7.0 Fringe Benefits
7.0 FRINGE BENEFITS
The following description of fringe benefits available at the University is subject to modification at any time without additional notice by action of the Board of Governors, by the Administration to whom authority to modify benefit programs has been given, or as required by law. While the University expects to continue these benefit plans, it has the right to amend or terminate any benefit plan. All benefits in Chapter 7 are provided to full-time regular employees (as defined in Section 3.9.a of this handbook).
Part-time employees may receive selected benefits that are extended to full-time employees. To be eligible for these specific benefits, part-time employees must work a minimum of eight consecutive weeks with an average of 20 hours per week. Benefits for part-time employees are limited to the following: direct deposit of salary, Social Security, Workers' Compensation, and unemployment compensation. By obtaining a ZipCard, the following University services and facilities are available to part-time employees: Bursar's Office (check cashing); Taylor Health and Wellness Center; Bookstore discount; Library; recreation facilities including Hammons Student Center, Plaster Sports Complex, and Plaster Student Union; employee discounts including athletic events and designated performing arts activities; and employee ticket privileges for convocations and lectures.
All full-time regular employees are provided the following insurance benefits. Insurance benefits are not extended to part-time employees. The descriptive statement provided for each benefit is a summary statement. Detailed information on the various insurance coverages is available in the employee benefit booklets issued during orientation; copies are also available in the Office of Human Resources or on the Human Resources web page. Insurance and Cafeteria Plan claim forms are available in the Office of Human Resources or they can be downloaded from the Human Resources web page.
Full-time employees electing to be covered under the University's medical insurance plan will contribute a portion of the cost for their coverage. The amount of the contribution will be established annually. Employees may decline the University's medical coverage by completing a Declination of Coverage form. Coverage for new employees becomes effective as specified in the Medical Insurance booklet. Employees may cover their spouses and/or eligible children under the University's group medical plan. If family coverage is elected, the employee pays the monthly premium through payroll deduction.
The University pays the full cost for employee dental coverage. Employees may decline the University's dental insurance coverage by completing a Declination of Coverage form. Coverage for new employees becomes effective as specified in the Dental Insurance booklet. Employees may cover their spouses and/or eligible children under the University's group dental plan. If family coverage is elected, the employee pays the monthly premium through payroll deduction.
The University provides and pays for basic group term life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Employees may purchase additional term life insurance coverage (called supplemental life insurance) on themselves. Employees also may purchase dependent life insurance coverage on spouses and/or children. The premiums for any additional coverage are paid by the employee through payroll deduction.
7.1.d Long-Term Care Insurance
Full-time regular employees and their spouses, parents and parents-in-law as well as retirees and their spouses, are eligible to apply for Long-Term Care insurance and have the premiums paid through payroll deduction. Because the University does not contribute to the cost of an employee's Long-Term Care insurance policy, purchasing a policy is completely voluntary. Long-Term Care insurance provides coverage for a wide range of personal care, health care and social services for people of all ages who can no longer care for themselves due to chronic illness, long-lasting disability, or the effects of aging. Most health care plans do not cover the costs associated with such care and Medicare provides very limited coverage. Employees who elect to purchase a Long-Term Care policy within 31 days of employment are not required to answer questions about their health. Employees who apply for coverage after 31 days of employment, as well as spouses, retirees, parents, and parents-in-law must answer questions about their health before their applications will be considered by the insurance company.
7.1.e Long-Term Disability Insurance
The University provides Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance at no cost to the employee. LTD insurance covers disabilities resulting from accidental bodily injury, illness, or pregnancy, upon completion of an eligibility waiting period. Under this insurance coverage, employees who are disabled for either 180 days or the expiration of their accrued sick leave (whichever is greater) because of injury or illness (as defined in the Long-Term Disability Benefit Booklet) are eligible to receive a benefit equal to 60 percent of their monthly earnings up to a maximum benefit of $10,000 per month (minus any other income benefits such as workers' compensation benefits, retirement benefits, Social Security Disability benefits).
The University participates in the Missouri State Employees' Cafeteria Plan which allows full-time regular employees to contribute to certain benefit plans on a before-tax basis. The plan allows employee contributions for optional insurance coverage and flexible spending accounts for reimbursable health care expenses and child/dependent care expenses to be taken out of each paycheck before taxes are calculated. Under current tax law, any before-tax benefit payments made through the plan will not be subject to federal income tax, state income tax, or social security taxes. As a result, the taxes withheld from an employee's paycheck are less.
It is important to understand how the plan works and its restrictions before choosing to participate. As an example, participation in the flexible spending accounts requires employees to estimate their allowable expenses for the plan year. Funds remaining in the accounts past the filing deadline at the end of the plan year are forfeited to the State of Missouri. Additional guidelines, the Enrollment Agreement form, and other important information concerning the Cafeteria Plan are available in the Office of Human Resources, or online at: http://www.mocafe.com. Participation in the plan is voluntary.
All full-time regular employees are enrolled as members of the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System, referred to as MOSERS. Part-time regular employees who work 1,000 hours or more on a regular basis are eligible for enrollment in MOSERS. MOSERS is a non-contributory, public, defined benefit retirement plan and is funded entirely by University contributions. An employee is vested upon reaching five years of creditable service in the retirement system. Eligibility and length of service requirements for normal retirement and early retirement are described fully in the MOSERS General Employees' Retirement Handbook. The provisions of the retirement program described in this handbook are subject to change to comply with MOSERS requirements.
Applications for retirement must be submitted to MOSERS at least 30 days before the desired retirement date; failing to do so can delay retirement. Employees are encouraged, however, to contact the Office of Human Resources 90 days prior to their anticipated retirement date to schedule an appointment to begin preparing the application for retirement. The Office of Human Resources will assist in preparing all relevant retirement paperwork. During the appointment, a representative from Human Resources will explain the various retirement plans and options. Employees should bring a copy of their birth certificate and if married, a copy of the spouse's birth certificate and a copy of the marriage certificate.
All employees are required to participate in the Federal Social Security Program. Employee contributions are made by payroll deduction, with the University contributing an equal portion.
7.2.c Benefits Available to Retired Employees
The University extends a number of employee benefits to its retired employees in recognition of their dedication and loyal service to Missouri State University. These benefits include a retired employee's identification card (ZipCard), use of the University's Taylor Health and Wellness Center and pharmacy, personal check cashing privileges at the Bursar's Office, use of the Faculty/Staff Charge Account, library privileges, use of campus recreational facilities, employee discounts on purchases in the bookstore, admission to athletic events and cultural programs at reduced employee rates, and admission to convocations and lectures. Retirees may also obtain an identification card (ZipCard) for their spouse. Retirees may continue to be covered under the University's medical insurance by meeting the eligibility criteria specified in the Medical Insurance booklet and by making the required contributions. Continuation of the life insurance coverages is available at the time of retirement. Refer to the benefit plan booklets for applicable provisions. Retired employees also may enroll in one college course each semester and have their required student fees paid by the University. If this benefit is used for a course held during an intersession, it will count for the corresponding regular semester. This waiver of fees benefit can be assigned to the eligible dependent children of a retiree as described below, but it cannot be assigned to the retiree's spouse.
A retiree's eligible dependent children who enroll at Missouri State University are extended the same educational benefit available to the eligible dependent children of a full-time regular employee as described in Section 7.4.a of this handbook. Under no circumstances, however, may the retiree and his/her dependent children together receive a waiver of required student fees for more than a total of 12 credit hours per academic year (12-month period beginning with the fall semester). Eligibility of dependent children of a retiree for this benefit will be determined according to the eligibility standards set forth for dependents of employees as listed in Section 7.4.a of this handbook. This benefit is not applicable to out-of-state fees, book costs, or any special fee pertaining to a specific class or private instruction. The eligible dependent must pay the required student fees for all college-level courses taken over the 12 credit hours per academic year covered under this program. To receive this required student fee waiver benefit for eligible dependent children, the retiree must submit a completed Request for Credit Course Fee Waiver form to the Office of Human Resources at least five working days prior to the eligible dependent registering.
In addition to the benefits listed above, the University recognizes the contributions of its retiring employees at an annual Staff Recognition Luncheon. Retirees' names and addresses also are maintained on a mailing list for special mailings about University activities and events.
7.2.d Benefits Available to Emeritus Employees
Emeritus status may be granted to retiring staff and administrative employees as a special recognition for exemplary work performance and outstanding, loyal, and dedicated service to the University. To be eligible for consideration for Emeritus status, the employee must be in retirement status, must have had 10 years of service in a full-time regular position, and must have the approval of the appropriate administrative officials and the Board of Governors. Emeritus staff members are listed in the Missouri State University Directory, are entitled to all the benefits previously listed for retirees, receive invitations to special events held throughout the year, and receive a President's Parking Pass. (See Section 8.8 of this handbook for additional information about Emeritus status).
7.3 403(b) TAX-SHELTERED INVESTMENT PROGRAM
Full-time and part-time regular employees are eligible to participate in a tax-sheltered investment program authorized under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code through payroll deduction. The 403(b) program provides employees with the means for setting aside a portion of their current earnings for retirement and having that amount removed from current taxable income. At retirement, when employees receive the benefits from the tax-sheltered investment, they must include those payments as taxable income.
Employees interested in participating in a 403(b) tax-sheltered investment program should contact an agent affiliated with a company that has been approved to offer annuity policies to Missouri State University employees. A list of companies presently approved to offer such tax-sheltered investment programs for Missouri State University employees is available either on the web at http://www.missouristate.edu/human/approv.html or from the Office of Human Resources. Decisions about which company, agent, policy provisions, and amount of salary reduction rest with the employee. The University does not endorse any particular policy or company. Once a company and investment program has been selected, employees must obtain an Agreement to Elect Deferral Reduction Under IRC 403b from the Office of Human Resources, complete the form, and submit it to the Payroll Office prior to the first of the month for which a salary reduction is to be made from their pay.
Occasionally, the Office of Human Resources is contacted by employees asking for clarification of the authority of 403(b) representatives to contact them during work time. Inasmuch as the 403(b) program is a part of the University's employee benefits program, representatives of approved companies may contact employees during work hours, provided the representatives comply with the following guidelines:
- Contact by telephone during work hours is permissible; however, the telephone call should only be for the purpose of obtaining an appointment with the employee. The call should not involve a discussion or explanation of the investment program, benefits, or options, or convey the impression of a "sales pitch".
- Contact in person on University property is permissible only if it occurs during the employee's free time, as an example, during the lunch period.
