The University of Oregon provides a competitive benefits package to all eligible employees that includes options best suited to their needs and the needs of their family.

The insurance benefits, retirement plan choices, wellness programs, and other services offered are a sizable amount of an employee’s overall compensation and important factors in encouraging a healthy work-life balance at the UO. The information below provides brief descriptions of benefits offered at UO.  Please visit the links within each description to obtain more detail.  You may also contact the HR Service Center with questions at (541) 346-3159.

Insurance Coverage

The University of Oregon offers eligible faculty and staff a core benefits package which provides medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverage. Benefits are extended through the Public Employee Benefits Board (PEBB) and are intended to offer employees comprehensive coverage with a variety of options to meet individual needs. The UO Group Insurance webpage provides more information about plan options and costs.

In addition to the core benefits, eligible employees may elect to enroll in Optional Insurance Benefits. Optional benefits include additional life insurance for an employee and coverage for spouse/domestic partner and dependents, short term and long term disability and accidental death and dismemberment. You may also chose to participate in a healthcare or dependent care Flexible Spending Account. Premiums for optional benefits are paid by the employee.

Insurance coverage is not automatic. To obtain coverage in the Public Employee Benefit Board (PEBB) sponsored state plans for UO employees, online enrollment or an enrollment form must be completed and submitted to the Benefits Office within 30 days of their employment start date. Employees are eligible for coverage first of the month following their hire date or receipt of enrollment forms. Detailed information is available on the PEBB website.

Retirement Savings

UO Retirement Plans

After six full months of employment, eligible employees receive a retirement plan benefit, which includes a six percent employee contribution of gross salary paid by the University of Oregon and an additional employer contribution. 

SEIU members are required to become members of the state's Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Faculty and Officers of Administration are required to choose either PERS or the Optional Retirement Plan.

Visit the UO Retirement Plans webpage for more information.

Voluntary Retirement Savings Plans

Two voluntary retirement savings plans offer a way to increase your retirement income through regular, planned investing. You determine how much to save each month, and your contributions are made to your account through payroll deduction. Additional details are available on the Voluntary Retirement Plans webpage.

Time Off

Vacation

Eligible employees accrue vacation on a monthly basis. Eligibility and accrual schedule are based on employee classification.  Visit the Vacation webpage for details by employee group.

Sick Leave

All full-time employees receive eight hours of sick leave for each full month of service. Employees are eligible to use accrued sick leave with pay immediately upon accrual. Employees working less than full-time accrue sick leave on a pro rata basis. There is no limit to the amount of sick leave employees can accumulate. Unused sick leave is not paid out at termination. More details are available on the Sick Leave webpage.

Holidays

The University of Oregon observes many national holidays throughout the year.  Eligibility for compensation may vary by employee classification. A complete listing of holidays and compensation eligibility is available on the Holidays webpage.

Personal Leave (Classified Employees)

All classified employees receive personal leave with pay after six months of employment.  For eligibility requirements and accrual schedule refer to collective bargaining agreement (CBA) articles provided on the Personal Leave webpage.

Wellness

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Eligible employees and their dependents have access to no cost, confidential, counseling and consultative services with licensed professionals through the EAP. The services include short-term professional counseling and assessment, child-care and elder-care resource and referral, legal and financial consultations, and an interactive website offering wellness information tailored to employee needs and interests. More information about the program is available on the EAP webpage.

Care.com and LifeMart

Care.com is a comprehensive self-service solution for your family care needs. The online platform helps you connect with caregivers in your area by searching the caregiver network or posting a caregiver job and screening applicants. The network includes:

• Child care providers (nannies, one-time sitters, care shares, day cares, etc.)
• Tutors
• Senior caregivers
• Pet caregivers
• Housekeepers
• Errand helpers.

LifeMart is part of your Care.com account and provides savings on caregiving, as well as on thousands of brand-name products and services, for example:

Work-Life Resources

HR provides resources to help employees balance their personal life and family obligations with work responsibilities.  HR also provides resources for community connection.  Visit the Work-Life webpage for quick access to these resources.  

Learning and Development

Staff Tuition Rates

The University of Oregon encourages employees to pursue higher education.  Staff tuition provisions are included in the employee benefit program to encourage and assist eligible employees with educational pursuits. Visit the Staff Tuition webpage for more details.

Training Opportunities

The University of Oregon is committed to continuous learning and encourages all employees to participate in training and professional development opportunities. A wide variety of programs are offered across campus.  A complete list of available courses and training opportunities can be viewed on the Learning and Development webpage.

Professional Development Opportunity Fund

An employee may apply for reimbursement from this fund for job related training and development activities. Employees must be at least half-time to access the fund. For more information, please refer to the guidelines and the form provided on the Professional Development Opportunity Fund webpage.