Benefits

Smith College offers a suite of benefit programs designed to support employees’ health and welfare, financial well-being, and social and emotional well-being, whether early in their career, during mid-career or nearing retirement.

2024 Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment Period:  Monday, November 27, 2023 through 4 p.m. ET Friday, December 8, 2023.  
Late enrollments cannot be accepted. Open Enrollment elections become effective on January 1, 2024. During the Open Enrollment period, complete your open enrollment in Workday using these instructions.

2024 Helpful Tools

Benefits Overview

Smith offers a robust suite of benefits designed to support the well-being of eligible employees and covered members of their family. Benefits generally begin on your start date and end on your termination date. Please select the links below for more information. See the Employee Handbook for information on eligibility.

Health & Welfare

  • Medical
  • Prescription
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Health Care Expense Subsidy

Financial Well-Being

  • Retirement Plan
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Pet Insurance
  • Identity Theft Protection

Social & Emotional

  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Care.com
  • Leaves
  • Time Off
  • Calm App
  • Learn to Live
  • On Our Way to Wellness Program

Notice of Data Security Incident – NASCO MOVEit

Smith College received notice regarding a security vulnerability in the MOVEit Transfer solution which is utilized by NASCO, a third-party provider of benefits administration services to health plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBS MA). MOVEit reported a zero-day vulnerability in MOVEit Transfer which has been actively exploited by unauthorized actors to gain access to MOVEit servers. MOVEit has acknowledged the vulnerability and provided patches to remediate the exploit. The College was made aware of the vulnerability by BCBS MA and the impact to the College’s data on or around October 16, 2023. NASCO is notifying individuals whose information may have been included in the files accessed by the unauthorized actors on behalf of the College. For individuals who have questions or need additional information regarding this incident, please visit https://www.bluecrossma.org/nasco-moveit-privacy-incident

Helpful Tools for 2023

See the attached document for an update on coverage for COVID-related services following the end of the Public Health Emergency effective May 12, 2023.

Enrolling in Benefits

Benefit-eligible employees will automatically receive a benefit enrollment task in your Workday inbox after you’ve completed required onboarding tasks. You will need social security numbers, dates of birth, and primary care doctors’ names and addresses for yourself and eligible dependents you intend to cover under your benefits Remember, you must enroll within 30 days of becoming eligible for benefits.

Help articles for completing benefit-related tasks, including new hire enrollment, changing benefits for qualifying events and changing your voluntary retirement contributions can be found in Workday via the Search field.

NOTE: Please allow two+ weeks for insurance cards to arrive in the mail. If you need to obtain your member ID information or have questions, please call the appropriate customer service number above or visit their website.

Beneficiaries

You are encouraged to designate beneficiaries for all accounts with a potential monetary benefit (e.g. life insurance, retirement accounts, health savings account). Beneficiaries for life insurance are designated and maintained in Workday. For the retirement plan, you may call Voya Financial at 1-800-584-6001 once your Voya account has been established. HealthEquity will record your beneficiary designation for your Health Savings Account (HSA).

Benefits Customer Service Numbers

Non-Benefit Eligible Employees

For individuals who are not benefit-eligible, you’ll find health insurance options through the Commonwealth Health Connector by calling 1-877-MA-ENROLL (1-877-623-6765) or by visiting mahealthconnector.org.

Health & Welfare Benefits

Coverage Types for Medical, Dental and Vision

Who you enroll in each plan will determine your coverage type for medical, dental and vision benefits:

  • Employee
  • Employee plus Spouse
  • Employee plus Child(ren)
  • Family—Employee, Spouse, plus Child(ren)

Please note the premium differences between coverage types and what defines them. If you see inconsistencies between your coverage type and your listed dependent(s), please email HRBenefits@smith.edu.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Plan Names and Group Numbers

Plan Name

BCBS Product Name

Prefix

BCBS Group#
 

HDHP

Blue Care Elect Saver with Coinsurance Active

XXP

002373452

HMO Value

Network Blue New England Deductible Active

MTN

004068739

HMO

Network Blue New England Active

MTN

004068736

PPO

Blue Care Elect Preferred

XXP

002375053

POS

Blue Choice New England Plan 2 Active

MTP

004068742

For any plans, use this Find a Doctor link to determine if a provider is in-network. Enter the zip code for your search area and the applicable Prefix code above.

