blog posts

• 2021 System Office DELTA Program - Nominations are now being accepted!

  Jan 5, 2021 12:00 pm18 views

  Nominations are now being accepted for the2021 Distinguished Employee Leadership and Team Award (DELTA).

• IMPORTANT: Flex Spending Clarification on Claims Eligibility Period

  Dec 16, 2020 3:00 pm88 views

  If you enrolled in FSA during the IRS extension from 7/1/2020 – 12/31/2020, your claims are eligible for reimbursement from the date of your FSA enrollment through the end of the plan year.

• Update on FFCRA COVID-Related Leave Programs

  Dec 15, 2020 8:00 am146 views

  The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was signed into law this spring to help protect families and workers during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing access to Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical leave related to caregiving needs as a result of COVID-19.

• Annual Update to Long Term Disability (LTD) Premiums

  Dec 4, 2020 3:00 pm58 views

  Participants in the University LTD Plan, you may notice a change to your payroll deduction amount. The deduction is calculated annually, and is effective for the period of December 1, 2020 - November 30, 2021.

• Voluntary Separation and Retirement Programs

  Dec 3, 2020 2:45 pm348 views

  The University of Illinois System must navigate budget challenges resulting from financial impact of the ongoing pandemic. Voluntary programs are available that will provide an incentive opportunity to eligible employees who may wish to retire or resign.

• Deadline December 31: Submit FSA Claims for FY2020

  Dec 2, 2020 8:00 am101 views

  Only a few weeks remain to submit your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) claims for the FY2020 plan year! Any remaining claims for services from July 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020, must be submitted by December 31 for reimbursement.

• Update Your Mailing Address and Consent for Online Tax Forms

  Nov 19, 2020 7:30 am1225 views

  This is a general reminder to all faculty and staff: please review and, if necessary, update your Mailing Address on file with the University of Illinois System for benefits and/or tax purposes.

• System Offices 2020 Holiday Calendar

  Nov 17, 2020 11:00 am133 views

  As we approach the holiday season, please refer to the System HR tool that outlines work days, holidays, and gift days.

• 403(b) and 457 Plan Contribution Limits

  Nov 17, 2020 7:30 am216 views

  The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the supplemental retirement plan contribution limits remain the same for 2021. As a 403(b) or 457 plan participant, the following information and reminders may be helpful to you.

• Update: System Offices COVID-19 Testing

  Nov 11, 2020 11:30 am53 views

  System Offices employees in Urbana may have received this communication from Chancellor Robert Jones regarding changes to COVID-19 procedures for employees located in Urbana. On Tuesday, Interim Chancellor Karen M. Whitney announced immediate mitigations to be taken by all faculty, staff, and students in Springfield. The following is an important update regarding these changes due to the recent increase in positive cases.

• Update: Be Alert for Unemployment Fraud

  Nov 6, 2020 11:00 am223 views

  We recently alerted all University of Illinois System Employees to be aware of widespread identity theft targeting unemployment assistance programs. Please read the important update below.  

  According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), criminals are using the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to file fraudulent claims for unemployment insurance benefits within Illinois and across the U.S.

• Deadline Extended: Professional Staff Leadership Academy (formerly the Academic Professional Leadership Program)

  Nov 5, 2020 10:00 am26 views

  I am excited to share that the Academic Professional Leadership Program has been redesigned to include both civil service and academic professional staff. Under its new name - Professional Staff Leadership Academy -  the program will continue to include a robust group of dynamic speakers, engaging and interactive leadership activities, facility tours, state legislative education, relevant literature reviews, system-wide networking, and a mentor program.  

• System Offices Remote Working Extended

  Nov 5, 2020 8:30 am66 views

  Due to the continued prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been decided that System Offices units will continue current remote work arrangements through February 2021 with a reevaluation of circumstances at that time.

• Webinars Available from SURS, TIAA, and Fidelity!

  Oct 28, 2020 7:30 am72 views

  Are you interested in learning more about retirement planning and investment options available to you as a University of Illinois System employee? Retirement and investment education webinars are being offered by State Universities Retirement System (SURS) and University 403(b) Plan approved investment companies TIAA and Fidelity, in lieu of in-person seminars this fall.

• Flexible Spending Account Changes for FY2020/FY2021!

  Oct 27, 2020 7:30 am92 views

  The Flexible Spending Account (FSA) extended enrollment for Fiscal Year 2021 is available through December 31, 2020! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published guidance that allows additional flexibility for your participation in Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP) and Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP) accounts.

