The University is adding an emergency withdrawal option for University retirement plans administered by Fidelity Investments. OHR Total Rewards also offers financial counseling to support employees undergoing financial strain.
About Emergency Withdrawals
Retirement plan participants can take an emergency withdrawal of up to $1,000 annually across qualifying retirement plans. No documentation is needed for the self-certification process. The withdrawal(s) will not be subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty but will be subject to income tax.
At least $1,000 must remain in the account. For example, if you have a balance of $1,500 in an account, you can withdraw $500 from that account. Sign in to your NetBenefits account to learn more about withdrawals.
Employees of any age can now take an emergency withdrawal from the following plans:
Optional Retirement Plan
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
As of May 1, 2025, employees age 59.5 or older can take an emergency withdrawal from the Faculty Retirement Plan. The age restriction is due to IRS limitations on the FRP plan type.
April is Financial Literacy Month! Get to know your University financial counseling and retirement planning benefits through events and resources below.
Managing Financial Stress, Debt, Budgeting, and More
LSS is also offering free webinars to help you plan for, navigate through, and recover from financial strain:
Facing Financial Uncertainty (April 10, 11:00 a.m.–noon): Get hands-on guidance on how to make a temporary budget, manage debts, and find local resources.
Recovering Your Finances (April 15, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.): Take control of your finances after a financial crisis. You'll learn how to improve your credit, deal with creditors, and rebuild emergency savings.
Financial Stress-Busters (April 30, noon–1:00 p.m.): Get the tools to change damaging financial mindsets and behaviors and reduce stress.
Earn 200 Wellbeing Points per webinar!
Saving for Retirement
Learn about University retirement savings plans through upcoming events. Earn 200 Wellbeing Points per webinar!
Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) Pension Plan
April 17, noon to 1:00 p.m.
Join University benefits counselors Jeff Altringer and Lori Stotesbery to discuss the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) pension plan and how voluntary plans through Fidelity Investments can work in tandem with it.
This webinar is intended for Civil Service and Labor-Represented employees who automatically contribute to MSRS. Visit the plan comparison webpage for more information on eligibility.
Join University benefits counselors Jeff Altringer and Lori Stotesbery to discuss the Faculty Retirement Plan (FRP) and how voluntary plans through Fidelity can work in tandem with it.
This webinar is intended for Faculty and P&A employees who automatically contribute to the FRP. Visit the plan comparison webpage for more information on eligibility.
Is saving through a voluntary plan right for you? Should you contribute pre-tax or after-tax (Roth) dollars? Learn how to prioritize your needs and choose the right plan for you in this free Fidelity webinar.
Voluntary plans are available to employees who are paid regularly. Visit the plan comparison webpage for more information on eligibility.
How to Use Fidelity’s NetBenefits Tools and Resources
April 26, Noon to 12:30 p.m.
Fidelity offers responsive tools to help you plan for your future through its free NetBenefits platform. Get help saving for a house, projecting retirement income, deciding on pre-tax vs. after-tax (Roth) contributions, and more!
Paying off your student loans can be confusing and difficult, but University employee financial counseling vendor LSS Financial Counseling is here to help! Read on for information on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program and a LSS event to help you manage student loan debt.
About the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program and Student Loan Counseling
What is the PSLF?
The PSLF program allows you to have the remaining balance of your student loans forgiven after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full time for a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government or not-for-profit organization. Find out more on this government website.
Am I eligible for the PSLF? What other options do I have?
Qualifying for the PSLF depends on what kind of loans you have and the payment plan you are enrolled in.
LSS is offering a webinar (PSLF: Practical Steps to Loan Forgiveness, Thursday, May 22, noon–1:00 p.m.) specifically for University employees to learn about the PSLF, how it works, and the options available. The webinar earns 200 Wellbeing Points and has a 300-person limit. The webinar earns 200 Wellbeing Points and has a 300-person limit.
Send your form via email to ohr@umn.edu to request a signature for the employer verification section. Information to include:
Employer’s name: Regents of University of Minnesota
Address: 319 15th Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Federal EIN: 41-6007513
Do not include your Social Security number on the form.
I have more questions. Who can I contact?
LSS offers free financial counseling sessions for University employees, spouses, and dependents. You can schedule an appointment to discuss your specific situation. Learn more about this benefit.
Companies claiming to be University partners occasionally contact employees via phone call or email to offer financial advisory services. Representatives of these companies have also reached out to employees on social media platforms such as LinkedIn. You can check the Benefits Vendor Contacts web page if you receive a benefits-related message and aren’t sure if it came from a University vendor. If the vendor is not a University vendor, please ignore or mark the message as spam.
The following companies have reached out to employees but are notofficial University vendors:
Benefit Link
District Retirement Services
Edify Financial Consulting Group
Employee Retirement Advisors (ERA)
Pres Financial
United Financial Services
The University offers free retirement and financial counseling services to employees through LSS Financial Counseling and Fidelity Investments, as well as directly through University benefits counselors. You can learn more about services through the University on the Financial Counseling Overview web page.
Blog Abstract
Find out what to do if you've received a suspicious email, phone call, or social media message from someone offering financial advisory services.
March is National Nutrition Month! Find benefits-related resources to help you learn more about nutrition, recipes and meal prep, finding a dietitian, and more.
Meal Prep Like a Pro With Wellbeats
Did you know that meal prepping helps you make healthier food choices? Get tips for meal prepping through Wellbeats’ “Simply Prepped” series. To find the “Simply Prepped” videos, log in to the Wellbeing Program portal and find Wellbeats in the Programs tab. Once you’re in the Wellbeats portal, go to Programs and search for Simply Prepped.
Nutrition Support From the University Medical Plan
Consult With a Dietitian
Nutritional counseling is generally covered by the University’s medical plans as long as a registered dietitian provides it. If you are on the Elect/Essential or ACO plan, you will need a referral from your primary care physician for in-network coverage.
Contact Medica Customer Service at 952-992-1814 or 877-252-5558 to discuss what services are covered or find a provider.
Note: Medical plan coverage does not include charges for weight loss programs, nutritional supplements, food, over-the-counter appetite suppressants, vitamins, or exercise therapy.
Get Help With Diabetes Prevention and Management
You can get nutritional support focused on diabetes prevention and management programs provided by Omada®.
If accepted into a program, you’ll have access to a health coach who will help you build healthy routines around what you love to do and where you want the most support. The program is not about counting calories or avoiding foods you "can't eat" and things you "shouldn't do." Instead, Omada programming focuses on trying new foods.
Bonus: Employees and spouses who are eligible for the program can automatically earn Wellbeing Points for participating.
Blog Abstract
March is National Nutrition Month! Find benefits-related resources to help you learn more about nutrition, recipes and meal prep, finding a dietitian, and more.
The Office of Human Resources has launched HR TDX Insights, a mailing list designed to keep HR professionals, supervisors, and administrative staff informed about updates to TeamDynamix (TDX) as part of PEAK. By subscribing, you’ll receive timely notifications about system outages, upcoming changes, and new training resources to help you easily navigate service requests.
Updates will be sent on an as-needed basis, ensuring you stay updated while minimizing unnecessary emails to your inbox.
If HR TDX Insights isn’t a good fit, you can unsubscribe at any time.
Blog Abstract
The Office of Human Resources has launched HR TDX Insights, a mailing list designed to keep HR professionals, supervisors, and administrative staff informed about updates to TeamDynamix (TDX) as part of PEAK.
AFSCME, Civil Service, and Teamsters seniority rosters have been updated and can be found by following this path on the OHR website: Employees> Current Employees > Employee Relations > Seniority Rosters.
Planning to retire in the next 10 years? Get ready with resources offered through University partners and the Office of Human Resources.
One-on-one Sessions With Consultants
Fidelity representatives can help you get ready for retirement and offer free and confidential retirement counseling. You can invite your spouse or another family member to attend as well.
Call 800-343-0860.
Schedule a meeting with the University’s Fidelity Workplace Financial Consultants.
LSS Financial Counseling provides counseling to help with budgeting, student loans, and debt management and repayment. This confidential service is free to University employees and their spouses. You can invite your spouse or another family member to attend as well.
Call 800-528-2926.
MSRS retirement specialists are here to help you with MSRS pension plan questions and planning.
University of Minnesota benefits consultants can help those who are near retirement. Call and schedule an appointment, especially if you are about six months from your retirement date.
University benefit consultants walk through University retiree insurance benefits and other considerations as you prepare for retirement in the on-demand University Retiree Benefits presentation.
The University of Minnesota invites you to voluntarily update your race, ethnicity, disability, and protected veteran status at any time.
As a federal contractor, the University is required to take affirmative action to ensure that all individuals have an equal opportunity for employment regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, or protected veteran status. Collecting this information will allow the University to assess and improve affirmative action efforts and comply with government reporting requirements.
To make updates, click on the “My Info” tab in MyU. To update race or ethnicity, then click on “Ethnicity.” To update disability or protected veteran status, click on the “More Personal Information” link.
The University is committed to providing reasonable workplace accommodations to employees with disabilities. To learn about requesting a workplace accommodation at the University, please contact the Disability Resource Center at drc@umn.edu or your local campus disability resources office.
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Invitation to self-identify race, ethnicity, disability, protected veteran status.
On January 21, 2025, the University of Minnesota Regents approved the collective bargaining agreement with the Graduate Labor Union-United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (GLU-UE). The contract is effective immediately.
The three-year agreement is the result of more than a year of negotiations and covers 4,500 graduate assistants on the Duluth and Twin Cities campuses. This is the first contract for GLU-UE.
The agreement provides graduate assistants a new $27 per hour minimum wage, guaranteed annual wage increases, student fee support, paid personal days, expanded medical and dental coverage for dependents, and other workplace protections.
Blog Abstract
The agreement represents 4,500 graduate assistants and runs through June 30, 2027.
As of January 1, 2025, the University revised how employees can use Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) to align with a new state law. This applies to all ESST-eligible employees. The changes include:
Expanded Use
Civil Service and Labor-represented employees may now use accrued sick time for an ESST-qualifying reason.
Eligible faculty and P&A employees can use up to the first ten days of an academic medical leave for an ESST-qualifying reason.
Documentation Requirements
Civil Service and Labor-represented employees cannot be asked to provide documentation for an absence (ESST-qualifying or not) until they out for three consecutive scheduled work days. This change supersedes department policies or contract language regarding documentation requirements
As before, documentation is not required for faculty and P&A academic medical leave during the first 10 continuous days.
Definition of a Family Member
The ESST definition of family member is broader in many circumstances and now applies to sick time and the first ten days of academic medical leave for ESST-qualifying reasons.
Protection from Adverse Action
Employees cannot be disciplined or retaliated against because they used or attempted to use ESST. Time away using ESST cannot be counted as an absence that may result in adverse action under an attendance policy or point system. This extends to ESST-qualifying reasons when employees utilize their sick time or academic medical leave.
The University anticipates additional guidance on the expanded use in early 2025. After this guidance is released, applicable contracts and University policies will be updated later in 2025.
If you have questions about ESST, please contact your unit's HR representative, or email or call the OHR Contact Center at ohr@umn.edu, 612-624-8647, or 800-756-2363.
Blog Abstract
To align with state law, the University revised how employees can use ESST.
Here are some housekeeping items to help your tax preparations go smoothly.
Review how you receive your W-2
W-2 forms will be available before the end of January. All active University employees receive their W-2 electronically through MyU. If you have not already done so, we highly recommend that you take action to receive your W-2 exclusively through MyU rather than having it also mailed to you. The W-2 is a document that shows your earnings and tax withholdings for the previous year.
How to opt-in to receive your W-2 exclusively online and eliminate mailed paper copies
Check the box to consent to receive your W-2 exclusively online.
Click Submit.
Enter your password (the same one you use to log into MyU) for added security.
By choosing not to receive a printed W-2 in the mail, you'll stop all future printed and mailed W-2s, eliminating the risk of delays, loss, or theft associated with mailed paper copies.
Double-check your tax withholding information on your W-4 Form
While the IRS does not require employees to file a new W-4 each year, it is a good idea to review your current tax withholding as we move into a new tax year. You can do this by logging into MyU and following My Pay > W-4 Tax Information.
Need help accessing your W-4? Email or call the OHR Contact Center at ohr@umn.edu, 612-624-8647, or 800-756-2363.
Per IRS regulations, the University cannot provide personal tax advice. For issues with your personal taxes, contact a tax adviser or the IRS.
At tax time, don’t forget your proof of health insurance information on Form 1095-C
In January, you will receive a Form 1095-C from the University. The form shows if you or someone in your family had health coverage through the University in 2024.
If you enrolled in coverage, it lists your family members who were enrolled and the months they were covered.
If you are a new or former employee and were covered by any other health plan during 2024, you may receive a separate form covering your period of service in that plan.
Keep this form with your other important tax information such as your W-2 and Form 1099. You will need the information to complete your 2024 federal income tax return, although you do not need to attach the form to your return.
The University of Minnesota prohibits human trafficking, sex trafficking, forced labor and all trafficking-related activities. These activities are inherently harmful and contrary to the University’s core values, and may violate applicable foreign, U.S., state, and local laws.
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The University of Minnesota prohibits all trafficking-related activities.
To improve employee experience, Total Rewards is implementing two changes to retirement savings plans administered by Fidelity Investments. Both changes take effect on January 1, 2025.
New Catch-Up Contributions for Employees Age 60–63
Employees turning age 50 and over can make catch-up contributions to their 403(b) and 457 voluntary retirement plans. As of January 1, 2025, employees turning ages 60–63 have an enhanced catch-up contribution opportunity of $11,250 (instead of $7,500) on top of the 2025 limit.
Age range (as of December 31, 2025)
2025 contribution limit
Under 50
$23,500
50–59
$31,000
60–63
$34,750 (new!)
64 and over
$31,000
The limits apply separately to 457 and 403(b)/401(k) plans. For example, if you turn 60 in March 2025, you can contribute a total of $69,500, or $34,750 total across 457 plans and $34,750 total across 403(b)/401(k) plans.
This applies to the following University plans:
Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
457 Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan)
Plan Contributions After Leaving the University
Starting January 1, pay received after leaving the University can have retirement contributions withheld. This includes vacation time that is paid out directly to the employee.
This applies to the following University plans:
Faculty Retirement Plan (FRP)
Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
457 Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan)
If you are eligible for the FRP, contributions will continue through your final paycheck. If you are contributing to the ORP and/or 457 Plan, contributions will continue based on your current election(s). If you would like to change your contributions to the ORP and/or 457 Plan, you can do so through Fidelity.
Blog Abstract
Learn about changes that took place on January 1, 2025.
The Graduate Labor Union-United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (GLU-UE) ratified their first collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the University on December 6, 2024.
The CBA provides graduate assistants a new $27 per hour minimum wage, guaranteed annual wage increases, student fee support, paid personal days, expanded medical and dental coverage for dependents, and other workplace protections.
The three-year CBA is the result of more than a year of negotiations. GLU-UE represents 4,500 graduate assistants on the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses.
As winter weather approaches, it’s important to understand your work options in the event of severe weather conditions. Starting January 1, 2024, employees may qualify for the Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) benefit. This benefit allows non-essential employees to still be paid if their workplace closes due to weather, ensuring you're covered during unexpected closures. Here’s a quick guide to help you prepare for potential weather-related changes.
How You Will Be Notified
If the campus needs to close or reduce operations due to severe weather, you’ll be notified by email, SAFE-U messages, and the University of Minnesota website. Make sure you stay updated through these channels for the latest information.
Essential Employees
Essential employees are required to report to campus, even during closures or reduced operations. If you're unsure whether you're considered essential, check with your supervisor. You can find more details in the University State of Emergency: Human Resources Implications Policy. Please talk with your supervisor if you are unsure if you would be considered essential. If you use KRONOS, your payroll department will share instructions on how to track and use equivalent time off during weather-related closures.
Remote Workers
If you work remotely, you should continue as usual during a campus closure or reduced operations, but no extra pay is provided for this time. If you're facing disruptions like childcare issues, you can use ESST hours to cover unexpected time off, and supervisors are encouraged to approve time off requests when possible. Sick leave may only be used for appropriate situations for employees represented by Civil Service, AFSCME, or Teamsters. Check your contract, rule, or policy for more details.
Student Workers
Student workers who can work remotely should do so. Student workers who are unable to work due to severe weather closures will still be paid for their scheduled hours (up to 72 hours). Students on work-study will not be paid with work-study funds during reduced operations. They will be paid according to the regular policy.
Your Safety Comes First
While the campus may remain open during severe weather, your safety is the top priority. Use your best judgment when deciding whether it’s safe to travel or work on campus. If necessary, work with your supervisor to make alternative arrangements.
If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your supervisor or HR staff.
Blog Abstract
How severe weather closures impact work responsibilities.
We want to hear how your units are implementing HR best practices to support our broader HR community.
Please review this HR Leads Best Practices Topics form by Friday, December 20, 2024, and submit what topics you’d like to learn more about from your fellow HR Leads as well as content experts.
Starting January 2025 we will reach out bi-monthly with a specific topic for you to share your best practices. We will share your input on a new web page scheduled to launch in February and continue to grow this toolkit on a bi-monthly basis.
Blog Abstract
Help inform HR best practices to support the community.
University employees and spouses who participate in the University’s Wellbeing Program will begin to see the new vendor name, but the program is staying the same.
Virgin Pulse recently acquired HealthComp, a health benefits administrator, and Virgin Pulse rebranded the two companies as Personify Health. This change took effect for the University’s Wellbeing Program on September 1, 2024, with a hybrid look that includes Virgin Pulse and Personify Health elements. The full change will take effect on January 1, 2025.
While Personify Health will offer expanded services such as health plan administration, University users’ experience with the Wellbeing Program platform will remain largely the same. The only change you may need to make is updating any links or bookmarks to the portal login page:
No. You may be prompted to log in again or download a new version of the app after the app officially transitions to Personify Health on December 16. See the Personify Health member services website if you have questions about the app.
How will my experience on the portal or app change?
You will begin to see a Personify Health logo if you log out of the portal or app after using it. The copyright also changed from Virgin Pulse to Personify Health.
Wellbeing Program programming and user experience will not change due to the rebranding, though Personify Health may make minor changes to its interface like any app or website. Also, the company is planning changes to its homepage in early 2025.
Will this affect the data that is shared with the vendor? Will Personify Health have access to my health information?
No additional data will be shared with the vendor as a result of this change by the vendor.
As before, if you earn Wellbeing Program points through University health plan vendors Omada, Medication Therapy Management (MTM), Ovia, or Specialty Drug Therapy Management, only whether you participated will be tracked. None of your personal medical data will be sent to the Wellbeing Program vendor. Learn more about how vendors protect your privacy on the Employee Health Benefits and Data Privacy page.
Blog Abstract
The University Wellbeing Program vendor has changed its name. Here's what you need to do to access your account.
December brings the end of fall semester and holidays. Here’s how your University benefits can help you find balance and rest through this busy time.
Employee Assistance Program
Struggling with anxiety, depression, seasonal affective disorder, or stress? The Employee Assistance Program (EAP), through Lyra Health, provides:
confidential professional counseling
up to eight coaching and therapy sessions per issue each year (continued sessions are available to employees enrolled in a University medical plan)
on-demand access to a self-care library for help with sleep, meditation, stress relief, and more
All benefits-eligible employees, their spouses, and their dependents are eligible for EAP services. Lyra uses a diverse network of counselors who self-identify across a broad range of racial, gender, sexual orientation, and other cultural identities. Get started with the EAP.
Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Funds
If you need continued mental health support beyond the free EAP sessions mentioned above, you can use HSA or FSA funds to pay for counseling.
You could also potentially use HSA and FSA funds to pay for things such as over-the-counter products (like herbal supplements), sleep disorder treatments, and light therapy boxes to treat seasonal affective disorder. However, these products will likely require a letter of medical necessity from your doctor to qualify. Learn more about qualified expenses from HSA Bank.
Sick Time
Don’t forget that you can use your banks of accrued paid time off under the University’s traditional sick time program or Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) to take time off for medical, dental, and mental health appointments. Visit the Vacations, Time Away & Leaves web page for more information.
Wellbeats “Rest and Restore” Program
Wellbeats’ two-week “Rest and Restore” program includes a range of classes like restorative yoga, gentle stretching, and calming meditation to unwind and prepare for a restful night.
To access “Rest and Restore” videos, log in to the Wellbeing Program portal and find Wellbeats in the Programs tab. Once you’re in the Wellbeats portal, go to Programs and search for Rest and Restore.
The University has reached a tentative agreement with the Graduate Labor Union-United, Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (GLU-UE) for a first contract.
If GLU-UE members vote to ratify the tentative agreement, it will be presented to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents for approval.
December brings the end of fall semester and holidays. Here’s how your University benefits can help you find balance and rest through this busy time.
Employee Assistance Program
Struggling with anxiety, depression, seasonal affective disorder, or stress? The Employee Assistance Program (EAP), through Lyra Health, provides:
confidential professional counseling
up to eight coaching and therapy sessions per issue each year (continued sessions are available to employees enrolled in a University medical plan)
on-demand access to a self-care library for help with sleep, meditation, stress relief, and more
All benefits-eligible employees, their spouses, and their dependents are eligible for EAP services. Lyra uses a diverse network of counselors who self-identify across a broad range of racial, gender, sexual orientation, and other cultural identities. Get started with the EAP.
Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Funds
If you need continued mental health support beyond the free EAP sessions mentioned above, you can use HSA or FSA funds to pay for counseling.
You could also potentially use HSA and FSA funds to pay for things such as over-the-counter products (like herbal supplements), sleep disorder treatments, and light therapy boxes to treat seasonal affective disorder. However, these products will likely require a letter of medical necessity from your doctor to qualify. Learn more about qualified expenses from HSA Bank.
Sick Time
Don’t forget that you can use your banks of accrued paid time off under the University’s traditional sick time program or Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) to take time off for medical, dental, and mental health appointments. Visit the Vacations, Time Away & Leaves web page for more information.
Wellbeats “Rest and Restore” Program
Wellbeats’ two-week “Rest and Restore” program includes a range of classes like restorative yoga, gentle stretching, and calming meditation to unwind and prepare for a restful night.
To access “Rest and Restore” videos, log in to the Wellbeing Program portal and find Wellbeats in the Programs tab. Once you’re in the Wellbeats portal, go to Programs and search for Rest and Restore.
The annual voluntary retirement contribution limit for 2024 is $23,000, and the 2025 limit is rising to $23,500. This limit is determined by the IRS.
What plans does this limit apply to?
This limit applies separately to contributions to:
457(b) plans: Any contributions to another employer’s 457(b) plan will be combined with contributions to the University’s 457 Deferred Compensation Plan to determine the contribution limit. You can only contribute the annual limit in total across all of your 457(b) plans.
403(b) and 401(k) plans: If you participate in separate 401(k) or 403(b) plans, any contributions to those plans are combined with contributions to the University's Optional Retirement Plan when determining your yearly contribution limits. You can only contribute the annual limit in total across all of your 401(k) and 403(b) plans.
This limit does not apply to any contributions to MSRS pension plan or the Faculty Retirement Plan.
Catch-up contributions (ages 50+)
If you are age 50 or over by the end of the calendar year, you can make additional “catch-up” contributions of $7,500 for a total of $30,500 in 2024. This limit is staying the same ($7,500 for a total of $31,000) in 2025.
For example, if you are 50 or over in 2025, you can contribute a total of $31,000 across any 401(k) and 403(b) plans. You can also contribute a total of $31,000 across any 457(b) plans, for a total of $62,000 across all 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans.
Every year, Employee Benefit News (EBN) recognizes leading HR and benefits professionals through the Excellence in Benefits Awards. This year, Mary Rohman Kuhl, senior director of Total Rewards at the University of Minnesota, was honored with an Excellence in Benefits Award for leading her team’s work.
The Total Rewards team is responsible for administering wages and a full scope of benefits to U of M employees who work throughout the state, country, and world. Harnessing the University’s position as the sixth largest employer in the state, Mary and her team work with internal governance groups and external benefits providers, such as the University's medical plan and retirement savings vendors, to ensure excellent benefits for our employees.
Some of the team’s recent accomplishments include:
Choosing, launching, and promoting a new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider that offers culturally responsive care to our employees and their families
Expanding our Wellbeing Program to include all part- and full-time employees
Keeping medical and dental insurance rates low compared with market averages, with deductibles for the medical plan as inexpensive as $100, and partnering with College of Pharmacy faculty to assess appropriate coverage and keep costs low for employees
Enhancing our financial counseling provider contract to allow more attendees at financial webinars and offering semi-annual webinars on our primary and voluntary retirement plans
Transitioning to a single administrator for both the HSA and FSA benefit programs
Mary will be honored alongside other award recipients at the Benefits at Work conference later this month. Congratulations to Mary and the entire Total Rewards team!
Blog Abstract
Senior Director of Total Rewards Mary Rohman Kuhl honored as a 2024 benefits leader.
Welcome to the 2024-2025 Wellbeing Program year! For those of you who participated last year, you can start earning points immediately through the Wellbeing Program portal or app.
The program is largely the same from last year. The only change is in the number of points you’ll need to earn to receive a discount on your health insurance. This is due to the increase in points-earning programming added over the past few years.
To receive a discount on your 2026 medical insurance rates, you’ll need to earn 8,000 points (or 10,500 points for employee and spouse) by August 31, 2025. Spouses who are covered under the medical plan can also participate by earning at least 2,500 points.
With the new academic year beginning, Talent Acquisition wants to remind hiring managers to send background check invitation links to candidates in a timely manner to allow ample time for the background checks to be completed. Sending out the invitation quickly allows for more time for the candidate to complete it before the start date. This practice also helps if there are unforeseen delays.
Once sent, please monitor the background check invitation to ensure the candidate completes the process promptly. The background check is initiated once the candidate submits their information, not when the email is sent.
Please note that there has been an increase in background check exception requests. Only in rare circumstances will individuals be granted an exception by the Office of Human Resources to start their appointment prior to the completion of the background check and verification.
Exceptions will only be considered if the required background check and verifications have not been completed after five days from when the individual submitted their information and the position provides a service critical to the mission of the University and the delay in their employment impacts the University’s ability to provide this service; or the background check and verification process has been impacted by extenuating circumstances, such as a natural disaster, pandemic, etc.
Blog Abstract
Get background check invitations out quickly to avoid delays.
To better protect your accounts and personal information, Fidelity Investments is enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your NetBenefits® account.
With MFA, an extra layer of security is added to your account to prevent someone from logging in, even if they have your password.
In late August, you will be required to enter a security code when logging in. After this, you can choose to skip MFA on regularly-used, trusted devices.
If you are missing contact information, you also will be required to provide it to enable MFA.
There will be no change to your login experience if you previously enrolled in MFA.
Shannon Doyle with LSS Financial Counseling discussed Debt Management Plans (DMPs) in a recent Money Minute segment on a Twin Cities TV station. LSS is the official provider of financial counseling services for University employees.
A DMP combines your credit card payments so that you only pay one monthly payment to creditors, made through LSS. Most creditors will then offer lower interest rates and stop any late fees, which means you can pay down the debt faster. There is a monthly service fee based on the size of your payment, but LSS waives the DMP set-up fee for University of Minnesota employees. Since 2014, LSS has helped University employees pay down more than $5 million in debt through DMPs.
Dr. Mike Henson isn’t sure how many cases he’s seen in his 32-year tenure with the U of M’s Veterinary Medical Center (VMC). “5,000? It’s gotta be more than that. 10,000?”
If you look at the full course of Mike’s career, he’s certainly seen more than ten thousand patients. “I started working at a veterinary clinic at 14. I liked it because I could work with my hands and mind, get dirty, and work with animals and their owners,” he said. “Animal people are fun.”
A love of animals kept him in the field (when asked if he preferred dogs or cats, he said, “That’s like asking for your favorite child”), but it’s the mission that kept him at the U of M. “We train the next generation of veterinarians and practice the state-of-the-art medicine of today while generating the medicine of tomorrow.”
“I work with great people–they’re super smart, hardworking, and creative,” Mike said of his coworkers. “Plus we have all the toys,” he mentioned, citing a 3T MRI,128-slice CT, and a Varian EDGE.
Clinical Work and Research
As an oncologist at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Mike sees patients, teaches students, leads residents, and performs clinical trials using groundbreaking techniques. Applications stretch beyond animals–knowledge about animal cancers is used to inform research and new treatments for humans. “We stand on the shoulders of giants,” said Mike. “Someday someone will stand on our shoulders and do research I could never dream of.”
Mike is part of the Animal Cancer Care and Research Program. (He noted that care comes before research in the name on purpose.) “Our goal is to create a world in which we no longer fear cancer. It’s not realistic to eradicate cancer. Cancer will evolve as our treatments evolve,” he said. “Our goal is to cure where we can, reduce pain for all, improve and maintain quality of life as long as possible, educate to reduce fear, and [as needed] ease the passing of our patients.”
While Mike has seen thousands of patients over his decades at the VMC, he prefers to think about how many veterinarians he has helped train: more than 3,000.
Benefits of Working in the College of Veterinary Medicine
“There are rewards every day,” Mike says of working in the College of Veterinary Medicine, such as teaching at all levels; seeing patients; and working alongside brilliant researchers, veterinarians, technicians, and students. “Sometimes you see a spark go off [for a student or colleague] and it makes your day.”
Additionally, Mike appreciates that the University retirement automates retirement savings for him. [Through the Faculty Retirement Plan, the University contributes 10% while the employee contributes 5.5%.] He also is happy with the health insurance choices. A benefit he would love to use but hasn’t had the chance? “I fantasize about taking classes through the [Regents Tuition Benefit Program]. There are so many fun things to do and learn.”
And finally, Mike loves living in the Twin Cities. “I have three lakes within walking distance of my house,” he said. “It’s easy to get outside, and we have parks everywhere. It’s great for cycling.” He likes that there are so many great restaurants, music venues, dog parks, and sports teams in the metro area. “We have everything.”
