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)
• Positions lasting three days or less
   

This is from the VEVRAA Code of Federal Regulations.

Key Considerations

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.

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.

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.

Learn more and find the form on the Tax Management Office website. 

What childcare options do I have while using the Regents Tuition Benefit Program?

You may be eligible for the Postsecondary Childcare Assistance Grant, which is available to Minnesota residents who qualify through a financial aid process. Learn more about the grant and find instructions for applying. 

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? 

Visit the Regents Tuition Benefit Program policy page for more information on the program. Email ohr@umn.edu with any questions.
 

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:

• Foods that Fuel Immunity by Omada Health

• A healthy metabolism: What is it and how do you build it? by the U of MN Health Coaching webinar program.

March 1^st 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

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 Services 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.
  • Request an appointment.
• 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.
  • Email ohradmin@umn.edu to request an appointment.

Other Resources

• Fidelity financial planning resources are available for all employees, regardless of if you have retirement savings with Fidelity. Check your retirement readiness score, or create an account to explore more options.
• Social Security offers tools to help you plan for using this benefit. Create an account and explore resources. 
• Access life insurance and legacy planning resources through University vendor Securian.
• Association of Retirement Organizations in Higher Education (AROHE) partnered with Fidelity Investments to offer three recorded sessions on the social, psychological, and emotional aspects of moving into retirement.

On-demand Fidelity Webinars

Want more content or can’t make it to a live webinar? Explore these free webinars to learn more about retirement topics.

• Learn the Basics of When and How to Claim Social Security
• Turn Your Savings Into Retirement Income
• Retirement Income Planning for Her

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!

The first webinar of 2024 focuses on wellbeing at work. Learn more and register for WELL at WORK: Creating Wellbeing in Any Workspace.

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
• Expert-designed coaching programs covering nutrition, exercise, strength, recovery, and healthy habits
• Hundreds of hours of guided meditation support led by a dedicated team of mental health experts
• Expert-curated, evidence-based resources are just a tap away, covering physical, mental, spiritual, and social aspects of a healthy life

How do I get started with Life Time Digital?

Follow these four simple steps to enroll:

1. Log in to your member account at Medica.com/SignIn.
2. Select “Programs + Tools” under the “Wellness” section in the navigation menu.
3. Under “Life Time Digital,” click “Sign up”.
4. 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.

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. 

Learn more about voluntary retirement plan options

Now Your U Card is an Employee Transit Pass

For Twin Cities Campus Employees

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

1. If you have a 75-100% appointment, complete the ETP Request Form.  
2. 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.
3. 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.

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. 

Where should I go if I have questions?

Please contact Fidelity at 800-343-0860 with any questions. You can also set up a free one-on-one meeting with a Fidelity financial planner to discuss your situation in depth.