The University recognizes the important role of continuing education and supports employee participation in university credit, noncredit, and Human Resources Training and Development programs for professional growth. Educational programs are provided to improve employees' skill levels, knowledge, and abilities for maintenance and improvement of their professional level as a member of the University community. Participation in educational programs is approved by the employee's supervisor and the proper administrative authorities. The University provides three educational programs for employees, one of which is also available to spouses and eligible dependents.
7.4.a Credit Course Fee Waivers
Full-time regular employees are eligible to enroll at Missouri State University for a total of 15 credit hours of college-level courses in an academic year (12-month period beginning with the fall semester) and have their required student fees paid by the University. If a husband and wife both are full-time employees of the University, they have a combined total of Thirty (30) credit hours for which the University will pay the required student fees during an academic year. In order for the University to pay the required student fees, employees must be employed by the University prior to the start of the semester for which they have enrolled and intend to use the fee waiver benefit. If the employee terminates employment prior to the start of the semester in which the University has paid the required student fees, the University will cancel the payment of those fees and will bill the person who received the fee waiver for the amount due the University.
Employees who have used their 15 credit hour benefit during a given academic year, and who enroll in additional courses at Missouri State University during the same academic year, must pay the required student fees for those additional courses. This benefit is not applicable to out-of-state fees, book costs, or any special fee pertaining to a specific class or private instruction.
Employees may assign part or all of the 15-hour benefit to their spouse and/or their eligible dependent children. For purposes of this policy, the Internal Revenue Code defines an eligible dependent child as an employee's son, stepson, daughter, or stepdaughter. Such children must be a dependent of the employee and must not have attained the age of 24 years at the start of the semester in which the credit hour fee waiver is applied. In addition, children of divorced or separated parents are treated as a dependent of both parents where (1) the parents are divorced, legally separated, or separated under a written separation agreement; and (2) the children receive over half of their support from their parents; The spouse and/or eligible dependent children must have been admitted to Missouri State University or must qualify for the high school senior early admission program.
Employees may assign the equivalent value of six (6) undergraduate credit hours of the 15-hour benefit to their eligible dependent children who attend Greenwood Laboratory School toward payment of required student fees.
Per Course Faculty who teach at Missouri State University’s West Plains Campus are eligible to enroll in a total of 15 credit hours of college-level courses in an academic year (12-month period beginning with the fall semester) and have their required student fees paid by the University. Per Course Faculty may assign part or all of the 15-hour benefit to their spouse and/or their eligible dependent children.
The following restrictions apply:
• The fee waiver is limited to associates degree credit courses offered on the West Plains Campus only;
• Excludes courses for the Missouri Sheriffs’ Association Training Academy; and
• Enrollment or assignment of the benefit applies only in the semester(s) in which the Per Course Faculty is actively teaching.
The purpose of offering financial assistance through the Employee Educational Opportunity Program is to (1) encourage overall employee improvement (2) encourage development of qualifications which may increase an employee's skill in his/her present job or lead to advancement through additional education, and/or (3) enhance the fringe benefit program by extending course enrollment benefits to spouses and eligible dependents.
The following requirements must be met in order for an employee to participate in this program:
- The individual receiving the fee waiver must file an application for admission or readmission with the Office of Admissions and Recruitment and must meet all academic admission requirements stipulated in the Missouri State University Undergraduate Catalog or the Missouri State University Graduate Catalog. (See calendar in Catalog and Class Schedule for deadlines).
- Courses taken by employees (1) must be taken outside assigned scheduled working hours, or (2) an equivalent adjustment must be made in the employee's work schedule to make up the time away from work, or (3) an equivalent adjustment must be made by requesting leave without pay, or (4) the time away from work must be requested as vacation leave.
- Employees are expected to work 40 hours weekly. Work schedule adjustments may be made within the department. However, the adjustment must be approved by the department head or supervisor in advance and should not be considered if it interferes with the normal operations of the department.
- Participation in the program is voluntary. Responsibility for course work rests with the individual and work hours are not to be used for class preparation.
- Employees using this benefit must submit a completed Request for Credit Course Fee Waiver form to the Office of Human Resources at least five working days prior to registering.
- To ensure that the fee waiver has been applied, employees should not register or pay fees until they receive a copy of the approved request from the Office of Human Resources. Cash refunds will not be made.
Full-time regular employees may receive assistance with course fees to enroll in noncredit courses offered by Missouri State University through the following units:
- College of Continuing Education and the Extended University
- Management Development Institute in the Center for Business and Economic Development
- Small Business Development Center in the Center for Business and Economic Development
- Campus Recreation Fitness and Wellness Program
- Academic Development Center sponsored courses and seminars
- Human Resources Training and Development sponsored courses and seminars
The University will pay $150 per employee, per fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) for enrollment in noncredit courses sponsored through the units listed above. The fee benefit is for course fees only and does not apply to book fees, lab fees, or other special fees in addition to the course fees.
The employee must submit a completed Request for Assistance form to the Office of Human Resources.
The fee assistance is for the employee only. It does not extend to members of the employee's family.
7.4.c Training and Development Programs
Information on the professional and personal development courses available to employees are published online at http://www.missouristate.edu/human/training. Employees register online at this website for attendance in these courses. Programs will normally be held during the regular workday; however, it is up to the employee to make arrangements with his/her supervisor for job coverage during program attendance. Those arrangements should be made prior to registration for training. There are compliance courses for which an employee's attendance is required in order for the University to meet legal mandates (example HIPAA, FERPA, CPR/AED, HazMat). The requirement to attend such training may be directed either by the University or the employee's department.
Employee job skill enhancement and professional development courses can be accomplished through online training, in class sessions, and University/Professional certification programs. Individual employee attendance at training will be recorded in his/her Individual Development Plan (IDP). The information in the IDP will include University-sponsored training, documented education, and certified professional development training. The IDP is established at the time of employment. Questions about the IDP, development programs, and registration can be directed to hrtraining@missouristate.edu or the Human Resources Training and Development Manager at (417) 836-4592.
Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)(CPS) Designation
The University recognizes the attainment of the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) rating by any full-time regular employee (as defined in Section 3.9.a) who is in a non-exempt, classified secretarial/clerical/office support position, as categorized by the University's classification index. In support of this recognized rating for professional secretaries, the University will (1) pay for the fees for the noncredit classes offered by the University that provide a review for the CPS examination; (2) reimburse the employee for the application processing and examination fees for the initial examination attempt; and (3) increase the salary by $50.00 per month for any clerical employee achieving CPS status. The University will not cover expenses for second or subsequent re-examination attempts, or for any other charges incurred by the employee.
All University employees are extended Workers' Compensation coverage which provides payment of medical expenses and salary compensation to employees who suffer the effects of a work-related injury or who incur an occupational disease arising out of and in the course of employment with the University. The amount of compensation authorized under Workers' Compensation is prescribed by law and the State of Missouri and not by the University. A work-related injury must be reported immediately to the employee's supervisor. An employee injured in a work-related accident must complete a Missouri State University On-The-Job Injury Report form and have his/her supervisor complete the "Supervisor Comment Section" within 24 hours of the injury. The completed form must be submitted to the Office of Human Resources. If there is a good reason for not reporting the injury within 24 hours, the injury must be reported as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days after the work-related accident. Additionally, the following forms are required by the Central Accident Reporting Office (CARO) and must be completed and submitted to the Office of Human Resources: Authorization to Release Medical Records, Employee Injury Report, Supervisor's Statement, and Witness Statement.
Upon receiving a work-related injury requiring medical attention, employees must contact 1-800-624-2354 for the name of an authorized medical care provider prior to seeking treatment. This referral service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, if the injury is considered to be serious (e.g., potentially life and/or limb threatening), the injured employee should proceed immediately to the nearest hospital emergency room. Each incident should be evaluated to determine if the employee's life is being threatened by the injury. Some examples may be: head injury with loss of consciousness, excessive bleeding, obvious broken bones, injuries directly to the eye. Judgment should be used in determining whether an injury is life threatening; when in doubt, emergency care should be sought.
The State of Missouri will not pay for medical treatment an employee receives from a medical provider who has not been approved by the Central Accident Reporting Office (CARO). However, employees may seek their own medical care with the provider of their choice at their own expense.
Employees injured on the job will be excused from work without loss of pay, vacation, or sick leave in order to obtain medical attention on the day the accident or injury occurs. Additionally, an employee will be excused from work without loss of pay, vacation, or sick leave to obtain further medical treatment related to the injury. An employee must, however, limit absences from work to the time required to receive medical attention only, and may be required to furnish satisfactory proof of having received medical attention.
If an employee is unable to return to work following the accident or injury, the employee will be granted leave without pay. Full-time regular employees may elect to use accumulated vacation or sick leave instead of taking leave without pay. Workers' Compensation law requires a three-day waiting period following an accident or injury before making payments to employees. After the three-day waiting period, an employee may either (1) take the compensation paid through Workers' Compensation only and go on leave-without-pay status, or (2) continue to use accumulated vacation or sick leave to supplement the Workers' Compensation pay in order to receive full salary. Leave forms must be completed and returned to the Office of Human Resources to designate what type of leave is to be used during the period of time the employee is unable to work even if the employee is on leave without pay. In no case, however, shall an employee receive more than his/her normal monthly salary amount as a result of receiving both Workers' Compensation pay and vacation or sick leave benefits.
Employees who are off work due to a work-related injury or illness (i.e., one for which the employee has filed a workers' compensation claim) will not accrue any vacation or sick leave if they are absent from work without pay from the University for 80 work hours or more during each month that they are off work. However, employees who supplement their workers' compensation payments (i.e., the temporary total disability [TTD] payments from the State of Missouri) by using their accrued vacation, sick leave, and/or compensatory time off during the month will accrue vacation and sick leave for that month.
An injured employee who is unable to return to work after incurring a work-related accident or injury is required to provide a doctor's "off work" statement to his/her supervisor and the Office of Human Resources stating the necessity to be off work and the length of time the employee must remain off work. When returning to work, the employee may be required to provide a written release from the doctor.
An employee injured on the job must tell the medical provider that the accident or injury is work-related and will be filed with Workers' Compensation. Any bills for medical and hospital expenses received by the employee must be forwarded to CARO.
Workers' Compensation benefits may be reduced for injuries sustained in conjunction with the use of alcohol or controlled, non-prescribed drugs. Benefits may be forfeited if it is shown that the use of alcohol or controlled, non-prescribed drugs was the proximate cause of the injury. Under Missouri law, the University can request an employee to take a test for alcohol or a non-prescribed controlled substance if the University suspects usage by the employee. If the employee refuses to take a test when requested by the University to do so, all workers' compensation benefits are forfeited.
7.5.a Early Return to Work Program
When an employee of Missouri State University has suffered the effects of a work-related injury or has incurred an occupational disease arising out of and in the course of employment with the University which is covered under the state's Workers' Compensation program, it is the policy of the University to provide the opportunity to maximize recuperation and rehabilitation, thus enabling an early return to work. To this end, the University has established an Early Return to Work Program in compliance with a directive dated October 29, 2001, from the State of Missouri's Office of Administration.
The primary object is to return employees to work at the earliest date when medically feasible, as determined by the authorized treating physician. An authorized treating physician is defined as the physician selected and/or approved by the Central Accident Reporting Office (CARO) under the provision of the Workers' Compensation Act. Additionally, this program endeavors to: communicate that the University cares about each employee and values the important contributions which employees make to the University's success; to foster and enhance the physical and psychological recovery process of injured employees; to reduce medical, lost time and disability costs; to minimize the chance of re-injury by the employee; and to enhance the injured employee's sense of confidence and well-being.
Upon determination by the authorized treating physician that an employee is capable of performing modified duties on a temporary basis, the employee's supervisor and major administrator, (with the assistance of Human Resources), will review the employee's job duties (tasks) and determine whether the duties can be modified, temporarily suspended, or shared with another employee in order to meet the medical restrictions delineated by the authorized treating physician. If it is determined that job duties can be modified, temporarily suspended, or shared, such that the modified job duties meet the medical restrictions delineated by the authorized treating physician, the employee will be returned to work in that modified position. Employees who refuse to return to work in a position which meets the requirements for modification of duties will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. The supervisor will periodically review the scope of modified job duties to determine whether the duties, as originally prescribed, continue to meet the medical restrictions or if they need to be modified again.
If it is determined that a temporary modification of job duties (as described above) is not feasible, the supervisor will first attempt to identify a position within the employee's department for which the employee is qualified and which meets the medical restrictions delineated by the authorized treating physician. If such a position is found, the employee will be temporarily assigned to that position. The supervisor will periodically review the employee's work performance to determine whether the new temporary position continues to meet the medical restrictions or if the employee needs to be re-assigned to another position, one for which the employee is qualified and which does not violate the medical restrictions.
If the supervisor cannot identify a position within the employee's department for which the employee is qualified and which meets the medical restrictions delineated by the authorized treating physician, the supervisor, in consultation with the appropriate major administrator, will attempt to identify a position outside the employee's department. If a position can be identified for which the employee is qualified and which meets the medical restrictions delineated by the authorized treating physician, the employee will be temporarily assigned to that position. When an employee is assigned to a position outside his/her home department, the employee's salary will continue to be paid from the home department budget during the period of the temporary assignment. The supervisor will periodically review the employee's work performance to determine whether the new temporary position continues to meet the medical restrictions or if the employee needs to be re-assigned to another position, one for which the employee is qualified and which does not violate the medical restrictions.
In assisting the supervisor with modifying an existing position or identifying an alternative position for the employee which meets the medical restrictions, the Office of Human Resources may request the assistance of the Assistive Technology Coordinator. The Assistive Technology Coordinator evaluates requests for assistive technology and assesses alternative methods of accommodation for employees in conjunction with the Office of Human Resources. This expertise is intended to facilitate the employee's return to work.
7.5.a(1) Temporary Modified Work
Employees must understand that this type of work is considered to be temporary due to the temporary nature of their medical restrictions. Employees are expected to return to their regular position as soon as they are medically able to do so. The authorized treating physician will identify the employee's temporary restrictions. Temporary modified work is defined as either:
(a) the modification or removal of some job tasks from an employee's regular scope of work responsibilities such that the resulting scope of work is within the capability of the employee to perform and does not violate the medical restrictions imposed by the authorized treating physician, or
(b) the performance of job tasks that may or may not be related to an employee's regular work position, but which can be performed by the employee based upon his/her qualifications and which do not violate the medical restrictions. In some instances, these job tasks may be activities that have been "put off" because staffing is not available to perform them or because they have been considered to have less immediacy (e.g., inventorying supplies, organizing office files, cleaning tools, or updating files or documents).
Employees on military leave are extended the same benefits as employees on other paid or unpaid leaves. However, two special provisions are added:
- INSURANCE
If covered on the University's employee group plans, coverage will be maintained for 30 days after reporting for military duty. The employee may keep the University's insurance for up to a maximum of 24 additional months, even after going on the military's plan, by making the required premium contribution. The University's plan will apply coordination of benefit provisions of the plan and will cover benefits as either primary or secondary pay or as provided by the military program. - RETIREMENT
Under retirement system provisions, an employee may purchase creditable service for active military service. These provisions are covered in the MOSERS General Employees' Retirement Handbook or an employee may contact the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System (MOSERS).
7.7 UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION INSURANCE
The University provides unemployment insurance coverage for employees in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri. For specific details concerning coverage and benefits, contact the Office of Human Resources, Carrington Hall, Room 118, or the local office of the Missouri Division of Employment Security.
7.8 LEGAL DEFENSE OF STAFF EMPLOYEES
Pursuant to and in conjunction with the State Legal Expense Fund, Section 105.711, R.S.Mo., et seq., it is the policy of the University to provide legal defense of any claim covered by Sections 105.711 to 105.726, regarding conduct of any officer or employee of the University arising out of and performed in connection with his or her official duties on behalf of the University. When questions arise as to whether the conduct in question would be covered by Sections 105.711 to 105.726, the University may consult and obtain the advice of the Attorney General of the State of Missouri. The University may also proceed with a defense under a reservation of rights, under which the officer or full-time or part-time employee may subsequently become liable and responsible for the expense of such defense upon a finding that the conduct was not or would not have been covered by Sections 105.711 to 105.726.
