blog posts

• State of Illinois Budget Update

  Jun 2, 2021 8:00 am0 views

  Over the holiday weekend, the Illinois legislature approved a budget for the coming fiscal year that would hold state appropriations at current-year levels for the University of Illinois System. The proposed budget will be sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is expected to sign it into law.

• HSHS Medical Group Provider Coverage for FY22

  May 27, 2021 4:30 pm220 views

  HSHS Medical Group will continue to serve Aetna HMO, Aetna OAP, Quality Care Health Plan (QCHP) and Consumer Driven Health Plan (CDHP) for FY22.

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

  May 26, 2021 8:00 am239 views

  Benefit Choice ends Tuesday, 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, 2021

• Flexible Spending Re-Enrollment and Reminders

  May 26, 2021 8:00 am178 views

  The end of Benefit Choice is June 1. If you haven’t re-enrolled in the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Program for the plan year beginning on July 1, 2021, you have until June 1 to do so at https://MyBenefits.illinois.gov. No action is required if you are not re-enrolling in an FSA or making any other Benefit Choice changes!

• Deadline Approaching: Benefit Choice Ends June 1!

  May 20, 2021 8:00 am125 views

  The last day to make Benefit Choice changes will be here soon! Remember, you only have until June 1 to make your State benefit elections or changes for the upcoming plan year on https://MyBenefits.illinois.gov, including health, dental, life insurance, flexible spending account (MCAP/DCAP) enrollment, and health savings account (HSA) enrollment. Elections will be effective July 1, 2021. For help registering and logging in to MyBenefits, see the MyBenefits FAQs.

• Benefit Choice: Flex Spending Re-enrollment is not automatic!

  May 20, 2021 8:00 am79 views

  Re-enrollment in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is not automatic! To continue participation, you must re-enroll! For more information, see the FSA Program.

• Avijit Ghosh named interim executive VP for U of I System

  May 19, 2021 11:00 am0 views

  Avijit Ghosh, vice president/chief financial officer and comptroller for the University of Illinois System since 2018, has been named interim executive vice president and vice president for academic affairs, effective July 15, President Tim Killeen announced today.

• Salary Program 2021

  May 14, 2021 11:00 am0 views

  I am pleased to announce the authorization of a 2 percent, merit-based salary program for faculty, academic professional and civil service staff across the University of Illinois System, effective August 16, 2021.

• Benefit Choice: Make Your Choices by June 1

  May 14, 2021 8:00 am189 views

  We’re half way through Benefit Choice at https://MyBenefits.illinois.gov! Remember, you have until June 1 to make your State benefit elections or changes for the upcoming plan year. Elections will be effective July 1, 2021. For help registering and logging in to MyBenefits, see the MyBenefits FAQs.

• Benefit Choice: Submit Your Documentation

  May 14, 2021 8:00 am235 views

  If you made a Benefit Choice change that requires supporting documentation, please remember to provide your documents by the deadline!

• CDHP and Health Savings Account Benefit

  May 12, 2021 12:15 pm506 views

  Are you considering the Consumer Driven Health Plan (CDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA) during Benefit Choice this year? The CDHP is a high-deductible health plan as defined by the IRS. CDHP participants may choose any physician or hospital for medical services; however, you receive enhanced benefits, resulting in lower out-of-pocket costs, when receiving services from a CDHP in-network provider. CDHP has a nationwide network of providers through Aetna PPO.

• COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Available

  May 7, 2021 3:15 pm78 views

  Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.

• Expanded Funeral/Bereavement Leave and Parental Leave

  May 3, 2021 8:00 am355 views

  The University of Illinois System is pleased to announce the expansion of funeral/bereavement leave and parental leave for leave benefit-eligible employees. These leave enhancements are effective 8/16/21.

• Barbara J. Wilson named president of the University of Iowa

  Apr 30, 2021 6:30 pm0 views

  Barbara J. Wilson, a longtime University of Illinois faculty member and administrator who has served as second-in-command of the U of I System since 2016, was unanimously approved as president of the University of Iowa today by the Board of Regents.

• Benefit Choice Virtual Benefit Fairs

  Apr 27, 2021 8:00 am198 views

  Do you have questions about changes and plan options available for the FY2022 Benefit Choice period? The State of Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) Benefit Choice Open Enrollment Fairs will be held online throughout the month of May.

• FY 2022 Benefit Choice Announcement

  Apr 26, 2021 8:00 am761 views

  The State Department of Central Management Services (CMS) has announced that the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Benefit Choice enrollment period will begin May 1 and end June 1, 2021.

• Benefit Choice: Save on Taxes with a Flexible Spending Account!

  Apr 22, 2021 12:00 pm147 views

  Have you considered participating in the State of Illinois Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan? If you spend $265 or more per year on recurring eligible medical or dependent care expenses, then you may save money by paying for them with an FSA. You can reduce your taxable income when you contribute to this plan.

• Springfield Clinic Provider Coverage for FY22

  Apr 22, 2021 8:00 am1079 views

  Effective July 1, 2021, Springfield Clinic will no longer have providers available under the HMO Illinois (Physicians Health Association of Illinois (PHAI) Medical Group) or Blue Advantage HMO plans for State of Illinois.

• Urbana: Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund Drive Spring 2021

  Apr 19, 2021 8:00 am18 views

  The Emergency Fund needs your help!

• 2021 Distinguished Employee Leadership and Team Awards

  Apr 16, 2021 10:00 am236 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 am186 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 pm39 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 am617 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 pm1792 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 am432 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 am452 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 pm50 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 am41 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 am33 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 pm95 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 pm153 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 am267 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 am80 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 am3748 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 pm541 views

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

• Announcing the 2021 Professional Staff Leadership Academy Cohort

  Jan 20, 2021 8:30 am175 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 pm41 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 pm148 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 am302 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 pm138 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 pm664 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 am125 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 am1350 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 am153 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 am536 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 am95 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 am367 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 am33 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 am103 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.