Blog Abstract
Meet the College of Veterinary Medicine's Dr. Mike Henson!
“It’s a calling. I didn’t really think about doing anything else,” said Dr. Susan Arnold of why she chose to be a veterinarian.
Her first job was a dog walking business that she started at the age of eight. “I actually made a lot of money!” From there she worked at pet stores and an animal hospital before going to vet school, though she briefly considered pursuing a career in human medicine.
In her work at the U of M’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), she has opportunities to improve animal and human health through her research. “I can take the Campus Connector to the East Bank to work with [Medical School] clinicians,” she said. “Veterinarians, researchers, and human physicians all come together to collaborate in an environment that I know I wouldn’t have anywhere else.”
Susan cites teaching students as another benefit of working at an educational institution. “Sometimes I wonder when meeting with a student, ‘Am I sitting with the next big name in the field?’,” she said. “Students and residents are a brilliant force to keep us up-to-date on the latest technologies and research.”
College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) Culture
“We have a culture of ‘yes’,” said Susan. “We find a common goal and figure out how to do it.” When asked for an example, she shared the story of Moose, a German shepherd facing acute paralysis and having trouble breathing. “We brought together [experts from] neurology, emergency and critical care, anesthesia, and nutrition to provide diagnostic testing and support through his disease crisis.”
Susan also appreciates her relationship with leadership. “I receive strong support from my dean, department chair, and associate dean for clinical affairs. Leadership [at CVM] is very approachable.”
Working With Veterinary Technicians
“A lot of our technicians have a VTS [veterinary technician specialist designation] or are extremely experienced,” said Susan. “They add a valuable perspective to the care team.”
The veterinary technicians also allow veterinarians to focus on their specialities. “They’re really good at technical stuff,” said Susan. “I can ask a tech to do a complicated urinary catheterization on a female dog, and it’s going to be done without a problem.”
Other Benefits of Working at CVM
“We get to bring our pets! I have never worked a day in this office without Farley,” Susan said, gesturing to her dog at her feet. “It’s a great benefit to not worry about leaving an animal at home for too long. Plus, we look after each others’ pets. If I’m in surgery for hours, my vet techs make sure to take Farley out.”
Beyond animal-related benefits, Susan uses the dependent care FSA (flexible spending account) to help pay for childcare costs.
Location is another key bonus to working at the U of M. “We’re in a big city, we have an international airport. I like to say that there’s something for everyone and everyone for something.”
Favorite animal to work with?
“I like performing exams on cats. Their diseases are not as well described as dogs’, so there are more opportunities to explore diseases,” Susan said. Also, she likes the challenge they can present. “They’re fun little space aliens.”
Blog Abstract
Meet the College of Veterinary Medicine's Dr. Susan Arnold!
To ensure compliance and consistency across the institution, ELR developed a process for HR Leads to request a MOU or grievance settlements about applicable union/collective bargaining agreements. As a single employer, it is extremely important we adhere to a centralized process for such requests to mitigate risks and ensure awareness of contractual obligations. For questions, please contact ELR@umn.edu.
We want to thank colleges, campuses, and units who are ensuring that new labor-represented employees are attending New Employee Orientation (NEO). Not only are you helping new employees transition smoothly into their roles, you are also helping the University comply with PELRA. Unfortunately, we continue to receive concerns from AFSCME, Teamsters, and GLU-UE that some colleges, campuses, and units are not complying with the NEO requirements. Here is what we have been told:
HR is not informing the union of when NEO will take place
HR and/or supervisors are telling employees that NEO is optional
Supervisors are not sending employees to union NEO
HR points of contact for NEO are not responding to union outreach in select campus, college, or units
As a reminder, the University must comply with NEO requirements under PELRA. New labor-represented employees are expected to attend NEO, it is not optional since it is a part of their orientation. The Minn. Stat. Sec. 179A.07, Subd. 9 law allows unions to have in-person access to new employees in the bargaining unit for 30 minutes of paid time within 30 days of starting employment. If new employee orientations are being held, the applicable union(s) should be notified by local HR at least 10 days in advance. HR shall work with the union(s) to ensure compliance with this requirement which apply to all unions at the University, including LELS, 1-M, 1-B, IBEW, Trades Council(s), Teamsters, AFSCME, UEA-D, UEA-C, and GLU-UE. Local HR is also responsible for ensuring all supervisors understand the NEO requirements and their role in making sure new employees attend NEO with their unions. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Additionally, please remember that the following resources are available to the HR community to help ensure compliance with the new law.
Beginning Monday, May 13, all benefits-eligible employees can adjust their benefits in MyU within 30 days of a qualifying life event—like marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, a change in eligibility, or another life event. This means benefits-eligible employees can make important benefit changes when it’s convenient for them. MyU also provides better data security and quicker service times, so employees will see their changes sooner. OHR has prepared a communications toolkit to help you share this update with your teams.
Blog Abstract
Benefits-eligible employees can adjust marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, a change in eligibility, or another life event.
The transition to the modernized Performance Appraisal Tool (PAT) is less than two months away. If you have not already done so, please review the PAT Toolkit for HR Leads and the suggested timeline for when to share communications with supervisors. The toolkit includes email templates HR Leads can use to provide information to people impacted by the transition. Additional information is coming soon. Contact Shannon Luloff (smacdon1@umn.edu) with any questions.
Blog Abstract
Toolkit will help HR leads prepare supervisors for PAT transition.
Next week an email will be sent to all UMN retirees reminding them to ensure their benefit contact email information is updated to a non-University email address. This is due to the changes to U of M email and Google Workspace offerings for employees who retire from the University. We bring this to your attention as you may be contacted by retirees unsure of how they will be affected or by retired faculty who are unsure if they hold emeriti status. Google Workspace offerings for emeriti faculty are not affected by the changes.
Blog Abstract
Reminder that non-emeriti retired employees need to update their benefit information.
Get to know your health numbers (such as blood pressure, glucose, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) to ensure you're not at risk for developing cardiovascular disease or other serious health complications through biometric screenings.
Here’s how Rochester employees enrolled in the University medical plan can get a biometric screening:
Have your primary care doctor submit your information from your annual physical using the "Biometric Screening- Primary Care Physician Form." You can search for the form under the “Programs” tab of the Virgin Pulse portal. Then print and take a paper form to your doctor or send it electronically for your doctor to fill out.
Order a screening kit via the portal. Look for “Biometric Screenings- Home Test Kit (LabCorp/Pixel)" under the “Programs” tab. Please note: The Wellbeing Program year ends on August 31, so please plan to request your kit no later than July 15 to ensure you complete and mail back the blood sample on time.
You’ll earn 1,000 Wellbeing Points however you submit your screening!
Blog Abstract
Here’s how Rochester employees enrolled in the University medical plan can get a biometric screening.
As part of the University of Minnesota’s commitment to help you meet your retirement savings goals, Fidelity has added a Roth In-Plan Conversion feature to the University of Minnesota 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, a 457(b) plan. This is effective April 9, 2024.
What Is a Roth In-Plan Conversion?
An opportunity to convert non-Roth assets such as those currently in your plan or rolled over from a former employer's plan into a designated Roth portion of the 457 Plan, which allows you to withdraw tax-free dollars from your account when you are eligible.
How Do I Use an In-Plan Conversion?
Call Fidelity directly at 800-343-0860. Fidelity associates are available Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. CT.
The decision to add Roth within your plan depends on several factors that you should weigh carefully. We encourage you to consult your tax advisor before making a decision if this is right for you.
Blog Abstract
Fidelity has added a Roth In-Plan Conversion feature to the University of Minnesota 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, effective April 9, 2024.
Join other Twin Cities colleges and units in the first Diversity Career Fair organized by the OHR'S Talent Acquisition team. The fair will be held on Thursday, May 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m, at the McNamara Alumni Center. Twin Cities colleges, units, and departments are invited to host tables at the fair, which will be advertised widely throughout the Twin Cities metro area.
This fair will be an opportunity for job seekers to learn more about the broad array of full- and part-time jobs available at the University, from researchers to finance professionals to maintenance workers. This fair is a great venue to promote your college or unit work environment to diverse job seekers, even if you do not have many jobs open on May 30.
If you would like to participate, please reach out to your HR Lead to learn more. Signing up is free and commits you to at least one table at the event. You can also request multiple tables for multiple departments. A total of 50 tables will be available–claim your free table(s) now while space is available! Reservations are due April 30.
Blog Abstract
Join other Twin Cities colleges and units in the first Diversity Career Fair organized by the OHR'S Talent Acquisition team.
To emphasize the importance of Earth Month, the Wellbeing Program has two webinars worth checking out and sharing with employees.
Composting: Green, Easy and Good for the Planet - April 9 at noon - Learn how to easily integrate composting into your daily routine. Discover composting's environmental benefits, such as reducing food waste and enhancing soil health, that enrich your personal green space.
What’s Good for You is Good for the Planet- April 24 at noon - Join a panel of sustainability experts as they discuss how climate/health impacts U of Sustainability public health climate resilience strategies, how to reduce transportation emissions, the link human health, climate change, and planetary health, and how to build resilience in the face of climate change.
Each webinar earns 200 Wellbeing Points.
Blog Abstract
Celebrate Earth Month and Earn 200 Wellbeing Points by Attending Webinars
Did you know spending time outdoors can help reduce stress and boost your mood? Not only is it great for your physical health but it can also spark creativity! Appreciate the earth and kickoff a season the warmer days by not only taking the time ourselves as managers but also by encouraging employees to:
Move fitness outdoors - Being in nature has been shown to reduce blood pressure, reduce chronic disease and enhance overall physical fitness.
Take a mental health break by simply getting a breath of fresh air - Nature provides the best setting to take a moment to decompress & find peace during a busy day.
Blog Abstract
Time spent outdoors can improve more than just your mood.
The Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), originally passed in 1974 and updated in 2014, is a federal law which prohibits discrimination against returning veterans. In addition to Vietnam-era veterans, this law also includes several other categories of veterans, called protected veterans:
Disabled veterans
Recently separated veterans
Active duty wartime or campaign veterans
Campaign badge veterans
Armed Forces service medal veterans
Requirements
List all employment openings with the appropriate employment service delivery system with the state workforce agency job bank (Minnesotaworks.net). The opening must be posted in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment and in a way that will allow that system to provide priority referrals of veterans protected by VEVRAA for that job vacancy.
