Welcome to Cecil College!
This information has been prepared to introduce you to the benefits for which you
will be eligible as a full-time member of the college. The College contributes many
benefits in excess of what you see as your bi-weekly pay. This information is intended
as a general survey of information for new college members and does not contain full
provisions of all benefits or policies. Please see your faculty or classified staff
handbook or consult the Human Resources Office to answer specific questions.
Soon after you begin full-time
employment, you will meet with the Human Resources Office and receive information
about such topics as retirement and health benefits. The information may seem
confusing and overwhelming at first...especially since you are being asked to
absorb it at the same time you are learning new job responsibilities! But relax,
feel free to ask questions, and to return here any time you need information,
claim forms or assistance.
It is our wish to make you feel
comfortable and secure in your new work environment and very much a part of
our college family!
CONTENTS
HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS
LONG TERM DISABILITY
WORKERS COMPENSATION
WELLNESS
EMPLOYEE LEAVE BENEFITS
EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS
MISCELLANEOUS BENEFITS
GENERAL INFORMATION
HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS
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Cecil Colleges health
insurance benefits plan operates somewhat differently from other insurance company
plans you may have experienced through other employers. This is because our
plan is provided through a self-funded group for county-funded agencies, sponsored
by the Board of County Commissioners of Cecil County, and administered by CareFirst
Blue Cross & Blue Shield Preferred Provider.
A PPO is a group of doctors, hospitals
and other health care providers joining together to reduce their standard charges
for members. Our plan does not require patients to go only to CareFirst
Blue Cross & Blue Shield Preferred Provider Organization doctors
and providers – you may use any doctor you choose regardless of affiliation.
However, when employees and dependents use CareFirst
Blue Cross & Blue Shield Preferred Provider providers, costs will be
lower, reducing the employee’s out-of-pocket expense and the plan’s claims experience.
In a self-funded plan, keeping costs down is a primary goal that helps to keep
premiums as low as possible.
Our plan has an excellent record
of keeping cost increases down. The Colleges partnership with the County government
and the other member agencies since1989 has been very successful for both the
employer-agencies, employees, and their families. We have designed a comprehensive
program of benefits, offering many choices tailored to our employees needs.
There are many customized features to the plan.
A Health Benefits Advisory Board,
comprised of representatives of each of the member-agencies, meets regularly
to review the plans financial status, coverage and benefits, and claims issues.
The College has two official representatives - the Director of Human Resources
and a member of the faculty chosen by the Academic Senate. Your input to them
is welcomed, and helps us identify and respond to members needs and concerns.
We encourage you to read the information and ask questions at any time. By
becoming an informed health care benefits consumer, you can help us keep your
benefits plan efficient and effective for the future.
Plan member identification cards
for employees and dependents will be provided upon enrollment. Full plan provisions
are provided to enrolled employees in a Summary Plan Document (SPD). Upon
receipt of the SPD, please familiarize yourself with its contents, and keep
it handy for future reference. At any time, you may consult with Human Resources
regarding questions about the health insurance plan and related claims issues.
ENROLLMENT
When enrollment requirements are met, coverage
begins as follows:
- For employees hired to begin employment between the first (1st) and
the fifteenth (15th) of the month - the effective date is the first of the next
month;
- For employees hired to begin employment on the sixteenth (16th) or
later of the month - the effective date is the first of the subsequent month.
In certain situations, there are
pre-existing condition exclusions which may limit the availability of
coverage under our plan. These may be reduced or eliminated with proof of
prior creditable coverage from a previous plan or employer. Consult with
Human Resources for more information.
Late enrollment and special enrollment periods
may apply under certain circumstances which are outlined in your SPD and/or
communicated periodically from Human Resources. More information below under
ANNUAL RE-ENROLLMENT/LATE ENROLLMENT.
The coverage levels available are:
- Employee-only
- Two-Party
- Family
Children are insured to age nineteen (19). If your
child is enrolled as a full time student at an accredited secondary school,
college or university, coverage is extended to age twenty-three (23).
In the event that two full-time College employees
are married to one another, and both desire health coverage, they are eligible
only for the Family or Two-Party levels.
COVERAGE OPTIONS
Medical coverage is offered through the employees
choice of one of two levels:
- Standard-Option
- High Option
Premiums are fixed according to each level. Employees
may also add-on to their medical/ prescription plan with optional dental
insurance, vision care and card benefits.
COST OF COVERAGE - EMPLOYEES = PER PAY CONTRIBUTIONS
Insurance premiums are shared between the college
and the individual employee. The College contributes 85% and the employee pays
15% of the total premium charge to the plan.
Employee contribution amounts per pay vary depending on coverage option selected and employment category
(i.e., faculty contribute during 22 pays, and staff members contribute during
26 pays per year - the amounts for either pay plan equal the same dollars per
year in employee contributions).
The per-option
rates are provided beginning on the following page. These rates were effective
July 1, 2005.
OTHER HEALTH PLAN FEATURES
OFFICE VISIT CO-PAY
An office visit co-pay option under medical benefits
is available for your convenience and cost-saving. The
co-pay amount is the same for all coverage options.
Under this feature, the an office
visit charge when using a CareFirst
Blue Cross & Blue Shield Preferred Provider Physicians
for treatment for sickness or injury requires a co-payment as the only
out-of-pocket expense for each visit. The co-pay for treatment from a primary
care physician is $10; the co-pay for specialist treatment is $20.
These payments are due to the provider at the time of service. There is no other
deductible for the office visit portion of the treatment. Testing or other
treatment is subject to the deductible and co-pay provisions outlined under
each plan option (Base, Mid- or High). The details of this information is contained
in the Schedule of Benefits, and other sections in the SPD.
PRESCRIPTION BENEFITS
Prescriptions may be covered in any of two (2)
ways, according to your choice:
- Over-the-counter medicines from pharmacy - 30 day-supply
Generic – co-pay up to $10.00; Brand Name– 25% of cost up to $50 maximum,
regardless of nonavailability of generic substitute
- Mail Order for long term medications of up to 90-day supply each
order
Generic – co-pay up to $10.00; Brand Name – 25% of cost up to $50 maximum
regardless of nonavailability of generic substitute
COST CONTAINMENT
All coverages include cost containment
provisions. Please review these carefully in the SPD or call Future Health/Hospital
Precertification at 1-877-546-2568. Pre-approval for certain
procedures and ALL OVERNIGHT HOSPITALIZATIONS is required.
Emergency room treatment as an outpatient does
not have to be pre-approved, unless the patient is subsequently admitted for
an overnight or longer stay; if so, the hospital admission must be called in
to Benefit Concepts (Third-party Administrator) within 48 hours of admission.
Most hospital admissions departments are very familiar with the procedures,
and will usually assist you or handle this for you. However, as the member you
are responsible for this, and there may be financial penalties for failure to
obtain hospitalization authorization. See current Summary Plan Document (SPD).
ANNUAL RE-ENROLLMENT/LATE ENROLLMENT
During the months of May and June each year, the
administrator holds an annual re-enrollment, also known as "WP TypographicSymbols"a
Spring Migration. During this period only, you may move to a
higher or lower option, sign up for a late enrollment, and/or add or drop dependents
for non-life event reasons. All changes are effective July 1 of the
plan year. Additions or deletions mid-year must be for reasons attributable
to a Life Event. Life events are, marriage, legal separation/divorce,
birth/adoption, death, and loss of
coverage due to involuntary loss
of spouse's employment. See current Summary Plan Document (SPD) for more details.
PRE-TAX PAYMENT OF HEALTH INSURANCE
Employees enrolled in the health
insurance plan may pay their share of health insurance premium by a pre-tax
arrangement under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Service Code. Once
begun, the arrangement is irrevocable for the plan year (to July 1) unless there
is a change in family status. Pre-tax salary reduction may impact the
amount of Social Security retirement benefits ultimately available; therefore,
employee are encouraged to consult with a financial planning advisor regarding
this decision.
END OF ELIGIBILITY & CONTINUATION OF HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE
In certain circumstances, the
eligibility of an employee and/or dependent(s) to continue coverage under the
group plan may end. If that occurs, you may elect to continue coverage under
provisions popularly known as COBRA. COBRA refers to the Consolidated Omnibus
Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, the federal legislation which makes this
opportunity available.)
COBRA provides continuation of coverage for up
to eighteen (18) months to employees (and their dependents) who separate from
employment (except for gross misconduct), or reduce from full-time to part-time
status. The time period of coverage may be extended up to twenty-nine (29) months
in the event the employee is disabled at the time of separation. COBRA legislation
also provides for continuation coverage to surviving-widowed and divorced spouses
of employees, and their children/dependents for up to thirty-six (36) months.
Consult with Human Resources for more information.
POST-RETIREMENT HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS
Retiring College employees have
the opportunity to continue their health insurance benefits by enrolling in
the post-retirement health insurance plan which is sponsored and administered
by the Cecil County Government.
Retiree health plan benefits are
available to retiring College employees who have been continuously employed
for at least four (4) years preceding the date of retirement, enrolled in the
health insurance plan for at least four (4) years preceding the date of retirement,
and meet the retirement eligibility requirements of sixty-two (62) years of
age with five (5) years of service, or fifty-five (55) years of age with fifteen
(15) years of service.
The Base and Mid-level options
are available. Medicare Eligible Individuals must enroll in the Mid-Option
Plan, and must elect Medicare Parts A and B.
Retirees must pay a portion of
the premiums for their retiree health insurance benefits, although the County
contributes a fixed dollar amount on a monthly basis. The amount may be adjusted
as determined by the Cecil County Board of County Commissioners.
* Summary Plan Document (SPD),
enrollment kits and additional information are available in the Human Resources
Office.
RETIREMENT INCOME BENEFITS
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All full-time college members are required
to enroll in a retirement plan. Full-time employees are eligible for either
the MARYLAND STATE RETIREMENT/PENSION SYSTEM (MSRS) or the
MARYLAND OPTIONAL RETIREMENT PLAN (ORP) for higher education, depending on their
employment status.
- Full-time Faculty and Professional/Administrative members with
a Bachelor's degree or higher may opt for either plan.
- Full-time Classified Staff and non-degreed professional staff
must enroll in MSRS, except for Buildings and Grounds Division staff.
- The College provides a special program for retirement benefits for
Buildings and Grounds Division employees because they are not eligible for the
Teachers Retirement Plan; further information will be provided to eligible employees
upon enrollment.
Full retirement plan enrollment kits will be provided
at the time of your benefits orientation with the Human Resources Office. The
following information is a general overview:
1) MARYLAND STATE RETIREMENT/PENSION SYSTEM (MSRS)
Public retirement/pension programs such as the
MSRS fall within what are known as "defined-benefit" plans.
That is, the benefits ultimately received are determined from salary level and
years of service, plus retirement contributions you make through payroll deduction.
At retirement, you receive a monthly income for life.
Your retirement income is based
on a formula computed from your mandatory contributions of 2% of your annual
salary, your three highest consecutive years of salary, and your years of creditable
service following thirty (30) years, regardless of your age; or at age 62 with
five (5) years of service. Other factors apply for early service retirement
and/or disability retirement. Features include five (5) year vesting, cost of
living adjustments during retirement, disability allowances and liberal death
benefits to survivors.
2) STATE OF MARYLAND OPTIONAL RETIREMENT PLAN (ORP)
The State of Maryland Optional Retirement Plan
(ORP) for higher education is an annuity program which operates as a "money
purchase" plan. The benefit is an annuity which is accumulated from State
contributions (7.25% of your annual salary), plus investment and interest earnings.
The contributions are pooled with funds from other investors, and invested in
various securities. The ultimate retirement benefit is entirely dependent on
the financial results of the investments made. As noted above, eligibility for
this plan is limited by State law to faculty positions and professional staff
positions requiring a minimum earned educational level of a Bachelors degree.
There are currently three (3) vendors approved by
the State to invest contributions and provide retirement annuity benefits through
the Maryland ORP. They are TIAA-CREF, VALIC, and Fidelity.
Information about each available vendor and plan will be provided.
3) VOLUNTARY TAX-SHELTERED ANNUITIES:
Any full-time or part-time College
employee may set up a voluntary Tax-Sheltered Annuity for retirement savings.
These plans must be qualified according to the Internal Revenue Code, Section
403 (b). The employees retirement savings are contributed through payroll under
a salary reduction agreement, and remitted to the vendor by the College.
In accordance with regulations of the State of
Maryland, the funds in a voluntary retirement account must be separate from
any College contributions made to the States Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
for faculty and staff eligible for this plan. Contribution amounts must also
conform to IRS regulation concerning maximum contributions allowed. See Policy
# 456.00. Consult with Human Resources regarding guidelines and choices of TSA
vendors.
LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS
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BASIC GROUP LIFE and AD&D INSURANCE
- Life Insurance - Your eligibility begins on your full-time
date of hire. The provider is the Mutual of Omaha.
The benefit is equal to 100% of your annual earnings up to a maximum of $150,000,
and is payable to your named beneficiary (ies) in the event of your death by
natural or accidental causes. Term policy; College pays the premium. A plan
booklet is provided to you upon enrollment.
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance is added
to the Life Insurance policy described above through Mutual of Omaha.
Your eligibility begins on your full-time date of hire.
The benefit received is added to the Basic Group Life Insurance (above) and
is equal to an additional 100% of your annual earnings, up to a maximum
of $150,000, in the event of your death by accidental causes. Term policy;
College pays the premium. A plan booklet is provided to you upon enrollment
(same policy and book as noted above).
Also, the Safe Driver Benefit provides and additional Seat Belt Benefit,
if the Insured was wearing a properly fastened seat belt at the time of the
accident and an additional Air Bag Benefit, if the auto was equipped with air
bag (s). The Seat Belt Benefit equals $10,000 or 10% of the Principle Sum, whichever
is less; and the Air Bag Benefit equals $10,000 or 10% of the Principle Sum,
whichever is less. Safe Driver Benefits will not be paid if the Insured Person
was driving without a valid drivers’ license; was driving in excess of the legal
speed limit; or was driving while intoxicated, impaired, or under the influence
of drugs (except for drugs taken as prescribed by a Physician for the driver’s
use). The above limitations will apply whether or not the driver is convicted.
VOLUNTARY GROUP LIFE INSURANCE
You may elect to purchase additional amounts
of voluntary group life insurance for yourself and/or your spouse (in addition
to the Basic Group Life Insurance policy provided to you by the College at no cost
to you as described above). The provider is
the Mutual of Omaha. The amounts of insurance range from $10,000
to $300,000 for each covered person. Also, unmarried dependent children to age
23 may be insured for $10,000 (there are restrictions on children under age
six months, and extension provisions for handicapped dependents beyond age 25).
There is a Guaranteed Issue of
up to $50,000 of coverage for employees, and up to $20,000 Guaranteed Issue
for their spouses if the enrollment is completed within the first thirty (30)
days of eligibility (full-time employment). Once the guaranteed issue period
has elapsed, and for coverage amounts above the $50,000, as well as spouse coverage
above $20,000, individual health statements are required, and coverage is subject
to approval by the provider. Applications may be restricted to annual Late Enrollment
or special enrollment periods communicated periodically from Human Resources.
Payments are made through voluntary
payroll deduction and remitted to the insurance company on your behalf by the
College. The group rates are portable upon your separation from the College.
LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE (LTD)
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Your eligibility begins at ninety (90) days of
continuous full-time employment. Provider is Mutual of Omaha. If you
are an active full-time employee you may receive
a monthly benefit in the event you become totally disabled due to bodily injury
or sickness. After a waiting period of ninety (90) days following the onset
of disability, you receive 66 2/3% of your normal salary up to $6,000 monthly
maximum. You may also be able to receive partial disability payments in the
event you are able to return to work, but on a reduced schedule following a
total disability. Term policy; College pays the premium (therefore, benefit
payments are taxable upon receipt).
WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE
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All on-the-job injuries, regardless
of severity, must be reported immediately to the supervisor and Human Resources
within 24 hours of the injury
All full-time and part-time employees
of the College are covered under Maryland law for on-the-job injuries.
Benefits from the PMA International Group may include medical treatment, hospitalization,
disability payments and/or lump sum awards as determined by the Workman's Compensation
Commission. PMA determines whether or not an injury or illness is work-related
and, therefore, compensable. If the injury is determined to be compensable,
AIG will provide lost pay benefits at 66 2/3 percent
of your salary (non-taxable).
The first three (3) days are not reimbursed
(unless the absence extends to fourteen (14) days). In order to be paid for
the initial three (3) day period (for absences of less than 14 days) employees
with accrued sick or annual leave must cover the lost time from their accrued
leave. In case of lost time, return-to-work must be accompanied by a physician's
release statement. Please direct any questions to Human Resources.
