Four improved University of Notre Dame employee benefit programs now provide faculty and staff more time and flexibility to manage their personal and professional lives.
The programs, which took effect July 1, 2016, include University-subsidized backup dependent care, paid parental leave for both parents, short-term income replacement with incidental days for non-exempt staff, and increased educational benefits.
An overview of the enhancements can be found here.
To learn more about the new benefits, drop by for a one-on-one conversation with a benefits specialist. Assistance is available first-come, first-served — no RSVP required. Help sessions are scheduled Friday, July 8; Thursday, July 14; and Tuesday, July 19. The sessions are 10-11 a.m. in 200 Grace Hall.
The improvements follow the University’s consideration of many comments and suggestions received from faculty and staff. “Each of these benefits responds to common concerns heard in town hall meetings, committees, surveys or Bright Ideas submissions,” says Bob McQuade, vice president of human resources. “These are the programs that you’ve asked for — benefits that help Notre Dame keep and attract top talent and remain a work place of choice.”
The programs, which build on last year’s redesign of Notre Dame’s medical plans, also align with the guiding principles underlying that redesign: choice, well-being, affordability, education and competitiveness.
McQuade notes that the changes match or exceed the offerings of Notre Dame’s private peer institutions in the American Association of Universities. “The result,” says McQuade, “is a more family-friendly work environment,” allowing more flexibility and security for those who have family obligations, educational or development goals, or unexpected illnesses.
While the programs were announced by President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., in February’s town hall meetings, the programs continued to be revised in the weeks that followed. For example, the level of income replacement for non-exempt staff with an extended illness was increased to 100 percent, aligning the short term income replacement benefit with the benefit for exempt staff.
“These programs reflect our continuing commitment to make Notre Dame a great place to work,” McQuade wrote in a recent letter to staff.
To help staff and faculty learn more about the new benefits, information sessions and help sessions have been held at various locations throughout campus. For some departments on campus, sessions have also been held during department meetings. To learn more about the new or improved benefits offerings, visit hr.nd.edu.
Contact Human Resources at 574-631-5900.