blog posts

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  Designate or Review Your Beneficiaries: State Life Insurance

  Apr 12, 2023 8:00 am62 views

  Ensure your life insurance benefits are distributed according to your wishes by designating or reviewing your beneficiary designations for your State of Illinois Life Insurance coverage.

• MyBenefits: Review/Add Your Email Address

  Apr 6, 2023 8:00 am41 views

  Receive State-benefits notices from MyBenefits faster by providing your email address!

• Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Apr 5, 2023 8:00 am39 views

  You are encouraged to use in-network providers to receive the best value from your health plan. No matter which plan you are enrolled in, receiving health care from an out-of-network provider will significantly increase your out-of-pocket medical costs.

• SURS Webinars and Recordings Available

  Apr 4, 2023 8:00 am52 views

  Are you interested in learning more about the State Universities Retirement System (SURS)? 

  SURS offers webinars for members at different stages of their careers. Recorded sessions are available to play on-demand, or you may register to attend a live session. 

• Live Retirement and Investment Webinars Available

  Mar 20, 2023 4:00 pm42 views

  Fidelity Investments and TIAA are offering live retirement education webinars this spring. These webinars are designed to help you learn more about your retirement planning and investment options as a University 403(b) Plan participant. 

• SURS Updates: Spring Stakeholders Meeting

  Mar 13, 2023 8:00 am26 views

  SURS participants are invited to attend the SURS Virtual Spring Townhall and Stakeholders Meeting on April 13th, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST. This semi-annual webinar, offered each Spring and Fall, is an opportunity to hear updates from SURS about SURS benefits, investments, legislation, and funding. 

• Are You Retiring or Separating from the University of Illinois System?

  Mar 8, 2023 8:00 am83 views

  You may be eligible to defer unused vacation leave into the University 403(b) or State or SURS 457 retirement plans.

• My UI Info Race/Ethnicity Designation

  Mar 1, 2023 10:15 am33 views

  The University of Illinois System strives to be an inclusive environment, which includes giving you the opportunity to specify your race/ethnicity to the university. A new option has been added to My UI Info which will allow you to indicate Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) as your race/ethnicity if you identify as such.

• America Saves Week

  Feb 23, 2023 10:00 am23 views

  Next week marks America Saves Week, an opportunity to focus on your savings strategy. University of Illinois System approved 403(b) retirement plan investment companies, TIAA and Fidelity Investments, offer tips and resources to help you get into a saving mindset.

• LTD Plan Open Enrollment Begins February 20

  Feb 20, 2023 9:00 am346 views

  Open Enrollment for the University Supplemental Long Term Disability (LTD) Plan is available now through March 10, 2023!

• Know Your Approved Retirement Plan Representatives

  Feb 16, 2023 10:00 am71 views

  Be wary of callers attempting to discuss financial investments. Only a few representatives from investment companies are approved to discuss retirement planning.

• Coming Soon: Open Enrollment for University Long Term Disability Plan

  Feb 13, 2023 9:00 am43 views

  You may be eligible for the University Supplemental Long Term Disability (LTD) Plan. This voluntary plan is a supplement to the State Universities Retirement System (SURS) disability benefit and may provide additional coverage if you become unable to work due to sickness or injury.

• Keep Your Emergency Contacts Updated

  Feb 8, 2023 7:00 am87 views

  Do you have emergency contacts on file with the University of Illinois System? Are they current? 

  It is important to keep up-to-date emergency contact information on file, so U of I System representatives know who to call on your behalf in the unfortunate event of an emergency or accident.

• Family Bereavement Leave Act

  Feb 3, 2023 8:45 am282 views

  The State of Illinois Family Bereavement Act, effective January 1, 2023, includes leave provisions allowing eligible employees to take up to ten days of unpaid leave following a qualifying event involving a covered family member.

• February 2023 Wellness Connection

  Feb 1, 2023 1:00 pm0 views

  The February 2023 Wellness Connection Newsletter is now available! In this issue: Heart Health, Chupe de Camarones (Peruvian Shrimp Chowder), Cancer Doesn't Wait and Neither Should You, and Interview with Ann Marie Jack Haluzak.

• 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan - 2023 Universal Availability Notice

  Jan 26, 2023 10:00 am187 views

  403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan - 2023 Universal Availability Notice

• Announcing the 2023 Professional Staff Leadership Academy Cohort

  Jan 26, 2023 10:00 am133 views

  We are delighted to announce the selected participants for the 2023 Professional Staff Leadership Academy (PSLA). PSLA is designed to foster a culture of dynamic and transformational leadership for academic professional and professional civil service staff throughout the University of Illinois System.

• 2023 System Office DELTA Program - Nominations are now being accepted!

  Jan 17, 2023 10:00 am50 views

  Nominations are now being accepted for the 2023 Distinguished Employee Leadership and Team Award (DELTA).

