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Employee Benefits
Benefits Summary
(updated 2/5/16)
This information is intended to summarize the benefits offered to unclassified and university support staff PSU
employees appointed to benefits-eligible positions at Pittsburg State University. Benefits for employees appointed
to positions of less than 100% may be pro-rated. For additional information on each benefit, click on the link in
this summary or contact HRS, 204 Russ Hall, Pittsburg, KS 66762 (620)235-4191.
Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate. It is not intended to replace the legal source
(i.e. plan document, contract, memorandum of agreement, statute or regulation). In case of any discrepancy
between this information and the legal source, the legal source will govern in all cases. Employees may review
the legal source upon request. Although intended to be on-going, these benefits may be suspended, revoked or
modified by the State of Kansas, the Kansas Board of Regents or Pittsburg State University at any time. Nothing
in this information shall be construed as a contract of employment between the State of Kansas and any employee,
nor as a guarantee of any employee to be continued in the employment of the State.
Health Insurance (effective January 1, 2015)
Coverage provided by Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Aetna. The following describes the health plans available to
PSU employees:
 Plan A - a fully insured open access Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) offered through Blue
Cross/Blue Shield or Aetna. See Summary Comparison of Medical Plans benefit design below.
 Plan C - a high deductible plan with health savings account offered through Blue Cross/Blue Shield or
Aetna. See Summary Comparison of Medical Plans benefit design below.
Summary Comparison of Medical Plans
When Eligible: 1st day of the month following 30 days of employment.
Who Pays: University contributes a portion of the cost of full-time employee health coverage minus the
employee's contribution. University and employee both contribute for dependent health coverage. Employee
contributions can be deducted "before tax" or "after tax."
Dental Insurance - Delta Dental Plan of Kansas
Plan pays 100% for diagnostic, ancillary and preventative services; 50 - 60% for other covered services to a
maximum of $1700 per individual per plan year. Certain covered services provided by a Delta Preferred PPO
Network dentist may be covered at a higher percentage.
When Eligible: 1st day of the month following 30 days of employment (must be enrolled in the group health
insurance).
Who Pays: See Health Insurance above.
Prescription Drug Program - Caremark, Inc.
Plan A - Employee pays 20% of prescription cost for generic drugs; 35% for preferred brand name drugs; 60% for
non-preferred brand name drugs; or $75 for special case medications.
Plan C – Employee is responsible for 100% of the cost of prescription drugs until the health insurance annual
deductible of $2,750 Single / $5,500 Family, is satisfied.
When Eligible: 1st day of the month following 30 days of employment.
Who Pays: See Health Insurance above.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employee pays for dependent care expenses and medical and dental care expenses not reimbursed by insurance
with pre- tax dollars. Employee must sign up for the flexible spending accounts every year during open
enrollment.
When Eligible: 1st day of the month following 30 days of employment.
Who Pays: Employee.
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Vision Service Plan
Employees may enroll themselves and any eligible dependents in the Basic or Enhanced Vision Service Plan-whether or not the employee or dependents are enrolled in State of Kansas medical coverage. The plan is designed
to provide regular comprehensive eye examinations and benefits toward vision care expenses including glasses or
contact lenses.
When Eligible: 1st day of the month following 30 days of employment.
Who Pays: Employee.
Life Insurance (Employer-Provided Life Insurance)
 University Support Staff or Unclassified Employees in Positions Covered by KPERS or Regents
Mandatory Retirement Plan: 150% of employee's annual salary paid to beneficiary in lump sum.
 University Support Staff Employees in Positions covered by KP&F Retirement Plan: Death benefits
paid depends on whether employee covered by "Tier I" or Tier II."
When Eligible: 1st day of employment.
Who Pays: University (administered through the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System).
Life Insurance (Employee-Paid Optional Group Life Insurance)
Employee may purchase from $5,000 to $300,000 in additional life insurance coverage.
When Eligible: May enroll at any time; however, guarantee issue amount within 1st 30-days of employment
without providing proof of good health
Who Pays: Employee pays premium based on age of employee/spouse and amount of insurance purchased.
