Home EPA Summary of Employee Benefits

Post-Doc Summary of Employee Benefits

This summary was prepared by the Benefits Office to highlight the benefits and services available to you.  Employees in a Postdoc status include Research Associate Postdocs, Resident Postdocs, Teaching Postdocs, and Postdoc Interns. Postdocs may not be in such status for cumulative period of more than three (3) years, do not contribute to a retirement system, and are defined as temporary employees.  For detailed policies governing the employment of post-docs, please review http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/employment/
epa/POL05.15.1.php

Print your Benefits Booklet to review the details of the following benefits and services provided:

Health Insurance
Voluntary Retirement Plan
Leave
Educational Opportunities
Additional Benefits
New Employee Orientation

Health Insurance

Health insurance is offered to all EPA (Exempt from the Personnel Act) employees of NC State with a title of "Research/Teaching Associate (Post-doc)" or "Intern/Resident (Post-doc)" through the Post Doc Medical Plan.  Eligible Post Doc employees may elect the health insurance coverage in the Post Doc Medical Plan, which is underwritten by the BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina and administered by Hill, Chesson and Woody.  The University pays your health care premiums; however, your dependent coverage is paid directly by you to Hill, Chesson and Woody.

Hill, Chesson and Woody

For Summary of Benefits: http://www.hillchesson.com/ncsupd.htm

Phone: 919/ 645-0240            Fax: 919/ 313-2020

EMAIL@HILLCHESSON.COM

Once enrolled in the plan, your member’s guide “The Blue Book”, along with your membership cards, will be mailed to your home address from BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina (BCBSNC).  The Blue Book provides important information on your health benefits.  The Blue Book and your enrollment cards will arrive 6 to 8 weeks after your enrollment in the plan.

When Coverage Begins and Ends

Employee Coverage:  To be covered under this health benefit plan, you must be on an active paid Post Doc assignment.  Complete the appropriate Post Doc Medical Coverage Enrollment form for U.S. citizens or Permanent Resident http://www2.acs.ncsu.edu/hr/docs/epa/appxf.doc or the Non-Immigrant enrollment form http://www2.acs.ncsu.edu/hr/docs/epa/appxg.doc with your department  and return to the Benefits Office. The University pays your premiums for the Student Health Services fee and the NC State Post Doc Blue Option Medical Insurance Plan premium. 

Dependent Coverage:  Dependents may be covered under this health benefit plan as long as you participate.  You may contact Hill, Chesson & Woody directly at 645-0240 to enroll your dependents or complete the required form and return to Hill, Chesson & Woody.  Premiums for your dependents coverage cannot be payroll deducted, you must pay amounts owed directly to Hill, Chesson & Woody.

When Eligible:  You are eligible for medical insurance coverage for the current month if your appointment is effective on the first day of the month.  For example, if your hire date is 7/1/04, the effective date of medical coverage is 7/1/04.  If your appointment is effective after the first day of the month, your coverage will begin the first of the following month.  For example, if your hire date is 7/2/04, the effective date of the medical insurance coverage will be 8/1/04.

Rates: (effective July 1, 2004)

*  Rate includes $129.00 for Blue Cross Blue Shield and $22.92 for NC State Student Health Center.

** Employee pays by bank draft through Hill, Chesson and Woody.

Coverage Ends:  If your Post Doc employment terminates on the first day of the month, your medical insurance stops on that day.  If your Post Doc employment ends after the first day of the month (2-31^st), your medical insurance will continue through the end of that month then stops.  For example, if you terminate on 7/03/04, your medical coverage ends 7/31/04.  Your dependent coverage (if purchased) ends when your coverage terminates.

Voluntary Retirement Plan

Effective January 2005, you may now invest in a tax-deferred annuity or mutual fund plan through payroll deduction. Many retirement-investment experts state that your retirement income will come from four sources: employer-provided pension plans [Post-Docs are not eligible to participate in NC State's plan], Social Security, post-retirement employment, and supplemental retirement savings, such as a 403(b). Investing for retirement should be for the long term, so you should consider getting started right away! A 403(b) is a tax-advantaged retirement program for employees of educational institutions, and certain other not-for-profit organizations. 403(b) plans provide an outstanding means to maximize retirement savings.

Leave

Holidays

University employees receive the same number of paid holidays as other state employees; although the holidays set by NC State may vary from that of other agencies.  The holiday schedule is announced annually in the Bulletin and on the Human Resources web site at .  Employees wishing to be away from work for religious observances not recognized as official holidays may request vacation leave.  Requests of this type should not be denied unless emergency work conditions prevent releasing the employee.

