Benefits

The information provided on this website is meant to provide an overview of benefits for FSU "benefit eligible" employees.  It does not list all benefits available to a particular employee category.  Policies relating to benefits, periods of leave, appointment and other aspects of employment are set forth in the applicable collective bargaining agreement or are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The Office of Human Resources is responsible for coordinating employees' benefits at the University.  Additional information on certain benefits can be found below.  If you have any questions about benefits, including eligibility and enrollment questions, please contact the Onboarding, Training, and Benefits Specialist at 508-626-4951. 

Health

Dental

Retirement

Flexible Spending Account

Tax Deferred Savings Plan (403b)

Smart Plan (457b)

Tuition

Health

Group Insurance Commission - www.mass.gov/gic/

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission ("GIC") administers both health insurance and other benefits for eligible state employee and retirees.  Employees can find helpful information about choosing insurance plans by reading the GIC Benefit Decision Guide, visiting the GIC Website, or contacting the insurance carriers directly for specific plan benefits.

New Employees

New "benefit eligible" employees must return the completed GIC enrollment forms to the Office of Human Resources within the first 10 days of hire to activate GIC coverage.  GIC insurance begins on the first of the month following 60 days from the date of hire, or two calendar months, whichever comes first.  

Open Enrollment

Employees have the option to switch health insurance plans during the open enrollment period.  Health Insurance Open Enrollment dates are announced annually and normally take place in the Spring.  Open enrollment for Health Care Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Spending Accounts now coincides with Health Insurance Open Enrollment.  

Dental

Dental insurance is provided to "benefit eligible" employees and their qualified dependents.  Dental coverage is determined by your employee category.  For information about specific plan benefits, please visit the websites below.

» AFSCME Employees

» MSCA, APA, and Non-Unit Employees  

Retirement

Retirement Plans

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that all employees, both state and contract, enroll in a qualified retirement plan. 

For information about Retirement Plan options, please see the information below.  

Retirement Programs: 

Each of these programs is offered to Commonwealth employees based on eligibility.

State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS)

The State Employees' Retirement System ("SERS") is a defined benefit plan that is administered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' State Board of Retirement.  This plan is available to all benefited employees. 

Department of Higher Education Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
The Department of Higher Education Optional Retirement Plan ("ORP”) is a defined contribution plan. This plan is only available to benefited faculty, librarians, and administrators.

Alternate Retirement Plan (OBRA)
Part-time, seasonal or temporary employees of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, are required to participate in the SMART Plan. The SMART Plan is an alternative to Social Security as permitted by the federal Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA).

Special note regarding Social Security:  Massachusetts state employees do not have social security taxes withheld from their earnings.  Employees retiring from the Commonwealth, who are eligible for social security benefits, may have their social security benefits reduced by Social Security's windfall elimination provision or government pension offset.  Please contact your local Social Security Office if you have questions regarding this information. 

Flexible Spending Account

As part of the benefits offered through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC), employees have the opportunity to participate in a Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) and/or the Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP).

Questions may be directed to the Benefits Specialist at x4951.

Tax Deferred Savings Plan (403b)

Employees have the option to participate in Tax Deferred Savings Plans (403b). The plan names and company contact information are below.  Please contact the appropriate representative for plan packets and enrollment forms.

Fidelity - Matthew Toedt - 508-450-4284

TIAA - Bernard DeCunha - 800-842-2776

VALIC - Justin Olewnik - 413-270-0671

» Massachusetts 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan

Smart Plan (457b)

Employees are eligible to participate in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Smart Plan.  Please find a link to the plan below.  To meet with our Smart Plan Representative please contact Andrew Wilson, CFP at 339-221-2770 or andrew.wilson@empower-retirement.com. 

» Commonwealth of Massachusetts SMART Plan

Tuition Benefits

Benefited faculty and staff are eligible for tuition benefits in accordance with their respective collective bargaining agreements or board of higher education non-unit policy handbook. 

To take advantage of this benefit, eligible employees should complete the tuition remission form below,  have your department  sign the form, and bring the completed form to Office of Human Resources for the signature of the director of human resources.  You must then submit the form with your semester tuition bill to the College or University at which you, your spouse or child are enrolled.    

» Tuition Remission Form