Human Resources News Blog

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Reminder

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Benefit Services would like to remind employees that Michigan Tech offers an employee assistance program with Northstar Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to provide services to eligible faculty and staff, and their spouses and dependents.

Employees have free access to Northstar EAP’s counseling services (up to eight sessions per year) and their website, which has links to helpful information. This service is there to help manage issues that may be impacting your personal and work life. Areas of expertise include stress, depression, family and marital issues, work relationships, alcohol and substance abuse and grief.

Northstar EAP provides local counselors who will provide an assessment and support, all in a confidential and comfortable setting. Confidentiality is maintained in accordance with privacy laws and professional ethical standards. The University will not be notified when EAP services are requested or used.

To set up an appointment call 906-225-3145, or schedule an appointment online at Northstar

September News Letter 2017 

 

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Health Risk Assessment (HRA) Incentive

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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.

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RSVP Open Enrollment

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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.

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Good News for Fidelity Participants

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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.

 

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Employee Wellness Amazing Challenge

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The Employee Wellness Amazing Challenge will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 29.

If you’re not familiar with Amazing Challenge, it’s loosely based on the TV show “The Amazing Race.” Teams complete a series of challenges while they race toward the finish line. Challenges are a mix of physical activity and mental challenges or puzzles. Each challenge needs to be completed in order to receive a clue to move forward. While this can be a competitive race for many teams; this can also be a fun family event completed at your own pace. The challenge usually takes 2-3 hours to complete.

Start thinking about building a team of colleagues, friends or family. Michigan Tech retirees are welcome. Teams are limited to four adults, although for those teams that are made up of families with young children, we do allow more than four members. Register here.  The registration deadline is July 7, 2017, at 5 pm.

The winning team gets bragging rights as the Amazing Challenge winner. HuskyPAW members will receive bonus points for participating.

Volunteers are needed for this event. If interested contact Shannon Brodeur.

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Newly Trained Conflict Resolution Mediators

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Human Resources would like to congratulate sixteen (16) Michigan Tech staff on their completion of the UPCAP Resolution Services Training. The training consisted of forty (40) hours of in-class work which included role-playing conflict scenarios as well as coaching from local area mediators.

Please, congratulate the following staff on their completion.

  • Amber Groustra
  • Johnny Diaz
  • Susan Sullivan
  • Cori Massoglia
  • Heidi Reid
  • Ashley DeVoge
  • Jen Wall
  • Kellie Raffaelli
  • Madeline Mercado Voelker
  • Brenda Rudiger
  • Ann Kitalong-Will
  • Wanda Joseph (Mediation Trainer)
  • Theresa Jacques
  • Brian Hutzler
  • Angela Hoffman
  • Zack Rubinstein
  • Andrew Miles

mediators

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Updates for the Human Resources Web page

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Human Resources is excited to introduce our new web page.  With this recent conversion to the new web page format, we are able to provide a more user-friendly space that assists staff, faculty, students, and retirees in finding the resources they’re looking for.

As part of the new look, Payroll Services is easier to locate with new resources such as time entry earn codes, frequently asked questions, and payroll news (https://blogs.mtu.edu/payroll/).

We invite you to visit https://www.mtu.edu/hr/ and contact Human Resources with any additional questions at 906-487-2280.

 

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UAW Certification Program Graduates

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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!

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