Accidental Death Benefit
 University Support Staff Employees in Positions Covered by KPERS or Unclassified Employees
Contributing to the Regents Mandatory Retirement Plan: Spouse or dependent children receive lump
sum payment of $50,000 and monthly amount of 50% of salary. Benefits may be reduced if workers
compensation or social security benefits are received.
 University Support Staff Employees in Positions covered by KP&F Retirement Plan: Death benefits
paid depends on whether employee covered by "Tier I" or "Tier II."
When Eligible: 1st day of employment for KPERS/KP&F covered positions. Unclassified Employees are eligible
the 1st day of the pay period in which Regents Mandatory Retirement contributions begin.
Who Pays: University (administered through the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System).
Disability Insurance - Long Term
 University Support Staff Employees in Positions Covered by KPERS or Unclassified Employees
Covered by the Regents Mandatory Retirement Plan: After 180 days of disability, employee receives
60% of annual salary up to a maximum benefit of $5,000 per month. Benefit may be reduced if employee
receives any other form of disability benefits.
 University Support Staff Employees in Positions Covered by KP&F Retirement Plan: Benefits paid
depends on whether employee covered by "Tier I" or "Tier II."
When Eligible: 1st day of employment for KPERS/KP&F covered positions and Unclassified Employees in
Regents Mandatory Retirement covered positions.
Who Pays: University (administered through the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System).
Long Term Care Insurance
Employees and eligible family members may purchase group long term care insurance from Genworth Life
Insurance Company.
When Eligible: May apply at any time; however, newly hired employees under age 66 have 31 days after they
become benefits eligible to apply for coverage without medical underwriting. Employees 80 or older must satisfy
full underwriting requirements. Spouses of eligible employees under age 66 have 31 days to apply with
streamlined requirements. Spouses between 66 and 79 must satisfy full underwriting.
Who Pays: Employee pays premium directly to the company by direct bill or electronic fund transfer.
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Vacation Leave
 University Support Staff Employees: Full-time university support staff employees earn 3.7 hours per
pay period. Accrual at higher rate after 5 and 10 years.
 Unclassified Employees: Full-time, 12 month employees earn 8 hours per pay period (16 hours
maximum per month; 176 hours maximum per fiscal year). 9 month employees do not earn vacation.
When Eligible: Accrual starts on 1st day of employment.
Who Pays: University.
Holidays
Paid holidays designated by the Governor. Governor may also designate one discretionary holiday.
When Eligible: 1st day of employment. May use Governor's discretionary holiday after 6 months of employment.
Who Pays: University.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn 3.7 hours per pay period. May be used for personal illness or for illness of family
member.
When Eligible: Accrual starts on 1st day of employment.
Who Pays: University.
Shared Leave
 State of Kansas Shared Leave Program for University Support Staff & Unclassified Employees
NOT in the KNEA Unit: Qualifying employees may receive donations of leave when they experience a
serious, extreme or life threatening injury, impairment or physical or mental condition, either personally
or by a family member. Family member is limited to persons related to the employee by blood, marriage
or adoption; and minors residing in the employee's residence as a result of court proceedings pursuant to
the Kansas code for care of children or the Kansas juvenile offenders code. Employee must use
accumulated balances of leave, including vacation and sick leave and compensatory time earned, before
requesting donations.
 Unclassified Employees in the KNEA Unit: Qualifying employees may receive donations from a sick
leave pool when they experience an incapacitating illness or injury, either personally or by a family
member. Employee must use accumulated sick leave balance, be on leave without pay for 10 working
days and have donated at least one day of sick leave to the pool during the current academic year to
request donations. Family member is limited to persons related to the employee by blood, marriage or
adoption; and minors residing in the employee's residence as a result of court proceedings pursuant to the
Kansas code for care of children or the Kansas juvenile offenders code.
When Eligible: After 6 months of continuous service for the State of Kansas program and 1st day of employment
for members in the KNEA Unit.
Who Pays: University.
Funeral Leave
Employee granted up to six (6) days funeral leave under certain circumstances.
