HR News

Dear Colleagues:

I want to inform you of an important change to our Faculty and Staff Assistance Program. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Carebridge will become AllOne Health. This change maintains the confidential, high-quality support you and your family members currently receive.

What’s new beginning Jan. 1, 2026:

• New member phone number: 800.451.1834
• Updated website: The CarebridgeNow.com website will automatically redirect to AllOneHealth.com
• Medical Advocacy support: Receive assistance navigating insurance, finding doctors, securing medical equipment and p,lanning for care transitions
• Personal Assistant services: Get referrals for travel, entertainment, professional services, cleaning, home food deliver,y and help with everyday tasks

Services that remain unchanged:

• Six counseling sessions per issue per year
• Life coaching, financial consultation, legal referrals, and work-life resources
• Uninterrupted care: Current Carebridge clients will be contacted directly by AllOne Health with no gap in service
• The existing Carebridge phone number (800.437.0911) will continue working for the next year, through Dec. 31, 2026

What you need to do after Jan. 1, 2026:

• Begin using the AllOne Health member phone number: 800.451.1834

Your well-being matters to us. I encourage you to take full advantage of these comprehensive confidential resources available to you and your covered family members.

Best regards,

Alex Dietrich
Interim Chief Human Resources Officer

As we approach the end of the calendar year, non-exempt (hourly) employees should be aware of an important and favorable detail regarding year-end employee benefit plan deductions. Due to the structure of the hourly payroll cycle, the 2025 calendar year includes 53 pay weeks.

As a result, the final hourly pay period of the year, covering Dec. 25, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2025, and paid on Jan. 7, 2026, will not include deductions for employee benefits, including health insurance, life insurance, and Flexible Spending Account contributions.

Deductions associated with 2026 benefit plan elections will begin with the Jan. 14, 2026, paycheck. This applies only to hourly employees. All benefit plan elections will remain effective as of Jan. 1, 2026.

As always, we encourage all employees to review their paychecks carefully. Questions regarding earnings or deductions should be directed to the Payroll Service Center. Questions related to benefit plan elections should be directed to HR Shared Services. Both offices can be reached at 315.443.4042.

Most University offices closed or on reduced hours during holiday break; essential services remain fully operational.

Friday, Dec. 5, is the last day to apply for reduced health plan contributions under Schedule B and the dependent care subsidy.

Reduced Health Plan Contributions—Deadline Dec. 5

Faculty and staff may qualify for reduced health plan contributions, based on household income and size. Visit the Schedule B webpage for eligibility guidelines and to apply.

Dependent Care Subsidy—Deadline Dec. 5

The University offers subsidies to help faculty and staff with dependent care expenses. Visit the Dependent Care Subsidy webpage for eligibility information and to apply.

Supplemental Life and Long Term Disability Insurance

Faculty and staff who newly elected or increased supplemental life insurance during Open Enrollment must complete the MetLife Statement of Health form and return it to MetLife. Those who newly elected long term disability insurance through The Standard must complete a Medical History Statement form and return it to The Standard. Elections will not go into effect until the application is reviewed and approved by the vendors and Human Resources is notified.

Questions?

Visit the benefits section of the Human Resources website or contact HR Shared Services at hrservice@syr.edu or 315.443.4042.

Dear Colleagues:

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to provide affordable, high-quality benefits, we are seeking new members for the Employee Benefits Assessment Council (EBAC). The council has become an important component of the University’s benefits decision-making process, and we are now looking to fill positions as current members complete their terms.

About the EBAC

The EBAC, chaired by Maxwell School Professor of Practice Emeritus Thomas Dennison, meets regularly throughout the year (including during the summer) to address, explore and assess University benefits and to evaluate and provide input into decisions about any changes to existing benefits. The council reports to the University’s Administrative Benefits Committee in collaboration with Human Resources leadership. Council members gather input from the University community through various channels and provide recommendations on benefit options, changes and improvements to University leaders involved in making final decisions.

Staff and Faculty Representative Selection

The council includes faculty and staff representing a broad range of perspectives. We are seeking both faculty and staff members through a self-nomination process. Any faculty or staff member in good standing is eligible and invited to apply. For those interested in being considered, please complete the online application.

Key Dates

• Deadline to submit applications: Friday, Dec. 5, 2025
• Representative notification: Selected representatives will be notified by mid-December
• First meeting: To be scheduled by the chair in early 2026

The EBAC plays a vital role in ensuring that faculty and staff voices are well represented in benefits decisions. I encourage you to consider applying for this meaningful opportunity to be engaged in University decision-making.

For more information about the council, visit the HR website.

Sincerely,
Alex Dietrich
Interim Chief Human Resources Officer

Dependent Care Subsidy Deadline: Dec. 5

The University offers subsidies to assist with dependent care expenses. Apply by Friday, Dec. 5. Review eligibility and apply on the Dependent Care Subsidy webpage.

Schedule B (Reduced Medical Contributions) Deadline: Dec. 5

You may qualify for reduced health plan contributions based on household income and size. Apply by Friday, Dec. 5. Review eligibility and apply on the Schedule B webpage.

