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January 2020 Monthly Human Resources Updates
Dear Faculty and Staff,
Human Resources is pleased to provide updates and announce new programs and services for our Loyola University Chicago community. Please review the information below to learn more about important tax law updates to the Federal Form W-4, and why it is important to review your January paycheck.
Learn how to quickly access your medical information via the Aetna HealthSM app, including details about receiving just-in-time virtual medical assistance via Teladoc. Interested in joining the Credit Union, or learning more about current member benefits? Check out the upcoming information sessions along with the upcoming 2020 MLK Celebration. Read about the upcoming "Go Move Challenge." Lastly, in the spirit of continuous personal and professional development, check out available classes offered at no cost through Perspectives and Skillsoft.
New 2020 Federal Form W-4
Because federal tax law changes that took place in 2018, the IRS recently released a revised Federal Form W-4 for 2020. Employees hired in 2020, or current employees who previously completed a 2019 or earlier form and are interested in making changes to their withholding status in 2020, must use the revised form. You are encouraged to review the new 2020 form and its instructions to familiarize yourself with the changes.
Review Your First Paycheck in January
Human Resources recommends that faculty and staff take a few minutes to review your first paycheck in January. Please ensure that deductions have been correctly applied for your elected benefits, especially if you made changes to your benefits during Open Enrollment or if you are newly hired. Questions? Contact Human Resources for support.
Manage Your Health Insurance from Your Smartphone
Faculty and staff enrolled in Loyola’s medical plan are encouraged to create an online account with Aetna to manage your health insurance. In addition, your medical information is quickly accessible via the Aetna HealthSM app, which is available for download onto your smartphone. Features include:
- Access the digital version of your member ID card whenever you need it
- View benefits and pay claims for you and your covered dependents
- Track spending and progress toward meeting your deductible
- View your Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
- Search for providers, procedures, and medications
- Receive cost estimates prior to receiving medical care
The Aetna Health app is available in the iOS App Store for iPhones and in Google Play for Android. You may also text "AETNA" to 90156 to receive a link to download the Aetna Health app. Note: Message and data rates may apply.
Reminder: Faculty and staff members enrolled in Loyola’s health insurance for 2020 should have received new insurance cards in the mail in December. If you wish to request additional cards, please call the Aetna Concierge Line (855.586.6958) between 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Use Teladoc for Virtual Medical Assistance
Faculty and staff enrolled in Loyola health insurance for 2020 may access Teladoc virtual medical care. Teladoc provides you with access to independently contracted licensed doctors offering non-emergency medical and pediatric care. In addition, Teladoc doctors can treat a variety of medical conditions remotely and may prescribe medication, if medically necessary. The fee is $40. We encourage you to explore the benefit as the service may be cost-beneficial when compared to an in-person physician or urgent care visit. Plus, Teladoc services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week via online video, mobile app, or phone.
Loyola Credit Union: Lunch & Learn Sessions
The Loyola University Employees Federal Credit Union is excited to announce that Lunch & Learn sessions will be available in February at the Lakeside campuses. In 2020, the Credit Union will conduct a series of monthly FREE information sessions. The information sessions are designed to provide details about membership, including available products and services.
- Wednesday, February 12 | Damen Student Center - SJMPR North (2nd Floor)
Lake Shore Campus - Q&A: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. | Topics: Services, Benefits, & Membership and more
- 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Topic: ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ of Shopping for a Home Mortgage Loan.
- 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. | Topics: Retirement Benefits, Tips to Better Manage Your Money
- Wednesday, February 19 | Lewis Towers – Beane Hall 13th Floor
Water Tower Campus - Q&A: 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Topics: Services, Benefits, & Membership and more
- 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. | Topics: Retirement Benefits, Tips to Better Manage Your Money.
Interested in joining and/or learning more about membership? We encourage you to reserve your seat today! Contact the Loyola Credit Union at 708-216-4500 between 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
February 2020: Participate in the Go Move Challenge
The eighth annual Go Move Challenge is set to begin February 1. During the challenge, participating Jesuit institutions will compete to determine which University is the most active. At the heart of this friendly competition is an opportunity to connect with your colleagues; bond with other AJCU schools; and start the year off right by moving in February, one of the coldest months of the year. Every minute of intentional, physical movement counts!
The first 50 participants to reach and track 500 minutes will win a special prize. In addition, awards will go to the university that tracks the most minutes, including the AJCU institution averaging the most number of minutes per participant, and the region with the most minutes. The challenge runs from February 1 through February 29. Registration is now open. To participate, please signup online.
MLK Celebration: Transformative Thinking
The Executive Council on Diversity & Inclusion invites you to attend the MLK Celebration events scheduled during the week of January 20. Learn more about how local and global activists work to expand Dr. King’s efforts through various social justice and public policy works in an effort to eliminate disparities for marginalized groups.
Perspectives—Personal Development
As we embark upon a new year, faculty and staff members may be interested in exploring new personal development opportunities. The University offers the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as a resource to help find solutions that may be present in daily life. This program is available through Perspectives, and is available to all employees and their families at no additional cost. Resource examples include access to counselors, therapists, supportive materials, and monthly just-in-time online webinars designed to help you live a balanced lifestyle.
Skillsoft: Business Skills – Professional Development
As we prepare for the spring semester, now is a great time to expand our knowledge and sharpen our skills. Human Resources provides a series of free, on-demand, and timely Skillsoft business courses available to faculty and staff members. For example, "Using Communication Strategies to Bridge Cultural Divides" is a course that highlights communication steps that can help individuals build rapport across different cultures to create positive outcomes in the workplace. In addition to audio content, course participants can access job aides and other resources to add to your professional development toolkit. If you have questions regarding any of these updates, please visit LUC.edu/hr.
Sincerely,
Winifred L. Williams, PhD
Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer
Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer
