This message was shared by the Office of Human Resources to faculty and staff on May 31, 2023.

As you may have read in the news, Governor Walz recently signed a bill into law legalizing the use of marijuana for recreational purposes by adults age 21 and over as well as the right to grow up to eight plants for personal use. The new law will also decriminalize its possession and expunge misdemeanor marijuana offenses from criminal records.

While the new law may begin to shift societal norms outside the workplace,  University employees will still be expected to follow the University’s Drug-Free policy, Smoke-and Tobacco-Free policy, and Code of Conduct, which outlines the responsibilities of employees to “act according to the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct” and “be personally accountable for individual actions.” 

As has been the standard procedure in the past, employees who violate these policies and perform work while impaired due to the use of controlled substances are subject to disciplinary action, including termination. Additionally, while the new law allows for the growing of cannabis plants at home, no such plants grown for personal use are allowed on any University property nor should such plants be visible on camera during remote work. Please also note that the legalization of marijuana at the state level does not change the federal DOT Drug policy for drivers, of which the University has about 100 employees. All members of our University community are responsible for encouraging compliance with these policies.

If you, or someone you are concerned about, need help with substance misuse, the University has resources available to you, including confidential counseling and chemical health consultation through the Employee Assistance Program and mental health resources for University employees and their dependents enrolled in the medical plan.

We appreciate your awareness and compliance with this issue in support of protecting the health of our entire community.

April is Financial Literacy Month! Level up your financial knowledge with resources from University retirement savings provider Fidelity.

Events

• Understanding Your Debt So You Can Take Control: Thursday, April 20, noon–12:30 p.m.
• Managing Unexpected Events and Expenses: Tuesday, April 25, noon–12:30 p.m.
• Demystifying Your Credit Score: Thursday, April 27, noon–12:30 p.m.

Register on Fidelity's Appointment Scheduler web page by selecting "Virtual Event" as Event Type. Earn 200 Wellbeing Points per webinar attended!

On-demand Resources

Nail down your financial fundamentals through Fidelity’s How You Money series of short videos. Start with the basics, learn about emergency savings, or browse the full catalog.

Want to dive deeper? Check out Fidelity’s library of webinars that cover topics including teaching kids about financial literacy, considering the role emotions play in financial decisions, and more. 

University employees can sign up for an account through Fidelity to take advantage of financial planning tools at no cost to you, whether or not you have retirement savings with Fidelity.

Learn more about resources available through Fidelity

“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

Learn more about veterinary technician jobs at the Veterinary Medical Center.

“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

Learn more about veterinary technician jobs at the Veterinary Medical Center.

“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

Learn more about veterinary technician jobs at the Veterinary Medical Center.

“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

Learn more about veterinary technician jobs at the Veterinary Medical Center.

"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

Learn more about veterinary technician jobs at the Veterinary Medical Center.

“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

Learn more about veterinary technician jobs at the Veterinary Medical Center.

“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

Learn more about veterinary technician jobs at the Veterinary Medical Center.

Per the IRS, the annual deferral limit for 2022 is $20,500, and the 2023 limit is rising to $22,500. This limit applies separately to contributions to the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan and 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, you can make additional “catch-up” contributions of $6,500 for a total of $27,000 in 2022. This limit is increasing to $7,500 for a total of $30,000 in 2023. 

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.