Dear UMW Community, 

The University of Mary Washington is continuing to study and build on our established brand, and we rely on you, our faculty, staff, students and alumni, to help us understand perceptions of the University so that we can strengthen our reputation and better tell our story to attract the next generation of University of Mary Washington students.
 
You can play a critical role in this effort. Our third-party brand research partner, Mindpower, is conducting the study, which will take about 15-20 minutes to complete. All your responses will be completely anonymous.
 
Your opinion is extremely valuable to us, and we sincerely appreciate your time and willingness to provide your feedback. Check your email for a survey link in order to share your opinions.
 
Sincerely,
Troy Paino, President

This message is for all full-time faculty and staff. 

As noted in the materials you’ve received from the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM), open enrollment for health benefits began on May 1.  Below are some important highlights and reminders about this process, along with links to available resources.

During our annual open enrollment period of May 1 to May 15, employees can make health insurance plan changes,  waive or enroll in plans, add or remove family members without a qualifying event.   Please note participation in Flexible Spending Accounts REQUIRES annual election during the open enrollment period.  To enroll or continue receiving the Premium Reward Credit ($17 toward your monthly premiums) you must follow the Premium Reward Requirements (page 12 of Spotlight).

A few important reminders about open enrollment:

• If you take no action, your current health plan and membership will continue in the new plan year. Your current FSA and Premium Reward will end as of 6/30/2023.  FSA and Premium Reward Incentive must be renewed annually.
• Open Enrollment website – https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits/open-enrollment2023-24
  • Spotlight
  • Benefits At A Glance
  • Cardinal Quick Guide to making open enrollment  elections
  • Enrollment form submit by 5pm on May 15 to 2^nd floor of GW Hall
  • Health and Wellness Program
  • 2023 Open Enrollment Presentation
  • Alex

Please note:

• Premiums and plan benefits may change – subject to final state budget approval –  Monthly Premiums
• If using Cardinal ESS to make changes, you must hit submit to complete the process and finalize your elections; no exceptions will be granted for failure to complete the process.  After you make a change and hit submit, you will receive an email confirmation; if you do not receive a confirmation, you have not completed the process.

You may reference Spotlight, the Open Enrollment page or contact Denise at dfrye2@umw.edu or Janet at jhudgins@umw.edu for assistance.

The enrollment period for Tuition Reimbursement (courses outside of UMW)  for courses starting July 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023, is open and will end on Monday, May 15, 2023. Please note: Last fall, the Cabinet agreed to expand the Tuition Reimbursement Program to include certificate programs.  However, any and all courses associated with the certificate program must be credit-bearing.

The complete policy and procedures are posted online, and some important and key provisions are listed below. You may contact Denise Frye at dfrye2@umw.edu with any questions.

Program Purpose:

Eligible employees enrolled in a degree seeking program or enrolled in a credit-bearing certificate program at other accredited institutions of higher education will be provided with tuition reimbursement up to a specified amount for courses after completion of the course and submission of proof of grade.

Eligibility:

This policy applies to classified, wage, administrative professional faculty, and other non-faculty part-time employees. Graduate Assistants who are required to be enrolled in UMW graduate programs are not eligible for this program. Eligible employees must be continuously employed by the University for a minimum of one year prior to their application for reimbursement and job performance must be satisfactory or at the “contributor” level.  Tuition up to the approved amount will be reimbursed upon receipt of proof of completion of approved courses.  Employees who receive tuition reimbursement must remain employed at the University of Mary Washington during the term of the courses taken and for one year after receipt of tuition reimbursement for those courses(s) or be subject to terms for repayment as described in the written agreement.

Important Information to Know:

• A Tuition Reimbursement Request form is required to be submitted to Human Resources during open enrollment for courses starting July 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. The link to the form is below and forms may be scanned to jhudgins@umw.edu or delivered to Human Resources Rm 207 (George Washington Hall).
• The Finance office will notify the employee the Tuition Reimbursement Request Form has been approved within 2 weeks of the enrollment timeframe closing and request the following:

a) Proof of enrollment in a degree granting program

b) Schedule of the institution’s fees

c) Proof of payment

• The assistance awarded will then be reimbursed to the employee upon submission of evidence of course completion with a minimum grade of “C” or “PASS” if a Pass/Fail course.  Submission of grade must be within 30 days of semester end.  Reimbursement will be issued within 10 business days of grade submission to the Finance Office.

Thank you,

Beth Williams

Executive Director for Human Resources

Thinking about saving for education?

Join Virginia529 for a special webinar on Wednesday, May 17 at 11 am.

Saving for future education expenses for a child, a grandchild – or even yourself – can seem overwhelming. In this webinar, you’ll learn how a Virginia529 account can help you save for tuition and other costs, take advantage of tax-free earnings, and meet your savings goals.

As a bonus, all employees who attend this webinar will receive an exclusive offer – a $25 gift code to open a new Invest529 account and the chance to win one of the three $50 Target gift cards that will be given away at the end of the session.

** Sign up with this link to reserve your spot **

P.S. By attending the webinar, you’ll receive an exclusive offer – a $25 gift code to open a new Invest529 account and the chance to win one of the three $50 Target gift cards that will be given away at the end of the session for UMW attendees.