When Eligible: 1st day of employment.
Who Pays: University.
Jury Duty Leave
Paid leave for required jury duty before court or other approved body.
When Eligible: Upon approval of University.
Who Pays: University.
Military Leave
Up to 15 days paid each 12-month period beginning October 1 and ending September 30 of the following year for
active duty. Other military leave also available without pay.
When Eligible: Upon approval of University.
Who Pays: University.
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Leave Without Pay
Time off with administrative approval for special circumstances, including pregnancy.
When Eligible: Upon approval of University.
Who Pays: N/A
Family & Medical Leave (FMLA Leave)
Up to 12 weeks of leave for certain family and medical reasons. Leave may be "with pay" (with accrued vacation
or sick leave) or "without pay."
When Eligible: After 12 months of service.
Who Pays: University (if leave with pay).
Job Injury Leave
Up to 6 months paid leave following qualifying injury.
When Eligible: 1st day of employment (upon qualifying injury).
Who pays: University.
Workers Compensation Insurance
Employees who are disabled due to a job-related injury or disease are entitled to medical expenses for treatment
and income benefits to replace part of the wages lost due to the disability. Survivors' benefits also available if
death results.
When Eligible: 1st day of employment.
Who pays: University.
Education Savings Program-Learning Quest
Learning Quest is a 529 education savings program established by the State of Kansas and offers anyone who is a
U.S. Citizen or resident an easy way to invest for a college education. Employees may contribute to Learning
Quest through payroll deduction.
When Eligible:1st day of employment.
Who Pays: Employee.
Retirement Plans
 Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) (University Support Staff
Employees): Monthly retirement benefit with various options. Employee contributions deducted from
paycheck "before tax."
o KPERS 1 - members hired before July 1, 2009 or members vested in KPERS 1 upon
employment. 5 year vesting. Early retirement at age 55 with reduced benefits. Retirement with
full benefits on the 85 point plan or at age 62 with 10 years of service. Normal retirement at age
65 with no minimum service requirements.
Who Pays: Employee contributes 6% of salary "before tax." (Rate for University
contribution is set by law each year.)
o KPERS 2 - members hired between July 1, 2009 and December 31, 2014 or members vested in
KPERS 2 upon employment. 5 year vesting. Early retirement at age 55 with reduced
benefits. Retirement with full benefits at age 60 with 30 years of service or at age 65 with 5 years
of service.
Who Pays: Employee contributes 6% of salary "before tax." (Rate for University
contribution is set by law each year.)
o KPERS 3 – members hired January 1, 2015 or after. 5 year vesting. Early retirement at age 55
with 10 years of service with reduced benefits. Retirement with full benefits at age 60 with 30
years of service or at age 65 with 5 years of service.
When Eligible: Mandatory participation of 1st day of employment.
Who Pays: Employee contributes 6% of salary “before tax.” (Rate for University
contributes is set by law each year.)
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

Kansas Police & Firemen's Retirement System (KP&F) (University Police Only): Monthly
retirement with various options. Employee contributions deducted from paycheck "before" tax. Vesting
and retirement age depends on whether covered by "Tier I" or "Tier II."
When Eligible: Mandatory participation on 1st day of employment in KP&F covered position.
Who Pays: Employee contributes 7% of salary "before tax." (Rate for University contribution is set by
law each year.)
Regents Mandatory Retirement Plan (Unclassified Employees): Monthly retirement benefit with
various options. Employee contributions deducted from paycheck "before" tax. Early retirement at age 55
with 10 years of service. Regular retirement at age 60.
When Eligible: Mandatory participation after 1 year service in an eligible position.
Who Pays: Employee contributes 5.5% of salary "before tax" to one of the approved providers selected
by the employee. University contributes 8.5% of salary to the same provider.
Deferred Compensation Plan
Monthly retirement benefit. Employee contributions deducted from paycheck "before" tax to be used at
retirement.
When Eligible: 1st day of employment.
Who Pays: Employee.
Voluntary Tax Sheltered Annuity Program
Monthly retirement benefit. Employee contributions deducted from paycheck "before" tax to be used at
retirement.
