Benefits at DU

The University of Denver provides a wide range of benefit choices. New employees are introduced to the benefit plan during New Hires: Orientation Part One, and are given a one-month window for enrollment. Once each year, thereafter, the University sponsors an "open enrollment" period, which allows employees to make changes in existing coverage.

Benefit eligibility is based upon the position held, and may be attached to both full and part-time, qualifying positions. Follow the links below for additional information on DU's benefit choices. Send an email message to Benefits@du.edu to ask a benefits question anytime!

Benefits Summary

This summary is provided as a brief overview of fringe benefits available for "appointed", benefits eligible, University employees. Details about specific benefits may be obtained from the Benefits Office or by reviewing the 2011 Benefits Choices Guide for the plan year July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. University benefits are extended to registered domestic partners, common law partners, and families of employees to the same extent that such benefits are provided to the spouses and families of eligible married employees.

Benefits, rates, carriers, and plan offerings are subject to change, at the University's discretion. Insurance plan coverage is in effect July through June of any given fiscal year, with an effective date of July 1 for open enrollment changes. 

If you're uncertain of your benefit eligibility, contact Human Resources Benefits at x17420. The following is a brief description of DU benefits and insurance rates:

Health Insurance

The University of Denver offers a choice of  group health plans.  The premiums outlined below include the University's contribution, which is based on a percentage of the lowest premium plan option.  The percentages are:  85% for Single Coverage; 70% for Employee + One Coverage; and 65% for Family Coverage.  The rates below indicate the employee's share of the monthly premium.

Further Information on any of the plans below is available by clicking on the health plan link.

Kaiser Permanente Provider Directory

Kaiser Permanente for DU Employees

Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS) Provider Search for Kaiser

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Dental Insurance

There are two dental plans available to all appointed employees on a voluntary basis. In the Patient Direct Discount Plan, participants must obtain services from one assigned or chosen plan (network) dentist. The PPO plan provides services from either the network dentists or from any other dentist on a fee for service reimbursement basis.  The monthly premium costs are as follows:

Further Information on any of the plans below is available by clicking on the dental plan link.

Delta Dental of Colorado "Give Us Your Best Smile"

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Disability Insurance

Basic Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance (60% of appointed pay) up to a maximum as determined by the carrier, is provided by the University at no cost to all appointed employees.

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Life Insurance plus Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D)

Group term life insurance for a core benefit of 1 year's appointed salary, (up to $50,000), AND AD&D insurance for $10,000 are both provided, at no cost to employees by the University.  Additional group life insurance may be purchased for the employee, (up to $500,000), or for the employee's spouse, (up to $50,000), or for the employee's children, (up to $10,000).  Additional Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance is also available, (up to $500,000).  Worldwide Travel Assistance is included in this plan.

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Auto, Home, Renter's Insurance

Liberty Mutual offers you, as a DU employee, a discount of up to 10% off your auto, home, and renters insurance*!

The University of Denver has teamed up with Liberty Mutual to offer employees Group Savings Plus®.  This unique program allows you to purchase high-quality auto, home, and renter’s insurance at low group rates through the convenience of EFT or direct billing at home. 

For a free, no-obligation quote, please call Analu Fairchild at 720-733-1443 ext 56337 or visit her website at www.libertymutual.com/lm/analufairchild.

*Discounts and credits are available where state laws and regulations allow, and may vary by state.  Certain discounts apply to specific coverages only.  To the extent permitted by law, applicants are individually underwritten; not all applicants may qualify.

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Travel Accident Insurance

All appointed employees are covered by a $200,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment policy during travel on official University business. The University pays the complete cost.

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Flexible Spending Accounts

Employees have an opportunity to make tax-exempt contributions to a Flexible Spending Account, which can then be used to pay for dependent care and non-reimbursed medical expenses.  For additional information on reimbursable expenses and planning for your health care account click here.

Flexible Spending plans automatically renew each year at the current rate of contribution unless this election is cancelled/changed during the annual Open Enrollment period.

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Tuition Waivers

Eligibility for employee and spouse, common law partner or domestic partner begins on the first day of the academic term (quarter or semester), following completion of six months of benefited service. One year of benefited service is required before employee's children are eligible for tuition waiver benefits.  Children cease to become eligible for all tuition waiver benefits the term following their 25th birthday. To request a waiver, download the Tuition Waiver Request Form from the Benefit Forms available on our downloadable web site. Find more information on the tuition waiver benefit and the benefit schedule in the Tuition Waiver Summary.

