Faculty Handbook

In addition, employees may participate in the New York State Deferred Compensation Program. Employees interested in the tax-deferred annuity programs, or the NYS Deferred Compensation Program should contact the Human Resources/Affirmative Action Office for further information. 4. Death Benefits Generally, death benefits are determined by the Retirement System selected. However, New York State Law provides a Survivor's Benefit regardless of which system is chosen. Further information is available in the Human Resources/Affirmative Action Office. 5. Group Disability Insurance Program All active full-time professional staff members and certain part-time members will be covered on the first day of the month following one complete year of service with the State College of Optometry within the past five years. This program assures that in the event of total long-term disability employees will receive a regular monthly income following six consecutive months of total disability. For more information refer to the booklet, Group Disability Insurance Program for Professional Staff, available in the Human Resources/Affirmative Action Office. 6. Worker's Compensation Worker's Compensation Insurance protects professional staff members who are disabled or die because of an injury arising out of and in the course of their employment. Benefits include reimbursement of specified medical expenses, scheduled payments for permanent disabilities, and weekly benefits during time lost from the job because of an occupational injury. All accidents must be reported to University Police within 24 hours. 7. Tuition Assistance Program When space is available, employees may enroll in a course on a tuition-free basis, subject to requirements outlined in the UUP Agreement and the State of New York and United University Professions Reference Compendium as follows: 1. The University determines when space is available, recognizing that such determination must be made in sufficient time to permit enrollment by employees; 2. Employees must meet course prerequisites; 3. All fees other than tuition shall be paid by employees; 4. Employees may enroll in a maximum of one course per semester and special session, for example, summer session and intersession; 5. Minimum enrollment requirements established by the University as a necessary condition for offering a course shall not be affected by students interested in enrolling in a course on a space available basis; and 6. The program shall continue for the term of the Agreement. Note: Tuition assistance benefits are not available for members of the employee's family under the program outlined above.

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