• Be Alert for Unemployment Fraud

  Oct 13, 2020 12:00 pm824 views

  Due to a recent rash of fraud, we urge all faculty and staff to watch for any unusual mail from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and, if necessary, take steps to protect your identity and accounts.

• Know Your U - Wellness Webinars Now Available!

  Oct 12, 2020 11:00 am30 views

  Central Management Services (CMS) offers monthly wellness webinars, presented by Magellan Healthcare. Click on the link to join the webinar, registration is not required. Recorded webinars are also available if you are unable to attend at the scheduled time.

• Review your TIAA Beneficiary Designation

  Oct 7, 2020 1:00 pm86 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.

• Free Seasonal Flu Shots - Chicago

  Oct 7, 2020 8:15 am52 views

  Seasonal flu shots will be available at no charge to UIC employees beginning Monday, October 5 through Friday, October 30, 2020. Appointments are required this year to comply with social distancing guidelines. See Flu Vaccine Employee Instructions for details.

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

  Oct 6, 2020 8:00 am202 views

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

• Update Your Profile on My UI Info

  Oct 2, 2020 8:00 am190 views

  Have you earned a degree or advanced degree recently? Earned or renewed a certification? Or moved to a new address?

  Please review your profile on My UI Info and update with any changes to ensure your information is current.

• NEW from MyBenefits Plus: Auto & Home Insurance

  Sep 23, 2020 11:30 am179 views

  Central Management Services (CMS) announced the addition of group auto & home insurance to MyBenefits Plus, administered by Corestream.  This new program is available to full-time, state benefit-eligible employees as of September 1, 2020.

• Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Sep 23, 2020 8:00 am48 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.

• Have you reviewed your mailing address recently?

  Sep 17, 2020 3:30 pm66 views

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

  To view and update your Mailing Address, go to My UI Info and follow the steps below.

• Free Seasonal Flu Shots - Springfield

  Sep 17, 2020 2:00 pm42 views

  Seasonal flu shots will be available at no charge to state benefit-eligible faculty and staff, beginning Tuesday, October 6th, 2020, after your COVID-19 SHIELD Test at PAC Restaurant.

• Reminder: Verify Your Benefit Choice Elections

  Sep 17, 2020 1:00 pm66 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 Seasonal Flu Shots - Urbana

  Sep 11, 2020 4:00 pm185 views

  Seasonal flu shots will be available at no charge to state benefit-eligible faculty, staff, retirees, and State of Illinois employees, beginning Tuesday, September 15th, 2020, at various locations on campus. See Urbana Flu Shot Clinic for details.

• Keep Your Emergency Contacts Updated

  Sep 10, 2020 1:00 pm92 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.

• SURS Retirement Savings Plan (RSP)

  Sep 8, 2020 12:00 pm226 views

  SURS transitioned from the Self-Managed Plan (SMP) to the redesigned Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) on September 1, 2020. See the SURS website for the announcement and helpful resources.

• Update: Civil Service Vacation Leave Accrual Limit

  Sep 2, 2020 8:00 am782 views

  In April, the Civil Service maximum accrual limit for vacation leave was temporarily lifted due to circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. As we have begun the start of the new academic year and the gradual process of returning to on-site working, the maximum vacation accrual limit will be reinstated.

• Coming Soon: State 457 Plan Changes

  Aug 21, 2020 3:45 pm151 views

  Central Management Services (CMS) announced changes to the State 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (Plan) investment options, effective September 1, 2020, to help you meet your retirement and financial goals.

• Designate and Update Your State Life Insurance Beneficiaries

  Aug 18, 2020 1:45 pm139 views

  If you are eligible for State benefits and do not have a life insurance beneficiary on file with Securian Financial (formerly Minnesota Life), you are strongly encouraged to provide this important information!

• Returning from Leave - State Benefits Coverage

  Aug 18, 2020 11:15 am66 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.

• System Offices COVID-19 Testing

  Aug 17, 2020 4:30 pm102 views

  You may have received an email from the university where you are located regarding COVID-19 testing requirements for the Fall 2020 semester. We would like to answer some questions on how these requirements affect you, as a System Offices employee.

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

  Aug 14, 2020 4:00 pm12 views

  The updated University of Illinois System Statement on Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct, which reflects the U.S. Department of Education’s final regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, is now posted. The final regulations were published on May 19, 2020, and are effective as of today, August 14, 2020.

• Coming Soon! SURS SMP Transition

  Aug 10, 2020 10:00 am181 views

  SURS announced the transition of the SMP to the redesigned Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) coming on September 1, 2020. See the SURS website for the announcement and helpful resources.

