University of Southern Maine

WORKING AT USM
A Concise Guide For Employees

Table of Contents

1: Introduction

2: Our University Community
        2.1 About USM
        2.2 Getting Involved
                2.2.1 News and Events
                2.2.2 Staff Senates

3: Getting Around
        3.1 Campus Maps/Directions
        3.2 Bus Services
        3.3 Parking
        3.4 Motor Pool
        3.5 Travel and Travel Expenses

4: Taking Care of Basics
        4.1 Employment Eligibility and Verification (I-9)
        4.2 Keys
        4.3 Signing Up For Benefits
        4.4 Setting Up Your Pay
                4.4.1 Tax Withholding (W-4 Forms)
                4.4.2 Payroll Direct Deposit
        4.5 Checking Your Personal Information
        4.6 Child Care Services

5: Building a University Career
        5.1 Understanding Basic Terms
        5.2 Focusing On Your Position
                5.2.1 Classification and Pay
                5.2.2 Probationary Period
                5.2.3 Performance Evaluation
        5.3 Possible Changes to Your Position
                5.3.1 Position Review/Reclassification
                5.3.2 Reducing Your Work Schedule
        5.4 Training and Development Opportunities
                5.4.1 Staff Development Workshops/ Programs
                5.4.2 Supervisor Training Institute
                5.4.3 Tuition Waiver
                5.4.4 Non Credit Program Discounts
                5.4.5 Computer Training and Support
        5.5 Applying For Other University Positions
        5.6 Employment Opportunities At Other Maine System Campuses

6: Promoting Employee Health and Safety
        6.1 Exercise Facilities
        6.2 Adjusting Your Work Station
        6.3 Reporting Injuries
        6.4 Emergency Phone Numbers
        6.5 Smoking in the Workplace
        6.6 Substance Abuse Policy
        6.7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

7: Conflict Management and Resolution
        7.1 Conflict of Interest Policy
        7.2 Political Activity
        7.3 Workplace Discrimination or Harassment
        7.4 Mediation of Disputes
        7.5 Grievance Procedures

8: Understanding Your Benefits
        8.1 Insurances
                8.1.1 Health Insurance
                8.1.2 Income Protection Plan (Short-Term Disasbility)
                8.1.3 Long-Term Disability
                8.1.4 Life Insurance
                8.1.5 Dental Insurance
                8.1.6 Workers’ Compensation
        8.2 Leave From Work
                8.2.1 Accrued Leave Programs
                        8.2.1.1 Annual Leave ( Vacation)
                        8.2.1.2 Disability (Sick) Leave
                8.2.2 Other Leave Provisions
                        8.2.2.1 Holidays
                        8.2.2.2 Bereavement/Funeral Leave
                        8.2.2.3 Military Duty Leave
                        8.2.2.4 Witness and Jury Duty Leave
                        8.2.2.5 Administrative Leave
                        8.2.2.6 Unpaid Personal Leave
                        8.2.2.7 Family Medical Leave (FML)
        8.3 Savings and Retirement
                8.3.1 Social Security
                8.3.2 Advantage Accounts
                8.3.3 Defined Contribution Basic Retirement Plan
                8.3.4 Credit Union
                8.3.5 Incentive Retirement Plan (IRP)
                8.3.6 Partial/ Phased Retirement Program
                8.3.7 Voluntary Tax-Sheltered Annuities (Supplemental Retirement Annuity)

9: Leaving the University
        9.1 Giving Notice
        9.2 Exit Checklist
        9.3 Exit Interview

10: Index