Faculty/Staff - NMU Events and Announcements

Faculty/Staff

Our EAP has sent us a holiday greeting that we’d like to share with you – it’s a brief video reminder that their services are available throughout the season, should you need them – click to watch: ESI EAP Holiday Greetings.  

They’ve also sent a holiday handout that you can share with your family members – you can find it at this link: Keep the Holidays Happy With Your EAP.

Finally, you should check out their popular 2025 Holiday Survival Toolkit,  a compilation of handy seasonal links with tips on everything from budgeting to managing difficult family situations.

Remember, your EAP is a free, confidential benefit with many helpful services available to you and your family members! You can reach them 24/7/365 at 800.252.4555 – even on holidays!

Faculty/Staff

The contribution limits for employees who participate in the voluntary 403(b) and/or 457(b) plans have increased from $23,500 to $24,500 in 2026, and the catch-up contribution limit for employees aged 50 and over who participate in these plans increased from $7,500 to $8,000.  Under a change made to the SECURE 2.0 Act, a higher catch-up contribution limit applies for employees ages 60, 61, 62, and 63 who participate in these plans.  This catch-up, called the Super Catch Up, allows a catch-up amount of as much as $11,250.

This means if you are 

• under age 50 in 2026, the maximum amount you may contribute into your voluntary retirement plan is $24,500.
• age 50 or above, the maximum amount you may contribute is $32,500 ($24,500 plus $8,000 catch-up).
• age 60-63, the maximum amount you may contribute is $35,750 ($24,500 plus $11,250). 

A significant change made under Secure 2.0 is that in 2026, all catch-up dollars being contributed by employees who earned more than $150,000 in FICA wages in 2025, will be designated as after-tax ROTH contributions.  The pre-tax incentive no longer exists for catch-ups of highly compensated individuals.  NMU’s TIAA portal has the ability to automatically designate catch-up funds to Roth for impacted individuals.  No additional action is needed on your part.

Employees interested in adjusting their retirement contribution amount should log in to their TIAA portal, where adjustments can be made at any time.  The portal can be accessed at: http://tiaa.org/nmu/.  

Faculty/Staff

Faculty & Staff are invited to participate in a Lunch and Learn event hosted by the NMU WellBeing team.  

Topic: Benefits of forest bathing and how this practice can contribute to your life

Time: November 19th from 12pm-12:30pm 

Location: Jamrich 2315

Please bring your lunch, and feel free to use this time to eat as you learn

Faculty/Staff

Talkspace Go is a FREE & CONFIDENTIAL resource available to NMU employees and their families through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), ESI.  

Check out this month’s topics designed to improve your mental health and wellbeing! These live, online group classes are therapist-led, anonymous, and free.

There are new classes every month covering a broad range of topics related to work, family, relationships, and mental health.

Review the classes, decide which you want to take, and register in advance through the Talkspace Go app. Or sign on to the app on the date and time of the classes to join.

• Don’t yet have the app? Download it for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play
• Sign up and create an account
• Enter your organization’s code: ESIEAP
• Once registered, review the calendar, and click the links for the classes that you want to take

See the full class schedule and sign up here.

Additional information on the EAP and Talkspace Go can be found at https://nmu.edu/hr/mental-health-wellness-resources.

Faculty/Staff

TIAA has 2 webinar sessions to explore after-tax Roth contributions to your retirement.

You'll learn:

• What is the after-tax Roth contribution option
• Why might this option be right for your retirement planning
• How after-tax Roth contributions compare to pretax contributions
• NEW 2026 REQUIREMENTS FOR AFTER-TAX ROTH CATCH-UP CONTRIBUTIONS
• Answers to frequently asked questions

Register now

Sessions are happening

• Wednesday, Dec 10 at 11am
• Thursday, Jan 22 at 12pm

Faculty/Staff

TIAA has tailored 3 identical webinar sessions to explore after-tax Roth contributions to your retirement.