Expenses for medical treatment
may be paid directly to the provider by PMA, or if the employee has paid for
medical care, reimbursement will be made to the employee. AIG imposes limitations
on the amount it will pay to doctors/health care providers outside of the State
of Maryland. Therefore, you are encouraged to use Maryland health care providers
for all work-related injuries or illnesses. If you use an out-of state provider,
you may end up being financially responsible for payment to that provider.
WELLNESS
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Cecil College embraces the concept of
"wellness" in terms of the physical and emotional health of the individual.
The College is committed to the "wellness" of employees in the belief
that this will significantly reduce illness and absenteeism, lessen the effects
on the workplace caused by employees' physical and emotional problems and/or
substance abuse and, ultimately, enhance the performance and productivity of
employees.
Depending on the financial resources
available, the College will develop and/or provide appropriate programs and
opportunities for employees to participate in wellness activities. The College
may limit participation and/or withdraw specific programs as necessary. Programs
include:
- EXERCISE TIME
Full-time employees working a regular
37.50 hours/Monday-Friday schedule may engage in a lunch time exercise
program. This allows for one-half hour of compensated time added on to
the employee's lunch hour for the purpose of changing/clean up after vigorous
exercise and still provide sufficient time to eat a nutritious lunch. To qualify
for the extra half-hour, exercise must be performed during standard lunch
periods (generally ranging between 11:00 am. and 2:00 p.m.).
Approval must be obtained from the supervisor,
and is conditional upon the needs of the department. Classified employees must
document the time on their time sheets. The time does not accrue and may not
be "saved" for the end of the day. This is a privilege, and
not a benefit and may be withdrawn in the event of job conflicts and/or abuse.
- SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT
The College maintains a smoke-free
environment by State law and in the interest of wellness and safety.
- PROJECT ALERT & PROJECT CARD/CECIL AWARENESS FOR RESISTING DRUGS
The College provides information and support to employees and students on problems
with substance abuse in conjunction with "The Drug Free Schools and Communities
Acts" and "The Drug Free Workplace Act". Project Alert provides
educational information, confidential referrals to rehabilitation and counseling
services, support group meetings, periodic workshops and seminars for college
personnel and other services as available. It is located in the Enrollment &
Student Support Services complex on the North East Campus. Project CARD
is the coordinator and funding agent for community coalition projects to educate
Cecil Countians about the inherent dangers in substance abuse. It is housed
at the Elkton Center.
- SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
The College will periodically offer seminars, workshops and other topical programs
on wellness-related issues. These may take place during regular Faculty
Duty Days, at All-College Day or other designated times and will be publicized
through the Daily Communiqué, flyers, etc.
EMPLOYEE LEAVE BENEFITS
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PAID HOLIDAYS
Upon employment, you are eligible to receive holiday
pay for twelve (12) official holidays observed by the College. They are: Independence
Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving (2 days), Christmas (3 days), New Year (3 days),
Martin Luther King, and Memorial Day.
PAID SICK LEAVE
Full-time employees accrue Paid Sick Leave Benefits
which allow you to continue receiving full pay if you are unable to work due
to sickness or injury. Paid benefits may be received up to the limit of actual
sick days accrued.
During employment, you earn sick
leave at the rate of 3.47 hours per pay up to twelve (12) days per year
(ten days for 10-month faculty), accrued to an unlimited maximum.
Sick days earned at other Maryland
Community Colleges and state or county agencies will be accepted by Cecil Community
College with proper documentation from the previous employer. (Under the Maryland
State Retirement System, members may convert unused sick leave into creditable
service at the time of retirement according to MSRS formula.)
A voluntary Sick Leave Bank
for employees is maintained in conjunction with long term disability benefits.
In the event of disability due to illness or injury, members are eligible for
up to 45 additional days of sick leave benefits.
Employees are eligible to join
the Sick Leave Bank after one year of full-time employment and must have a current
accrual of 13 unused sick days. To become a member, enrollees must donate 3
unused sick leave days. There is an annual late enrollment offered at the end
of each fiscal year; this information is communicated from the Office of Human
Resources. See Human Resources Department for more information.
In the event of necessity, any
full-time employee may request additional paid sick leave which may be
advanced in the form of a "loan." Such unearned sick leave may be
granted up to a maximum of twelve (12) days, and must be "repaid."
The request must be approved by the President of the College.
FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT OF 1993
FMLA requires covered employers
to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to "eligible"
employees for certain family and medical reasons. Employees are eligible if
they have worked for a covered employer for at least one year, and for 1,250
hours over the previous 12 months, and if there are at least 50 employees within
75 miles.
Unpaid leave must be granted for any of the following
reasons:
- to care for the employee's child after birth,
or placement for adoption or foster care;
- to care
for the employee's spouse, son or daughter, or parent, who has a serious health
condition; or
- for a
serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the employee's
job.
At the employee's or employer's
option, certain kinds of paid leave may be substituted for unpaid leave.
For more information refer to one of the FMLA posters or contact Human Resources.
PAID ANNUAL LEAVE (VACATION)
The policy and procedures for
Paid Annual Leave generates many questions from new employees. If you have
any questions not answered herein, please see your supervisor or contact Human
Resources.
All administrators, 12-month faculty, and classified
employees are granted annual leave (paid vacation) benefits per fiscal year
from the date of full-time hire according to employment category. Annual leave
is earned and accrued monthly as eligible according to employment category.
Administrators, and 12-month faculty
accrue annual leave benefits at the rate of 5.77 hours per pay or twenty
(20) days per year.
Full-time classified employees
accrue annual leave benefits according to the following schedule of length of
service:
Less than 3 years service
= 3.47 hours per pay or (12) days per year;
At least 3 but less than 5
years service = 4.32 hours per pay or fifteen (15) days per year
At least 5 but less than 8
years = 5.20 hours per pay or eighteen(18) days per year;
8 or more years = 5.77 hours
per pay or twenty (20) days per year
Full-time administrators, 12-month
faculty and classified employees who were hired prior to July 1, 1979, are grandfathered
to earn 2 days per month or 24 days of annual leave per fiscal year. In the
event of termination of employment and subsequent rehire, this privilege is
forfeited.
Administrators, 12-month faculty, and classified
employees are also granted two (2) personal leave days per fiscal year (see
Personal Leave below).
Ten-month faculty do not receive annual leave benefits.
Perfect Attendance Day
Classified employees and administrators
who go one fiscal year without missing any time due to illness or injury will
be eligible for an additional day off in the fiscal year following the year
in which perfect attendance was achieved. The employee must gain supervisory
approval in advance of scheduling the day off.
Service Milestones
Classified staff receive one (1)
additional day of annual leave during the fiscal year immediately following
their fifth, tenth, fifteenth, twentieth, and twenty-fifth, etc. year of service
in recognition of these service milestones. These days are not accrued and
must be taken during the fiscal year in which the service milestone occurs.
New Employees
New employees with hire dates effective from the
first day of the month to the fifteenth day of the month will receive that months
accrual.
Leave may be taken as of the first day of the month
following the date of full-time hire.
Regulations
Upon leaving College employment,
any remaining balance of accrued annual leave will be paid to the employee in
a lump sum. In the event of dismissal for cause, or resignation without at
least two (2) weeks notice, annual leave will not be paid.
Employees leaving College employment from the first
day of the month through the fifteenth day of the month will not receive that
months accrual.
Annual leave for administrative
staff (exempt-level) will be deducted in full-day increments only in accordance
with federal law. No adjustments for partial days are necessary or permitted.
Leave slips submitted for partial day deductions for administrative staff will
be returned to the supervisor. In the event of partial-day absences, the employee
and supervisor should make alternate arrangements to complete work or assignments
as applicable.
Exception: partial day deductions of leave for
administrators are permitted under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993
(FMLA) for eligible employees as applicable to the 12-week FMLA benefit. FMLA
eligibility must be determined by Director of Human Resources and approved in
writing.
If a snow day or other college-closing occurs on an
employees scheduled day of annual leave, the leave day will not be deducted
from the employees balance.
Sick leave may not be used in
lieu of annual leave for paid vacation time. Illness which occurs while an
individual is on annual leave is not cause for substituting sick leave.
Employees may not draw annual leave pay and continue
to work and receive additional pay for the same period of time.
Procedures and Guidelines for Requesting Annual Leave
Requests to use annual leave should be submitted
at least two (2) weeks in advance for consideration by the supervisor and/or
department head unless otherwise authorized.
Approval must be in writing on a Leave Request
Form. Leave slips are available on the Colleges’ services website.
