Item 7 - Benefits

Exempt staff are required to enroll in the following benefit plans for which they are eligible according to the terms of those plans.

a) University Pension Plan 

• Permanent, seasonal and term employees (term > 6 months) are immediately enrolled in the Academic Pension Plan, which is a defined contribution plan (referred to as the Money Purchase Plan). 

Employees already contributing to the university’s Non-Academic Pension Plan at the time of appointment to an exempt position will be given the option of retaining membership in that plan.

b) Sick Leave and Short-Term Disability 

• Permanent, seasonal and term employees (term > 2 years) are eligible for disability benefits as defined under the Disability Plan.
• Employees hired on a term or part-time basis, who are not included under the provisions of the Disability Plan are entitled to an allowance of one and one-quarter (1.25) days sick leave per month of employment. The allowance is cumulative and is prorated for part-time employees. 

Employees may be required to submit medical information to support absences. Such information is submitted to the University designated third-party short-term disability case management provider who will work with you throughout your medical leave and return to work. 

If the medical information is inconclusive, the employee may be referred for an independent medical assessment to support either an absence from work, or a return to work. Such examination shall be at the university’s expense. The Short Term Disability plan is the qualifying period for Long Term Disability through Sun Life Financial, should you be totally disabled from your own occupation for longer than 112 calendar days.

c) Long Term Disability (LTD) 

• Permanent, seasonal, and term employees (term >2 years) are eligible for Long Term Disability.  

Once the qualifying period has been exhausted and the employee is totally disabled from their own occupation, an application will be submitted to Sun Life Financial. Benefits with an approved claim are payable from Sun Life; the University’s website should be referenced for current details on the benefit amounts and maximums.

d) Basic Group Life Insurance Plan 

• Permanent, seasonal and term employees (term > 6 months) are entitled to coverage under the university’s Basic Life Insurance Plan. 

This plan provides a lump-sum benefit to the employee’s beneficiary in the event of the employee’s death.

e) Optional Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 

• Permanent, seasonal and term employees (term > 6 months) are eligible to participate in the Optional Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment plan.

The plan allows the employee to purchase additional insurance at competitive group rates to suit their personal situations. Insurance premiums are based on age and smoker status.

f) Business Travel Insurance 

All Exempt staff are entitled to Business Travel Accident Insurance beginning on the date they are hired.  Coverage is available for accidental death occurring anywhere in the world while traveling on authorized university business.

g) Dental Plan 

• Permanent, seasonal and term employees (term > 6 months) are entitled to coverage under the Dental Plan.

Coverage is available to employees, spouses and dependent children as defined by the plan. 

h) Extended Health Care Plan

• Permanent, seasonal and term employees (term > 6 months) are entitled to coverage under the Extended Health Care Plan. 

Coverage is available to employees, spouses and dependent children as defined by the plan.

i) Flexible Spending Program

• Permanent, seasonal and term employees (term > 6 months) are entitled to coverage under the Flexible Spending Program

The program allows for reimbursement for tuition, tuition related fees, health and wellness related fees, and health and dental-related expenses not covered under the Extended Health Care Plan or Dental Plan.

j) Fitness Benefit 

All Exempt staff shall have access to the university’s Physical Activity Complex as part of a wellness initiative subject to the priorities of teaching, research and intramural and intercollegiate sports, as established by the university. This is a taxable benefit.  Detailed information is available through the Physical Activity Complex.

k) Post-Retirement Spending Account

• Exempt staff who retire after age 55 with a minimum 10 years of service will receive a Post-Retirement Spending Account in the amount of $1,000 per year for a two-year period following retirement.

The spending account is to provide reimbursement of health and dental-related expenses, and/or private health and dental insurance premiums.

l) Employee Family and Assistance Program (EFAP)

All Exempt staff are covered under the EFAP, which provides confidential support 24/7, for counselling, financial information and resources, legal support and resources, work-life solutions and more.