{"id":22,"date":"2024-12-31T17:12:58","date_gmt":"2024-12-31T17:12:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.golive.clarku.edu\/human-resources\/?page_id=22"},"modified":"2026-04-02T16:31:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T16:31:33","slug":"benefits","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/human-resources\/total-rewards\/benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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At Clark University, our people are at the center of everything we do. Our faculty and staff bring energy, purpose, and dedication to their work each day, helping create an environment where students succeed and the community thrives. Whether you are teaching, researching, supporting operations, or serving our campus in essential roles, your work matters here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working at Clark is more than a job. It is a chance to be part of a mission-driven institution that values growth, impact, and belonging. We believe that when our employees are supported, they can do their best work and build meaningful careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clark offers a comprehensive benefits program designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Eligibility is based on employee classification and standard scheduled hours. Employees who are regularly scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week<\/strong> are eligible for many of Clark\u2019s benefit programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To learn more about your benefit options, review plan documents, access the Benefits Guide, or make your benefit selections, please visit Employee Navigator<\/a><\/strong> and log in to your account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Clark, we invest in our people because they are our greatest strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Employee Benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Health Insurance<\/summary>\n

Clark University offers eligible employees who work 30 or more standard hours per week a choice of four health plans. The University contributes toward both individual and family coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eligibility begins on the first day of the month following the date of hire. If an employee\u2019s start date is the first of the month or the first scheduled workday of the month, coverage is effective immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employee monthly premium costs, effective January 1 through December 31, vary based on the plan and level of coverage selected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The health insurance plan year follows the calendar year. Employees have the opportunity to enroll or make changes to their coverage during the annual Open Enrollment period held each fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employees may not enroll or make changes outside of Open Enrollment unless they experience a qualifying life event, such as marriage, birth or adoption of a child, divorce, or loss of other coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Dental Insurance<\/summary>\n

Clark University offers eligible employees who are regularly scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week two dental plan options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eligibility begins on the first of the month following the date of hire, unless the employee\u2019s start date is the first of the month or the first working day of the month, in which case coverage is effective immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employee monthly premiums are effective January 1 through December 31 and vary based on the plan and coverage level selected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dental plan operates on a calendar year basis. Employees may enroll in or make changes to their dental coverage during the annual Open Enrollment period each fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enrollment outside of Open Enrollment is only permitted if the employee experiences a qualifying life event, such as marriage, divorce, birth, or death.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Vision<\/summary>\n

Clark University offers eligible employees who are regularly scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week access to a comprehensive vision plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eligibility begins on the first of the month following the date of hire, unless the employee\u2019s start date is the first of the month or the first working day of the month, in which case coverage is effective immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employee monthly premiums are effective January 1 through December 31 and vary based on the coverage level selected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The vision plan operates on a calendar year basis. Employees may enroll in or make changes to their vision coverage during the annual Open Enrollment period each fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enrollment outside of Open Enrollment is only permitted if the employee experiences a qualifying life event, such as marriage, divorce, birth, or death.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) \/ Health Savings Account (HSA)<\/summary>\n

Clark University offers eligible employees who are regularly scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week the opportunity to participate in the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) program. This benefit is provided at no cost to the employee and allows you to set aside a portion of your salary on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified health care and\/or dependent care expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FSAs are a federal tax-advantaged benefit and are administered through a third-party vendor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eligibility begins on the first of the month following the date of hire, unless the employee\u2019s start date is the first of the month or the first working day of the month, in which case eligibility is effective immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employees elect a fixed annual amount during Open Enrollment, which is deducted from each paycheck throughout the plan year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The FSA plan year follows the calendar year. Employees must re-enroll each year during the annual Open Enrollment period in the fall. Changes outside of Open Enrollment are only permitted if the employee experiences a qualifying life event, such as marriage, divorce, birth, or death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New employees may enroll within their new hire eligibility window or wait until the next Open Enrollment period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of FSA Accounts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health Care FSA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

May be used to reimburse qualified out-of-pocket medical, dental, and vision expenses for the employee, spouse, and eligible dependents that are not covered by insurance. This includes expenses such as doctor visits, dental care, vision services, and prescription costs related to a specific injury or illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account DCFSA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

May be used to reimburse eligible expenses for the care of a dependent that enables the employee (and spouse, if applicable) to work. This includes care for dependent children or dependent adults, as well as certain household services associated with that care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the end of the plan year, a run-out period is provided to allow employees to submit claims for services incurred during the coverage period. For specific deadlines and plan details, please refer to the Summary Plan Description.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For additional information, plan documents, and to make or manage your FSA elections, please visit the Employee Navigator<\/a> site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health Savings Account (HSA)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Health Savings Account (HSA) is available to employees enrolled in the University\u2019s qualified high-deductible health plan. The HSA allows you to contribute pre-tax funds to pay for eligible health care expenses, including medical, prescription, dental, and vision costs. Unused funds roll over from year to year and remain yours even if you leave the University or retire.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