You'll learn:

• What is the after-tax Roth contribution option
• Why might this option be right for your retirement planning
• How after-tax Roth contributions compare to pretax contributions
• NEW 2026 REQUIREMENTS FOR AFTER-TAX ROTH CATCH-UP CONTRIBUTIONS
• Answers to frequently asked questions

Register now

Sessions are happening

• Tuesday, Nov 18 at 12pm
• Wednesday, Dec 10 at 11am
• Thursday, Jan 22 at 12pm

Faculty/Staff

Talkspace Go is a FREE & CONFIDENTIAL resource available to NMU employees and their families through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), ESI.  

Check out this month’s topics designed to improve your mental health and wellbeing! These live, online group classes are therapist-led, anonymous, and free.

There are new classes every month covering a broad range of topics related to work, family, relationships, and mental health.

Review the classes, decide which you want to take, and register in advance through the Talkspace Go app. Or sign on to the app on the date and time of the classes to join.

• Don’t yet have the app? Download it for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play
• Sign up and create an account
• Enter your organization’s code: ESIEAP
• Once registered, review the calendar, and click the links for the classes that you want to take

See the full class schedule and sign up here.

Additional information on the EAP and Talkspace Go can be found at https://nmu.edu/hr/mental-health-wellness-resources.

Faculty/Staff

NMU's Employee Assistance Program Provider, ESI, is hosting free webinars in December.  

Join your EAP for Mindful Monday Meditation in December! Mindfulness practices have many benefits, including reducing stress, boosting mood, focus, and resilience. These short sessions will help set a positive tone for your week. Participants will be guided through a different practice each week.

December Mindful Mondays:

• Date: Monday, December 1st (12:30-12:45pm ET) - Mindful Monday Meditation
  Register for session: https://medmutual.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TegsnQNMSkK8732HppJuHg
   
• Date: Monday, December 8th (12:30-12:45pm ET) - Mindful Monday Meditation
  Register for session: https://medmutual.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_722tlIxgR6ChwVqBQkCO1Q
   
• Date: Monday, December 15th (12:30-12:45pm ET) - Mindful Monday Meditation
  Register for session: https://medmutual.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iAGAnvqiSxKaGEQPGApVXQ

Faculty/Staff

NMU's Employee Assistance Program Provider, ESI, is hosting free webinars in November.  Please consider attending!

November Sessions:

• Date: Thursday, November 6th, (12:30-1:00pm ET) - Communication Skills to Help Navigate the Holidays
  Description: Family gatherings during the holidays can be stressful for many. Learn how to ask for what you need, set boundaries, and divert intrusive questions for a more enjoyable holiday season.
  Register for session: https://medmutual.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VqWzvCfHSXyGoaYhd2BcXg
   
• Date: Thursday, November 13th, (3:30-4:30pm ET) - Finding Your Sense of Belonging (presented by our partner, Talkspace)
  Description: In this class, your host will help you explore your experiences of belonging and the impact of those. You'll also examine what it means to belong in your current contexts and how you can create connections with people who share your beliefs and values.
  Register for session: https://medmutual.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5hUBssB4SnGAGudOkBJyrA
   
• Date: Thursday, November 20th, (12:30-1:00pm ET) - Carving Out Time for Yourself During the Holidays: Self-Care Tips for Emotional and Physical Well-Being
  Description: Taking time for yourself during the busy holidays can help you recharge and manage stress. Learn practical tips to support yourself in this season. This session will include a guided mindfulness practice.
  Register for session: https://medmutual.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GwpkDVcFSU68KzMJK3ANEw

Faculty/Staff

Your NMU Well-Being Team is hosting a Lunch & Learn, and you're invited!

Who: ALL NMU Faculty & Staff are welcome to attend

When: Thursday, October 30th, from 12pm to 12:50pm

Where: Jamrich 1318

Why: Movement is important to your overall health and wellness.  Come to hear some tips about how to get a bit more movement into your day!

Please bring your lunch, and feel free to use this time to eat as you learn.  We look forward to seeing you there!