Approval shall be subject to the scheduling and
other work requirements of the College. Supervisors may also deny leave requests
based on insufficient notice or departmental work requirements.
Leave slips for classified staff are attached to
the time sheet and turned in for the same time period during which the leave
is taken.
Administrative staff members leave slips are submitted
to the supervisor for approval and then forwarded to Human Resources.
If a change in scheduling or other circumstance
occurs, the supervisor must give written authorization to Human Resources to
cancel or change a leave slip, or to restore already deducted leave to the employees
balance.
Annual leave balances are reported on individual
employee pay stubs.
Carryover of Annual Leave
Carryover by individuals of unused
annual leave into the next fiscal year is determined by the Board of Trustees
and the number of days may vary from year to year.
During certain fiscal years designated
by the Board of Trustees, annual leave may not be accrued and carried over into
the next fiscal year. Any unused excess may then be forfeited or transferred
to sick leave as is designated by the Board of Trustees. Individual exceptions
to carryover limitations may be granted by the President.
PERSONAL LEAVE
10 month teaching Faculty only may receive up to two (2) days of personal leave per semester for urgent personal
business which cannot be otherwise arranged. Division approval is required. Such leave is not accruable.
Administrators, 12-month faculty, and classified employees are granted five (5) personal leave days per fiscal year.
Employees will receive a one-time lump sum accrual of 37.5 hours the first pay of the fiscal year.
Any unused personal leave does not carry over and is not paid out upon resignation or termination from the College.
MILITARY LEAVE
Members of the National Guard and Reserves of the
various branches of the United States Military are entitled to up to fifteen
(15) days leave in accordance with Paragraph 2, Article 65 of the Annotated
Code of Maryland. This Military leave is not deducted from annual leave
accrual and is paid according to the employees normal base rate.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
Upon employment, you are eligible to receive additional
leave days as needed, up to the following limits, in the event of a family member's
death:
Immediate Family Member - five (5) days
Other Relatives - three (3) days
JURY DUTY
The college considers jury duty a civic responsibility
and grants additional leave to employees called to serve. Regular pay will continue
during jury duty with the submission of a Leave slip.
EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS
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Cecil College believes that an employee's
self-development is essential to the successful operation of our institution.
It enhances the individual's self-esteem and performance by virtue of
broadened knowledge and capabilities. Benefits provided are governed by policies
written under the guidelines of the Annotated Code of Maryland, Section 16 and
provisions of IRS Section 127 concerning tuition reduction programs.
There are three (3) types of educational benefits
available to eligible employees:
- TUITION WAIVER for courses offered at Cecil College.
Refer to Policy and Procedures or consult with Human Resources for more information.
- TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
for courses offered at other accredited or professionally recognized institutions.
Refer to Policy and Procedures or consult with Human Resources for more information.
- EMPLOYEE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT in-service training
for staff. This program is designed to assist staff members in acquiring or
upgrading specific skills to enhance performance or improve service provided.
Such training, when requested or required as an essential element of the job
duties or job performance of classified or part-time non-exempt employees,
is compensable under provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. (Professional
staff members are exempt from "hours worked" provisions of the Fair
Labor Standards Act.)
The College will develop in-service programs as determined by need or
in response to employees' requests. Programs will be provided to full-time
and designated regular part-time employees at no cost. The College may
suspend or withdraw training programs at any time.
Off-site
training may also be provided as determined by the above criteria for necessity.
TEXTBOOK REIMBURSEMENT – CLASSIFIED STAFF
This benefit is provided only to full-time
nonexempt employees (Classified Staff). The following procedures apply:
- Full-time Classified Staff Employees may receive a textbook reimbursement
allowance of up to $100 per fiscal year. Such reimbursement is for course-related
textbooks payable to employees who are enrolled in credit-division courses
at Cecil College.
- Dollar amounts in any given fiscal year may be prorated among all eligible
requestors based on availability of budgeted funds. However, the maximum
reimbursement may not excess $100 per employee per fiscal year. Reimbursement
will be provided one time per fiscal year during the regular second semester.
- To receive reimbursement, the employee must submit form providing * proof
of course registration and *paid receipts for the books purchased for the
course. See Human Resources for reimbursement form.
-
Deadline for submission of requests will be
announced each year in the annual end-of-fiscal year “Cut Off Dates” Notification
from Financial Services and/or other broadcasts or notices from the Human
Resources Office.
MISCELLANEOUS BENEFITS
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FREE PARKING
Free parking is provided by the
college. Employees may park anywhere with the exception of designated handicapped
spaces and loading zones.
CREDIT UNION
College employees may join the
Cecil County School Employees Credit Union with an opening account of
$5.25. A loan account may be opened with a deposit of $25.25. Payroll deductions
may be arranged for savings or loan purposes. Checking account services are
also provided. Contact the Credit Union at (410) 398- 6921 for forms and information.
BLOOD BANK MEMBERSHIP
All full-time and part-time employees
who reside in Cecil County or the Eastern Shore of Maryland, or in Delaware
are eligible to join the Blood Bank of Delaware/Eastern Shore under the
College's group membership. Group members receive the most extensive benefits
with no waiting period and total coverage nationwide where replacement benefits
are honored. Annual membership dues are $5.00.
Employees who reside south or west of the Susquehanna are covered by American Red Cross.
See Human Resources for more information.
COMMUNIQUE
The College keeps you informed
daily of campus events and other items of campus/community interest with an
e-mail newsletter. Please see your supervisor to learn how this information
is accessed and distributed in your department. To publish your information,
please contact the Office of Public Relations at extension 327.
LIBRARY SERVICES
The College Library (a.k.a. Learning Resources
Center) extends borrowing privileges and other services to all Faculty and Staff.
A library card may be obtained at the circulation desk. Refer to Faculty Handbook
for details on academic services to Faculty members.
GENERAL INFORMATION
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TIMEKEEPING
The College's standard work week is 37.50 hours-
one (1) hour per day for meals during a normal 7.5 hour day. Timekeeping practices
are regulated by the Fair Labor Standards Act - this is what is referred to as the "minimum wage law"
or the overtime law".
FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATIVE/PROFESSIONAL STAFF are
"exempt" classifications which means they are not entitled to overtime
pay for hours worked over 40 per week and are not paid an hourly wage. For this
reason, no documentation of time and/or hours worked are required.
CLASSIFIED STAFF and part-time employees
on an hourly basis are "nonexempt" which means not exempt from the
minimum wage and overtime provisions of the FLSA. Employees in these categories
must keep accurate time documents which reflect actual hours worked and be paid
according to their hourly rate for all time worked. "Time worked"
is defined as any time spent on job duties for Cecil College, with
or without the permission or knowledge of your supervisor. However, overtime
work must be authorized in advance by your supervisor.
While, by FLSA provisions, you must document and
be properly paid for unauthorized work time, you may be subject to disciplinary
action if you fail to seek your supervisor's authorization. Overtime must be
paid at time and one-half for all hours over 40 within one week. (Certain
safety and emergency workers may be exempt from this provision according to
"before hire" agreements after April 15, 1986).
Your supervisor should inform you of the timekeeping
procedures in your department. Employees may not approve their own time documents
and may not fill out another employee's time sheet or punch another's time card.
Travel time to/from meetings, seminars etc. will be paid if it falls within
or overlaps the employee's normal work hours. Time spent at required training
meetings must be recorded as time worked and count toward the overtime calculation
if the work week exceeds 40 hours.
PAY SCHEDULE
The College pays every two weeks, 12 month employees
receive 26 paychecks per year. 10 month employees receive 22 paychecks per year,
or may opt to spread their pay out over 26 if desired.
DIRECT DEPOSIT
Direct deposit of your paycheck
to your checking account is available for all employees of Cecil College
except work-studies. Service has been arranged through County Banking and Trust
Company of Cecil County. If you have an existing checking account with County
Bank, or if you wish to open one, County Bank will waive the monthly service
charge. However, you will be charged for check printing and "bounced"
checks. If you do not wish to bank with County bank, you can participate in
the direct deposit benefit through your current bank or savings and loan company
even if your bank is located in another state. Check with your bank for its
policy concerning checking account charges with direct deposit customers. You
will receive a pay stub with your bank account numbers printed on it, together
with a void check from the College. Your funds will be available to you each
payday, Friday, a.m. Pay stubs are distributed through college in-house mail.
You will receive a supplement,
Notification of College Policies and Procedures, with certain College-wide
policy information required for all employees.