As an employee of the University Libraries, you have access to many benefits and privileges of which you may not even be aware. Here is a list of some of the many “perks” of working for the Libraries. Some are limited to full-time employees, and some are available only at University Park, so not all may apply, but check them out and see if there is something here that may benefit you!
DISCOUNTS
Penn State Discounts Program
The program is dedicated to providing information for Penn State students, employees, retirees, and alumni regarding the “extra” benefits that come with a Penn State affiliation. Discounts include featured cell phone providers, vehicle purchases, car and life insurance, theme park tickets, and many others.
Fitness Memberships to Facilities on Campus
Fitness memberships can be purchased on a semester basis that will provide you access to the multiple fitness facilities on the University Park campus. Daily admission to pools on campus are also available. Many campuses have excellent fitness facilities. Local policies apply for staff and faculty use.
Lion Cash
Lion Cash can be used around campus and at some participating businesses with some offering additional savings! Set up an automatic payroll deduction or add money to your Lion Cash account as needed using a Visa/MasterCard.
University Health Services, Pharmacy
Maintenance prescriptions delivered right to your office! New prescriptions and refills can also be picked up at the UHS Pharmacy.
Educational Privileges
You, your spouse and dependents can take classes at Penn State with a 75% discount!
RIDEpass
Eligible University Park faculty and staff can purchase a bus pass for only $15 a month.
RideShare and Vanpools
Commute in the company of others while sharing the drive to work. Use the RideShare matching service or join a Vanpool.
Motorcycle Permits
If you have a PSU parking permit, you are eligible for a free motorcycle permit with some restrictions. Call LHR for more information.
ASSISTANCE RESOURCES
EAP—Employee Assistance Program
A free confidential service to help you with personal or work-related concerns for yourself or your family. Assistance is also available for navigating healthcare and insurance systems. Call 866-799-2728.
Career Counseling
Career counselors in the Bank of America Career Center are available to assist employees. Contact LHR for a referral.
Flexible Spending
Penn State offers both healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts which offer pretax deductions to reimburse you for eligible expenses.
Employee Assistance Fund
This fund provides financial support to help employees through temporary circumstances, including family tragedies, house fires and other disasters, and catastrophic or unusual medical expenses. Contact LHR for more information.
WORK SCHEDULES AND TIME OFF
Phased Retirement
Intended to assist employees in the transition into full retirement. Policy HR29 allows for the reduction in work commitment over a defined period of time at a reduced compensation level.
Unpaid Leave of Absence
Employees can request to take a personal leave of up to 12 months. Some restrictions apply.
Release Time for Academic Courses
Penn State policy provides for the possibility of release time to take academic courses from Penn State. Keep in mind that service to your unit is first priority. First speak with your supervisor, and then contact LHR for more information.
FMLA
Provides employees 12 weeks of FMLA protected time in a calendar year for absences related to the birth/adoption of a child, caring for yourself or an immediate family member with a serious health condition.
Alternate Work Schedules
HRG-02 provides a variety of alternate work schedule possibilities for employees whose responsibilities can be accomplished outside of a University office and/or traditional work schedule for part or all of the workweek. Such arrangements are encouraged when, in the opinion of the supervisor, the University’s work needs can be efficiently and effectively met. The purpose of flexible work schedules is to provide a greater capability for each employee to establish her/his own program of working hours within the workweek without changing the number of hours to be worked.
SERVICES
http://ohr.psu.edu/health-matters
Search Penn State’s emPOWER (employee Personalized Online Wellness Enrollment and Rewards) site for classes available at University Park and most campus locations.
Technology Support
For University Park employees, the IT Service Desk in the Knowledge Commons can help with your personal electronic devices. Assistance with Wi-Fi connectivity, downloading software, web-based applications, and virus detection/removal are examples of the kind of help available. Consultants may be able to help with damaged device, or can refer you to appropriate repair services. Campus employees may want to check with their local IT support unit to find out what services may be available. Note: for equipment purchased and owned by the Libraries, please contact I-Tech.
Childcare Resources
Looking for childcare or want more information on resources available?
Total Compensation Statement
Log into ESSIC and take a look at your total compensation statement. It will provides you with an idea of just how much your Penn State benefits are worth!
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Learning Resource Network
Penn State’s LRN offers a variety of professional development opportunities from on-line to instructor-led classes, with content that includes core business skills, project management, business acumen, technology, professional growth, compliance and much more. Use the network to browse or search for training, then register and track your learning opportunities.
lynda.com
lynda.com is an online education company offering thousands of video courses in software, creative, and business skills. The company produces video tutorials taught by industry experts. Members have unlimited access to watch the videos, which are primarily educational. As a Penn State employee you are automatically a member.
Job Enrichment
The Libraries’ Job Enrichment Program provides full-time faculty and staff with opportunities to learn new skills and gain job knowledge through work experiences in other Libraries’ units. Consult Libraries Guideline HRG02 for more information.
– submitted by Rob Harris, Human Resources