• Update Your Mailing Address and Consent for Online Tax Forms

  Dec 8, 2022 1:00 pm2193 views

  Have you moved this year? If you receive your tax forms (e.g., W-2, 1042-S) via Postal Mail, it’s important to update your Mailing Address before December 31, 2022.  Foreign National employees will also have to update their address with the Foreign National Service Center by submitting a ticket at UPB Service Portal.

• Designate or Review Your Beneficiaries: State Life Insurance

  Dec 8, 2022 8:00 am208 views

  Ensure your life insurance benefits are distributed according to your wishes by designating or reviewing your beneficiary designations for your State of Illinois Life Insurance coverage

• Annual Update to Long Term Disability (LTD) Premiums

  Dec 6, 2022 8:00 am107 views

  Participants in the University LTD Plan may notice a change to your payroll deduction amount. The deduction is calculated annually and is effective for the period of December 1, 2022 - November 30, 2023.

• Updated Federal Employment Poster: Know Your Rights

  Dec 2, 2022 11:00 am61 views

  The U.S. Department of Labor recently updated their Know Your Rights labor law poster that outlines important information regarding workplace discrimination. You may access and review this poster on the System Human Resource Services Required Federal and State Posters webpage. Your HR office also has this information posted so it may be reviewed when working on-site.

• System Offices November/December/January (2022 - 2023) Year-End Calendar

  Nov 21, 2022 3:15 pm145 views

  As we approach the December/January (2022-2023) year-end calendar, please refer to the System HR tool that outlines work days, paid holidays and gift days, how to report leave time, and timesheet/payroll deadlines.  

• COVID-19 Restored Sick Leave and Retroactive Paid Administrative Leave

  Nov 10, 2022 9:00 am315 views

  You may be eligible to request the restoration of certain leave or unpaid time taken for qualifying COVID-related reasons. In accordance with Illinois Public Act 102-0697 the University of Illinois System offers COVID-19 Restored Sick Leave and Retroactive Paid Administrative Leave to eligible employees.

• 403(b) and 457 Plan Contribution Limits Increasing

  Nov 7, 2022 4:00 pm1660 views

  The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the supplemental retirement plan contribution limits will increase for 2023. As a 403(b) or 457 plan participant, the following information and reminders may be helpful to you.

• November 2022 Wellness Connection

  Nov 3, 2022 1:00 pm4 views

  The November 2022 Wellness Connection Newsletter is now available! In this issue: Caring for Yourself as a Caregiver, Gallo Pinto (Rice and Beans Costa Rican dish), Take a Proactive Approach this Winter to Combatting SAD, Having the Talk, Interview with Marcy Kujawski, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Counselor, Faculty Staff Assistance Services.

• Keep Your Personal Information Updated

  Oct 26, 2022 11:00 am139 views

  Have you reviewed your personal information on file with the University of Illinois System, such as your address and phone number? 

  It is important to regularly review and update other information such as address, phone number, gender, ethnicity, marital status, and disability status to ensure your information on file is current and accurate. Your information is kept confidential and emergency contact information is accessed only in the case of a personal emergency and will never be made publicly available.

• Review your TIAA Beneficiary Designation

  Oct 24, 2022 10:00 am54 views

  Control where your University of Illinois TIAA 403(b) inheritance goes! Life changes, and so do your wants and needs. If something happens to you, make sure your beneficiary information reflects your current wishes.

• Review your Fidelity Beneficiary Designation

  Oct 24, 2022 10:00 am80 views

  Control where your University of Illinois Fidelity 403(b) inheritance goes! Life changes, and so do your wants and needs. If something happens to you, make sure your beneficiary information reflects your current wishes.

• Suspicious Email: Retirement and Pension Meetings

  Oct 19, 2022 1:30 pm51 views

  We are aware that many University of Illinois System employees may have received a suspicious email this morning urging employees to schedule a retirement consultation. That email is NOT from an approved retirement plan vendor, and you should exercise caution. Please be cautious whenever you receive email from unknown sources.

• Election Day Holiday

  Oct 12, 2022 4:00 pm540 views

  Everyone is encouraged to vote during the upcoming general election. Following is a general reminder about time off to vote.

• Live Retirement Education Webinars Available

  Oct 12, 2022 3:45 pm74 views

  Fidelity Investments and TIAA are offering live retirement education webinars this fall. These webinars are designed to help you learn more about your retirement planning and investment options as a University 403(b) Plan participant.

• Are You Retiring or Separating from the University of Illinois System?

  Oct 4, 2022 8:00 am150 views

  You may be eligible to defer unused vacation leave into the University 403(b) or State or SURS 457 retirement plans.