Annual Leave

Annual leave may only be taken with the approval of the employee’s supervisor.  A Post Doc employee is entitled to earn annual leave based on years of aggregate state service as a Post Doc employee.  In accordance with Board of Trustees (BOT) Policy 22.01 - Section 8.2.1.1.2, the amount of annual leave entitlement for Post Docs, based on full-time (1.00 FTE) employment, is as follows:

Unused accrued annual leave is not paid out to a Post Doc employee.  Post Doc employees with unused accrued annual leave as of the effective date of discontinuation or non-reappointment of employment shall be required to take the unused annual leave prior to the effective date of discontinuation or non-reappointment of employment, with supervisor’s approval.

Sick Leave

Post Doc employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month (12 days per year).  Part-time Post Doc employees earn sick leave on a prorated basis.

Sick leave may be accumulated indefinitely and may be taken in minimum increments of 15 minutes.  Post Doc employee may be advanced an amount of annual and/or sick leave up to the amount that can be earned through the appointment end date or a maximum of twenty (20) days, whichever is less.  Salary deductions will be made to compensate for overdrawn leave if an employee separates from the University before earning all sick leave taken.

Additional Leaves

For detailed policy information governing approved leaves, please review the University’s Policy, Rules, and Regulation website and by accessing http://www2.acs.ncsu.edu/hr/ppm700.html .

Leave under the Family Medical Leave Act

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is granted to a permanent, probationary, trainee, temporary full-time, or part-time employees for birth and care of a newborn; care of an adopted/ foster child (proof is required); care of child, spouse, or parent with a serious health condition; or for a personal serious health condition. Temporary employees must have worked at least 1250 hours.  Intermittent leave, leave resulting in a reduced work schedule, or leave for temporary employees must be approved by Human Resources.  An employee must apply for leave under the FMLA in writing, giving 30 days advance notice of absence for the birth/ adoption of a child or for planned medical treatment.  Medical certification of the need for leave must be provided.  Employees must be returned to the same position held prior to leave or one of like pay grade, pay, benefits, and other conditions of employment.  For more information, contact Salary Administration at 515-7929.

Shared Leave

The Shared Leave policy allows an employee to receive donated vacation from a NC State employee or an immediate family member in another State agency for the purposes of covering absences due to illness. 

Civil Leave

If called for jury duty, Post Doc employees will be granted civil leave with pay for the length of time required to serve.  The Post Doc employee is entitled to juror’s pay in addition to regular state salary during this period.  Any hours spent in court on work-related cases will be considered as work time.

Post Doc employees subpoenaed to appear as a witness may use civil leave.  When an employee takes civil leave to appear as a witness, any fees collected must be turned over to the University.  Civil leave is not granted to Post Doc employees appearing in court as plaintiffs or defendants.  Instead, vacation leave or leave without pay must be taken.  In such instances, employees keep any fees received as a result of court appearances.

Military Leave

Leave with pay may be granted to members of reserve components of the United States Armed Forces for mandatory active duty training and for state military duty up to 120 hours per year.  The University may require the employee to provide a copy of the orders to report or other appropriate documentation as evidence of the required duty.

Community Service Leave

Community Service Leave was designed to promote employees’ involvement in the education of youth and to promote employees’ assistance to schools and other community service programs.

Educational Opportunities

HR Training Services

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

Post Docs and their families may use all facilities.  Post Docs 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 logon to http://www.lib.ncsu.edu.

Additional Benefits

Relocation Services – “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 http://www.fmrealty.com/site/ncsu/

Recognition Programs – Post Doc employees are recognized in formal ceremonies for achievements, accomplishments, and service.  Your department establishes recognition programs for their units.  The University’s Recognition programs can be found at http://www2.acs.ncsu.edu/hr/employee.html 

All Campus Card – Post Doc employees may use their ID badge to charge purchases at all Campus Convenience stores, University Dining, and the Bookstore.  Post Docs are required to deposit money on their card before purchasing items.  Charges cannot be payroll deducted.  The All Campus Card may also be used for gym access and for checking books out from the library.  For information, contact 919/513-3090 or apply at the All Campus Network 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 – Travelers’ auto, home, and renter’s insurance is available to eligible employees.  The agent is on campus every 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, for more information.  Your premiums cannot be payroll deducted.

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.  Post Doc employees also have access to certified financial planners through University approved vendors, check the Planning for Retirement link on the Benefits website.

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

Pre-Tax Parking – Post Doc 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

Post Doc employees may also opt to carry additional voluntary personal liability insurance that covers bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury.  The Benefits office, 515-2151, can provide additional details.

Cultural Events – The University brings renowned performers in the fine arts, including jazz, ballet, acting companies, and others to campus.  Post Doc employees and their families may urchase 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.  Post Doc employees can join for as little as $60.00 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 – The University Club was dedicated in 1965. Its 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 Post Docs 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.