• MyBenefits: Review/Add Your Email Address

  Jul 21, 2020 3:45 pm643 views

  Receive State-benefits notices from Central Management Services (CMS) faster by providing your email address!

• IDES Information for Educational Institutions

  Jul 15, 2020 8:00 am187 views

  Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) provided the following announcent:

  You may have heard that a recent change in Illinois law allows non-professional academic employees at a public or private school, college, or university (custodian, teacher’s aide, cafeteria worker, bus driver, security staff, clerical worker, etc.) to use their academic wages to establish unemployment benefits during the summer months and during vacation breaks and holidays this year. This change in the law is limited to March 15, 2020, through January 2, 2021.

• Verify Your Benefit Choice Elections

  Jul 14, 2020 7:00 am268 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 made a Benefit Choice election, you should have received a mailing from CMS at your home address confirming your elections. If you have not already done so, now is a great time to verify your benefit elections and payroll deductions.

• Your Flexible Spending Account: Verify Deductions and Reminder

  Jul 14, 2020 7:00 am157 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.

• Election Day Holiday

  Jul 13, 2020 3:00 pm416 views

  Under legislation signed last month by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, the University of Illinois System will observe a state holiday on this year’s Election Day, November 3, 2020.

  The holiday declaration and other new initiatives such as expansion of mail-in voting are intended to enhance opportunities to vote and to promote voter safety during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

• Review your Fidelity Beneficiary Designation

  Jul 9, 2020 12:00 pm131 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.

• SURS Self-Managed Plan Redesign

  Jul 8, 2020 7:30 am601 views

  SURS announced enhancements coming on September 1, 2020. See the SURS website for the announcement, member materials, and webinar schedule.

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

  Jun 29, 2020 7:00 am253 views

  Are you contributing to a supplemental retirement and investment plan?

  If not, now may be a good time to start!

  As a University of Illinois System employee, two supplemental retirement plans are available to help increase your retirement savings opportunity. Enrollment is voluntary and available at any time.

• System Offices Returning to the Workplace Guidelines

  Jun 25, 2020 2:45 pm208 views

  On Tuesday, June 23rd, System HR hosted a webinar for supervisors and managers to discuss the President’s Management Council guidelines for a very gradual and flexible return to the workplace for system-level employees, unless work responsibilities require office presence.  The first and foremost concern in all of our planning has been the health and safety of employees, students, and broader university communities. These Guidelines were recently approved by the president and vice presidents and will be executed over the next few months.

• Fall Semester Plans

  Jun 18, 2020 3:30 pm0 views

  We are very pleased to announce that on-campus educational activities will resume this fall at the University of Illinois System’s three universities, with a hybrid mixture of in-person and online classes. Of course, our collective decision assumes that Illinois stays on track to meet Phase 4 requirements established by Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan that allow reopening of classrooms.

• Dental Visits – Infection Control Fee

  Jun 15, 2020 7:30 am192 views

  We want you to be aware that due to COVID-19, you may see an infection control fee for personal protective equipment (PPE) used when visiting your dentist.

• Financial Update

  Jun 2, 2020 1:45 pm0 views

  The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the University of Illinois System and on each of us. We are so proud of the dedicated efforts by our faculty and staff to ensure that our missions of teaching, research, public service and economic development have continued with excellence during these challenging times. And despite these stresses, we have taken on new work to combat the virus – pioneering research on medical devices and drug treatments, providing epidemiological modeling to state leaders, issuing data-rich policy analyses, and most importantly, caring for vulnerable patients at UI Hospital and clinics. 

• Academic Vacation Leave Rollover

  Jun 1, 2020 8:00 am192 views

  The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant changes to our current work and living environments, thus affecting our ability to use vacation leave at this time. To enable employees to utilize their earned vacation leave time, vacation leave eligible academic employees (faculty, academic professional, and post docs) will be allowed to rollover five (5) accrued but unused vacation leave days from AY 2019/2020 to be used in AY 2020/2021. The maximum rollover of vacation leave in August 2020 will be 53 days (424 hours). Any days accrued in AY 2019/2020 (up to five (5)), rolled over to AY 2020/2021, must be used on or before August 15, 2021. The maximum vacation leave rollover of 48 days will be reinstated for AY2021/2022. As a reminder, floating holidays must be used by June 30th; unused days do not rollover to the new fiscal year.

• Last Chance: Benefit Choice Ends Monday, June 1!

  May 29, 2020 10:15 am527 views

  Benefit Choice ends Monday, June 1! This is your final reminder to make your State benefit elections or changes for the upcoming plan year on https://MyBenefits.illinois.gov. Elections will be effective July 1, 2020.