Limited Benefits Employees - Human Resources

The below information serves as a summary of limited benefits and resources for employees who are not employed in a regular benefits eligible position at NMU.  These include Contingent Faculty, Adjunct Faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Temporary Labor staff. 

Northern Michigan University offers benefits designed to support all dimensions of wellbeing embodied by NMU.  Faculty benefits are mostly determined through collective bargaining agreements, meaning benefits costs may vary depending on your employee group. Employees are encouraged to review their applicable collective bargaining agreement to understand the programs available to them.

Enrollment in most benefits can occur within 30 days of hire.  Coverage may be changed within 30 days of a family status changes (i.e. birth, death, marriage, divorce, etc) and every fall during the Annual Enrollment period.  Enrollment and/or changes in benefits and management of beneficiaries should be completed by accessing the Wildcat Benefits Portal via MyNMU.

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• Health and Wellness Benefits 
• Financial Protection and Savings Benefits 
• Paid Time Off and Leaves
• Education Benefits 
• Work-Life Balance and Employee Perks 

This summary is for informational purposes and subject to change. In the event of a discrepancy between this information and benefit policies, or rules of insurance providers, the official legal documents will govern.

Medical Services

NMU maintains the NMU Health Center to provide medical services to the NMU student and employee community.  Limited benefits eligible employees have the below benefits available to them at the NMU Health Center.   

• Contingent Faculty
  • $0 co-pay for office visits received while on-contract.  All other services are the responsibility of the Contingent Faculty member.  
• Adjunct Faculty 
  • Access to all services at the NMU Health Center while on-contract.  Your private insurance will be billed accordingly. 
• Graduate Assistants 
  • Access to all services at the NMU Health Center while on-contract.  Services available in-house may be at no cost.  Cost for services that require referral or being sent outside of the Health Center for processing will be the responsibility of the Graduate Assistant or billed to your private insurance accordingly.
• Temporary Labor
  • Access to all services at the NMU Health Center while on-contract.  Your private insurance will be billed accordingly.

A nonopioid directive helps fight the opioid epidemic by allowing patients to notify health professionals they do not want opioids.  A patient, a person’s legal guardian, or patient advocate can now fill out a State of Michigan Form that directs health professionals and emergency medical services personnel to not administer opioids.  The form should be submitted to the patient's primary care physician and included in the patient’s medical records.

A link to the directive form can be found by visiting www.michigan.gov/opioids.  Click on the “Find Help” section and then scroll down to the bottom to "Additional Resources."

Retirement Plans 

NMU offers voluntary 403(b) retirement savings accounts through TIAA. These accounts allow employees to supplement their retirement savings with personal contributions on a pre-tax or after-tax (Roth) basis, up to IRS annual limits. Employees can enroll and manage contribution elections at any time through their TIAA member account at www.tiaa.org.

NMU is also a reporting unit for the Michigan Public Schools Employee Retirement System (MPSERS).  Employees who earned service credit prior to January 1, 1996, at one of seven Michigan public institutions may be eligible to elect the MPSERS retirement plan rather than TIAA.

Earned Sick Time (ESTA)

The Michigan Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) provides wages to employees when they are unable to perform their scheduled work responsibilities due to illness or for ESTA-covered absences within a benefit year.*  Covered employees accrue one (1) hours of ESTA leave for every 30 hours worked.  
  *NMU's benefit year runs concurrent with the fiscal year, which is July 1 through June 30.

The Earned Sick Time Act is applicable to all NMU employees.

• Contingent Faculty
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• Adjunct Faculty 
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• Graduate Assistants 
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• Temporary Labor
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Military Leave

NMU will abide by federal and state laws regarding eligible employees who serve in uniformed services and take leave of absence for such services.  We will pay the difference between the employee's military pay and regular pay, if the employee's military pay is less, for a period not to exceed fifteen (15) work days in any one calendar year.  

Worker's Compensation

Employees who are granted worker's compensation will be paid the difference between regular wages and payments under the Worker's Compensation Act for up to six (6) consecutive months after which they may apply for long-term disability benefits, if eligible. 

Northern Michigan University offers a generous Tuition Scholarship Program designed to support employees and their families in pursuing higher education. Eligible employees receive 100% tuition coverage for coursework taken at the university, with the opportunity to pursue undergraduate or graduate studies. This benefit also extends to eligible spouses and dependent children, making it possible for families to access a high-quality education with significantly reduced financial barriers.

This program waives tuition costs, though certain fees—such as course-specific or program fees, books, and supplies—are not included.  Eligibility requirements and application steps apply, but overall the program reflects NMU’s strong commitment to lifelong learning and educational access for its employees and their families.  