University retirement plan \u2013 403(b) defined contribution plan<\/summary>\n

This is a voluntary tax-deferred retirement plan. Employees may join the first of any month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a two-year wait before employees working 1,000 hours or more are eligible for the University\u2019s contribution to this plan. However, the mandatory two-year waiting period for new employees to enroll in Clark University\u2019s retirement plan is waived for those with two years of continuous service in a non-student, benefit eligible, position at any institution of higher education. Documentation on the dates of employment from the previous employer is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Effective July 1, 2025, the University\u2019s contribution to the 403(b) Defined Contribution will be 5%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To contribute more than 5% of the salary, employees may enroll in Clark\u2019s Supplemental Tax-Deferred Retirement Plan (SRA). Detailed information is available in the HR Office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Universal availability allows employees that are not eligible to participate in the Defined Contribution Plan (RA) and receive the University\u2019s 5% contribution to participate in the Supplemental Tax-Deferred Retirement Plan (SRA).<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Group Life Insurance<\/summary>\n

Clark University provides eligible full-time employees with group life insurance coverage equal to two times their base annual salary, rounded up to the next highest thousand. The University pays the full cost of this benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eligibility begins on the first of the month following the date of hire, unless the employee\u2019s start date is the first of the month or the first working day of the month, in which case coverage is effective immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For additional information and plan documents, please visit the Employee Navigator<\/a> site.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance<\/summary>\n

Clark University offers eligible employees who are regularly scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week the opportunity to purchase Voluntary Supplemental Life Insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Newly hired employees are eligible for guarantee issue coverage during their initial enrollment period. Guarantee issue means you may elect coverage without providing evidence of insurability (EOI) or answering medical questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employees who enroll after their initial eligibility period may still apply for coverage; however, the insurance carrier will require additional documentation, including a statement of health, and coverage is subject to approval by the insurer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employees may elect supplemental life insurance coverage up to five times their annual salary, not to exceed the plan maximum. Coverage is also available for spouses and dependent children. Spouses may elect coverage up to a percentage of the employee\u2019s elected amount, and evidence of insurability may be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a voluntary benefit, and the full cost of coverage is paid by the employee through payroll deduction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Upon termination of employment with the University, employees may have the option to convert their supplemental life insurance coverage to an individual, non-group policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For additional details, please refer to the Supplemental Life Insurance Summary of Benefits<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Long-term Disability Insurance<\/summary>\n

Full time employees are covered by the University\u2019s LTD benefit that pays approximately 60% of the employee\u2019s monthly base salary if the employee is totally disabled for a continuous period of six months or longer (less any amount received from Social Security or Worker\u2019s Compensation) and is provided, at no cost, to the employee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eligibility starts on the first of the month following the date of hire unless the date of hire is the first of the month or the first work day of the month in which case eligibility is immediate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the employee is participating in the University\u2019s retirement plan at the time of total disability, they will continue to receive a contribution by the University while collecting disability income (up to age 65).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For additional details please refer to the Long-Term Disability Long Term disability summary of benefits<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Accident Insurance<\/summary>\n

Accident Insurance is an optional benefit that provides a fixed cash payment for covered injuries resulting from an accident. Benefits may be payable for services such as emergency treatment, hospitalization, or follow-up care. Payments are made directly to the employee and may be used to help cover out-of-pocket expenses not paid by medical insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Critical Illness Insurance<\/summary>\n

Critical Illness Insurance is an optional benefit that provides a lump-sum payment if you are diagnosed with a covered serious medical condition, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. The benefit is paid directly to you and may be used for medical expenses or other financial needs during treatment or recovery<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Hospital Indemnity Insurance<\/summary>\n

Hospital Indemnity Insurance is an optional benefit that provides a cash payment if you are admitted to a hospital for a covered illness or injury. Benefits may include payments for hospital admission, daily confinement, or certain treatments. Payments are made directly to you and may be used to help offset deductibles, copayments, or other expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Employee Assistance Program<\/summary>\n

Lucet Employee Assistance Program is a free confidential tool to help you overcome life challenges and live a happy, balanced life. Details can be found on the Work\/Life Reources webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Tuition Benefits<\/summary>\n

SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES<\/strong>
Staff Member:<\/strong> Effective the semester following employment, full- time employees may take two undergraduate courses per semester, or one graduate course per semester in the School of Professional Studies, full tuition waived. Spouse\/Child:<\/strong> In addition, after one year of employment, either the spouse or one child may take one undergraduate or one graduate course per semester with Clark paying $500 toward tuition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS<\/strong>
Staff Member:<\/strong> Effective the semester following employment, full time employees may take two (2) courses per semester, pending acceptance through the School of Business admissions process.
Spouse\/Child:<\/strong> After one year of full-time employment, either the spouse or one child may take one course per semester with a $1,000 waiver ($500 waiver for 7-week course), pending acceptance through the admissions process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UNDERGRADUATE TUITION FOR DEPENDENT CHILDREN<\/strong>
After three years of full-time employment, full-time employees\u2019 dependent children under age 24 who are matriculating toward an undergraduate degree, may attend the University\u2019s day undergraduate college (pending acceptance through the admissions process) or School of Professional Studies, full or part-time, with tuition cost waived for up to 36 courses or an earned degree, whichever comes first.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Tuition Exchange Program<\/summary>\n

