Employee Benefits

DMU offers a 403(b) Defined Contribution Plan through Principal Financial. Both Pre-tax and Roth options are available. Employees may elect to contribute up to $19,500 per year, and employees age 50 or older can contribute an extra $6,500 per year for a total of $26,000. The University matches 100% of an employee’s contribution up to 10% of eligible earnings, to an annual maximum of $19,500. The match is pro-rated per pay period with a monthly maximum of $1,625 or $750 bi-weekly. Eligibility begins on the first day of employment and participants receive 100% full and immediate vesting in the matching funds. Employees enroll on line directly with Principal.

DMU recognizes the value of flexible work options and will consider flexible work arrangements that allow staff to balance work and personal commitments, while ensuring the operational/business needs of the university are met. Flexible work options include: 

• Flexible Working Schedule (Flextime) - Fluctuating starting and ending times during the workday or workweek. 
• Compressed Workweek - Working the equivalent of a full-time week in less than 5 days. 
• Occasional Telework– Working from home or another assigned work location on a full-time basis.
• Regular Telework - Working from home or another assigned work location off campus with a regular schedule.
• Remote Work - Working exclusively from an off-campus location.

Staff interested in being considered for a flexible work arrangement should review the policy and discuss the options with their manager.

Professional Development funds are available to assist employees in developing skills for success. These funds may be used to pay fees for professional licenses, certifications or exam, membership in professional organizations, and to attend seminars, conferences, and meetings which are job-related. Prior approval must be obtained from the employee’s budget officer. Approval is based upon justification and the availability of funds. Employees shall be given sufficient leave for the purpose of attending pre-approved Professional Development activities. (Post-doctoral trainees and positions funded by grant money are not eligible for this benefit unless provided in the grant).

• Faculty – up to $3,000 per fiscal year 
• Exempt Staff – up to $2,000 per fiscal year 
• Non-exempt Staff – based on funds budgeted by the department/supervisor 

Tuition Assistance Policy
After six months of regular employment, employees are eligible to request Tuition Assistance for pre-approved course work and required textbooks. Upon approval, DMU will pay 75% of eligible fees up to $6000 per fiscal year. (The employee will remain responsible for 25%). Full or partial reimbursement from the employee may be required if the course is not successfully completed, if the employee does not follow the procedures in the policy, or if the employee voluntarily terminates employment within 12 months of completing a course. Tuition Assistance benefits may be taxable income to the employee. (Post-doctoral trainees and positions funded by grant money are not eligible for this benefit). 

Tuition Discount Policy
Spouses and children of eligible employees receive a 50% reduction in the cost of tuition at the University. This tuition discount applies only to the basic tuition. There are no discounts for any academic remediation (e.g. tutorials, repeated course, re-evals, etc.) or any other fees. Eligible employees must complete one full year of employment prior to the start date of the first term that the initial discount will apply. The spouse or child and the family relationship must be established at least 60 days prior to the start date of the first term that the initial discount will apply. The waived fee (discount) represents economic value to the employee, so the monetary equivalent is taxable to the employee. (Post-doctoral trainees and positions funded by grant money are not eligible for this benefit). 

Tuition Waiver Policy
After one year of regular employment, benefit eligible employees may receive Tuition Waiver for up to 9 credit hours of University coursework per fiscal year. Waivers are available only in programs permitting part-time study (Health Care Administration and Public Health). The waived tuition represents economic value to the employee, so the monetary equivalent is taxable to the employee. Employees will be required to reimburse DMU tuition costs for failure to complete or pass a course, or if employment with DMU is terminated prior to completion of the course(s), unless termination is due to layoff or other contractual arrangements. (Post-doctoral trainees and positions funded by grant money are not eligible for this benefit.) 

DMU recognizes the importance of providing a confidential resource to help you deal with life’s challenges. You or any eligible family member can call the EAP for any personal concern (relationship, work, emotional, legal, financial, elder care, alcohol, drugs, etc.). EAP services are confidential and available at no cost 24/7/365. Services are provided by Employee and Family Resources at 800-327-4692, or you can call the number on the back of your employee ID.

This wellness incentive plan rewards participants for improving, achieving, or maintaining a variety of healthy lifestyle behaviors. A bonus is earned as participants work toward a variety of goals including: Preventive/Educational, Physical Activity, Clinical Measures, and Emotional/Mental Wellness. The more goals achieved, the greater the rewards. In addition to improved health, participants are rewarded financially.