A variety of benefits are available to permanent employees who contribute to the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP):
HEALTH INSURANCE
- State Health Plan
- University contribution for employee coverage
- Optional employee-paid spouse and dependent coverage
VACATION LEAVE
- Earning from 94 to 206 hours per year, based on service; pro rata basis for part-time employees
- May be used for vacation, religious observance, adverse weather, other
- Vacation leave in excess of 240 hours, on December 31 of each year, is converted to sick leave
HOLIDAYS
- 11 paid University holidays (announced annually)
- Holiday premium pay and equal time off for certain University holiday work
SICK LEAVE
- 96 hours earned each year; pro rata basis for part-time employees
- Unlimited accumulation
- May be used for the employee's illness or medical appointment, or for the illness or death of a relative as defined in policy
- One month of retirement service credit allowed for each 20 days or portion of unused sick leave
RETIREMENT
- Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System
- Unreduced retirement benefit with 30 years of service, regardless of age, age 60 with 25 years of service, age 65 with 5 years of service
- Reduced retirement benefits at age 50 with at least 20 years of service, age 60 with a least 5 years of service,
- Death benefit after one year of membership service is equivalent to one year of salary, not less than $25,000, or more than $50,000
- Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) - SPA staff, SAAO's and EPA Faculty may choose to contribute to the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) instead of the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement Fund
DISABILITY INCOME
- Disability Income Plan of North Carolina
- Short-term benefits after one year of membership service
- Long-term benefits after five years of membership service
CREDIT UNION
- Membership open to employees and their family members
- Checking and savings accounts; bank cards; loans
- Payroll deduction for savings and repayment of loans
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
- May enroll in one course per semester with tuition waived
LONGEVITY PAY
- Recognizes aggregate State service of ten years or more for staff employees
- Annual, lump-sum payment of 1.5 to 4.5 percent of annual salary, based on service
FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE
- Available to eligible permanent, probationary, and temporary employees after 1year service
- Up to 12 weeks of leave available for birth and care of a newborn, care for an adopted child, care of a child, spouse, or parent with a serious health condition, or a personal serious health condition
- Continuation of health insurance during leave period
MILITARY LEAVE
- Long-term and short-term available
RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
- Athletic Events
- Gym & Fitness Center Privileges
- Library Privileges
- WCU Bookstore
- Theme Park Discounts
SHIFT PREMIUM PAY
- Additional pay when regularly scheduled to work during the covered hours for eligible employees
TAX DEFERRED INVESTMENT PROGRAM
- 401(k)
- 403(b)
- 457
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
- Accident Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Dependent Care Spending Account
- Financial Planning
- Health Care Spending Account
- Life Insurance
- Long-term Care
- Short-term & Long-term Disability
- Vision
- Workers' Compensation
Each new permanent staff employee attends an Employee Orientation Program which covers all benefit plans in detail. Enrollment requirements and procedures are provided at orientation. If you have questions, please contact:
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
220 HFR Administration Building
Cullowhee, NC 28723
(828) 227-7218
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER