University employees and spouses who participate in the University’s Wellbeing Program may begin to see new vendor name, but the program is staying the same.

Virgin Pulse recently acquired HealthComp, a health benefits administrator. Moving forward, Virgin Pulse will rebrand the two companies as Personify Health. This change will take 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 OHR Total Rewards team will remind employees of the change closer to the rebranding and provide more information as it becomes available.

FAQs

How will my experience on the portal or app change? 

You may begin to see a Personify Health logo if you log out of the portal or app after using it. The URL to the portal will also be re-routed to a Personify Health link, so the Total Rewards team will communicate if and when you need to update bookmarks. Finally, the copyright will change from Virgin Pulse to Personify Health.

Wellbeing Program programming and user experience will not change due to the rebranding, though Virgin Pulse 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. 

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. 

Learn More

To learn more about Roth contributions and how a Roth In-Plan Conversion may affect your savings, you can sign up for a free consultation with a Fidelity consultant.   

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. 

Blacks in Industrial-Organizational Psychology named Nathan Price from OHR’s Talent Strategy team as the 2024 Impactful Professional of the Year. This award is presented to an individual who has significantly contributed to the advancement of Black people in the field of industrial-organizational (IO) psychology and the IO community at large. This award celebrates those who not only excelled in their professional pursuits but also actively championed diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industry.

With nine years working in the University of Minnesota system, Nathan’s goal is to use evidence-based practices within IO psychology and other leading disciplines to help University leaders build a sense of belonging and create an environment where everyone can thrive and succeed. As part of that work, Nathan facilitates staff and faculty cohorts to hone their leadership competencies. He also supports leaders in taking action on the employee engagement survey and coaching supervisors in their skill development. 

Outside this work at the university, Nathan also shares his expertise and passion as the mentorship program co-chair for the Minnesota Professionals for Psychology Applied to Work (MPPAW), training IOs to work in academic spaces, and guest lecturing. Notably, Nathan created a five-day summit for academic leaders to learn about evidence-based practices from the field of IO psychology.

Learn more about the Talent Strategy team as a partner to support your career goals and leadership development on the OHR website. For questions about partnering with Talent Strategy, email ltd@umn.edu.

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.
 

The University has approved the expansion of the Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) benefit to non-Minnesota resident employees. Employees who live outside Minnesota and were previously not eligible will now be eligible for the benefit at the same rate as employees who are Minnesota residents.

The system update is complete and employees who reside outside of Minnesota will be given ESST credit for time worked since the program’s launch on January 1, 2024. As with other sick time programs, accruals will be automatically tracked in MyU. Questions should be directed to your local human resource leader.

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

University employees can get discounts on event tickets, home and professional services, and more through the Minnesota Employee Recreation & Services Council (MERSC). 

MERSC.com is now a secure site, please follow the instructions below to obtain your MERSC discounts.

1. Visit the MERSC website at www.MERSC.com . All employees of a MERSC affiliated company will need to create an Employee Membership account by registering for an account and paying the $5 annual membership fee. Once your account is created and the annual fee payment is made you will be able to login and access the MERSC discounts. This membership is valid for 1 year from activation date. 
2. Your account will be assigned a MERSC ID#. You will be able to take a screenshot or download your MERSC ID card for proof of employment at a MERSC affiliated company. Most vendors will require to see a valid/unexpired MERSC ID card. 

Questions? Contact the MERSC office at 612-701-0319 or merscinfo@gmail.com. 

NOTE:  In most cases, other discounts are NOT applicable with the MERSC discount.

Disclaimer: Employees and retirees are to use the MERSC list of discounts on the basis of Caveat Emptor—Let the Buyer Beware.  While MERSC makes every effort to present accurate and reliable information, MERSC does not endorse, approve, or certify such information.   Use of such information is voluntary, and reliance on it should only be undertaken after an independent review of its accuracy, completeness,  efficacy, and timeliness.  MERSC is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on such information.  No guarantees or warranties, including (but not limited to) any express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use or purpose, are made by MERSC with respect to such information.

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