All BCBS plans offered via Smith College include:

  • Reimbursement of up to $150/year for participating in a qualified fitness and/or weight-loss program and/or buying qualified fitness equipment. Use this link for more information.
  • Reimbursement of up to $100/year for qualifying Mind & Body activities such as massage therapy, hypnosis, acupuncture, mediation, tai chi and more. Use this link for more information.
  • Coverage for expanded gender-affirming care. Use this link for more information.
  • Travel benefits for access to reproductive health care.
  • Coverage for out-of-network medical emergencies. If you are hospitalized, you, or someone on your behalf (family, attending physician, etc.), must call your PCP within 48 hours. If covered under the Value HMO or HMO any follow-up care must be done in-network in order to receive continued coverage.
  • See the attached document for an update on coverage for COVID related services following the end of the Public Health Emergency effective May 12, 2023.

Explore the Plans

High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account Overview

​With a HDHP you pay lower premiums each pay cycle as compared to other plans and have a higher deductible to meet before the plan begins to pay claims. The HDHP offers both in-network and out-of-network services. In-network care requires a Primary Care Physician referral. Without a referral, the services will be considered out-of-network. Out-of-network services generally have a higher out-of-pocket cost. Prior approval is required for certain out-of-network benefits. Any one family member can be responsible for the entire deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.   
 

HealthEquity - Health Savings Account

Individuals enrolled in a HDHP can participant in a Health Savings Account. HSA contributions are tax-free and can be used to cover qualifying medical, dental and vision expenses. Funds in an HSA can carry over year-to-year and are portable (follow you from employers and/or in retirement).

Annually Smith College contributes $500 for an individual plan or $1,000 for plans covering two or more individuals to your HSA. For new hires who join Smith on or after July 1, amounts are prorated to $250 for an individual plan or $500 if covering two or more individuals.

The maximum contribution for 2023 per the IRS is $3,850 per individual and $7,750 for plans covering two or more. For employees age 55+, you can contribute an additional $1,000. The Smith contribution counts toward your HSA maximum so please plan accordingly so as to not exceed the maximum.

NOTICE: Anyone enrolled in a HSA cannot enroll in a Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA). This includes being claimed as a dependent on your spouse's FSA. You can enroll in the Dependent Care FSA.

  Individual Plan Plans Covering 2+ Individuals
  Annual Deductible Out-of-Pocket Maximum Annual Deductible Out-of-Pocket Maximum
In-Network $1,500 $3,000 $3,000 $6,000
Out-of-Network $3,000 $6,000 $6,000 $12,000

Summary of Benefits HDHP 2023

Summary of Benefits and Coverage HDHP 2023

Summary of Benefits and Coverage HDHP 2024

The Value HMO plan covers in-network services only and offers lower premiums as compared to many other plans. This plan has an annual deductible for diagnostic services and procedures of $500 per person, embedded, and $1,000 for plans covering two or more individuals. Hospital services and surgery, outpatient and inpatient co-pays, physical/occupational therapy, and mental health/substance abuse inpatient care are subject to the deductible. Referrals from your PCP are required for services such as hospital services and surgery as well as office visits to specialists.

 

The HMO plan covers in-network services only. There is no annual deductible. Referrals from your PCP are required for services such as hospital services and surgery as well as office visits to specialists.

 

The PPO plan offers both in-network and out-of-network services, and you aren’t required to choose a PCP. You don't need a referral to see specialists. You can visit in-network and out-of-network providers, though you’ll generally pay lower out-of-pocket costs for care in-network.

 

The POS plan offers both in-network and out-of-network services. At the time of electing any medical service, you decide whether to use in-network or out-of-network services. If you go in-network you need to get a Primary Care Physician referral. Without a referral, services will be considered out-of-network and you will pay initial charges (a “deductible”) and a percentage of the following charges (“coinsurance”) before the plan begins paying fully. You and your providers must fill out claim forms. The option to bypass the referral is thus often more expensive, but provides you with freedom of choice.

There is no in-network annual deductible. The out-of-network annual deductible is $400 per person, embedded, and $800 for plans covering two or more individuals. After the deductible is met, you pay 20% for out-of-network services.

Prescription Coverage: OptumRx

Enrollment in a Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) medical plan includes prescription coverage via OptumRx for no additional premium. After you receive your BCBS ID card, download the OptumRx app and/or create an account at OptumRx.com to see your deductible and copays. NOTE: If you view a drug cost list without logging in, it will show you the regular market price of the medication without your insurance coverage.
 

 

Smith College’s medical plans include an annual prescription deductible for certain prescriptions including Tier 2 and Tier 3 drugs as well as preferred and non-preferred brand name drugs. The prescription deductible is $100 per person, embedded, and $200 for plans covering two or more individuals. Once the deductible is met, you will pay the copay for the following months until the end of the year. Generic prescriptions are only subject to the copay and are generally a less expensive alternative to brand name drugs.

Pharmacy Pickup & Home Delivery

Prescriptions through OptumRx can be picked up at your pharmacy or delivered through mail order. To receive your prescription through mail order, please visit OptumRx.com or talk to your doctor.

Hassle-Free Refills

You have the option to set up a recurring, automatic refill for any eligible home delivery medication. Using the OptumRx website, you can adjust the refill date or cancel a refill at any time.

Specialty Pharmacy

Optum Specialty Pharmacy provides specialty medications and some clinical support for complex conditions, including cancer, arthritis, etc. In addition, OptumRx provides a service to members called PillarRx. If applicable, PillarRx will reach out to you regarding enrollment which could lower copays on your specialty prescriptions. To contact Optum Specialty Pharmacy, call 1-855-427-4682 or visit Optum Specialty Pharmacy.

To assist with the cost of medical coverage, Smith College offers a subsidy program to eligible employees enrolled in a Smith College medical plan covering two or more individuals and who have a total household income below a specified level in the prior tax year ($74,787 in 2022).

The subsidy program runs from April to December of the given calendar year and requires verification of the prior year’s household income via submission of a signed federal income tax return(s). Applications can be submitted via Workday. Note: there are no midyear adjustments and no retroactive payments.

For more information please see the Health Care Expense Subsidy Summary document.

Health Care Expense Subsidy Job Aid

Dental: Delta Dental of Massachusetts

Smith College offers two levels of Dental coverage via Delta Dental of Massachusetts (800-872-0500).

Value Plan

The “Value Plan” includes an annual deductible of $50 per individual, embedded, and $100 for plans covering two or more people, which is waived for diagnostic and preventative categories. The calendar year maximum benefit is $1,000 per person. New dentures, bridges, implants and crowns are NOT covered. See coverage summaries for details.

High Plan

The “High Plan” has a maximum benefit of $2,000 per family member per calendar year and includes 50% coverage for orthodontics (up to a lifetime maximum of $2,000) and 50% coverage for major restorative work.

Additional Information

Dental Wellness.pdf(368.4 KB)
Delta Dental Mobile App(1.16 MB)
Z Sonic Toothbrush Discounts(508.96 KB)

Vision: EyeMed

Visit in-network providers for an annual exam (with dilation as necessary) at no cost and receive allowances and discounts on eye wear. See the EyeMed Benefit Summary for details on vision coverage. Download the EyeMed app or visit the EyeMed site for a list of providers, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and more.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Voya/Benefit Strategies

Smith College employees can elect a Health Care and/or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through Voya Financial (formerly known as Benefit Strategies). The money you elect to set aside is deducted from your paycheck before taxes in equal increments throughout the calendar year. IRS regulations state that any unused funds remaining in the accounts at the end of the calendar year must be forfeited, and changes to contributions during the year can occur under specific conditions.

