http://www2.acs.ncsu.edu/hr/wolfperks/
.
Automobile and Homeowners Insurance - Auto, home,
and renter's insurance is available to eligible employees
through payroll deduction through Travelers' Auto and Home
Insurance Company. The agent is on campus every other Wednesday
to meet with employees. Please contact the Benefits office
(515-2151) to schedule an on-site meeting or contact the local
representative directly, Providence Insurance Agency, Inc.,
919-847-4909, or www.travelers.com/ncstate
for more information.
Prepaid Legal Service - Hyatt Legal Plans, Inc. provides
a package of personal legal services at an affordable cost.
Visit http://www.hlpinfo.com/index.asp
(password 2660010).
Notary Services - Notary Public service is provided
by the Benefits department and is available to all employees
at no charge.
Financial Planning - The Benefits office offers financial
planning workshops each fall and spring on topics relevant
to retirement and investing for the future. Employees also
have access to certified financial planners through University
approved vendors.
North Carolina 529 College Savings Plan- The easiest
way to save for college is through post-tax payroll deductions
into a very flexible and beneficial college savings program.
North Carolina’s National College Savings Program, administered
by the North Carolina College Foundation, provides an array
of investment options ranging from conservative to aggressive.
Employees can set aside money into the program for children,
themselves or others and pay no income tax on the earnings
or interest. Pick up a packet from the Benefits office and
visit http://www.cfnc.org/savings/cv0021.jsp.
Savings Bonds - Employees may purchase Series EE bonds
through payroll deduction. For more information on http://www.savingsbonds.gov/
Please contact the Benefits office for forms 515-2151.
Direct Deposit - The convenience of direct deposit
makes banking hassle free. (All monthly employees are required
to have their paychecks directly deposited in the bank of
their choice.) http://www2.acs.ncsu.edu/hr/payroll.html
Credit Union - The State Employees Credit Union is
a financial cooperative owned by its members who share a common
bond of employment. Members are afforded opportunities to
save at higher rates of interest and obtain low-cost loans.
Permanent full-time employees are eligible to join (proof
of employment is required such as a paystub or written verification
on department's letterhead). 800-275-7328 or www.ncsecu.org
Pre-Tax Parking - Employees may elect to have parking
costs deducted from their paychecks on a before/after tax
basis. www.ncsu.edu/transportation
Personal Liability Insurance - The State of North
Carolina provides a liability policy written on an occurrence
basis. It provides coverage for errors and omissions that
are committed by state employees in the performance of their
jobs and which result in bodily injury, property damage or
other losses. For more information, http://www2.acs.ncsu.edu/insurance/insure/excess.html
Employees may also opt to carry additional voluntary personal
liability insurance that provides protection against legal
liability for Educators Professional Liability, including
defense expense, arising out of “professional activities”
for the University. This voluntary insurance acts as primary
coverage, prior to any coverage provided to employees by the
State of North Carolina. The Benefits office can provide
additional details.
Accident Expense Insurance Policy - United Teacher
Associates Insurance Company (UTA) underwrites coverage for
major injuries or accidents. This plan is also great for
children! Contact the Benefits office for additional details,
515-2151.
Long Term Care (LTC) - This type of coverage goes
beyond medical and nursing care to provide coverage in the
event you or a family member ever have a chronic illness or
disability. . Prudential Financial is the new vendor for this
program.For additional information about this plan please
visit. www.fis.ncsu.edu/benefits/health_welfare/l-t_care.asp
Cultural Events - The University brings renowned performers
in the fine arts, including jazz, ballet, acting companies,
and others to campus. Employees and their families may purchase
tickets at discounted rates. http://www.fis.ncsu.edu/Arts/
Sporting Events - NC State is a National Collegiate
Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I school. Student athletes
are recruited for sports such as football, men and women basketball/soccer,
gymnastics, and baseball. Check out http://gopack.ocsn.com/default/ncst-default.html
or contact 515-2109 to find out about discounts.
Gym Access - The 330,000 square feet air conditioned
Carmichael gymnasium provides students, faculty, and staff
with one of the finest physical education/recreational facilities
in the country. Employees can join for as little as $120.00
per year. The fee may be deducted from your pay on a monthly
basis. For more information, please contact a Membership
Services representative at 513-3684 or http://www.ncsu.edu/carmichael.
The Key Haven - Kerr Lake Outdoor Recreation Area
is a wooded peninsula on Kerr Lake, one hour north of Raleigh,
that provides opportunities for camping, picnicking, boating,
swimming, and fishing for a nominal fee. Maps, Keys, and
information are available at 128 Polk Hall, 515-5697 or http://www.ncsu.edu/keyhaven.
University Club - was dedicated in 1965. The University
Club's mission is to promote, develop and carry on recreational,
social, entertainment, and amusement activities for members,
their families and guests. All resident full-time and adjunct
faculty, staff, students, alumni and University Affiliates
of N.C. State University are eligible to join the University
Club. Call 919-828-0308 for additional details.
New Employee Orientation
All permanent employees, part-time and full-time, must attend
a New Employee Orientation session within the first 30 days
of employment. Orientation sessions are held weekly at the
Administrative Services Center, Room 216.The purpose of orientation
is:
- To welcome new employees to NC State University and orient
new
employees to University policies and procedures
- To explain NCSU employees' rights and responsibilities
- To explain the Unlawful Workplace Harassment policy
- To explain and enroll in employee benefit programs
- To explain OSHA required safety information
How To Register: Please speak with your departmental Personnel
Representative about registering you for orientation
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