Overview<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clark University is a member of the Tuition Exchange (TE) Program, which provides the opportunity for dependent children of eligible Clark faculty and staff to receive undergraduate scholarships at other participating TE member institutions. A list of 600+ colleges and universities that participate in the TE program can be viewed at www.tuitionexchange.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The TE program is a scholarship opportunity and not a fringe benefit provided by Clark University. Only full time faculty and staff who have completed five (5) years of full time employment at Clark (as of September 1st of the year of application), are eligible to apply on behalf of their dependent children. Application for the TE program does not guarantee acceptance at a TE member institution, nor does it insure a TE scholarship.<\/strong><\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Information Session with representatives of financial aid, and human resources will be held in September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

What is the Tuition Exchange (TE) Program?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Tuition Exchange is a reciprocal scholarship program where participating member schools are required to offer a minimum \u201cset rate\u201d value scholarship to students they admit with a TE scholarship award. The scholarship amount will be provided on the TE Scholarship application each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does my dependent student become eligible for a TE Scholarship?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is the student\u2019s responsibility to complete the EZ Online Application on the TE portal<\/a>. Please note that the student will need to create an account on the portal before they are able to access the EZ Online Application. The deadline to submit the EZ Online Application is 11\/15\/2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When your student is admitted to one or more of the colleges they have identified on the TE EZ Online Application the admitting college determines whether or not to award a TE Scholarship to your student.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please note<\/em><\/strong>:  It is possible for you to be eligible at Clark and still not receive a TE scholarship from the school of choice that your student is admitted to.  Being certified by Clark is not a guarantee that your student will receive a TE scholarship from the admitting school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are my chances that the TE College will award my dependent child a scholarship once eligible?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It depends on the participating TE colleges\u2019 policies and procedures, and the number of scholarships it has available.  Last year, TE colleges that were new to TE, or were very large TE institutions, were more likely to offer a TE scholarship.  Also, if the number of TE applicants to a particular TE college is small, chances will be better to get an award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the value of a TE Scholarship?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

TE colleges are required to cover up to a minimum amount of their charged tuition (this is called minimum \u201cset rate\u201d value). Each year the Tuition Exchange Board of Directors establishes the set rate value amount based on a weighted average of all participating TE College tuitions. This means that the set rate value could change each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the 2026-2027 academic year, TE colleges are required to cover up to $44,000 of their charged tuition (this is called minimum “set rate” value). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What happens if too many students apply for TE at a particular TE college?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each participating TE college determines whom they will accept for admission and how many students they will offer a TE Scholarship to. Each school\u2019s criteria used could include but is not limited to SAT scores, class rank, teacher recommendations, activities, financial need, and employee length of service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who administers Clark\u2019s TE program?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clark\u2019s Director of Financial Assistance acts as the Tuition Exchange Liaison Officer responsible for the administration of the program.  The Human Resources Office is responsible for the determination of your eligibility to participate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is there anything else I should know about TE?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is your student\u2019s responsibility to ensure applications have been submitted to the participating institutions of their choice. It is also a good idea to apply for financial aid at the same time your student applies for admission in case the participating TE College does not offer your student a TE Scholarship.  If your student waits to find out if they have been awarded a TE scholarship before applying for financial aid, it may be too late to do so when they receive the decision about the TE scholarship. Also, even if a TE Scholarship is offered, your student may still be eligible for financial aid beyond the TE Scholarship. Please make sure you apply for financial aid when you apply for admissions to a participating TE school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where can I get more information about TE?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit the Tuition Exchange site http:\/\/www.tuitionexchange.org\/<\/a> to review a current list of participating TE institutions. If you have questions about TE at another school, contact the Admissions Office at that specific school.  If you have questions about your eligibility for participation in this program, please contact the HR office; or if you have questions about the TE certification process, please contact Clark\u2019s Financial Aid Office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*   The IRS definition of a qualified dependent is: a) they live with you for more than one-half of the taxable year; and (b) unless disabled, they are under age 19 if not a student, or under age 24 and is a full-time student at least 5 months out of the year; and (c) they do not provide more than one-half of their own support.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Time Away from Work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Vacation<\/summary>\n

If you are a full or part-time employee with an appointment of at least one-year, you are eligible to earn vacation time based on your standard weekly scheduled hours.  The most common standard weekly scheduled hours are 35, 37.5, and 40.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vacation balances are accrued on a monthly basis and are updated after the first pay cycle of each month.  Salaried employees vacation balances are reflected as days and hourly employees vacation balances are reflected as hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n