• Professional Staff Leadership Academy Application for 2023 Cohort

  Oct 3, 2022 8:30 am27 views

  The Professional Staff Leadership Academy is a system-wide leadership program for academic professional and professional civil service employees meant to foster and sustain a culture of exceptional, dynamic, and transformational leadership at all levels throughout the University of Illinois System.

• SURS Webinars and Recordings Available

  Oct 3, 2022 8:00 am94 views

  Are you interested in learning more about the State Universities Retirement System (SURS)?

  SURS offers webinars for members at different stages of their careers. Recorded sessions are available to play on-demand, or you may register to attend a live session.

• Reminder: Verify Your Benefit Choice Elections

  Sep 29, 2022 8:00 am142 views

  The new plan year for State benefits (health/vision, dental, and life insurance, and flexible spending accounts) started on July 1, and any changes you made during Benefit Choice are now in effect. If you have not already done so, now is a great time to verify your benefit elections and payroll deductions.

• Free Flu Shots for State Health Plan Participants

  Sep 26, 2022 4:00 pm149 views

  Seasonal flu shots are available at no charge to faculty, staff, and retirees that are state health plan participants.

• Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Sep 22, 2022 8:00 am334 views

  You are encouraged to use in-network providers to receive the best value from your health plan. No matter which plan you are enrolled in, receiving health care from an out-of-network provider will significantly increase your out-of-pocket medical costs.

• University of Illinois System Statement on Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct

  Sep 16, 2022 11:00 am34 views

  The University of Illinois System Statement on Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct is available on the System HR website. Please take a few minutes to review this important information.

• Review/Update Your Mailing Address

  Sep 16, 2022 10:00 am103 views

  Please make sure your Mailing Address is current and correct so that you receive important information for employment and tax purposes.

• Deadline September 30: Submit FSA Claims for FY2022

  Sep 15, 2022 8:00 am66 views

  Only a few weeks remain to submit your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) claims for the FY2022 plan year! You are receiving this email because our records indicate that you participated in an FSA during FY202. Any remaining claims for services from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, must be submitted by September 30 for reimbursement.

• Deadline Approaching: Public Service Loan Forgiveness Limited Waiver

  Aug 26, 2022 3:00 pm307 views

  This is a general reminder of interest to employees with student loans.

  The Biden-Harris Administration recently made an announcement about a new student debt relief plan. To be notified when the new process has officially opened, sign up at the Department of Education site. However, please remember that a different existing loan forgiveness program has an upcoming deadline on October 31, 2022.

• The New Training and Development Resources Website is Live

  Aug 18, 2022 9:30 am137 views

  I am excited to announce that the new Training and Development Resources website is now live.

• Returning from Leave - State Benefits Coverage

  Aug 17, 2022 11:00 am74 views

  During an unpaid leave, Central Management Services (CMS) mails bills directly to State benefit participants, and bills are to be paid in full to CMS. Failing to pay premium bills can result in your coverage being terminated.

• Coming soon! New Training and Development Resources website

  Aug 11, 2022 8:30 am65 views

  I am excited to announce the upcoming release of the Training and Development Resources website, launching Thursday, August 18. The new site will centralize all training materials owned and managed by System Office units into a single location.

   

• Federal and State Employment Posters

  Aug 3, 2022 1:00 pm78 views

  Each state and U.S. Department of Labor provide labor law posters that, by mandate, must be posted so that all employees, including those working remotely, may access pertinent labor law information. These posters serve the important purpose of notifying workers of certain rights under employment laws. You may access and review the posters on the System Human Resource Services Required Federal and State Posters webpage.

• August 2022 Wellness Connection

  Aug 3, 2022 1:00 pm0 views

  The August 2022 Wellness Connection Newsletter is now available! In this issue: Color Your Plate, Tostadas de Pollo (Chichek Tostadas), Healthy Boundaries are a Form of Self-Care, Wellness and Wellbeing for Pets, Interview with UI Stride Know Your System Individual & Team Winners.

• Saving For Your Future? Supplemental Retirement Plans Can Help!

  Jul 19, 2022 8:00 am132 views

  Are you contributing to a supplemental retirement and investment plan? If not, now may be a good time to start!

  The University 403(b) Plan is one of three supplemental retirement plans available to help you start or increase your retirement savings. Enrollment is voluntary and available at any time.

• State Deferred Comp Plan: Empower Now Live

  Jul 15, 2022 2:00 pm333 views

  The State of Illinois Deferred Compensation 457 Plan recordkeeping transition from T. Rowe Price to Empower is now complete. You can log into the Empower site to view your account.

• Your Flexible Spending Account: Verify Deductions and Reminder

  Jul 13, 2022 8:00 am109 views

  At the beginning of a new benefit year, it’s a good idea to review your payroll deductions to ensure the appropriate amounts are being withheld. You should view the benefit deductions on your Earnings Statement to ensure your FSA deductions and other benefit deductions are correct.