Annual CMS Benefit Choice Open Enrollment Period
Illinois State University benefit-eligible employees will once again participate in the state’s CMS Open Enrollment from May 1 – May 31 this year. Participation will be available on May 1 by navigating to iPeople and through the “Benefits” tile selection where you will find the “State Employee Benefits Portal.” Some highlights to be aware of this year include additional plan options for McLean County residents, additional vision benefits, and an increase in flexible spending caps. Additional information will be sent to employees via email and also available at the Human Resources Benefit Choice page.
Personal Plus Time usage
Over 140 staff and faculty across campus took advantage of the new Personal Plus Time benefit in the first quarter of 2024. Individuals surveyed indicated that time was used for routine maintenance (home repair/car repair appointments), extending bereavement benefits (additional travel, pet bereavement), civic engagement (volunteering for programs at and outside the University), professional and personal development (attending courses and growth opportunities normally during the workday), childcare and children’s activities (including field trip chaperoning and performance attendance) and more. This benefit of 20 hours for January through June will zero out and refresh for employees in July. Visit the HR website to learn more about Personal Plus Time.
Summertime sees rise in “flexible work”
The University recognizes the importance of balancing the operational needs of departments and campus units with flexible schedules over the summer months. With this recognized need, the University supports flexible work for staff who qualify through policies 3.6.25 and 3.4.12. Requests and approval forms for staff can be found on the HR website.
Sick Leave Bank election closes
As the Sick Leave Bank election closed on Monday, April 15, over 900 employees elected to donate time this year. The Sick Leave Bank serves as a way to alleviate the hardship caused by a serious health condition that forces an employee to take time away from work on an approved leave and for employees on approved Parental Leaves. Elections to donate and participate will again open next year for eligible employees near April 2025. Employees who elected to participate this year will see their election and donation in iPeople in July.
