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January 15, 2019

Human Resources News & Information

News you need

Increased retirement contribution limits for 2019

The Internal Revenue Service increased the contribution limits for the University’s 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan and the 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan, effective Jan. 1, 2019. The 2019 contribution limit is $19,000 for each plan, up $500 from 2018. The limit increases to $25,000 if you are age 50 or over at the end of the 2019 calendar year. To review or increase your contribution amount, go to the benefits web page and select “403(b) Retirement Log In” in the What’s New box. Once in your account, select actions, contribute and continue through the prompts.

Performance appraisals

The 2019 performance appraisal cycle will begin Jan. 18. Instructions and forms are available on the employee and labor relations web page. The annual appraisal covers the time period from Feb. 1, 2018, through Jan. 31, 2019. For more information please review the Performance Management Overview. Employee development resources are available in ConnectingU on the HR ATLAS tab under Employee Relations & Performance or email to request any course be delivered to your unit or department.

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) grace period deadline

For employees enrolled in a 2018 FSA through ASIFlex, there is a grace period that allows you to continue incurring expenses into 2019; that period ends March 15. Participants must file any outstanding claims for reimbursement by May 1. Any remaining unused balance from the 2018 plan year will be forfeited at the end of the grace period, per IRS regulations. Learn more about FSAs including eligible expenses and how to submit a claim.

Delaware sexual harassment law

The State of Delaware has signed legislation HB 360 into law effective Jan. 1, 2019. The new law offers Delaware workers broader protections against sexual harassment than those found at the federal level. Please review the Delaware Sexual Harassment Notice under Required Workplace Postings for more details. Employers with four or more employees in Delaware are required to distribute the information sheet, either physically or electronically, to new employees at the commencement of their employment and to existing employees within six months of the Law’s effective date, i.e., by July 1, 2019. Further related information will be forthcoming.

FYI

Retirement workshops and information booth

TIAA will be hosting one-hour retirement workshops on the Newark campus on Thursday, Jan. 17. Session topics include Getting a head start: a step-by-step overview of your plan; and Tomorrow in focus: saving for your ideal retirement. TIAA will also host a general information booth on these days for questions and assistance with accounts, no appointment necessary. Learn more and register for a workshop.

Social Security pre-retirement workshops

Matthew Baxter, a representative from the Social Security Administration, will be on campus Tuesday, Jan. 29 to provide information about social security regulations and answer questions about social security and retirement. Sessions will be held at 10:30 a.m. in Townsend Hall, Room 233 and 2:30 p.m. in the Center for Composite Materials, Room 106. Register to attend.

Employee development

UD HR fundamentals

Looking to master your UD HR-related skills? Check out our UD HR Fundamentals Certificate Program. Keep in mind that you may enroll in any course without enrolling in the full certificate program. Some courses cover information that all employees might be interested in, such as the leave policies overview and navigating UD business. For more information, email Employee Development.

Work-life

Using creativity for wellbeing

Creativity as Your Personal Wellbeing Strategy is a free three-part course that will expand your creative comfort zone and shape creative impulses by immersing you in activities that include film, mindfulness, creative movement, writing and photography. Sessions meet on Thursdays beginning Jan. 17 in the Tower at STAR Campus. Space is limited. Register today.

Employee Assistance Program

Visit this month’s Health Advocate Member newsletter for helpful articles, including taking stock of your health and benefits to help you stay healthy in 2019, creating health goals, and making time for what matters most.


In keeping with the University of Delaware's commitment to a diverse and inclusive campus, Human Resources works in close collaboration with the Vice Provost for Diversity and the Office of Equity and Inclusion to ensure our services meet the needs of our diverse community.

This message has been approved by Wayne Guthrie, Vice President for Human Resources