Your first six months are filled with important milestones, from enrolling in benefits to completing required trainings. Some of these actions have strict deadlines that cannot be extended, so it is important to act quickly. This page will walk you through everything you need to know and do, step by step.
Enroll in Your Benefits
The University offers a variety of medical, dental, and vision plans designed to fit a variety of healthcare needs. As a new hire, you have a one-time 31-day window from your hire or eligibility date to make your benefits elections. If you miss this deadline, you will not be able to enroll until the open enrollment period unless you experience a qualifying life event (qualified status change) such as marriage, the birth of a child, or loss of other coverage.
Prior to enrolling in Benefits, it's important to make sure you've obtained dependent information (if applicable) and, depending on the health plan you choose, have selected a PCP and/or dentist. This information and steps to enroll can be found on the Enroll in Benefits page.
Complete Required Online Trainings
At Pitt, you are encouraged to complete computer-based interactive training programs. Trainings that must be completed or may be assigned to you within your provisional period (your first six months) include:
- Preventing Discrimination and Sexual Violence: Title IX, VAWA, and the Clery Act Training
- Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse (if applicable)
- Information Security Awareness Training (for full-time employees only)
You may need to complete additional online training programs required by your department. Your supervisor or department administrator will inform you of any training you may need and the time frame in which you will need to complete it.
Note: There may be a delay in receiving access to these online trainings as you become integrated into Pitt's systems. If you do not have access after two weeks, inquire with your supervisor.
Your Retirement Savings Plan
Pitt offers a 403(b) Defined Contribution retirement savings plan. As a new employee, you are automatically enrolled at a 3% contribution rate. This means that 3% of your base salary will be directed to your retirement account each pay period unless you choose a different amount.
The University matches your contributions dollar-for-dollar between 3-8% of your base salary. Once you are vested (meaning you have met the plan's eligibility requirements for the full employer match), the University's matching contribution increases to 150%. This is a significant long-term benefit that is worth taking advantage of early.
Your retirement account is managed through TIAA, the University's retirement plan administrator/provider. Note that changes to your contribution rate or investment allocations must be made directly through TIAA, not Pitt Worx.
Recommended actions:
- Log in to TIAA to review and manage your account, contributions, and investment options
- Consider scheduling a free one-on-one financial consultation with a TIAA advisor to make sure your contributions align with your goals
Enroll in Other Supplemental Benefits (Required Within 31 Days of Your Hire Date)
Through PittPerks, Pitt's employee discounts and voluntary benefits platform, you have access to two additional benefits that are only available to enroll in as a new hire or during annual open enrollment.
A wide range of supplemental benefits and wellness resources are available to you as a Pitt employee. While many of these benefits can be utilized or enrolled in year-round, others can only be enrolled in as a new employee or during the annual open enrollment period.
MetLife
Offered through PittPerks, MetLife Supplemental Medical Coverage provides additional financial protection through accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance. This coverage is employee-paid and is designed to complement your primary University health insurance.
MetLife Legal Services
Offered through PittPerks, MetLife Legal Services connects you to a national network of more than 17,000 pre-screened and pre-qualified attorneys to choose from for a low monthly rate with no limit on how often you use their services. This can be valuable for matters like estate planning, real estate transactions, or family legal needs.
Both of these services must be enrolled in through PittPerks within 31 days of your hire date.
In addition to these time-sensitive options, PittPerks offers a variety of voluntary benefits and employee discounts that are available to enroll in or use at any time throughout the year. Take some time to explore what's available to you.
