Parental Leave – Non-Negotiated Employees (IGP #7.3)

• Upon the birth or adoption of a child, eligible EIU employees may choose to use up to 4 consecutive weeks of paid parental leave, or up to 20 consecutive workdays. Individuals (and their eligible partners) who elect to use this benefit, in full or part, shall agree to serve at the University for at least one year after the completion of the Parental Leave, and are required to sign a promissory note to access this leave benefit.  Additional information on this benefit can be found on the FMLA page. Here is  the promissory note.  

Community Service Leave (IGP #7.4)

• EIU is committed to community engagement, and seeks to facilitate expanded volunteerism among our employees. Qualifying community service leave includes “hands on” participation in an off-campus community service project led by a local government agency or a not-for-profit agency.  Eligible employees can receive up to one paid day of service leave (7.5 hours) per fiscal year.  This benefit may not be used over multiple days, and will not be carried forward from one fiscal year to the next.  Prior approval is required, and the service activity should be registered with the Office of Leadership & Engagement prior to the day of absence.  Additional information can be found at this link: Eastern Illinois University :: Civic Engagement and Volunteerism - (Community Service Leave) (eiu.edu)

COVID-19 Related Information

With Covid, we have all experienced a difficult and unprecedented couple of years and we still have not reached normalcy. Now is a great time to ensure that you and your dependents are aware of our Employee Assistance Program. EIU and the State of Illinois offer a very robust Employee Assistance Program that can help you and your dependents manage stress experiences and provide tools for improved mental health.

The Employee Assistance Program services are free. ComPsych is available and can offer up to 5 counseling sessions (per event, per year) - remotely or in-person - to assist with your mental health needs.  More than this, ComPsych also offers a wide array of services to assist with other needs, such as legal assistance, financial resources, work-life solutions, and more.

Explore all of the life assisting programs, webinars, and resources that ComPsych has to offer.  The services are confidential, free, and available for any employee and their dependents.

Register at www.guidanceresources.com

• Organization web ID: stateofillinois
• Mobile App: GuidanceNow Android | Apple
• Phone: 1-833-955-3400

The IRS has announced changes to pension limitations governing the 457 plans. The maximum amount individuals can contribute to their 457(b) plan will increase for calendar year 2023. The elective deferral (contribution) limit for employees who participate in deferred compensation will increase to $22,500. The age 50 catch-up contribution limit will increase to $7,500, making the total contribution limit for those aged 50 and older $30,000 for the 2023 calendar year. 

What is a gift day? 

A gift day is a designated paid day that the University may provide to leave benefit-eligible employees during the holiday break in December without having to use their own benefit time. A gift day is paid at straight time and does not accrue towards overtime eligibility. 

What if it is determined that I am an “essential” employee who must work during the gift day? 

Essential employees who are required to work on the gift day may use the gift day on another day within the timeframe identified by the administration and, with supervisor approval. . The alternative time off must be taken by March 31 of the next calendar year. 

I have requested a sick day for a doctor's appointment on a designated gift day. Will I be required to use the gift day? 

Yes, unless you are an essential employee, you must use the gift day on that day. 

I am scheduled to work on a designated gift day and want to use the gift day on another day. What do I need to do? 

You must follow standard protocol with your department for requesting time off and obtain approval from your supervisor. Only employees who have been identified as “essential” will be able to utilize the gift day on a day other than the designated gift day. If you do not know if you are “essential”, please work with your supervisor. 

I am on Family Medical Leave over the holidays. Do I need to use my gift day? 

Yes, you are required to use your gift day. The day will be a paid gift day but will still count towards your FMLA leave entitlement. 

I am currently on leave, am I eligible for the gift day? 

You may be. Please contact Human Resources at benefits@eiu.edu or call 217-581-5825 to discuss your specific situation. 

I am a part-time employee. Am I eligible for the gift day? 

In general, part-time employees not accruing benefit time are not eligible to receive the gift day. Please contact Human Resources at benefits@eiu.edu or call 217-581-5825 to discuss your specific situation. 

If I call in sick, can I use the gift day?

If the sick day occurs on a designated gift day, the time will be paid as a gift day. If you work on a gift day as an essential worker and choose to use the gifted day later, you must follow the standard protocol for requesting time off, including supervisor approval. 

If I am on probation, am I eligible for the gift day? 

Yes. 

Does the Gift Day expire for essential personnel who work on a designated gift day? 

Yes, the gift day used at some other time, must be used no later than a date identified by the administration. The alternative time off must be taken by March 31 of the next calendar year.

I was hired prior to December 31 of the current year to begin work on January 2. Will I be eligible to receive pay for the gifted day? 

No, you must be in pay status and benefit-eligible prior to December 28 of the previous calendar year to be eligible for the gift day 

The bi-weekly payday falls on one of the gift days. Will this remain as the official payday?

Yes, the bi-weekly payday will remain as scheduled.  Direct Deposits will be available on the normal payday.  If a paper payroll check is issued, it will be available for pick-up in the Cashier’s Office, Old Main beginning at 8 am on the first official work day following the break.