“All employment openings” includes all positions except:
Executive and senior management
Positions filled from within an organization where no consideration is given to persons outside the organization (e.g. student workers, graduate assistants)
Positions that the contractor proposes to fill from regularly established “recall” lists (e.g. priority hire)
To comply with VEVRAA, all positions at the University, including temporary and casual positions, must be posted. OHR has updated the Hiring Faculty and Staff administrative policy to reflect the job posting requirements.
All teaching positions must be posted, this includes lecturers, adjunct faculty etc.
Consider posting continuous (evergreen) requisitions for positions you know you will fill throughout the year.
Temp Casuals, as listed in the union contract, must be posted.
Roles and Responsibilities
Below are the roles and responsibilities of OHR, Local HR, Supervisors, Staffing Operations, and Talent Acquisition.
Entity
Roles and Responsibilities
Office of Human Resources (OHR)
Provide guidance on what positions must be posted.
Local HR departments
Ensure that the hiring managers are aware that all positions must be posted. Ensures that positions will be posted.
Supervisors and managers
Ensure that all positions are posted. Do not hire an employee (except students) without the position being posted.
Staffing operations
Post open positions. Hire employees in PeopleSoft.
OHR Talent Acquisition (TA)
Provide advice on how to best post the position.
FAQ
Do we need to post post-doc positions?
Postdocs are not considered students; they are employees with benefits. Therefore, their positions should be posted.
Do I have to post temporary positions?
Yes.
Do I have to post lecturer positions?
Yes.
Do I have to post student positions?
No. Currently, there is no posting requirement for student positions.
Do I have to post temporary positions for seasonal work?
Yes. We suggest placing continuous postings.
Do I have to post a position for a returning lecturer?
No, as long as this person applied to the position before and is returning to the same position within one year.
How long do I need to post a position?
Every position must be posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days.
Can I hire a recently graduated student worker into a temp casual position without posting it?
Yes, you can hire them for up to 3 months.
Do I have to post a paid internship?
It depends. If it is an internship part of a student's study, then no, you do not need to post it. If it isn't, then you do need to post the position.
Do interim roles need to be posted internally and externally?
No.
Do I have to post a position when the person is going on a short work break (SWB) and coming back as a part-time employee for the summer?
No.
Additional Questions or Clarifications
Please reach out to your TA contact.
Blog Abstract
The Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), originally passed in 1974 and updated in 2014, is a federal law which prohibits discrimination against returning veterans. Learn more about posting requirements.
The Office of Human Resources’ Total Rewards team is excited to announce changes to the Regents Tuition Benefit Program. This program was formerly known as the Regents Scholarship.
What the Regents Tuition Benefit Program Offers
Full-time employees (75-100% appointment) can access undergraduate and graduate-level classes through the University.
Employees can take classes through any University campus.
Employees who do not hold a bachelor’s degree can take classes for free if they have been accepted into a degree program. All other employees only pay 25% of the class cost. Note that fees outside of tuition (such as book costs or lab fees) are not covered by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.
Changes to the Program
To make the program easier for employees to use, the Regents Tuition Benefit Program process has been updated to reduce the number of approvals needed and provide one point of contact for users. Employees using the program will only need their direct supervisor’s approval for classes that occur during their regularly scheduled hours. Additionally, employees will have one point of contact (OHR’s Contact Center) to submit the Regents Tuition Benefit Program request form.
Related tax documents have also been updated to include examples of how the Regents Tuition Benefit Program affects taxes for employees taking graduate classes.
How to Look for Classes
You can browse campus catalogs to find courses that fit your interests or professional development plan. Employees can take classes offered on any campus. We encourage you to register for a course before submitting Regents Tuition Benefits Program paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the name change?
In talking with governance groups, Total Rewards learned that some employees have had the assumption that the benefit is only given to a select pool of applicants. However, this program is open to all eligible employees (75-100% appointment) who want to take a class. We want to make sure the program name does not keep anyone from using it.
How does the Regents Tuition Benefit Program affect my income taxes?
Undergraduate tuition is not taxed as part of your income.
Graduate tuition may be taxed as part of your income, since tax laws treat graduate tuition benefits over $5,250 in a calendar year as taxable income. If your tuition benefit exceeds that limit, the amount over $5,250 will be added to your taxable income for that semester and any following semester during the year.
The IRS may allow you to exclude some of your tuition from taxes. This exclusion is evaluated on a course-by-course basis and has requirements, including having a business connection to your job. You can apply for exclusions through the University's Tax Management Office. A separate application must be submitted for each course.
If I don’t hold a bachelor’s degree, will all classes I take be free?
If you have been accepted into a degree program, you will not be charged for class tuition. Otherwise, you will be billed for 25% of the cost, even if you do not hold a bachelor’s degree.
Note that fees outside of tuition (such as book costs or lab fees) are not covered by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.
Do I need supervisor approval if I hold a 9- or 10-month appointment?
If you hold a 9- or 10-month appointment, you'll need to get supervisor approval to take summer classes. You’ll need your manager’s confirmation that you will be returning in the fall.
Where can I go if I have questions about the program?
Did you know we have many resources for you to take advantage of to help you along your nutrition journey? As managers and leaders, it’s important that we take care of ourselves as well as employees. From recipes by the program Foodsmart in the wellbeing portal to the following free webinars:
March 1st is Employee Appreciation Day. Recognizing employees by communicating appreciation for their work is a great way to enhance someone’s career wellbeing by helping them feel valued. Appreciation of employees should not just be one day a year but within regular interactions. According to Gallup’s largest study of the future of work, employees revealed that public recognition or acknowledgement is the most memorable form of recognition, followed by private recognition from a boss, peer or customer.
Did you know the wellbeing program has a “shoutout” feature within the social tab on the wellbeing portal? This is just one way you can recognize your employees and colleagues.
Source: “It’s the Manager” by Jim Clifton and Jim Harter
The Office of Human Resources is proud to co-sponsor the Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing’s Wellbeing Series. This webinar series features presentations by wellbeing thought leaders from around the world. Past speakers include Brené Brown, Atul Gawande, Dessa, Celeste Headlee, Rhonda Magee, and Jon Kabat-Zinn.
Wellbeing Series webinars are free and open to everyone. University employees who participate in the Wellbeing Program can earn 200 Wellbeing Points per webinar!
As of January 1, 2024, Medica members can access a free digital fitness option through the Life Time® Digital Fitness Program. You can find more information about this program on the Medica U of M website under “Programs + services”.
What is Life Time Digital?
The Life Time Digital app provides access to hundreds of on-demand and live fitness classes, meditations, plus nutrition and lifestyle articles to support your wellbeing goals. Program highlights include:
Over 500 weekly classes led by top instructors
Exercise anytime, anywhere, with live streaming and on-demand cardio, strength, yoga, and more
Select “Programs + Tools” under the “Wellness” section in the navigation menu.
Under “Life Time Digital,” click “Sign up”.
Once you’ve signed up for your Life Time Digital account, download the Life Time Digital app from the Apple Store or Google Play to begin your journey.
What other workout options are available through my University benefits?
The Wellbeing Program offers on-demand video fitness, mindfulness, and nutrition classes through Wellbeats via the Virgin Pulse portal. Wellbeats offers content for every age, gender, and ability level. Learn more about the program, including how to sign up.
Blog Abstract
University medical plan administrator Medica launched its free digital fitness option through Life Time® Digital on January 1, 2024.
The Wellbeats digital platform offers on-demand video fitness, mindfulness, and nutrition classes. Part- and full-time University employees can access Wellbeats for free! Watch this 90-second video to learn more:
Log in to the platform via browser window. Note: To access Wellbeats for the first time, you’ll need to use Personify Health (formerly known as Virgin Pulse) through the web portal, not the app. You can do this by logging on with your computer or using the browser (Chrome, Safari, etc.) on your phone.
Click Programs at the top center of the page.
Search for Wellbeats.
Click Start Now to be logged in through your Personify Health account.
Ideas to Get Started
Once you’ve signed up, you can browse classes, save favorites, view your watch history, and more. Classes for all abilities, genders, and ages (including kids!) are available. Ideas to get you started:
Try a barre, dance, or strength-training workout
Learn how to sharpen your knife skills to reduce food prep time
Find exercises to reduce common aches and pains that can come from working at a computer
Get injury prevention exercise routines for your back, shoulders, knees, and more
Take a meditation break
Edit your profile to get personalized class recommendations
If you have any difficulty accessing Wellbeats, please reach out to our U of M-specific Personify Health customer service line: 1-833-996-1870 (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–8 p.m. CT; accepts TTY services) or email Personify Health at support@personifyhealth.com.
Wellbeing Points
Watching 20 minutes of Wellbeats videos in a day earns 70 Wellbeing Points. So if you do a 20-minute workout one day and watch a mindfulness video and a cooking video that total 20 minutes the next day, you’ll earn 140 points (70 each day).
Blog Abstract
University employees can access Wellbeats for free through the Wellbeing Program.
Two changes are coming to the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (“457 Plan”). The 457 Plan is one of two voluntary retirement plans offered through official University retirement savings vendor Fidelity.
As of January 1, 2024, you will be able to make Roth contributions to the 457 Plan. This means that you can make post-tax contributions to the plan, which means qualified withdrawals won’t be taxed.
Previously, the 457 Plan only allowed pre-tax contributions, which are taxed when withdrawn from the plan. Roth contributions were previously only available through the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), another voluntary retirement plan.
The 457 Plan and ORP each offer unique retirement plan features. However, both allow University employees who are paid regularly to save extra for retirement on top of any contributions to the Faculty Retirement Plan (FRP), Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) pension plan, or other personal retirement accounts. Compare your voluntary plan options, and make a free appointment to talk with a Fidelity workplace financial consultant if you’d like to discuss your personal situation.
