The first month of your new position can be a whirlwind of new information, new responsibilities, and new people. Amidst these new experiences, be sure to check back in with yourself and a few important deadlines, some of which must be completed before the end of your first month.
The University offers a variety of medical, dental, and vision plans that provide a broad range of comprehensive benefits and flexibility to meet specific healthcare needs.
New hires must make their benefits elections within 31 days of their hire or eligibility date. Benefits elections for medical, dental, vision, life insurance/ADD, and flexible spending accounts take place in Pitt Worx.
Outside of the new hire election window, employees can only enroll in or make changes to their benefits during the open enrollment period, which takes place annually each spring, or if they experience a life event (qualified status change).
In addition to the Benefits Enrollment Process webpage on the OHR website, there are a variety of guides on the Pitt Worx Hub that provide step-by-step instructions for enrolling in benefits coverage.
The Defined Contribution Plan, a 403(b) plan, is the retirement savings plan offered to newly hired and current employees at Pitt. The University provides a 100% match on employee contributions between 3-8% of their base salary. Once vested, the University's matching contributions increase to 150%.
Eligible new employees are automatically enrolled in the plan at a contribution rate of 3% unless they elect otherwise.
Your retirement savings account is managed through TIAA, the University's record-keeper. Changes to your retirement savings account cannot be made in Pitt Worx.
Learn more about how to manage your contributions and schedule a one-on-one consultation with TIAA.
A wide range of supplemental benefits and wellness resources are available to you as a Pitt employee. While many of these benefits can be utilized or enrolled in year-round, others can only be enrolled in as a new employee or during the annual open enrollment period.
- MetLife Supplemental Medical Coverage: Offered through PittPerks, MetLife offers supplemental medical coverage with accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance. This employee-paid coverage would serve as a supplemental policy to complement your UPMC insurance provided by the University (or other existing coverage).
- MetLife Legal Services: Offered through PittPerks, MetLife Legal Services connects you to a national network of over 17,000 pre-qualified attorneys to choose from whenever you need them for a low monthly rate, no matter how many times you may need their services.
Enrollment in the MetLife supplemental medical coverage and MetLife legal services only takes place in PittPerks. Much like with enrollment in medical coverage, new hires must enroll in these services within 31 days of their hire date if they wish to do so.
In addition to these benefits only available during your enrollment as a new hire or during open enrollment, PittPerks also has a variety of other voluntary benefits and discounts available year-round.
Flexible Work Arrangements come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you plan or intend to work remotely or flexibly, you must have a completed Flexible Work Arrangement on file with the University.
You are encouraged to work closely with your supervisor or department administrator on the terms of your Flexible Work Arrangement, should one be implemented.
As a reminder, you may need to complete certain required online trainings as part of your onboarding as a new employee. You are encouraged to reach out to your supervisor to ensure that you have completed all necessary trainings as a part of your employment or that are required within your department.