Healt Care FSA

This account allows you to set aside up to $3,050 in 2023 on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualifying out-of-pocket medical, dental and/or vision care costs.

Dependent Care FSA

To help with the cost of day care, this account allows you to set aside up to $5,000—or $2,500 if you are married and filing separately—of pre-tax earnings to pay for qualified dependent care expenses.

For more information login to the Voya Financial (Benefits Strategies) site or call 888-401-FLEX (3539).

Additional Information

Financial Well-Being Benefits

Retirement Plan (403(b)): Voya

Overview and Eligibility

Smith College offers a competitive retirement plan that includes a fully-funded employer contribution plus employees can make voluntary pre-tax and/or Roth contributions via payroll deduction beginning as soon as their start date. Employees may start, change, or stop their voluntary contributions at any time through Workday.

If you meet the eligibility guidelines outlined in the “Eligibility & Participant Info” tab below, Smith College contributes 9% of your eligible earnings up to an integration level, and 13.3% of your earnings above the integration level, to your retirement account. You are not required to make any matching contribution to receive the employer contribution. The College’s contributions to your retirement account are fully vested beginning with the first contribution.

Employees who worked at another college or university within 90 days of their date of hire at Smith College may be eligible to receive employer contributions earlier.

For 2023, the IRS allows individuals to contribute up to $22,500 if age 49 and younger, and $30,000 (including the $7,500 catch-up provision) if age 50 this year or older.

After meeting the criteria below, Smith College contributes 9% of your eligible earnings up to an integration level, and 13.3% of your earnings above the integration level, to your retirement account. You are not required to make any matching contribution to receive the employer contribution. The College’s contributions to your retirement account are fully vested beginning with the first contribution. The integration level is established each year and is $76,127 for 2023.

  • Be 21 or older (starting 1/1/2023)
  • Have a year of service with Smith College
  • Have 910 hours worked in their anniversary year or a subsequent calendar year

Employees who worked at another college or university within 90 days of their date of hire at Smith College may be eligible to receive employer contributions earlier. To qualify, a “Retirement Eligibility Verification” form, completed by the previous institution, is required.

Smith College Students Employed in the Summer

Smith College students who work at Smith in the summer are eligible to contribute a percentage of their summer earnings to the Smith College Defined Contribution Retirement Plan. If a student does not wish to contribute, they must waive the Voluntary Pre-Tax and Roth After-Tax elections in Workday.

Planning for Retirement—Online Tools & Individual Consultation

Smith College offers a variety of tools to help employees plan for retirement.

Visit smithcollege.beready2retire.com for convenient access to information including an overview of the plan, frequently asked questions, and investment-related information. Visit the My Learning Center to access planning tools and calculators including My Retirement Overview® which can help you identify if you are on track to meet your retirement income objectives. Visit the Seminar Library for self-paced educational seminars covering a variety of financial education topics.

In addition, you may arrange for an individual appointment with Matt O’Brien at no additional cost to you. To choose from available appointment times go to smithcollege.beready2retire.com or call 877-645-5206. You may also send questions to Matt by email at matthew.obrien@voyafa.com.

Compliance Information

Requesting a Retirement Plan Transaction

If you are interested in rolling over money from another retirement plan, please contact Oxander Caballero, Voya Financial Account Consolidation Representative at 612-217-9694 or by email (oxander.caballero@voya.com). You will need to have a Voya account set up in order to arrange for a rollover.

To request rollovers out of the plan, withdrawals, or other transactions, contact the retirement services provider (Voya, TIAA-CREF, Fidelity, etc.) directly.

Smith College transaction approvals are now handled online. You do not need to bring paperwork to the college for a signature.