As of February 1, 2024, If you want to add or update your contributions to the 457 Plan, changes will only take 1–2 pay periods to go into effect. Until February 1, contributions will continue to take as long as 3–4 pay periods to go into effect.
You can enroll or make changes in either the 457 Plan or ORP by logging onto NetBenefits® or by calling Fidelity at 800-343-0860.
All Twin Cities benefits-eligible faculty and staff will receive unlimited access to all transit systems in the Twin Cities metro area (rides on the NorthStar require a small supplemental fare for each ride beyond a certain point).
Employees with 75-100% appointments will receive ETP at no additional cost. Employees with 50-74% appointments who are eligible for benefits, but no contributions from the University, will be able to opt in at their cost via a pretax payroll deduction later this fall.
The ETP program provides low-cost, equitable, and accessible transportation for eligible employees and helps the University meet its sustainability goals in support of the Climate Action Plan.
How to activate your Employee Transit Pass
If you have a 75-100% appointment, complete the ETP Request Form.
After you receive the activation email, you will have 12 days to tap your U Card at a light rail or bus rapid transit station or at Coffman Memorial Union or St. Paul Student Center activation stations. That should generate a loud beep and flash a "GO" message on the machine screen.
If you don't see the "GO" message, tap the U Card twice at least one hour apart at any Metro Transit light rail or bus rapid transit station or at the activation stations. The station should display an "Invalid" message. The second tap should generate a loud beep and flash a "GO" message on the machine screen.
After activating, the U Card will work on any bus or light rail train.
Blog Abstract
MinnPost recently called the transit pass “a glimpse [of] the future, a world where cities take action on climate change.” Find out how to activate your pass!
Per the IRS, the annual deferral limit for 2023 is $22,500, and the 2024 limit is rising to $23,000. This limit applies separately to contributions to the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan and 403(b) Optional Retirement Plan. This limit does not apply to any contributions to MSRS pension plan or the Faculty Retirement Plan.
If you participate in separate 401(k) or 403(b) plans, any contributions to those plans are combined with contributions to the University’s Optional Retirement Plan when determining your yearly contribution limits. You can only contribute the annual limit in total across all of your 401(k) and 403(b) plans.
Likewise, any contributions to another employer’s 457(b) plan will be combined with contributions to the University’s 457 plan to determine the contribution limit. You can only contribute the annual limit in total across all of your 457(b) plans.
Catch-up contributions (ages 50+)
If you are age 50 or over by the end of the calendar year, you can make additional “catch-up” contributions of $7,500 for a total of $30,500 in 2023. This limit is staying the same ($7,500 for a total of $30,500) in 2024.
For example, if you are 50 or over in 2024, you can contribute a total of $30,500 across any 401(k) and 403(b) plans. You can also contribute a total of $30,500 across any 457(b) plans, for a total of $61,000 across all 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans.
October is National Retirement Security Month! It’s a great time to learn about cybersecurity and protecting your accounts. University retirement savings vendor Fidelity offers events and resources to help:
Cyber theft! Not on my account:Watch this 44-second video to get a quick overview of how to use Fidelity’s security features to keep your account safe, then check your settings to make sure you have the features enabled.
Protecting yourself in a digital world:This 18-minute Fidelity course goes over how to recognize cyber scams, keep your social media accounts secure, and avoid cybercrime.
Blog Abstract
October is National Retirement Security Month! University vendor Fidelity is here to help you secure your finances.
Financial counseling sessions. Did you know that you can access six free sessions of financial counseling with LSS? Counselors are available to help you budget for making student loan payments, pay off other debt, plan to buy a house, and more. Learn more.
Blog Abstract
Learn about resources to help you navigate student loan repayments.
Are you (or someone you know) looking for a new job? The University of Minnesota is hosting a job fair!
Date: Wednesday, July 12 Time: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Place: University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) | 2001 Plymouth Ave. N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Benefits of Working at the U of M
Minimum $20/hour
Low-cost healthcare coverage
Plenty of time off, including 12 paid holidays
Free or low-cost University classes
Employer-paid life insurance
Free financial and mental health counseling services
Pension plan
Available Positions
Dining attendants
Cooks
Drivers
Campus security
Lab techs
Office supervisors
Or stop by to talk about how to advance your career at the U of M with a recruiter!
Drop in on Wednesday, July 12, anytime from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Plus, you'll be entered to win a U of M shirt for attending.
Blog Abstract
Are you (or someone you know) looking for a new job? The University of Minnesota is hosting a job fair!
Through the "Dear Minnesota" campaign, the University of Minnesota has collected stories of how the University has improved the lives of our students, faculty, and staff. Employee Heidi R. shared their story—here's an excerpt:
"I earned my master's degree in soil science in May of 2021 and continue working at NWROC [Northwest Research and Outreach Center]."
Through the "Dear Minnesota" campaign, the University of Minnesota has collected stories of how the University has improved the lives of our students, faculty, and staff. Employee Marissa S. shared their story—here's an excerpt:
"The University of Minnesota's impact extends far beyond the walls of the campus, and I'm immensely proud to have played a small part in making our great state even better."
Through the "Dear Minnesota" campaign, the University of Minnesota has collected stories of how the University has improved the lives of our students, faculty, and staff. Employee Lisa K. shared their story—here's an excerpt:
"I came to Minnesota in 2000, after a couple of jobs, I was hired on at the U of M. Long story short, using the Regent's Scholarship and working full time, I was finally able to make a dream of mine come true."
Through the "Dear Minnesota" campaign, the University of Minnesota has collected stories of how the University has improved the lives of our students, faculty, and staff. Employee Karrie M. shared their story—here's an excerpt:
"I have found my dream career in higher education as a program manager and love being surrounded by topics and research that interest me regarding neuroscience, neuromodulation, and a variety of brain/neurological conditions that we hope to discover cures, enhance treatments, and improve the quality of life for all Minnesotans."
Did you know that just 1% extra per paycheck can lead to thousands (or tens or hundreds of thousands) more dollars to help you enjoy retirement? For example, if you’re 28 years old and make $50,000 per year, adding 1% of your salary (less than $10 a week) to your retirement savings could add more than $160,000 to your nest egg when you retire.*
Use this Fidelity tool to see what a 1% increase could do for you, and sign up for a plan or modify your contributions here.
*See Fidelity tool for disclaimer.
Blog Abstract
Consider starting or increasing contributions to a voluntary plan to save thousands of dollars more for retirement over the course of your career.
“I like the responsibility of working overnights. There are only a few people in the hospital in the middle of the night, so I get time to teach interns advanced skills. Plus, at the U of M vet techs get to keep learning new techniques and research along with the vet med students.
“Veterinarians aren’t the only people who get paid to care for animals’ health. Being a vet tech is its own career path, and a very rewarding one at that. I’m not a particularly spiritual person, but if there’s one thing I know, it’s that I was put on this earth to take care of animals. I get to do it every day at the Veterinary Medical Center.
“The University’s health insurance is a big reason why my wife and I were able to have kids. Plus the perks of working at the VMC include bringing your dog–that’s another reason why I’ve been here for nine years.
“My favorite animal is definitely a moose. I cried like a baby when I saw one in the wild.”—Rachel Carlier, Animal Care Tech Specialist, AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical
“Working at the University’s Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) allows me the time and mental power to focus on my family alongside the opportunity to grow professionally. I can casually go for my VTS because I see new cases at work every day, and I feel well supported in pursuing the specialization.
“I came to the VMC for the paid time off and health insurance. It’s easy to take time off for a doctor’s appointment or if my daughter is sick. And as our unit’s union representative, I advocate for raises and better benefits for technicians. I’m also here to answer my coworkers’ questions about contracts and to make sure the contracts are upheld by all parties.
“At the VMC, I work in anesthesia. It’s especially rewarding to work with dogs that are very aggressive and scared–they need someone to give them patience and put them at ease. I teach vet students skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives, both about anesthesia and also about how to take care of themselves and their mental health.”--Natalie Vogel, Senior Veterinary Technician, AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical
“I knew from high school that I wanted to work with animals as a vet tech. My uncle taught me how to ride horses, which eventually led me here [to the Leatherdale Equine Center]. I’m so proud of myself for making it here and earning my VTS in large animal internal medicine.
“The clients are laid back and great to work with, but they still fiercely love their animals. Goats, pigs, and sheep may be considered farm animals to a lot of people, but to a client that goat is everything.
“At Leatherdale, we work together as a team to deliver foals, treat illnesses, diagnose causes of lameness, help animals prepare for competitions, and more. My job is to provide the best care possible to the patients and their owners. A big part of this is putting both the animal and the owner at ease. Interpersonal skills are key–I ask general questions about a patient to get to know the animal and to help the owner relax as they talk about their pet. The better I know the patient, the better care I can provide.
“Someday I’d like to teach. I’m getting teaching experience by working at the University, and I would love to play an active part in training the next generation of vet techs. Plus, I want to increase interest in working with large animals. My advice for someone who’s considering this career path is to not give up. Set a goal, lean on the people who love you most, and work hard.
“Goats and horses are my favorite patients. They have big personalities.”—Hilary Baskin, Animal Care Tech Specialist, AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical
“I’ve been able to thrive at the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC). Over my 25 years at the VMC, I have developed my skills, taught students, mentored new hires, and worked with some of the finest clinicians and technicians in the field! I've presented continuing education lectures and supported new ways to improve our work culture.
“Years ago, Dr. Trevor Ames [former dean of the VMC] invited me to be part of a pilot DEI initiative to help guide our community toward more inclusive practices. And now, Pat Berzins and I are shaping outreach to under-represented groups of high school and middle school students to help them explore careers in veterinary medicine! This is close to my heart as the first veterinary technician of African descent and part Native American (Blackfoot Indian) to be hired at the VMC.
“A few of my memorable career highlights would be caring for a newborn baby orangutan from Como Zoo whose mother needed a C-section. I was able to monitor, hold, and feed baby Jaya in his first days of life. It was an amazing experience! Also, I was overjoyed to receive VMC awards for teaching and several for excellence in the field. These were profoundly meaningful and affirming honors.