7.9 IDENTIFICATION CARD (ZipCard)
Full-time regular employees are issued a picture identification card by the ZipCard Office. This card permits automated access to the online computer files that verify employment status. The Missouri State University identification card can be used as identification for cashing personal checks at the Bursar's Office, for admission to various University facilities and events, for receiving a discount on purchases in Baker Bookstore and convenience stores on campus, for use of the University's Taylor Health and Wellness Center, for library services, for access to the employee's debit card account, and for certain time clock operations. If the identification card is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the employee may obtain a replacement card at no cost by contacting the ZipCard Office. On the West Plains campus, the Admissions Office issues employees a picture identification card.
Full-time regular employees also are entitled to obtain an Missouri State University picture identification card for their spouse. The spouse's Missouri State University identification card can be used for all of the same services and facilities as the employee's card. Contact the Office of Human Resources for a form to obtain a spouse's identification card.
Part-time employees also are entitled to a picture identification card if they work a minimum of eight consecutive weeks with an average of 20 hours per week. The identification card can be used for the same services listed above for a full-time employee.
7.9.a Personal Identification Number (PIN)
The Missouri State University PIN, used in conjunction with the employee's ID number, allows the employee access to information about payroll, accounts receivable, and benefits from the Missouri State University web page. Instructions for obtaining a PIN are given to the employee at the time an employee receives a ZipCard. Instructions for obtaining a PIN online are at https://www.missouristate.edu/mypin. New information is added to the web page and employees will want to check the web page occasionally to learn about new items available to them.
7.10 UNIVERSITY SERVICES AND FACILITIES
Employees have access to the following services and facilities in accordance with the rules, regulations, and policies of each department providing the facilities or service. For more information and answers to questions concerning these services, the employee should contact the specific department responsible for the service.
Employees may purchase reserved or general admission tickets (depending on the event) to selected Missouri State University athletic events at a reduced rate. Tickets may be bought at any of the Missouri State University ticket outlets on campus, online at http://www.missouristatetix.com/, or by phone at (417) 836-7678. This benefit is subject to the availability of tickets. It is not valid on previously purchased tickets. For more information and ticket applications, call (417) 836-7678. Athletic tickets for the West Plains campus are available at the Drago College Store at (417) 255-7277.
7.10.b Automated Teller Machines (ATM)
Automated Teller Machines are located on the first floor of Carrington Hall, on the second floor of Plaster Student Union, at the entrance to Baker Bookstore, and in the southeast corner of the parking lot on the east side of Hammons Student Center.
In addition to textbooks, trade books, art supplies, and school supplies, the bookstore provides a range of retail merchandise including clothing, cosmetics, personal computers, computer software, calculators, toiletries, greeting cards, etc. Full-time and part-time employees are eligible for a discount on purchases in the Bookstore, in Bear Necessities (located in Plaster Student Union), and in ETC. (located in Hammons House) upon presentation of their University ZipCard. These services are also available on the West Plains campus at the Drago College Store upon presentation of a faculty/staff identification card.
A series of publications are produced on campus during the year and made available to the campus community. They include a monthly newsletter, Missouri State Insider, which informs employees of current campus issues and recognizes individuals and departments for outstanding service and accomplishments; Missouri State, a magazine geared primarily to alumni and friends of the university is produced three times each year; and The Standard, a bi-weekly student publications. Other communication vehicles available are the "State of the University Address", which is a presidential speech to inform employees about the main issues facing the campus; the Missouri State World Wide Web site, which is an online campus information system; E-ssential News, the electronic newsletter for faculty and staff, which contains the latest campus news and information; the Staff Senate Email Newsletter; Board of Governors Review, which summarizes Board of Governors meetings; Friday Focus, a periodic publication sent from the President's office to all faculty, staff and students at the University; and other periodic departmental and college newsletters.
The University has a charge account plan which allows full-time employees to use their identification numbers to charge miscellaneous expenses and fines, including Taylor Health and Wellness Center expenses, Baker Bookstore charges, and library fines. Employees interested in requesting this service should contact the Financial Services Office located in Carrington Hall, Room 113.
7.10.f Check Cashing Privileges
Employees may cash personal checks up to $50.00 with their ZipCard at the Bursar's Office between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Bursar's Office has two locations to serve employees: the main office is located on the first floor of Carrington Hall and the second location is inside the ZipCard Office in the Plaster Student Union. On the West Plains campus, employees may cash personal checks up to $10.00 at the Business Office in Looney Hall.
7.10.g Convocations and Lectures
Many outstanding cultural programs are brought to the campus each year. These programs vary from drama to music to lectures on many topics and in various academic disciplines. Generally, convocations and lectures are open to the public. Check the Missouri State University Master Calendar on the University's web site http://www.missouristate.edu/ for details regarding upcoming convocations and lectures.
Copy This is a full-service copy center for students, faculty, and staff use. The facility features color and black/white copying, poster/banner makers, lamination, binding, and finishing services. Multimedia production services are available at Copy This. FAX services and a full selection of materials are also available. Copy This is located in Plaster Student Union, Room 210, and is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The telephone number is (417) 836-5808.