Loans are only available through Voya. To apply for a loan, contact Voya directly.

About Voya

An overview of Voya, including the company's U.S. history and frequently asked questions can be found on its website, voya.com.

Account statements are uploaded to participants' online accounts on a quarterly basis. Voya will mail a paper copy upon request.

Moving Retirement Assets to Voya

You may exchange, or transfer, funds to Voya from American Century, Fidelity or TIAA-CREF for no fee; however, your prior retirement vendor may have fees or withdrawal restrictions on existing contracts. We encourage you to talk with a Voya representative to discuss your specific account to determine the best course of action for your situation.

For instructions and information about the exchange or transfer process contact Voya at 866-865-2660 Monday–Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. or Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Retirement Service Providers' Websites

Contact information is provided below for Voya, the plan's current record keeper, and former retirement service providers. For detailed plan information, go to smithcollege.beready2retire.com.

Protecting Your Online Retirement Account

Please review the tips drafted by the U.S. Employee Benefits Security Administration to help protect online retirement account data.

Planning for retirement can be a big decision. Please refer to the document below to assist you with your planning.

Health Insurance for Early Retirees (ERO)

Employees who retire from Smith College between the ages of 62 and 65, and who have a minimum of 10 years of consecutive service in a regular position at Smith College immediately prior to retirement, may continue to participate in the college's group health plan until age 65, with the college continuing to pay half of the employer portion toward health and dental benefits. To enroll for this program, please email HRBenefits@smith.edu.

For other retiring employees, Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) are available beginning at age 65.

Medicare Supplemental Health Plan for Smith College Retirees

Smith College retirees and spouses may elect coverage for supplemental plans offered by MountainOne Insurance through the Benistar Employee Services Trust Program. The Benistar plans include two supplement plans that allow you to see any Medicare participating provider nationally.

Smith College established a Retirement Plan Investment Committee that works with a third-party independent investment or fiduciary advisory firm to establish governance procedures, and select and monitor investment options. The key objectives of the committee are to:

  • Ensure that decisions about the retirement plan are in the best interests of the plan participants (employees)
  • Select investment fund offerings
  • Monitor the retirement vendors and the funds offered using measures and benchmarks in various areas affecting plan assets, including investment performance, fees and expenses

Committee Members

David DeSwert, Vice President for Finance & Administration
Anne-Marie Szmyt, Associate Vice President for Human Resources
Katie Bowling, Director of Total Rewards
Denise McKahn, Associate Provost
Susan Sayre, Associate Professor, Economics
Cailyn Reed, Endowment & Investment Account Manager

Tuition Assistance Programs

Smith College is committed to academic achievement and lifelong learning for employees and their eligible family members. In support of this commitment, we make a significant investment in providing employees with rich opportunities for professional growth and development. Tuition assistance is available to eligible employees, their spouse and their children.

Smith College Employees

Spouses of Eligible Smith College Employees

College-Aged Children

School-Aged Children

Infants & Preschool Children

Smith College provides basic life insurance, basic AD&D insurance, and long-term disability insurance at no cost to employees. 

Pet insurance and identity theft protection are available at an additional cost.

Basic Life Insurance coverage is equal to your annual salary rounded to the next highest $1,000*. You have the option to purchase additional supplemental coverage equal to one, two, three, four or five times your annual salary. You also have the option to purchase supplemental life insurance for a spouse, and/or a child(ren). Please see the rate sheet below.

NOTE: Certain life insurance elections and/or changes require you to submit an approved evidence of insurability (EOI) to Lincoln Financial Group in order for your coverage to be effective. While Workday will often trigger an EOI task after you submit a life insurance coverage request, you can access and submit your Evidence of Insurability directly via Lincoln’s secure website at http://www.mylincolnportal.com/. First time users should register using company code Smith-EE. Lincoln Financial may reach out to you for more information and with your application status. If approved, your coverage and premiums will be updated in Workday.

*Coverage reduces at age 65 per the policy.