“As a minister, I have officiated many staff weddings and baby dedications. I love, trust, and respect my VMC family and count myself extremely blessed to be doing what I love at the Lewis Small Animal Hospital. A lot of good things happen here! There’s a real sense of community, and I believe the best is yet to come.”—Rosemary Klass, Senior Veterinary Technician, AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical
"Before working at the University, the thought of applying or even working here sounded pretty intimidating. But when I was searching for a job, I stumbled across a vet tech assistant opportunity at the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC), so I decided to apply."
"I’ve always wanted to be an advocate for animals. I studied animal science at the U of M, so being a vet tech assistant is a great first step for me. At the VMC, I learn something new every day. Plus, I get to work with experts who are also ready to learn every day, and they make sure to explain what they are asking of me in ways I can understand. Everyone at the VMC is super respectful, as well as passionate about teaching and learning together.”—Angelie Moua, Veterinary Technician Assistant
“I hold my head a little higher knowing that I work at the University of Minnesota. As a vet tech at the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC), I get to help train the next generation of doctors, form relationships with experts in the field of veterinary medicine, and work on challenging and interesting cases.
“After working here for two and a half years, I still have so much to learn. Right now I’m leaning toward specializing in emergency care. Once a dog arrived in critical condition due to fluid buildup in his stomach. I performed CPR, placed the catheter, and intubated him. From there I got to work alongside veterinarians to help him recover in the ICU. When I first met his owners, they were crying from distress. But when I walked him out to them, happy and healthy, a week later, they were crying out of pure happiness. Restoring pets to health is the most rewarding part of being a vet tech.”—Enrique Leary-Limón, Veterinary Technician, AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical
“I’m proud to work at the only facility in Minnesota that offers radiation therapy.
“Helping patients and clients get through the difficult process of cancer treatment is something that’s personally and professionally rewarding for me. I love that we can be there for people and offer quality care to their pets.
“The best days are when we get to see animals walk again. We even had a patient who went on to win an agility championship after her treatment.”—Jess Coffey, Animal Care Tech Specialist, AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical
“We handle three to six cases a day, and our patients include everything from small cats to a 160-pound mastiff. While we specialize in radiation, we’re cross-trained in anesthesia. I’ve been able to learn and grow so much over my eight years at the VMC, and working with someone who’s become a close friend makes my job even more rewarding.”—Amy Newland, Animal Care Tech Specialist, AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical
“Since I started as a float technician [at the Veterinary Medical Center] in 2013, I’ve worked in several roles, including my current position as a project coordinator for VMC administration. Bringing my dogs to the office is a huge perk for me, as is the ability to take classes toward a bachelor’s degree for free using the University’s Regents Scholarship Program.
“I love the people here. Helping share vet tech stories with our Veterinary Medical Center and the greater University community has been and continues to be one of my favorite projects at work.”—Flannery Miley, Project Coordinator, Civil Service
“Sustainability is important to me, and I like that I make a tangible difference in reducing waste at the University. Plus I enjoy the flexibility and good benefits I get through my job.
“One thing I like about working at the University is that we can choose our vendors by quality instead of only using price. For example, a while back we weren’t able to verify that a vendor was actually recycling our used printer toner cartridges. We were able to switch to a vendor that we can trust to actually process and recycle the magnitude of cartridges the Twin Cities campus produces. This recycler is more expensive, but we know we’re doing the right thing to reduce waste.”—Tyler Miller, ReUse Specialist, Teamsters Local 320
“I studied horticulture at the University, and I always thought it would be fun to come back. I love our campus and my job–it’s kind of a dream job for me. I get to take care of annuals, including the gardens at Eastcliff (the president’s mansion) and at the new Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain.
“Since we have such a talented group of people, we’ve learned to communicate well and lean on each other’s skills. I can always call Becky for advice on irrigation, and if I need mulch at Eastcliff, I know Steven can drop some off. It’s great to collaborate with people instead of submitting work orders for everything. We also try to use our own resources when possible rather than buying them. For example, we use dogwood, pine, and birch tree materials that we harvest on campus to use as winter decorations in our planters.
“I take pride in where I work. The history of our five campuses is something really special–the same architect who designed Eastcliff designed several buildings on the Twin Cities campus as well as the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth. And of course the benefits are great too.”—Hollie Teslow, Gardener, Teamsters Local 320
Favorite tree: tamarack
Favorite place on Twin Cities campus: The green roof on top of the Cancer & Cardiovascular Research Building, as well as the metal sculpture and prairie area behind it
“It all started with a bus pass. I visited Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) as an undergraduate student to get a bus pass, and the assistant director offered me a job on the spot. I wasn’t sure about it–I didn’t want anything to distract me from my studies–but he convinced me that a student job at the U was a great way to earn money while focusing on school.
“I started as a parking attendant, got promoted to a student supervisor, and then took a full-time role in the department that would allow me to take undergraduate classes for free. Eventually, I want to get an MBA at the Carlson School. My boss is supportive of me, and my professors have worked with me as well when family circumstances and illness have delayed getting my first degree.
“I’ve stayed at PTS for more than 15 years because it’s much more than parking. We are here to serve as the face of the University. A parking attendant is often the first and last person someone sees at the U, and it’s my goal to put a smile on their face and give them the best experience possible.
“The benefits here are great. I’ve been able to use vacation and sick time to take care of myself, and the gym reimbursement program rewards me for working out. I also save extra money for retirement through Fidelity [in addition to the University’s pension plan].
“I would love to see more people like me working at PTS and at the U in general. This is a job for everybody. The people I work with are the reason I’m here, and this is an environment where you’ll feel welcome.”—Farhiyo Ahmed, Operations Manager, Civil Service
“After high school, I wasn’t sure what to do. I did a semester of community college and then came and worked at U Market Services, and I’ve been here for four years. The social aspect is the best part of working here for sure. It’s such an accepting, inclusive environment, and I enjoy engaging with my coworkers every day.
“When COVID hit, I was grateful for the stability of my job. I felt safe, like I could depend on the U to take care of us.
“I’m only 21, so I’m not sure what’s next for me. Someday I’d love to study anthropology since I find cultures fascinating. I might take classes toward my first bachelor’s degree for free through the Regents [Tuition Benefit Program], or maybe I’ll work my way up to a manager role. We’ll see.”—Seth Lopez, Stories Specialist, Teamsters 320
“Seeing the stability that my mom and older sister had through their University jobs made me want to work at the U. I joined U Market Services in 2013 as a stores specialist, and now I work at the Facilities Management Central Order Desk.
“My days go quickly, as my work keeps me busy and engaged. Every day I get to learn from experts in the trades, including carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and custodians. I like that at the end of every day, I’ve accomplished a lot.
“The benefits at the U are great, especially the Employee Assistance Program. The medical coverage I have through the U is awesome. It gives me a sense of security because I know I won’t be burdened by medical bills if anything happens.
“The fact that most people work at the U for a long time speaks volumes. The wealth of knowledge that people have here is invaluable, and I’ve seen many people with decades of service retire from U Market Services. I want to be able to say that I’m retiring from the University at the end of my career, though that’s still a ways away.” —Emily Oberfoell, Principal Office and Administrative Specialist, AFSCME Unit 6 - Clerical
Emily is pictured here with her sister, Allison Bintner (right).
Principal Office and Administrative Specialist Emily Oberfoell shares her experience of working with U Services. (Pictured here with her sister, Allison, on her right.)
“I just love it here. I started with Facilities Management nearly seven years ago and now work in Capital Projects Management as a business manager. My coworkers and I handle onboarding, meeting scheduling, contract administration, and more so that our design and project delivery managers can focus on improving buildings across our five campuses.
“The people here are fun, interesting, and team-oriented. I get to work with people across the University system, and everybody is willing to help me with whatever questions I have. In the building I work in, we get together for potlucks, Community Fund Drive events, even stretching breaks. There’s good work-life balance too, so I have plenty of time to enjoy Minnesota’s seasons.
“I moved to Minnesota for the winter. The silence a snowfall brings is beautiful, and I find it soothing to be indoors as the snow falls. I also enjoy ice skating and walking in the snow with my dog, Reggie.
“The University is like a small city. We have such a wide spectrum of people working here and a variety of job opportunities. Whatever your talent, you can put it to good use at the U.”—Janee Meyers, Business Manager, P&A
Favorite place on the Twin Cities campus: the pink granite fountain at Lilly Plaza
“I started in Landcare as a student worker, and I had a great time working alongside nice, smart, motivated people. I was hired on full time in 2005, and I’ve been here ever since.
“My job was easy enough to learn, but there are always new challenges. I love working outdoors on our beautiful campus.
“We can take overtime as additional pay or save it as additional vacation time. That’s a huge benefit of working here.”—Becky Schmidt, Irrigation Technician, Teamsters Local 320
“The healthcare insurance is what convinced me to come here. I was getting frustrated with the high cost of insurance elsewhere and about to have my first kid. I had graduated with a bachelor’s from the U years ago, so I started looking into jobs here since I had heard the benefits were great for employees. I started at U Services three years ago, just before my son was born.
“I like that I work at an organization with a mission that I support that also offers excellent family benefits. The University has a huge pool of job opportunities, so there’s something here for everyone.”—Bryn Rose, Stores Specialist, Teamsters Local 320
“I’ve been at the U since ‘93, and I didn’t plan on being here for 30 years. But what happens is you start working, you move around to different parts of the U, you get experience, and you realize that you can spend the rest of your career here.
“If a job’s not working out for you, you can always try a different job on campus. That’s how I got to U Market Services, and now you’ll always see me with a smile on my face. I’m continually meeting new people, and it’s been fun to watch the campus change over the years.
“The job security is another thing that’s kept me here for so long. I’ve never been afraid of being laid off.”—Jeff Ryg, Delivery Service Driver, Teamsters Local 320
“We receive packages for the entire Twin Cities campus and stock everyday materials that the campus needs to function. U Market Services can also buy commonly used products (such as toilet paper and lab materials) in bulk, which saves departments money.
“The benefits and the people I work with keep me around. Everyone’s usually got a smile on, but if you’re having a rough day we’re here for you. As essential workers we’ve been supporting each other through this entire pandemic. Plus the hours are great. I work 6:30–2:30, which gives me time after work to do whatever I want.
