At its Feb. 2 meeting, the Professional and Scientific (P&S) Council learned more about an upcoming university human resources (UHR) project to identify ineligible dependents on employee medical, dental and vision plans.
Verification process
Ed Holland, director of benefits, said UHR will be working with Willis Towers Watson (WTW), an insurance consulting firm, to complete the project.
Employees will receive communication about the process beginning in March. Verification is slated to start in late March, with a deadline of June 2 for employees to submit the required documents to WTW verifying the eligibility of their dependents. Iowa State will respond to employees in September about any ineligible dependents on their insurance before removing ineligible dependents ahead of open enrollment in November. Employees will have a final opportunity to add back any eligible dependents to their plan during open enrollment if they provide the required documentation, and any changes will be processed in December for a Jan. 1 effective date.
Employees who do not provide the proper documentation to verify their dependents will have ineligible dependents removed, but there won't be a penalty for having ineligible dependents on their plans. Employees can view their dependents listed on medical, dental and vision plans in Workday.
Workday Learning
P&S Council members also heard updates about Workday Learning, the online training and development system for faculty, staff and hourly student employees. Steve Couchman, UHR learning and development specialist, shared that courses are being added throughout the ongoing training period with learning partners and content creators.
Early analytics revealed that more than 250 employees have completed training for Workday Learning and more than 850 courses have been completed in Workday Learning with an average of 3.38 courses per person. The top courses are Understanding FERPA and Building Supportive Communities: Clery Act and Title IX.
General business
- The council approved an amended compensation and benefits annual report that will be submitted to senior leaders to influence decisions regarding fiscal year 2024 budget plans. The report was updated following employee feedback on the Jan. 5 version. Notable changes include data illustrating comparisons between cost-of-living, salary increases, and purchasing power and additional details regarding the suggested reinstatement of the previous tuition reimbursement policy. Reports can be viewed on the Meetings section of the P&S Council website.
- Council president Jamie Sass encouraged employees to use the P&S Council's new online suggestion box to share questions, concerns and ideas in addition to talking with their council representatives.
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Sarah Larkin, the council's vice president for university community relations, shared upcoming dates for council meet-and-greet events, listed below. For more information about council events, visit the P&S Council website.
- March 24 (3-5 p.m.), CyBowl and Billiards, Memorial Union
- April 12 (4:10-5 p.m.), Brew lab tour, Food Sciences Building
- May (Time TBA), steam tunnel tour
- Professional development committee chair Jennifer Schroder encouraged employees to register for the upcoming professional development conference for P&S staff on Feb. 22 at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center. Registration closes Feb. 14. Additional information is on the conference website.
- P&S Council elections will take place in six weeks, with nominations open through early March. Representation committee chair Jason Follett encouraged interested employees to contact their area’s council members for more information.
