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 Life Events >> Beginning Employment  
  1. What health care insurances are available to full-time employees?
  2. The Benefits Enrollment website requires a Penn State Access Account logon - what is that?
  3. What health care insurances are available to part-time employees?
  4. What are the pension plan options?
  5. Can I supplement my retirement account?
  6. Where can I learn more about health care and pension plan options?
  7. What is a Flexible Spending Account?
  8. Are there any tuition discounts available to full-time employees?
  9. Does the University offer any non-credit professional development programs?
  10. What is the Employee Assistance Program?
  11. My partner moved to University Park with me, is there assistance in locating employment for him/her?
  12. To whom can I talk in my college/administrative unit about human resources questions?

  1. What health care insurances are available to full-time employees?
    The University offers a variety of health care options including Preferred Provider Organization (PPO, POS) and Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans, dental and vision plans, prescription drug plans, life insurance, long-term disability, and voluntary death and dismemberment coverages. New employees can enroll in these programs online at: Employee Self- Service Information Center (ESSIC)

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  2. The Benefits Enrollment website requires a Penn State Access Account to logon - what is that?
    A Penn State Access Account is a user ID and password that enables Penn State students, faculty, and staff to use the full range of Internet services on or off campus, at computer labs or on personal computers.

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  3. What health care insurances are available to part-time employees?
    Part-time employees who have two or more years of continuous University service, working at least 750 hours each year, are eligible to participate in a University healthcare plan.  Additional information including details regarding deductions and payments is available from the Employee Benefits Division.

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  4. What are the pension plan options?
    All full-time employees and those part-time employees who have worked 750 hours are required to enroll in one of the University's retirement programs, either the State Employee's Retirement System or TIAA-CREF. In addition, Penn State offers additional opportunities to save for your future through both a 403(b) and 457(b) plans.

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  5. Can I supplement my retirement account?
    Yes, the University offers direct deposit to several 403(b) plans.

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  6. Where can I learn more about health care and pension plan options?
    Several resources are available:
    Staff in the Employee Benefits office, information provided during the new employee orientation sessions, and from your Human Resources Representative.

    7.  

  7. What is a Flexible Spending Account?
    Each of us incurs some cost for our benefits. For some, it may be limited to the amounts that are deducted from each pay for our health care premiums. Others regularly may incur expenses for deductibles or co-payments for health care services. Or, some might incur expenses for child and/or elder care. Flexible benefits allow participants to minimize their tax liability and maximize their purchasing power.

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  8. Are there any tuition discounts available to full-time employees?
    Yes, tuition discounts may be available to full-time employees - please see the following websites for details.

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  9. Does the University offer any non-credit professional development programs?
    A wide-variety of courses are offered to all faculty and staff.

    10.  

  10. What is the Employee Assistance Program?
    The Employee Assistance Program provides Counseling, Wellness and Self-Help information, Crisis Intervention, etc.

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  11. My partner moved to State College with me, is there any assistance in locating employment for him/her?
    Yes, the University does have a Dual Career Employment Assistance Program designed to facilitate the employment process for partners of newly recruited or relocating faculty and staff.

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  12. To whom can I talk in my college/administrative unit about human resources questions?
    Each college/administrative area has an assigned Human Resources Representative. This individual is responsible for the management of the University's human resources program within that specific college or major administrative unit.

    In addition, the central Office of Human Resources has placed a wide variety of information in its website.
Penn State University. Office of Human Resources. Life Events
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