blog posts

• Urbana: Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund Drive Spring 2021

  Apr 19, 2021 8:00 am4 views

  The Emergency Fund needs your help!

• 2021 Distinguished Employee Leadership and Team Awards

  Apr 16, 2021 10:00 am34 views

  We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021 Distinguished Employee Leadership and Team Awards!

• Reminder: Academic Vacation Leave Rollover

  Apr 12, 2021 8:00 am47 views

  Last June, we communicated that all academic employees (faculty, academic professional, and post docs) who are eligible for vacation leave would be allowed to rollover a maximum of 53 (increased from 48) vacation leave days from AY 2019/2020 to be used in AY 2020/2021. Employees who rolled over up to five (5) days of accrued but unused vacation from AY 2019/2020, in addition to the 48 days maximum, must use those extra days by August 15, 2021. The rollover maximum of 48 days will be restored for AY 2021/2022. 

• Be Alert: IRS warns of impersonation email scam

  Apr 1, 2021 12:00 pm12 views

  The IRS is asking colleges and universities to be aware of an IRS-impersonation scam, which appears to primarily target educational institutions, including students and staff, who have .edu email addresses. We have not yet received any reports of employees receiving these scam emails nor becoming victims. Please be careful and protect your personal information.

• Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Mar 31, 2021 8:00 am20 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.

• Schedule of Approved Holidays for FY22

  Mar 30, 2021 1:45 pm136 views

  The schedule of approved holidays for fiscal year 2022 is below.

• Gift Days 2021

  Mar 30, 2021 10:00 am0 views

  We are pleased to announce that additional paid days off will again be provided during the December/January holidays, reflecting just how much we appreciate everything you do – especially in this most stressful and challenging of years.

• American Rescue Plan Act extends COVID-related leave

  Mar 29, 2021 7:00 am30 views

  The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was recently signed into law. This Act extends and renews emergency paid sick and family leave provisions, which were originally enacted by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), through September 30, 2021.

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

  Mar 9, 2021 8:00 am225 views

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

• IRS Offers Tips for Unemployment Fraud

  Mar 2, 2021 12:00 pm29 views

  We alerted you last fall of the widespread identity theft targeting unemployment assistance programs occurring as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now we want to pass along helpful information from the IRS for employees who experienced identity theft involving unemployment benefits.

• CMS Webinar Monday 2/22 - Exploring Disparities in Black Heart Health

  Feb 19, 2021 8:30 am22 views

  A special presentation by CMS and Be Well Illinois is available on Monday, February 22, at 11AM.

• America Saves Week

  Feb 18, 2021 8:00 am28 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.

• Phishing Email Alert: SURS Retirement Counseling

  Feb 11, 2021 3:15 pm86 views

  This is a reminder to be cautious of email solicitations requesting personal or financial information.

  SURS has reported that many members have recently received unsolicited and potentially misleading emails offering retirement counseling from companies not affiliated with SURS. While these emails appear to come from SURS, they do not.

• Know Your Approved Retirement Plan Representatives

  Feb 9, 2021 3:45 pm96 views

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

• Review Your Beneficiaries: State Life Insurance

  Feb 3, 2021 8:00 am184 views

  Have you designated or reviewed your beneficiaries for your State of Illinois Life Insurance coverage? We recommend that you periodically review your beneficiary designations for your Securian Financial (Minnesota Life) coverage and make a designation if you haven't already!

• Apply Now for the System Offices Educational Funding Program

  Feb 1, 2021 8:00 am48 views

  The System Offices Educational Funding Program is now accepting applications! System Office Academic Professional and Civil Service employees who meet the eligibility requirements and are in a degree seeking program may apply. Employees may receive up to $2,500 toward the pursuit of a degree related to their current position. Requests may include multiple years (up to three) for multi-year programs for a total of up to $7,500 per person.

• Vacation and Sick Leave Changes for Overtime Exempt Civil Service Staff

  Jan 29, 2021 8:00 am270 views

  We write today to share information related to our vacation and sick leave policies. In 2018, as the University of Illinois System assessed the impact of a change in the State Universities Civil Service System procedures, we identified an opportunity to standardize time reporting, and vacation and sick leave benefits and their usage, for our civil service employees who are exempt from overtime per the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). 

• 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan - 2021 Universal Availability Notice

  Jan 20, 2021 12:00 pm270 views

  403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan - 2021 Universal Availability Notice

• Announcing the 2021 Professional Staff Leadership Academy Cohort

  Jan 20, 2021 8:30 am22 views

  We are delighted to announce the selected participants for the 2021 Professional Staff Leadership Academy (PSLA), formerly called the Academic Professional Leadership Program (APLP). As a reminder, APLP was redesigned this year to include both academic professional and civil service staff so we changed the name to reflect that.

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

  Jan 5, 2021 12:00 pm39 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 pm147 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 am234 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 pm88 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 pm446 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 am108 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 am1311 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 am143 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 am256 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 am55 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 am281 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 am80 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 am101 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 pm945 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 am32 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 pm88 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 am224 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 am191 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 am55 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 pm187 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 pm299 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 am984 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.