Benefits elections during VCU’s winter closing, end of year FMLA reminder
Benefits elections during VCU’s winter closing
Enrollment deadlines for state employee benefits remain in effect during VCU’s winter closing. Although VCU observes an alternate holiday schedule, the state plans remain in operation. Please share this important information with new faculty and staff in your area to ensure they do not miss the enrollment deadlines below.
- Faculty and staff newly eligible for health coverage and flexible spending must enroll within the first 30 calendar days of eligibility. For hire dates between November 22 and December 4, 2017, the 30th calendar day deadline falls during VCU’s winter closing.
- New faculty members have 60 calendar days to elect between the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) and the VCU Optional Retirement Plan, and the same 60 days to opt out of the Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP) if they elect VRS. For hire dates between October 23 and November 4, 2017, the 60th calendar day deadline falls during VCU’s winter closing.
For employees who plan to submit elections during the winter closing, submissions can be honored only if received by the following methods that provide receipt date verification. Employees must keep transmission or submission confirmations as proof of meeting the deadline in the event there are any problems with receipt. Acceptable proofs of meeting state deadlines during the winter closing include the following methods:
- Date-stamped fax to ImageNow at (804) 827-8250
- Email tohrdocs@vcu.edu
- For health benefits and flexible spending only: Online election through EmployeeDirect at http://edirect.virginia.gov
- Please do not submit elections/documentation through VCU campus mail during the winter closing
Elections not received by VCU on or before Monday, December 18, 2017, will be processed when VCU reopens for business beginning Wednesday, January 3, 2018. Documentation indicating the appropriate deadline(s) has been met must accompany the elections. Questions? Contact VCU Human Resources at (804) 827-1723 or benefits@vcu.edu.
Time sensitive reminders regarding leave
FMLA: If you have an employee who is on this leave in 2017 and will continue that leave status in 2018, a new FMLA form must be completed for the new year and sent to VCU Human Resources (Campus Box 842511) by Tuesday, January 9, 2018. Appropriate documents can be found at hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/leave/family-and-medical-leave/.
VSDP: Following the January 9, 2018 leave year end date, eServices/VCU Self Service will show the new VSDP (Virginia Sickness and Disability Program) leave accruals for eligible faculty and staff. See also leave summaries under respective employee types at http://hr.vcu.edu/current-employees/leave/.
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