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Tax-Sheltered Retirement Plans

Frequently Asked Questions: University of Denver 403(b) Retirement Plan

It's never too soon to prepare for the future. Pre-tax investment in your retirement is one of the most important investments you can make. With convenient automatic payroll deductions, saving for retirement couldn't be easier. You save with pre-tax dollars, you will also benefit by having your taxable income reduced while building up your savings.

Basic Retirement Plan

To participate in the basic retirement plan you must contribute 4% of your base salary. You may direct your contributions into one or more of the three investment companies with over 200 options available: TIAA/CREF, Fidelity Retirement Investing, and American Century Investments.

The greatest benefit of participation is the 8% University match--that's an immediate 200% return on your money. You are immediately vested and you may direct how you want the University match invested as well.

Appointed employees are eligible for enrollment in the Basic plan after one year of continuous employment with DU or with a previous qualifying educational institution for a minimum of 1,000 hours during that year.

Supplemental Retirement Plan

The Supplemental plan is a tax-deferred savings plan. It is available for you to make unmatched tax deferred savings whether you participate in the Basic plan or not. Contribution amounts must be at least $200 per year. There are four investment companies available with well over 200 options. These four investment companies include the three available under the Basic Retirement Plan plus Metlife (formerly CitiStreet).

Please call the University's Benefits office at (303) 871-7420 for further information on enrollment in the retirement plans.

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Holidays

The following holidays are paid days off for appointed employees:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving (2 days)
• Winter Break (5 days)

For a listing of scheduled holidays, check out the Academic Calendar .

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Vacation (Non-Union Employees)

Appointed, non-faculty employees accrue paid vacation time. Accrual hours are prorated for employees who work less than full time. Accrual rates are:

• Less than 7 years of service = 15 days per year (maximum accrual of 15 days)
• 7 years or more of service = 24 days per year (maximum accrual of 22 days)

Maximum accrual refers to the time allowable on the books at any point-in-time.   The University has a policy that accruals stop at the above mentioned maximums, and don't resume until after time has been taken.

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Sick Leave

Paid sick leave for appointed, nonfaculty employees accrues at a rate of one day per month (prorated for employees who work less than full time).

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Funeral Leave

Employees may be absent from work with pay because of a death in the immediate family. Funeral leave is limited to three days if the funeral is within Colorado, and five days if it is outside Colorado.

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Jury Duty

Employees may serve on jury duty, when called, with no loss of pay.

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Credit Union

The Credit Union offers payroll deductions for savings accounts and loans. For information call (303) 639-2302 or visit the Credit Union Website.

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Identification Card Privileges

• 10% discount at the bookstore
• Library privileges
• Discounted rates as periodically announced, (e.g. athletic events & facilities, DU theater offerings, some special events, etc.)

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Eco Pass

The RTD EcoPass is an annual transit pass that allows free and unlimited ridership on all RTD bus and light rail lines, (except for certain promotional services). The EcoPass also includes RTD’s Guaranteed Ride Home Program, which provides free taxi service in the event of an emergency or an unexpected change in work schedule that prevents the use of regular RTD bus or light rail services.

Employees may obtain an EcoPass in the DU Transportation Center Office located on the southwest corner of the parking garage (Lot E) at Evans Ave and High Street. A valid DU ID card is necessary. Call the Transportation Center Office at 303-871-7433 or 303-377-7086 for additional information.

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Relocation Services

AcademicMoves, a division of The Talbot Group, works with colleges and universities to help newly hired faculty and staff make a smooth transition into their new community.  They handle all aspects of relocation to simplify the process for both the department and the new employee.

If you would like additional information about these services, please call directly at 866-404-0234, or visit their Web Site at http://www.thetalbotgroup.net/pages/academicmoves.htm.

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Summary Annual Reports

Summary Annual Report
This is a summary of the annual report of the University of Denver.

Summary Plan Descriptions

403b Summary Plan Description
University of Denver Retirement Plan (Amended and Restated Effective January, 1, 2009).

Delta Dental PPO Policy
Delta Dental of Colorado Benefits Contract

Life, Supplemental Life and Supplemental Dependent Life Certificate of Insurance
Group Benefit Plan with The Hartford Life

The Hartford Life and Accident Insurance--Proof of Insurance
Schedule of Insurance for Basic Life, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Supplemental Life Insurance, Supplemental Dependent Life Insurance.

Welfare Benefits Plan--Summary Plan Description
Provider contracts or descriptions and their respective policies.

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