7.10.i Counseling and Testing Center
The Missouri State University Counseling and Testing Center is staffed with experienced professional counselors, psychologists, and social workers who provide individual and group counseling to help resolve personal and relationship difficulties, as well as providing crisis intervention to deal with situations which require immediate attention. First priority is given to students; however, University employees are eligible for consultation and referral services. Additionally, a wide range of nationally standardized tests for college admission and proficiency certification are available through the Counseling and Testing Center. Employees who desire to take advantage of the services offered by the Counseling and Testing Center should call (417) 836-5116 for further information or visit http://counselingandtesting.missouristate.edu/ for additional information and resources.
All employees are eligible for membership in the Southwest Teachers Credit Union, which is located a block east of campus on Grand Street. The Credit Union is sponsored by teachers of the Southwest District of Missouri for the purpose of investment and loans. Employees interested in general banking, checking, savings, or loans should contact the Southwest Teachers Credit Union at (417) 831-0534.
If there is an emergency which requires that an employee be notified during normal work hours (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday), the Office of Human Resources may be called at (417) 836-5102 to help notify the employee. The Office of Human Resources will ensure that the message is delivered promptly. If an employee needs to be notified of an emergency during other than normal business hours, (e.g., on a weekend or holiday), the Safety & Transportation Department may be contacted at (417) 836-5509 for assistance. On the West Plains campus, emergency notifications may be directed to the Business Office at (417) 255-7260 (8am - 5pm) and (417) 257-9078 after business hours.
All campus contracted facilities, (example, dining halls, food outlets, commercial franchised vendors), and snack bar facilities are available to all employees. Employees may use any of the three dining halls on the campus located in Blair-Shannon, Garst Dining Center, and Kentwood Residence. Retail food services are located in the Food Court in Plaster Student Union or Hammons House Boomers. The Union Club, located on the 4th floor of Plaster Student Union, serves soup and salads during the lunch hour. There are a number of different meal plans that employees may purchase; employees who are interested in purchasing a meal plan should call 836-4630. Catering for large or small events is available by contacting the catering office at (417) 836-5046. Information about food services can be found at: www.missouristate.edu/dining. On the West Plains campus, employees may use the cafeteria at the Putnam Student Center.
7.10.m Hammons Student Center (HSC)
Hammons Student Center is a multi-purpose sports and recreational complex open to students, faculty, and staff of the University. Among the numerous facilities available are: basketball, volleyball, handball/racquetball courts, and swimming pool. Locker rooms are fully equipped with lockers and showers. HSC also provides use of equipment, towel service, and locker locks. Family and alumni memberships may be purchased that allow spouses and dependents to use the facilities. Authorized individuals may bring guests for a $5 per guest fee. Handball/racquetball courts must be reserved by calling (417) 836-5237. The employee's ZipCard must be presented to the front desk attendant before using the facility.
7.10.n Health and Wellness Center
Taylor Health and Wellness Center provides quality health care and wellness programming for all members of the University community: students and their spouses, faculty, staff, and their eligible dependents and household members, retired faculty, staff and their eligible dependents and household members, and visitors to campus on an urgent care (non-continuous) basis. In addition, the following services are provided: general medical clinic, treatment clinic, pharmacy, laboratory, x-ray, women's health care, travel medicine, nursing care, immunizations, annual physicals, and wellness programs.
Taylor Health and Wellness Center’s staff will also assist employees and retirees with filing health insurance claims. The Center also provides health care for most on-the-job related injuries and illnesses (under Workers’ Compensation benefits). Most health and pharmacy services are provided at reduced rates as a service to the University community. Information regarding hours of operation, appointments, or services provided may be obtained by calling Taylor Health and Wellness Center at (417) 836-4000 or by visiting Taylor’s website at: http://health.missouristate.edu/.
7.10.o Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
The Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts is a 2,220-seat multi-purpose performing arts center. The Hall presents high quality music, theater, and dance programs for Missouri State University students and the community through the Give Your Regards to Broadway series, the Family series, Center Stage at the Hall, and the Don Wessel Emerging Concert Artist series. For information regarding programming and tickets at the Hall, call (417) 836-7678 or visit the Hall's web site at: http://www.hhpa.missouristate.edu/
The University Libraries (Meyer, Music, Greenwood, Garnett Library at West Plains, and Paul Evans at Mountain Grove) serve all University employees and their spouses, as well as the students. To check out books and other materials, employees and their spouses need to present their University ZipCard (Spouse ZipCard) at the Circulation Desk. Information about hours of operation and other services available can be obtained at any library location or at http://www.library.missouristate.edu/. Employees should check at the Libraries' Administrative Office regarding library privileges for other members of their households.
Notary services are provided free of charge. A complete listing of notaries, their office room numbers and telephone numbers can be found at http://www.missouristate.edu/dos/notaries.htm.
A current Missouri State University parking permit is required and must be displayed in order to park in any University parking lot. Parking permits must be purchased at the Transit Operations Center located at 700 East Elm Street, telephone (417) 836-4825. Designated parking spaces are provided for the disabled in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. A Missouri State University disabled parking permit must be purchased at the Transit Operations Center. Visitor parking is available in metered lots and spaces throughout campus. Details on the location of visitors' parking areas can be obtained at the Transit Operations Center. Vehicles that are illegally parked or which do not display a University parking permit will be ticketed by University Safety & Transportation personnel. All parking tickets issued by the Safety & Transportation Department must be paid at the Bursar's Office located in Carrington Hall.
