Gift Days for December, 2024 have been designated as the following:

• Thursday, December 26, 2024
• Friday, December 27, 2024
• Monday, December 30, 2024

Parental Leave – Non-Negotiated Employees (IGP #7.3)

• Upon the birth or adoption of a child, eligible EIU employees may choose to use up to 4 consecutive weeks of paid parental leave, or up to 20 consecutive workdays. Individuals (and their eligible partners) who elect to use this benefit, in full or part, shall agree to serve at the University for at least one year after the completion of the Parental Leave, and are required to sign a promissory note to access this leave benefit.  Additional information on this benefit can be found on the FMLA page. Here is  the promissory note.  

Community Service Leave (IGP #7.4)

• EIU is committed to community engagement, and seeks to facilitate expanded volunteerism among our employees. Qualifying community service leave includes “hands on” participation in an off-campus community service project led by a local government agency or a not-for-profit agency.  Eligible employees can receive up to one paid day of service leave (7.5 hours) per fiscal year.  This benefit may not be used over multiple days, and will not be carried forward from one fiscal year to the next.  Prior approval is required, and the service activity should be registered with the Office of Leadership & Engagement prior to the day of absence.  Additional information can be found at this link: Eastern Illinois University :: Civic Engagement and Volunteerism - (Community Service Leave) (eiu.edu)

With Covid, we have all experienced a difficult and unprecedented couple of years and we still have not reached normalcy. Now is a great time to ensure that you and your dependents are aware of our Employee Assistance Program. EIU and the State of Illinois offer a very robust Employee Assistance Program that can help you and your dependents manage stress experiences and provide tools for improved mental health.

The Employee Assistance Program services are free. ComPsych is available and can offer up to 5 counseling sessions (per event, per year) - remotely or in-person - to assist with your mental health needs.  More than this, ComPsych also offers a wide array of services to assist with other needs, such as legal assistance, financial resources, work-life solutions, and more.

Explore all of the life assisting programs, webinars, and resources that ComPsych has to offer.  The services are confidential, free, and available for any employee and their dependents.

Register at www.guidanceresources.com

• Organization web ID: stateofillinois
• Mobile App: GuidanceNow Android | Apple
• Phone: 1-833-955-3400

The IRS has announced changes to pension limitations governing the 457 plans. The maximum amount individuals can contribute to their 457(b) plan will increase for calendar year 2023. The elective deferral (contribution) limit for employees who participate in deferred compensation will increase to $22,500. The age 50 catch-up contribution limit will increase to $7,500, making the total contribution limit for those aged 50 and older $30,000 for the 2023 calendar year.