Dependent Tuition Deadline: First-Time Applications Began Nov. 15

If you’re using or planning to use the Dependent Tuition Benefit for the 2026-27 academic year, apply through MySlice. The benefit requires annual application and approval. First-time application deadlines began Nov. 15, and renewal application deadlines begin on Feb. 1. Deadlines vary by program type. Visit the Dependent Tuition Benefit webpage for complete details and specific deadlines.

Supplemental Life Insurance and Long Term Disability

If you newly elected or increased supplemental life insurance during Open Enrollment, complete the MetLife Statement of Health form [PDF] and return it to MetLife. If you newly elected long-term disability insurance, complete the Medical History Statement form [PDF] and return it to The Standard.

Contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042 with questions.

Today, Friday, Nov. 14, is the last day you can review and confirm your 2026 benefits in MySlice. This is your only opportunity to elect or change coverage for most benefits unless you experience a qualifying life event.

Visit the Open Enrollment website for more information and contact HR Shared Services at 315.443.4042 with questions.

Open Enrollment continues through Friday, Nov. 14.

This is your annual opportunity to make changes to your benefits for 2026. Outside of this window, you can only modify most benefits if you experience a qualifying life event.

• Visit the Open Enrollment website for more information.
• Take action through Nov. 14: Log in to MySlice to complete your 2026 benefits enrollment. If you do not take action, your 2025 coverage continues automatically, except Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which require active enrollment each year.

Questions About Benefits?

• HR Shared Services: Contact 315.443.4042, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments are available on request.
• This Thursday, meet with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (Excellus BCBS) and Human Resources representatives to discuss any personal benefit questions. Employee Benefits Assessment Council (EBAC) members will also be available to receive input on the University’s benefits program.

Important Retirement Plan Information for 2026

• Review Your Retirement Savings: While you can change contributions anytime, Open Enrollment is an ideal time to evaluate what you’re setting aside and ensure you’re on track for your future goals. Log in to TIAA to review your account balance and update contributions through the Open Enrollment tile in MySlice.
• New IRS Rule for Catch-Up Contributions: If you are age 50 or older and earned $145,000 or more in 2025 from Syracuse University, your catch-up contributions to the Voluntary Retirement Plan will automatically be made as after-tax Roth 403(b) contributions. Learn more on the Retirement Planning webpage.
• Need Help? Schedule a meeting with a TIAA financial consultant or get assistance with your account by calling 855.842.2873 (TTY: 800.842.2755) or signing up online. This service is included in your benefits at no additional cost.

It’s Time to Select Your Benefits for 2026

Syracuse University provides comprehensive benefits—from health coverage to retirement plans, wellness programs to caregiving resources—designed to keep you and your family healthy, secure and supported.

Need-to-Know Information:

• Open Enrollment is your annual opportunity to review your benefits, make changes for 2026 and explore programs and resources you may not be using. Outside of this window, you can only modify most benefits if you experience a qualifying life event.
• Visit the Open Enrollment website for more information.
• Take action Nov. 3-14: Log in to MySlice to complete your 2026 benefits enrollment.

Questions About Benefits?

• HR Shared Services: Contact 315.443.4042, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments are available on request.
• Open Enrollment benefits webinar: Watch a recorded overview of 2026 benefit offerings anytime.
• Today and next week, meet with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (Excellus BCBS) and Human Resources representatives to discuss any personal benefit questions. Employee Benefits Assessment Council (EBAC) members will also be available to receive input on the University’s benefits program.

Reminders:

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) require re-enrollment. FSA elections don’t carry over automatically—you must enroll each year during Open Enrollment.
• Review Your Dependents, Beneficiaries and Personal Information in MySlice.

The University’s annual benefits Open Enrollment period for faculty and staff runs Monday, Nov. 3, through Friday, Nov. 14. This is the annual opportunity for eligible faculty and staff to review their benefits and make changes for the upcoming year, unless a qualifying life event occurs mid-year.

Visit the Open Enrollment website for an overview of 2026 benefits, including what’s new for the upcoming year. Review the options carefully to ensure selections meet your needs for the coming year.

Support and Resources Available

• HR Shared Services: Contact 315.443.4042, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments available on request.
• On-Demand Session: Watch a recorded overview of 2026 benefits anytime.
• In-Person Campus Sessions: Meet with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (Excellus BCBS) and Human Resources representatives to discuss any personal benefit questions. Employee Benefits Assessment Council members will also be available to receive input on the University’s benefits program.
• Excellus BCBS (Medical and Dental Plan Inquiries): Contact 800.493.0318 (TTY: 800.662.1220), Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Optum Rx (Prescription Inquiries): Contact 866.854.2945 (TTY: 711), available 24/7.
• TIAA (Retirement Planning): Schedule a consultation with a University-dedicated financial consultant at 855.842.CUSE (TTY: 800.842.2755) or online.

How to Enroll

Log in to MySlice Nov. 3-14 to complete your 2026 benefits enrollment. If you do not take action, your 2025 coverage continues automatically, except Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), which require annual enrollment.

Contact HR Shared Services for assistance.