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October 2019 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 how you can participate in the upcoming Staff Recognition and Excellence Awards, prepare to elect benefits during Open Enrollment 2020, and more.
Staff Recognition and Excellence Awards
Every year the President’s Office, Human Resources, and University Staff Council host the Staff Recognition and Excellence Awards. The ceremony includes a presentation to staff winners across six categories, highlighting the dedicated support provided by each person who helps to positively impact the campus experience and greater community. We encourage you to nominate a staff member and attend the event, which will take place on November 18 at the Water Tower Campus.
2019 Service Awards
Loyola once again will recognize faculty and staff members who are celebrating service milestones during calendar year 2019 (in increments of five years) with service awards. Divisions and schools also are encouraged to host some form of recognition event to show appreciation for the dedicated service, commitment, and valued contributions of these faculty and staff. Lists of awardees have been distributed to vice presidents, deans, department heads, and managers. Please feel free to send questions related to 2019 service recognition to HR-LSC@LUC.edu.
Benefits Open Enrollment for 2020
The Open Enrollment period for 2020 benefit elections will take place between November 1 and November 15 through Employee Self-Service. This is your annual opportunity to review and make changes to your benefits for you and your family. During Open Enrollment, you can:
- Enroll in or change your medical, dental, or vision plans;
- Enroll or disenroll dependents;
- Enroll or re-enroll in the Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) if enrolling in PPO 1 or PPO 2 medical plan, or the Limited FSA if enrolling in PPO 3 medical plan (re-enrollment in an FSA is required annually, but you can carry over up to $500 of your 2019 Health Care or Limited FSA into 2020 beginning this year); and
- Enroll or re-enroll in the Dependent Care FSA.
To learn more, attend one of the upcoming Information Sessions or Benefits Fairs that are scheduled to take place in October and November. Please visit the Open Enrollment website for more information.
Biometric Screenings
You and your covered spouse or legally domiciled adult (LDA) are required to participate in the biometric screening and complete the Health Power Assessment annually in order to receive a $50 wellness premium reduction each month on your Loyola medical plan.
Visit your doctor or a Quest Diagnostics Lab and submit the appropriate form to the Health Maintenance Institute (HMI). Alternatively, onsite biometric screenings will be available, by appointment only, during select dates and times this fall. Please visit the HMI website to sign up; new users can register with site code L773.
This year, you also have the option to add to your biometric screening, at no cost to you, additional preventive blood tests for complete blood count (CBC), thyroid (TSH), Vitamin D, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA, for males only). These tests are considered preventive services under your medical plan but you must present your Blue Cross Blue Shield medical insurance card in order for these additional screening options to be covered.
Free Flu Shots
Faculty and staff members can receive free flu shots during the onsite biometric screenings at the Lake Shore and Water Tower campuses. No appointment is necessary. Flu shots at the Health Sciences Campus are mandatory each fall and details are forthcoming.
If you are unable to be on campus for your flu shot, flu shots are available at no out-of-pocket cost at any in-network provider office or in-network clinic for members who are enrolled in our Blue Cross Blue Shield medical insurance. Be sure to confirm that the pharmacy accepts your Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage before receiving your vaccination.
Important note: Flu shots are covered under your medical plan, not your pharmacy benefit. You must present your Blue Cross Blue Shield medical card to receive this benefit.
BenefitExpress—Commuter Perk
A Transit Flexible Spending Account (FSA) enables you to set aside funds on a pre-tax basis to pay for eligible workplace mass transit expenses such as the Chicago Transit Authority (Ventra), Pace, Metra, Chicago Water Taxi, and ride shares.
You may now add your commuter benefits debit card to your ride share account—just make sure to select it as your payment method before you make your uberPOOL, Lyft Line, or Via ride request. Learn more here about your commuter ride share options. Interested in enrolling? Please visit www.LoyolaExpress.com.
Weight Watchers—October Perks
Loyola has a partnership with Weight Watchers® (WW) to help you reach your wellness goals—to lose weight, eat healthier, move more, and develop a more positive mindset. WW welcomes everyone who seeks to be healthier, not just those who desire to manage their weight. All employees are eligible for WW’s newly discounted rates and may qualify for reimbursement. In addition, faculty and staff members who purchase a WW membership plan before October 31 may receive a free WW Starter Kit. Learn more online.
Meet One-on-One with a Transamerica Representative
Whether you are in the early stages of your career or getting ready to retire, it is a good idea to review your 403(b) plan account from time to time. During the fall semester, a Transamerica retirement planning consultant will be onsite at each campus to host 30-minute personal retirement planning sessions throughout the day. A retirement planning discussion can help you improve your retirement readiness, understand your investment options, and consolidate previous employer plans into your Loyola Defined Contribution Retirement Plan (DCRP) account.
Please register for a session in advance on the Transamerica website. Appointments are available now through December 18.
EMERGE—Professional Development
Space is available for free EMERGE classes scheduled to take place in October. The program offers personal, professional, and wellness seminars. Whether you are in a leadership role or are a member of a team, you will find a program that helps you increase your knowledge and strengthen your skills. We encourage you to visit the EMERGE website to register for the following courses:
- October 15: Conflict Management (Water Tower Campus)
- October 17: I’m Here for You (Lake Shore Campus)
- October 23: Share the Dream: Undocumented Student Ally Training (Water Tower Campus)
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