“One big misconception I see is that people outside of the U think you have to have gone to the U to work here. Not at all. It’s a welcoming environment regardless of where or if you went to school. And if you want to, you can take classes for free or reduced price while working here.”—Drew Cramer, Stores Specialist, Teamsters Local 320
“Before joining the University three years ago, I didn’t think I was University material, but campus needs people like me caring for it. I think the University represents a nice balance of people–you have the students, the staff, the professors, and visitors all coming together to enjoy our beautiful campus.
“My favorite part of working here is the harmony between us and the variety of wildlife we get to see every day. We see a variety of birds, squirrels, bunnies, ducks and ducklings, geese and goslings, and foxes. I have one tree that I call Turkey Tree because of how many turkeys I see perched in its branches.
“The best time to see wildlife on campus is right away in the morning. We see hawks, eagles, and fledglings soaring over the river. And of course, there's nothing like seeing a mob of turkeys majestically stopping traffic and no one seems to mind.”—Ernest Bergmann, Senior Laborer, Teamsters Local 320
Favorite type of tree: I appreciate the mighty oak.
"The U is an excellent place to work. I love feeling the energy and excitement from the University community, and it's fulfilling to watch the landscape and trees grow over time. That's not as common in the private industry, where you may only visit a site once or twice. The hours and people are great too!"—Elliot Redmann, Landcare Supervisor, Civil Service
Favorite trees (specifically on the Twin Cities campus): Knoll Area black walnut, Elliott Hall bur oak, Peters Hall hawthorn, East River Road Garage ginkgo
“I’m one of those people who has always loved digging holes.
“I studied the classics at the U and worked in Landcare as an undergrad to help pay tuition. I found out I liked working outside much more than working inside. When I graduated in 2016, my coworkers encouraged me to apply for an opening as a gardener.
“I’m still passionate about Roman history, so I might use the Regents [Tuition Benefit Program] to further my education. That’s a great option at the University that I wouldn’t have in a similar role elsewhere.”—Steven Blodgett, Senior Gardener, Teamsters Local 320
“I’m working toward becoming a certified arborist, and the University is a great place to grow my skills.
“Well-maintained trees help keep our buildings cooler, reduce our energy expenditure, sequester carbon, and provide a welcoming campus environment. We actively manage more than 10,000 trees by pruning them, treating them for illnesses, and, if needed, taking down dying trees to replace them with healthy new trees.
“Being able to bike to work, learning from knowledgeable coworkers, and banking my overtime for more vacation are other reasons why I like working at the U.”—Matt Gingerich, Assistant Gardener, Teamsters Local 320
“I came to the University for the benefits, and I’m staying at the University for the benefits. I get paid holidays, vacations, and sick leave, as well as flexibility, stability, and health insurance. This is a place where I can work until I retire. And when I retire, I’ll have a University pension.
“At U Services, we try to keep things out of the landfill, whether through recycling or through our ReUse facility. The roles we play at the University are different than in a lot of private sector jobs. Every day we’re learning new things, and we regularly get training that helps us get better at our jobs and gain new skills.
“If you’re bored at your job, come work at U Services. We’ll match your skills and abilities to a job that’s right for you.”—Dwayne Holmes, Delivery Service Driver, Teamsters Local 320
“I spent most of my early career in the food service industry. A few years ago, I decided it was time to start a new chapter, so I headed to Rochester Community Technical College to become a vet tech. I’ve always loved animals, so this field is a great fit for me.
“Interning at the Veterinary Medical Center proved that I was not only in the right field but also in the right clinic. Even as a nontraditional vet tech student, I fit right in at the VMC. I’m always learning, and so is everyone else.
“In addition to a good work environment, I get fantastic benefits. The medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, and retirement pension I get at the University are phenomenal.”—Nate Olson, Senior Veterinary Technician, AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical
“I knew I had to join the Veterinary Medical Center when, on the day I interviewed, I saw how comfortable staff members were when handling intensive procedures. The doctors also went out of their way to make sure I understood what was happening just as much as the veterinary medicine students.
“At the VMC, I discovered my passion for cardiology, and the VMC supported me as I obtained my VTS in cardiology. I use my advanced training to teach residents and interns within the VMC, and I also travel across the U.S. and Canada to give lectures.
"Last year I was honored to receive the Technician Excellence in Teaching Award from the VMC, and I look forward to continuing to teach vet and tech students, residents, and interns.”—Kristin Hohnadel, AH Pro 1-Clinical Vet Care, Civil Service
Blog Abstract
Kristin Hohnadel shares her experience of working at the University's Veterinary Medical Center.
“I started at the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) 19 years ago and discovered that I’m a neuro nerd! I love working on intriguing neurology cases and building client relationships. The University has also provided a supportive environment for me to start a family and get my VTS in neurology, giving me time off to study and money toward taking the test.
“In addition to the great benefits and the central location, the caliber of technicians I work with keeps me at the VMC. It’s a great group of people that I’m happy to be a part of.”—Anna Engrem, Animal Care Technician Specialist, AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical
“Before I started working at the University of Minnesota nine years ago, I didn’t know how important recycling was. My time at U Services has made me passionate about recycling and helping the University do better. I know that I can make a difference here, and I value the vacation and sick time I get as a University employee.”—Joe VanGuilder, Delivery Service Driver, Teamsters Local 320
“I fell in love with Minnesota while working with the Conservation Corps. I was able to take classes in indigenous studies, forestry, and ecological restoration at the University through the Conservation Corps, and now I’m applying what I learned at the University to care for its campus.
“As the natural areas gardener, I’m diversifying what we plant and incorporating hardy native species into our landscaping. Right now I’m working with partners and student interns to take 40 acres owned by the University and restore it to a natural area.
“The University offers great benefits, especially the Regents [Tuition Benefit Program]. I’m hoping to take advantage of reduced price classes to continue learning about ecology and the history of this area. That way, I’ll be able to better use the land’s history to inform its future.”—Alex Wegrzyn, Natural Areas Gardner, Teamsters Local 320
“I came to horticulture in a roundabout way. After a stint in the Marine Corps, I served as a professional welder. Then I went back to school at the University to study environmental horticulture, worked in the private sector for a while, and came back to the University as a gardener.
“I never thought I’d wind up at the U, but I’ve enjoyed working here so much that I’ve been here for 10 and a half years. It’s gratifying to see students and visitors appreciate our work, taking pictures of our flowers and studying on the lawn.
“Outside of my job I volunteer as a Master Gardener in Anoka county through University of Minnesota Extension. I love sharing my passion for plants and also learning from other master gardeners across the state.”—Todd Knowler, Senior Gardener, Teamsters Local 320
“Over my 17 years at the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC), I’ve worked with great supervisors and coworkers in radiology, the intensive care unit, the emergency room, and now primary care. The benefits at the University can’t be beat, and I’ve been able to grow my knowledge through continuing education opportunities and onsite experience. Being able to apply what I’ve learned to help teach interns and students is another reward of working at the VMC.
“But with all that in mind, my absolute favorite part of my job is helping animals and their humans.”—Kelsey Brown, Animal Care Tech Specialist, AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical, pictured here with Grace White (L), a veterinary medicine student
“We’re the best of the best, and I’m happy to be part of it. Working at the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) means that I’m surrounded by experts in the field who can help me with any questions I have.
“There’s also always room to grow at the VMC. You can cross-train in multiple services or specialize in your favorite area of medicine. Since I joined six years ago, I’ve been able to focus on providing basic dental care to help animals live long and healthy lives.”—Katie Clapp, Animal Care Tech Specialist, AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical
“I love my job. In addition to learning something new every day, I get to work with new veterinary students and interns each year. Helping them grow as professionals and seeing them continue to succeed after they graduate is incredibly rewarding. Our alumni go on to make a difference in animals’ lives across the country—or in some cases, around the world.
"Add in the amazing benefits, the pension plan, and the discounts on treatment and food for my pets, and that’s why I’ve been here for eight years and counting.
“If you’re looking for an environment where learning is prized and with lots of enriching opportunities (including everything from continuing education to discounted tickets to University opera shows), then you’ll fit right in at the VMC.”—Jodi Stafford, Animal Care Tech Specialist, AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical
"I joined the VMC in 2000 for my clinical internship and have been here ever since! My primary interest is reducing pain and discomfort for animals, so specializing in anesthesia and physical rehabilitation has allowed me to follow my passion every day.
"While working at the VMC, I've been able to earn several advanced certifications, including a VTS (Veterinary Technician Specialist) in anesthesia, a CCRP (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner), and CVPP (Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner). The VMC has supported me every step of the way.
"I love working with little dogs like pugs and Bostons—I call them goblin dogs—so being able to help a pug learn how to walk again is one of my favorite memories of working here. He took his first steps on his owner's birthday, and she said it was the best birthday present ever. Helping people by helping their pets is incredibly rewarding."—Siri Rea, AH Pro 3-Clinical Vet Care, Civil Service
"What I love most about working at the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) is that I've been able to learn what I'm passionate about and improve my knowledge in internal medicine every day. I can also make decisions about our equipment due to my expertise. Vet techs at the VMC do much more than take orders—we play active roles in shaping our clients' care.
"The benefits at the University are amazing. I've taken advantage of the free Employee Assistance Program to improve my mental health and to help me be the best team member I can be, and I've also used the free financial counseling to help me manage budgeting and student loans. Getting paid sick and vacation time off is wonderful too.
"In the future, I want to teach other vet techs, and I know that the University will support me as I keep learning and growing as a vet tech."—Madison Ellis, Senior Veterinary Technician, AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical
“It’s exciting to be a part of an organization that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in veterinary medicine. At the Veterinary Medical Center, I get to work with cutting-edge equipment and experts in veterinary and human medicine.
“In my eight years with the VMC, I’ve assisted in open heart surgery and cared for dogs, cats, farm animals, seals, foxes, and even a sloth. The variety of projects and the fast-paced flow of the VMC mean that I’m always learning new things, but my biggest takeaway is that animals receive the best care when a team of passionate people work together to treat them. I’m proud to be a part of that team.”—Rian Ashmore, Animal Care Tech Specialist, AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical
