Category: Uncategorized

Lunch & Learn: Learn About and Help with Tech Trails Forest Restoration Project

Join Dr. Andrew Storer and Dr. Sigrid Resh to learn about:

• History of emerald ash borer (EAB) in the Keweenaw
• Tree planting grant to mitigate ash mortality due to EAB
• Community volunteer opportunity to help the health of the forest

This presentation will take place from 12-1pm. Monday, September 23, in the MUB Ballroom A2. 

Feel free to bring your lunch; beverages will be provided.

This free event is open to faculty, staff, students and community members.

Attendance counts toward Husky Health Option 2.

Questions? Contact benefits@mtu.edu

In an effort to connect with the campus community, Human Resources will be releasing a newsletter each semester. You can view the summer semester issue by clicking here.

Please see the link below for information on reporting time during a University closure.

https://www.mtu.edu/hr/docs/university-closure-time-reporting.pdf

Benefit eligible employees who have an annual physical and complete a Health Assessment with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan by December 31, 2017, can earn one of the following incentives:

• $100 deposited into a Health Savings Account (HSA)
• $100 deposited into a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• $100 deposited into Techfit
• $200 deposited into a T2 account (funds may only be used at a Michigan Tech facility)

To complete the Health Assessment through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan:

• Log in to your account at bcbsm.com (You can easily register if you are not currently set up.)

•  Click “Health & Wellness” in the blue bar at the top of the page

•  Click “Take Your Health Assessment” to begin

• Once completed, please print a copy of the confirmation page for your records.

Paper Health Assessment forms will not qualify for the incentive.

Employees who have met the above requirements will be contacted to choose their incentive in 2018. Incentives will be awarded in March 2018. Please read the Wellness Program Notice located online about our voluntary wellness programs.

Contact Benefit Services at benefits@mtu.edu with any questions.

The Retirement Supplemental Voluntary Program (RSVP) is a voluntary retirement program offered to eligible Michigan Tech employees. The enrollment period for which an employee may sign their RSVP election is between July 1 and October 31 and is now open. Employees electing the Monetary Retirement Option must retire on or before June 30, 2018. The monetary retirement option provides a benefit equal to 50% of the eligible employee’s annual salary (9 month salary for faculty) at the time of their actual retirement date. The RSVP cap amount has been increased this year to $74,900 based on the percentage increase in the contribution and benefits base amount established by the Social Security’s Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program.

Prior to electing RSVP, employees must meet with the Benefits Office for a confidential meeting to verify eligibility. RSVP program information may be found online.

RSVP questions may be directed to Benefit Services at 7-2517 or benefits@mtu.edu.

Michigan Tech’s Investment Oversight Committee is committed to periodically reviewing the retirement plans offered with TIAA and Fidelity to make sure they continue to help you meet your retirement and financial goals. Among the things considered are the range of investment options available, performance and value, and whether the Plans give you access to services that complement your account.

As a result of a review in May, the Investment Oversight Committee has been able to lower the expense ratio of several investment options. On August 4, 2017, the share class of several investment options offered through the Plans will change. The new share class will offer you the same investment strategy and risk, but the overall expenses will be lower. Affected employees will receive a communication from Fidelity via U.S. Mail or email.

The Fund changes can be viewed by logging into Fidelity NetBenefitsand selecting Plan Information, then Fund Changes. The changes will take place without any action required on your part. However, if you are not satisfied with how your current investment elections will be modified, you will have the opportunity to make changes by logging into Fidelity NetBenefits or calling 800-343-0860.

If you submit massage therapy claims by fax to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan the number has changed. The new Fax number is 866-392-6519. For more information on how to file a massage therapy claim and to access the claim form, please visit the Benefit Services website.

Human Resources would like to congratulate twenty-five (25) UAW employees for their efforts and time commitment in completing the four UAW Certification courses and receiving their certification.

The following employees completed their certification in December 2016 and April 2017.

Brenda Anttila, Maureen Anton, Cynthia Asiala, Kari Bellin-Sloat, Machel Borsum, Laurie Buschell, Danielle Davis, Coreen Dompier, Kathleen Dorvinen, Erika Erkkila, Penny Foetisch, Laura Givens, Celine Grace, Sandra Kalcich, Erin Kemppainen, Karma Kilpela, Juli Martin, Susan Niemi, Mechelle Normand, Paula Olson, Charlene Page, Stephanie Reed, Christina Sarazin, Pammi Washuleski, and Carol Wingerson.

The four courses are:

• Michigan Tech Specific Course
• Google Suite
• Social Media
• Microsoft Office Suite

Congratulations!