Parking tickets may be appealed to the Parking Appeals Office, located in the Transit Operations Center at 700 E. Elm Street, within 15 days of the date of the ticket. Failure to pay the fine or appeal the ticket within 15 days will result in the parking fine being assessed to the employee's Accounts Receivable account. Failure to pay the fine will also subject an employee to appropriate action through administrative channels. Missouri State University reserves the right to temporarily close any parking lot/area for University purposes. When possible, advance notice will be given.
On the West Plains campus, parking permits may be purchased and tickets paid at the Business Office in Looney Hall. Parking tickets may be appealed to the Coordinator of Student Life & Development, located in Putnam Student Center at 127 ½ Jefferson Avenue or online at http://www.wp.missouristate.edu/CampusSafety/ within 15 days of the date of the ticket.
7.10.s Plaster Sports Complex (PSC)
Plaster Sports Complex is a sports event and recreational facility for students, faculty, and staff of the University. Available recreation facilities are a fitness center, handball/racquetball courts, outdoor jogging track, and locker rooms with showers. The fitness center houses cardiovascular machines, free weights, and circuit training. An aerobic/dance studio is equipped with full-length mirrors, a ballet bar, and a stereo system. An employee's ZipCard must be presented to the attendant on duty in order to use the facility. Equipment may be checked out for use. Campus Recreation, located in Plaster Student Union, offers many classes that utilize the complex. For more details, contact the Plaster Sports Complex Office at (417) 836-4640. On the West Plains campus, the pool and fitness center are located at the West Plains Civic Center; for more information, contact (417) 255-7966.
7.10.t Plaster Student Union (PSU)
The Plaster Student Union is a multipurpose facility, primarily for students, faculty, and staff of the University. The Student Union has numerous comfortable lounges, large and small conference rooms, a ballroom, an arcade and bowling center, a theater, a convenience store, a technology store, a bank, and a food court. It provides many educational, recreational, and co-curricular activities for the campus community. Rooms and equipment can be reserved by contacting the Conference Services Office in the Student Union at (417) 836-5653. For more information about the Union, visit its web page at: http://www.missouristate.edu/union/.
The University operates a U.S. Postal Services Contract Station in Plaster Student Union, Room 210, telephone (417) 836-5342. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Postal services available include stamps, money orders, and mailing packages as well as certified, registered, insured, international, and express mail. Stamps and other postal items can only be purchased with cash. The Contract Station is closed during all official University holidays.
7.10.v Recreational Facilities
All employees of the University may use the University tennis courts, Plaster Student Union, Hammons Student Center, Plaster Sports Complex, MacDonald Arena, and other recreational facilities of the University, under the conditions and applicable rules and when scheduling permits.
7.10.w Safety and Transportation
The Safety & Transportation Department, telephone (417) 836-5509, provides a variety of services for employees and students including a battery jump for vehicles parked on campus or on University-owned streets and an escort service on campus during the hours of darkness. Persons, who park their vehicle on campus and find that they are unable to gain entry because it is locked, may contact the Department for assistance. While the Department no longer provides emergency unlocking services, they will contact a firm to unlock a vehicle under such circumstances. This firm will charge for the unlocking service. On the West Plains campus, contact the West Plains Police Department at (417) 256-2345.
Common sense rules of safety will help do much to make Missouri State University a safe and pleasant place to work. Any potentially unsafe condition should be reported immediately to a supervisor.
United States Savings Bonds, types EE and I, may be purchased through payroll deduction. For more information about the amount and types of bonds available, contact the Payroll Office at (417) 836-6578. Payroll deductions must be in an amount sufficient to purchase at least one savings bond per month of participation.
Missouri State University provides regular shuttle bus service around campus for students, faculty, staff and guests at no cost to the rider. All buses are modern, comfortably air-conditioned and heated, with display signs that designate them as the "Missouri State University SHUTTLE."
Shuttle bus routes and other information are available in the Plaster Student Union, Transit Operations Center, Safety & Transportation Department, in various other student service locations around campus, and on the web at the following location: http://www.missouristate.edu/SafeTran/shuttle.htm
7.10.z Telecommunications Service
The University's long-distance network is intended for official business only. Use of the long-distance service for personal calls is discouraged and should only be done in an urgent or emergency situation. It is the responsibility of the employee to keep a record of all personal calls made using the University's long-distance service and to pay the telephone charges for such telephone calls. Payment can be made at the Bursar's Office. A copy of the paid receipt for personal telephone calls and the itemized phone call report should be maintained in the department files. Instructions for operating the University's voice systems and other related information are located at http://www.telecom.missouristate.edu/, and in the front section of the Missouri State University System Directory. For assistance, employees should contact Telecommunication services at (417) 836-8580.
The University supports the concept of employee wellness based upon healthy lifestyles and offers all employees the opportunity to take advantage of its Wellness Program offered through the Taylor Health and Wellness Center and Campus Recreation. The components of the University's Wellness Program include the following :
- Periodic health and wellness screenings (fitness assessments, blood pressure checks, nutrition analysis, etc.).
- Noncredit fitness and wellness classes (CPR/First Aid, yoga, tai chi, aerobics, water aerobics, and more).
- Weight Management Program - Weight Watchers at Work.
- Educational programs and presentations.
- Resource materials (pamphlets, videos, computer programs, hand-outs).
- Immunizations.
Participation in some of the wellness programs requires the payment of a fee. Employees who are interested in a particular program, should contact the Taylor Health and Wellness Center for information about program costs or fees.