Summary of Benefits for Eligible Employees

Wayne State University offers a comprehensive benefits program to our diverse community of faculty and staff, including compensation, benefits, work/life balance and learning – options that enhance your career and add value to your personal life. This includes traditional and nontraditional benefits such as:

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Medical

Wayne State University currently offers the five following medical plans to employees:

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield
  • BCBSM PPO (formerly Community Blue)
  • Blue Care Network (HMO)
  • Health Alliance Plan (HMO)
  • Priority Health (HMO)

Dental

If enrolled, eligible WSU employees are covered by a comprehensive dental insurance plan with Delta Dental Plan of Michigan. Employess have the choice between basic or enhanced dental. The new enhanced plan offers greater benefit coverage levels at an additional cost.

Vision

If enrolled, eligible WSU employees are covered by a comprehensive vision insurance plan with EyeMed. Coverage through EyeMed includes comprehensive benefits for eye exams, glasses and contacts. Basic Vision coverage will be automatically provided as an additional level of coverage to employees enrolled in a medical plan. An Enhanced Vision coverage option with greater benefit coverage levels is available at an additional cost.

Learn more about Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
Review Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Rates

Life Insurance

WSU provides Basic Life Insurance (equal to 1x your salary) which is 100% employer-paid.  Employees have the option to increase their life insurance by purchasing amounts up to 4x salary. Includes Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance which protects against financial hardship when you or a covered dependent suffers an accidental death, loss of limb, paralysis or loss of sight.

Dependent Life Insurance options are available for your spouse and children. You can choose from three coverage options for your spouse and/or children at group rates.

Learn more about Life Insurance

Retirement Savings Plans

403(b) Retirement Savings Plan eligible employees who are age 26 and contribute at least 1% of their salary will receive a matching university contribution equal to two times their contribution up to a maximum university contribution of 10%. The university contribution is not vested until two years of service is completed. You can choose from a variety of investment options from TIAA-CREF or Fidelity Investments.

457(b) Retirement Savings Plan An additional retirement savings plan with a variety of investment options from TIAA-CREF and Fidelity Investments. You can make additional pre-tax employee contributions up to the established IRS contribution limit which is separate from the 403(b) plan.

Learn more about Retirement Savings Plans

Tuition Assistance Programs

Employee Tuition Assistance benefit pays 100% of the cost of tuition, regular registration fee, omnibus fee and fitness center fee for eligible employees.

Reduced Tuition for Spouse/Child of Employee benefit pays 50% of the cost of tuition only for an eligible spouse/child of an eligible employee. Does not cover coursework for the MD, JD or PharmD programs.

Learn more about Tuition Assistance

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Maximize your tax savings by participating in a health care or daycare flexible spending account (FSA). You can contribute up to $3,050 in 2023 for the health care FSA and up to $5,000 per year for the dependent care FSA on a pre-tax basis. Any money left in the account at the end of the year is forfeited. The IRS calls this the "use it or lose it" rule.

Learn more about Flexible Spending Accounts

Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance

LTD provides a source of income if you are unable to work due to a serious illness or injury. The long-term disability (LTD) benefit provides a monthly income benefit equal to 66 2/3% of your monthly base salary up to a maximum benefit of $7,000 per month. Benefits begin after 180 days of being disabled and are offset by other income benefits associated with your disability. 

Learn more about Long-Term Disability Insurance

Voluntary Benefits

Eligible employees can purchase auto and home insurance, or long-term care insurance through the convenience of payroll deductions.

Learn more about Voluntary Benefits

Wellness Warriors Program

Our nationally-recognized Wellness Warriors program is free for full-time eligible employees and is designed to offer each participant the tools and resources to create a personalized wellness plan.

Learn more about Wellness Warriors 

Holidays

Faculty and staff are eligible for nine holidays per calendar year. In addition, most employees receive the days between Christmas and New Year's as time-off with pay.

Learn more about Holidays and Closures

Paid Time Off

WSU provides paid time off for vacation, illness, short-term disability, special needs and jury duty. Eligibility and benefits vary by job classification. Please refer to your labor contract or the Non-Represented Employee Manual for details. 

Additional Benefits

Some extra benefits that are part of the everyday experience while employed at Wayne State University are:

  • Direct deposit
  • On campus parking
  • Discounted fitness center membership
  • Employee assistance program
  • On and near campus banking/credit union services
  • Annual employee recognition ceremony
  • Cultural institutions, entertainment venues and sports complexes nearby

This information is intended to be a summary of the benefits offered to Wayne State University employees. Refer to the appropriate collective bargaining agreement or the non-represented employee manual for specific benefits.