About Benefits

University of Oregon takes care of its employees.

Eligible UO employees (.50 FTE or more and expected to work at least 90 days) receive a competitive benefit package that includes health insurance coverage, paid leave and retirement plan options and many other valuable programs. 

Insurance Program:

Medical, dental and vision insurance

  • Premium share with UO paying 95% of premium.
    Classified positions have a slightly different premium share schedule based on full-time or part-time status and plan.
  • Spouse and dependent coverage available.
  • Domestic partners are eligible.

Basic life insurance policy in the amount of $10,000

  • Premium share with UO paying 95% of premium.
    Classified positions have a slightly different premium share schedule based on full-time or part-time status and plan. 
Retirement Plans:

Defined Plans-University Contribution

  • UO retirement program provides a combination of defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
  • University contributions are made on a monthly basis.
  • Contribution rates depend on plan enrollment. 
  • Employees are eligible for contribution after 6 months of employment.

Voluntary Plans-Employee Only Contribution

  • Tax-deferred and Roth 403(b) plans.
  • Deferred compensation program.
  • Employees are eligible to make contributions immediately upon employment.
Optional Benefits:

The following benefits are elected on a voluntary basis and the employee pays 100% of the cost.

  • Additional life insurance (spouse/partner and dependent life insurance)
  • Short term disability
  • Long term disability
  • Long term care
Tax Savings:

Flexible Spending Account

  • Health care annual maximum of $2,500.
  • Dependent care annual maximum of $5,000.

Commuter account available

Time Off:

The university offers Vacation and Sick Leave to enable employees to take time off with pay. 
Paid leave accrual rates depend on the classification of the position.

The university offers paid Holidays. Observed holidays include:

  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Memorial Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Juneteenth
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • Day after Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Day

Additional paid holidays may be offered for some positions based on classification.

Learning & Development:

The university is committed to continuous learning and offers a wide variety of programs:

  • Classroom training conducted by experts.
  • Online courses available 24/7 to obtain or advance professional skills in the areas of IT, business skills, and computer applications.

Employees are eligible to be reimbursed for up to $200 per fiscal year for training and development opportunities beyond what a department or unit may provide.

Wellness Programs:

The university values employee wellness and maintains a program to promote healthy living.  Options include:

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • ExerciseRewards-gym subsidy program
  • LifeBalance wellness program
  • Healthy Team Healthy U
  • Weight Watchers groups
  • Smoking cessation program
Staff Tuition Rates:

Eligible employees are provided the opportunity to pursue an education at the University of Oregon at reduced tuition rates.

  • Eligibility requires at least half-time employment.
  • Staff rates apply to all Oregon public universities.
  • Benefit may be transferred to one family member each term.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

The University of Oregon is a qualifying employer for public service loan forgiveness. Employees who have federal Direct Loans and have made the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan may be eligible for the remaining loan balance to be forgiven. For full eligibility information, check out the Federal Student Aid website.

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program is administered by Federal Student Aid in the U.S. Department of Education.  It is not a UO administered program. However, if an employee chooses to apply to this program, the Office of Human Resources will complete a section of the Employment Certification form to certify their employment with the university. For more information, contact Human Resources at hrinfo@uoregon.edu.