Human Resources - NMU Events and Announcements

Human Resources

The Northern STAR (Simple, Thoughtful Acts of Recognition) Award offers an opportunity to immediately thank and compliment an employee who contributes exemplary work and/or demonstrates a commitment to NMU's core values.

Congratulations to our most recent Northern STAR recipients:

• Patrick Bawden
• Amy Carlson
• Michele Curtis
• Allie Erickson
• Ryan Goulet
• Bob Gravedoni
• Andrea Hammond
• Kyle Hawn
• Tim Janda
• Tammy Leedle
• Brandon Lotterman
• Ryan Mingay
• Casey O'Neill
• Kevin Price
• Clayton Root
• Glenda Ross
• Erin Sikkema
• Lacey Tasson
• David Wiegand

Thank you to all who have received a STAR award. To learn more, or to send a STAR recipient to a colleague, please visit the Northern STAR webpage.

Human Resources

The Benefits Fair gives faculty and staff the opportunity to learn more about their TIAA retirement plan, Blue Cross/Blue Shield medical and dental plans, and Northstar employee assistance program (EAP).  In addition, Hinge Health (NEW), Hello Heart, AFLAC, MEEMIC, Social Security, and Marketplace Insurance Plan representatives will be present.

The Fair is also your chance to get your flu shot from the nursing staff at the NMU Health Center.  Other campus departments participating in the Fair include Human Resources, Athletics/Recreational Sports, and Dean of Students (Food Pantry). If you have any questions, please contact Kristen Bjorne, Human Resources Department at kportale@nmu.edu or phone 906-227-1030.

Human Resources

The 403(b) retirement plan performance report for the 2nd quarter of 2023 is now available for viewing.  The report includes industry updates, market commentary and review, plan investment review, and fund fact sheets for the 403(b) retirement plan (TIAA).  Please visit MyNMU, Employee Services tab, and click on Retirement Plan Information.

Human Resources

February is American Heart month and February 3rd is National Wear Red Day.  Wear red to raise awareness about heart disease—a leading cause of death for Americans.  Concerned about your own heart-health?  Sign up for Hello Heart for free.

Human Resources

Blue Cross virtual well-being can inspire you to live your best life!  This program offers live, interactive, and science-based webinars every Thursday at 12 noon (EST).  The program also offers guided meditation every Wednesday at 12 noon (EST).  Please view the Virtual Well-Being flyer to see information about popular topics, weight loss, and healthy recipes.  In addition, your well-being journey should include an annual checkup.  By having an annual health exam, you'll be taking important steps toward a longer, healthier life.

Human Resources

With Blue Cross Online Visits, you can have virtual visits with licensed therapists and U.S. board-certified psychiatrists using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.  The therapy and psychiatry options provide ongoing support for stressful situations or issues such as grief, anxiety, or depression.  These private and confidential services are available by appointment and at $0.00 co-pay.  Please see the behavioral health flyer for more information.  This is in addition to the 24/7 medical care that you have with Blue Cross Online Visits also for $0.00 co-pay.  Please note you must be enrolled in NMU's group medical plan to access these services.

Human Resources

The best laid travel plans can go wrong, leaving travelers vulnerable and potentially unable to find the right help.  When the unexpected happens far from home, it's important to know whom to call for assistance.  Benefits eligible employees covered under the group life insurance policy with The Hartford have access to travel assistance and identity theft support provided by International Medical Group (IMG).  IMG has extensive experience handling complex and remote medical transportation situations, as well as providing support for travel concerns then they arise.  Keep in mind this is not insurance so it is best practice to carry your Blue Cross ID card with you when traveling.

Human Resources

TIAA has joined forces with the student loan experts at Savi to help you navigate the complexities of federal and state student loan repayment and forgiveness programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).  Founded by long-time student loan experts and advocates, Savi is a public benefit corporation that works with employers, like NMU, to provide the service as a unique student loan benefit.

Join free online webinars to learn more, including Q&A, with Savi’s student loan experts to hear more about how you can explore lowering your student loan payments and working toward student loan forgiveness.  Scroll down when you get to the landing page.

Human Resources

TIAA has joined forces with the student loan experts at Savi to help you navigate the complexities of federal and state student loan repayment and forgiveness programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).  Founded by long-time student loan experts and advocates, Savi is a public benefit corporation that works with employers, like NMU, to provide the service as a unique student loan benefit.

Join free online webinars to learn more, including Q&A, with Savi’s student loan experts to hear more about how you can explore lowering your student loan payments and working toward student loan forgiveness.  Scroll down when you get to the landing page.

Human Resources

The University is pleased to announce a new student debt solution for eligible employees!  The path to reducing your monthly student loan payment and working toward loan forgiveness could be getting much easier.  That's because you have access to a robust solution that helps find the best federal repayment and forgiveness programs for your financial situation.

This service is brought to you and your family members by NMU and TIAA and powered by Savi.  The Savi Tool not only helps strengthen your financial footing in the short-term, it also positions you for student loan forgiveness if you meet the eligibility requirements.  Savi users saw an average student debt savings of $1,880 per year.    Services include:

• Capping your payment based on your income and family size
• Freeing up funds to direct towards other financial goals
• An optional buy-up service ($60) removes the complexities of forgiveness and puts the process on auto-pilot for you.  Since this service is renewed year by year, you can always decide later to manage your own paperwork.

Plan to attend one 30-minute webinar and you’ll see how easy it is to use Savi, how it works to reduce your monthly payment, and how to get started.

Register for the webinar today!  Available times include:

·March 10th at 4:30 PM ET

·March 16th at 12:00 PM ET

In addition, you may visit tiaa.org/nmu/student to calculate your savings.  For more information contact Kristen Bjorne, Director of Benefits, at kportale@nmu.edu or phone 227-1030.