Check out the details of the Faculty/Staff Tuition Scholarship Program

• Continuing Contingent Faculty are eligible to receive a 100% tuition waiver on enrolled courses not to exceed the number of credit hours they have taught in the current calendar year.   A Contingent Faculty member may elect to transfer their eligible credits to their spouse or dependent child as defined by the IRS and in accordance with the NMU Tuition Scholarship Program during that semester.  
• Contingent Faculty are eligible to receive a 100% tuition waiver on enrolled courses not to exceed the number of credit hours they are teaching in the semester.  A Contingent Faculty member may elect to transfer their eligible credits to their spouse or dependent child as defined by the IRS and in accordance with the NMU Tuition Scholarship Program during that semester.  
• Adjunct Faculty are eligible to receive a 100% tuition waiver on enrolled courses not to exceed the number of credit hours they are teaching in the semester.  
• Graduate Assistants 
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• Temporary Labor
  • No tuition benefits are available

ESI EAP 

Northern Michigan University has partnered with ESI Employee Assistance Group to provide confidential mental health counseling and well-being services to NMU employees and their family members living in their home (dependent children up to age 26). ESI is the nation's most comprehensive employee assistance program (EAP) delivering more than twice the benefits and services as other EAP providers. Available 24/7 to make getting help simple, ESI EAP not only offers counseling benefits, but a host of other valuable services to help you grow professionally, save money, improve your health, and enhance your personal life.  Best of all, there is no cost to you. 

Educate yourself how ESI EAP can help  

EmployeeConnect 

EmployeeConnect is a value added benefit from the Lincoln Financial Group, NMU's chosen third-party vendor for life insurance and long-term disability.  EmployeeConnect offers professional, confidential services to help you and your loves ones improve your quality of life.  Services include in-person guidance, unlimited 24/7 assistance, and online resources.  Take advantage of EmployeeConnect.

Recreation Membership Pass

Each employee who completes the appropriate application will be provided a single membership to the NMU Physical Education Recreation Facility (PEIF) at no cost. Family membership is available at reduced rate through payroll deduction. Once per year, employees may sponsor one (1) person, in lieu of a spouse, for a recreation membership at the reduced rate. NMU will abide by State and Federal laws regarding the taxability of benefits.  Explore and sign up today

NMU Bookstore Discount 

Faculty and staff are eligible for a 20% discount on books and 10% discount on other merchandise items at the Barnes and Noble NMU Bookstore.  A valid NMU Wildcat Express ID card is required to obtain the discount. Some exclusions apply and does not include sale items.  Sport your Wildcat gear today!

Library

Employees may utilize the Lydia M. Olson Library for borrowing books and materials and accessing electronic resources.  

Key to the County 

NMU's partnership with The Lake Superior Community Partnership provides employees with access to the LSCP “Key to the County” program.  The Key to the County provides discounts at other LSCP participating business to incentivize shopping at local businesses.  A list of participating local businesses can be viewed at https://marquette.org/key-to-the-county/.  "Keys" are available in the Human Resources office at any time. 

Parking Pass

NMU maintains dedicated Faculty/Staff parking lots which require a parking permit.  One parking permit per employee is provided at no cost.

Childcare (Harbor Light Early Education & TriShare) 

Northern Michigan University has worked diligently to support NMU employees and students with their childcare needs.  Through our efforts, we have partnered with both Harbor Light Early Education and Michigan Tri-Share.  These partnerships have enabled us to assist in expanding the care available in the community to NMU students and employees as well as financially assist those eligible through the Michigan Tri-Share program.   

The Michigan Tri-Share Child Care Program (Tri-Share) is an innovative approach to increasing access to high-quality, affordable child care for working families who meet certain household income requirements, while also helping to retain talent and removing one major barrier to employment. Through MI Tri-Share, the cost of an employee’s child care is shared equally among the employer, the employee, and the State of Michigan — a three-way split — with coordination provided by United Way of Northwest Michigan (UWNWMI). If you are eligible, you will save 66% on your child care.

In September 2025, NMU partnered with Harbor Light Early Education to provide priority access and lower tuition rates to the NMU faculty, staff, and student population alongside flexible schedules.  Harbor Light Early Education is a boutique learning environment nestled in Marquette, providing a calm child-led environment rooted in a deep connection to nature and a commitment to inclusivity.  With a Montessori inspired approach, they partner closely with parents to create a shared plan for their child's experience and gains from their time with Harbor Light.  

Apply for Tri-Share 

Explore Harbor Light Early Education

Public Service Loan Forgiveness 

NMU is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, a federal initiative designed to help reduce the burden of student loan debt for those working in public service. Because NMU is a public institution, employees may be eligible to participate in PSLF.

Through PSLF, eligible employees can have the remaining balance of their federal Direct Loans forgiven after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under an approved repayment plan while employed by a qualifying organization. This program can provide significant long-term financial relief, making it easier to manage student debt while building a meaningful career in higher education.  Annual certification of employment should be emailed to hr@nmu.edu using the PSLF Help Tool.

In addition, NMU employees are eligible for access to Savi, a tool brought to you by TIAA, to help you navigate the complicated changing landscape of student loans and forgiveness.  SAVI is an employee benefit tool designed to help employees navigate student loan repayment and forgiveness programs with confidence. It offers personalized guidance for options such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), income-driven repayment plans, and other federal loan forgiveness opportunities. SAVI helps employees identify the most cost-effective repayment strategy, reduce monthly payments when eligible, manage important deadlines and paperwork, and stay on track toward long-term loan forgiveness—saving both time and money.  Start saving now!