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 recipients:

• Scott Bousson
• Kristin Demboski
• Derek Estes
• Kirk Guckenberg
• Michelle Middler
• Jan Nolan
• Linda Popovic
• Dakota Smith
• Paula Supanich
• Lacey Tasson
• Becky Tavernini

And to our summer and fall quarterly winners: Lacey Tasson and Jane Surrell!

Thank you for all that you do.

To learn more or to send a STAR recipient to a colleagues, please the Northern STAR webpage.

Human Resources

TIAA is sponsoring a live webinar on June 16th from 2 - 3 p.m.  to discuss market volatility.  No matter where you are on the path to retirement, it's natural to worry about your retirement funds during turbulent times.  The good news is your TIAA retirement plan was built knowing times like these happen.  Hear from TIAA's top thought leaders as they share their insights on the current market, and offer some suggestions on what you can do right now to stay on track and keep anxiety at bay.  Register here.

Human Resources

NMU is working with Savi, a social impact company, to help student loan borrowers better understand and manage their student loans.  Savi is a free online tool that allows borrowers to discover eligibility for reduced monthly loan payments and loan forgiveness options.

Savi regularly hosts live webinars that will help borrowers get started with the tool and learn more about student loans and policy debates.  Click here to register for the February 8th webinar and be sure to scroll down once you are on the landing page to see all the upcoming webinars.

Human Resources

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has partnered with Experian to offer all eligible members identity protection services at no cost.  You and your dependents are eligible for these services if you are enrolled in the NMU group health plan.  Experian IdentityWorks offers more protection and the option to enroll at any time.  Once you enroll in IdentityWorks, you will have access to:  an Experian credit report, credit monitoring, internet surveillance, identity restoration, child monitoring, and much more!  Please see the Blue Cross flyer for additional services and how to enroll.

Human Resources

The contribution limits for the voluntary 403(b) and/or 457(b) plans have increased from $19,500 to $20,500 in 2022; and the catch-up contribution limit for age 50 and over who participate in these plans remains unchanged at $6,500. 

This means if you are under age 50 in 2022, the maximum amount you may contribute into your voluntary retirement plan is $20,500.  If you are age 50 or above, the maximum amount you may contribute is $27,000 ($20,500 plus $6,500 catch-up).  Employees interested in adjusting their retirement contribution amount, or those wanting to begin participation, should contact the Director of Benefits, Ms. Kristen Bjorne, at kportale@nmu.edu and request a Salary Reduction Agreement.

Human Resources

Shopping.  Parties.  Family Stress.  Why wait for the new year to start making healthier lifestyle changes?  Start now with Hello Heart and give your heart a gift.  Hello Heart is an easy, fun, and engaging way to lower your high blood pressure and cholesterol.  See the flyer for more details including eligibility.

Human Resources

The Human Resources Department will hold its annual enrollment period beginning Monday, November 8th through Monday, November 15th.   This is your opportunity to enroll in the Flexible Spending Accounts for next year.  In addition if you, your spouse, or children are not currently enrolled in the medical, dental, and vision plans this is your chance to do so.  The benefit coverage effective date is January 1, 2022.  Watch your e-mail on Monday, November 8th for specific details.  Questions may be directed to Ms. Kristen Bjorne, Director of Benefits, at x1030 or e-mail kportale@nmu.edu.

Human Resources

The Human Resources Department will hold its annual enrollment period beginning Monday, November 7th through Monday, November 14th.   This is your opportunity to enroll in the Flexible Spending Accounts for next year.  In addition if you, your spouse, or children are not currently enrolled in the medical, dental or vision plans this is your chance to do so.  The benefits effective date is January 1, 2023.  Employees are encouraged to check their e-mail on Monday, November 7th for specific details.  Questions may be directed to Ms. Kristen Bjorne, Director of Benefits, at x1030 or e-mail kportale@nmu.edu or Ms. Kimberly Hongisto, Benefits & Onboarding Specialist, at x2470 or email khongisto@nmu.edu

Human Resources

Family status changes including marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, death of a spouse/child, marriage of a dependent child, etc., must be reported to the Human Resources Department no later than 30 days after the event.  Proper notification ensures accurate enrollment in benefit plans for new spouse/baby; prompt removal of those you no longer wish to cover; and correct withholding from your paycheck for the associated plan type (e.g., Single, Two, Family).  Contact Ms. Kimberly Hongisto, Benefits Assistant, at khongist@nmu.edu or phone x2470 with questions.

Human Resources

Have you or will you experience a family status change this year?  Family status changes including marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, death of a spouse/child, marriage of a dependent child, etc., must be reported to the Human Resources Department no later than 30 days after the event.  Proper notification ensures accurate enrollment in the various benefits plans (medical, dental, etc.) for new spouse or baby; prompt removal of those you no longer wish to cover; and correct deduction from your paycheck for the associated plan type (single, two, family).  Any family changes you experience makes it a good time to review your beneficiaries and bring them up to date for life insurance, retirement plan, and final paycheck.  For assistance, please contact Ms. Kimberly Hongisto, Benefits/Onboarding Specialist, at khongist@nmu.edu or phone x2470.