When Eligible: 1st day of employment.
Who Pays: Employee.
Phased Retirement Program (Regents Mandatory Retirement Plan Members Only)
Reduction in appointment and salary but retention of full-time employer-paid benefits in preparation for full
retirement.
When Eligible: Age 55 with 10 years of full-time service.
Who Pays: University.
Social Security
Financial assistance at retirement and in case of disability.
When Eligible: 1st day of employment.
Who Pays: Employee pays percentage of gross monthly salary. University matches that same amount.
Sick Leave Bonus (Retirement Only)
Employee receives payment for unused sick leave upon retirement based on the following:
Minimum Years of Service
Minimum Sick Leave Accrual
Sick Leave Bonus
8 years
800 hours (100 days)
240 hours (30 days)
15 years
1000 hours (125 days)
360 hours (45 days)
25 years
1200 hours (150 days)
480 hours (60 days)
When Eligible: Upon retirement with minimum 8 years of service and 800 hours of unused sick leave
accumulated.
Who Pays: University.
Unemployment Insurance
Coverage provided through Kansas Employment Security Law.
When Eligible: 1st day of employment.
Who Pays: University.
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Longevity Pay (University Support Staff Employees Only)
Employee receives payment of $500 after 10 years of service, and an additional $50 each year thereafter for a
maximum payment of $1250.
When Eligible: After 10 years of State service.
Who Pays: University.
9 Pay 12 Salary Payment Option (9 Month Faculty Only)
9 month faculty salary paid over 26 biweekly pay periods, rather than 20 biweekly pay periods.
When Eligible: 1st day of employment
Who Pays: N/A
Tuition Assistance Programs Note: Tuition Assistance Funds are limited. We have been able to pay no more than 3 credit hours for each semester.
 Staff Enrollment Fees: Employees assessed fees at the "staff" rate (resident hourly rate minus campus
privilege fees).
When Eligible: 1st day of employment.
Who Pays: University.
 Non-Resident Assistance: Employees who live out-of-state pay resident fees. If employee is full-time,
spouse and dependents also pay resident fees.
When Eligible: 1st day of employment.
Who Pays: Employee pays resident tuition.
 Tuition Assistance Program (University Support Staff Employees and Unclassified Employees Not
Appointed to Teaching Positions Only): University pays for a percentage of tuition and fees for
approved courses.
When Eligible: Must have one year of continuous employment in a full-time, benefits-eligible position
(two years in a part-time benefits-eligible position) prior to course start date and current performance
review must be "Satisfactory" or better.
Who Pays: University.
 Tuition Waiver Program (Dependent Children): Percentage of tuition is waiver for qualifying
dependents based on employee's length of service. Maximum of eight (8) semesters eligible for waiver.
When Eligible: Employee must have one year of continuous employment in a full-time, benefitseligible position as of the first day of classes.
Who Pays: University.
 Tuition Assistance Program (Spouse): University pays for a percentage of tuition for approved courses
for qualifying spouses.
When Eligible: Employee must have one year of continuous employment in a full-time, benefitseligible position as of the first day of classes.
Who Pays: University.
Service Awards
Pittsburg State University Service Pin
When Eligible: After 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of service with the University.
Who Pays: University.
Health Promotion Programs (HEALTHQUEST)
 Educational Services: HealthQuest Newsletter provides information on a wide variety of topics.
 Employee Assistance Program (formerly Lifeline): Confidential professional help in resolving health
or personal problems for employees and their families. 24-hours toll free call 1-888-275-1205 (option 7).
When Eligible: 1st day of employment.
Who Pays: University.
Miscellaneous Benefits
 Direct Deposit of Paycheck (EFT): Paycheck sent electronically to employee's bank or credit union.
 Recreation Facility: Employees & their spouses may join the Student Recreation Center for a
fee. Families may use Weede gymnasium facilities (swimming pool and racquetball courts) at designated
times.
 Tickets for University-Sponsored Events: Full-time employees may obtain one complimentary ticket
for University sponsored events.
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