Smith provides AD&D coverage at no cost to eligible employees. Coverage is equal to your annual salary round to the next highest $1,000*.

*Coverage reduces at age 65 per the policy.

Long-term disability coverage is equal to 60% of your annual salary up to a monthly maximum of $15,000. Employees can apply for long-term disability through the Human Resource Department (email HRBenefits@smith.edu or asmith13@smith.edu). The required documents will be filed with Lincoln on the employee’s behalf. Additional information needed for the claim, such as medical documentation, etc., will be requested by Lincoln directly through the employee.

Pet insurance helps protect against the cost of some veterinarian bills by covering eligible vet expenses from common illnesses to serious or chronic conditions. You can use any veterinarian, there is no network or pre-approval required. There is a $250 deductible and you can choose between a 50% and 70% reimbursement for claims. The plan covers not only cats and dogs, but also birds and exotic pets.

Enroll in the pet insurance benefit at any time:

  1. Go directly to the Nationwide site via this dedicated URL for Smith pet insurance, or
  2. Call 877-738-7874 and mention that you are a Smith College employee to receive preferred pricing.
     

2023 Pet Insurance Summary Sheet

Smith College offers identity theft protection. This is available to all employees, regardless of benefits eligibility status, and is completely voluntary. You can opt in and out of the plan at any time during the year.

The family plan will cover any individuals in your household even if they are not a dependent on your insurance. For example, if you have a parent physically living in your household who is financially dependent on you, they are eligible for identity theft protection through your Allstate Identity Protection Family Plan.

Allstate Identity Protection ProPlus (747.38 KB)
Allstate Identity Protection ProPlus Features (232.1 KB)
Allstate Identity Protection Subscriber FAQs (370.85 KB)

Dependent Care Expense Subsidy

To assist with the cost of dependent care, Smith College offers a subsidy program to eligible employees who have a total household income below a specified level in the prior tax year ($74,787 in 2022), file as joint or head-of-household on their taxes, and have a Dependent Care FSA of $100 or more.

The subsidy program runs from April to December of the given calendar year and requires verification of the prior year’s household income via submission of a signed federal income tax return(s). Applications can be submitted via Workday using the instructions below. Note: there are no midyear adjustments and no retroactive payments.

Dependent Care Health Subsidy Summary (143.11 KB)

Dependent Care Expense Subsidy Job Aid

Social & Emotional Well-Being Benefits

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Smith College is committed to supporting the well-being of employees and members of their family household. Via our Employee Assistance Program, administered by ComPsych, individuals can access free confidential referral and consultation services in the areas noted below.

You can contact ComPsych 24-hours a day even on weekends and holidays by phone (855-784-2056) or online (visit guidanceresources.com, and use the Web ID SmithEAP).

Emotional Well-Being

ComPsych offers 12 sessions per issue per contract year (Nov. 1 to Oct. 31).* The EAP can help with a variety of issues including: anxiety, grief, communication problems, substance abuse, domestic violence, marital/family concerns, depression, parenting, stress, and more.

*If you think you may need more than 12 sessions with a counselor and you have Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), you may want to ask ComPsych if they can help you set up an appointment with a counselor who is also BCBS provider. For more information about BCBS Mental Health Benefits, call 800-444-2426.

Care.com

To help employees balance needs in their personal life, Smith College provides all active benefit-eligible employees with a membership to Care.com at no cost to employees. Care.com can help you find caregivers for your whole family, including your child, parents/grandparents and/or pet, as well as your home. There is no limit to the number of times you can access the services.

To learn more about the Care.com benefit visit smithcollege.care.com or contact Care.com at 855-781-1303 or careteam@care.com.

What Does the Care.com Membership Include?

You get unlimited access to the world’s largest network of caregivers. There, you can explore detailed caregiver profiles in your area, post a job for caregivers to apply to, access the Care.com Safety Center and background check options, send real-time payments to caregivers, and even learn about household payroll and tax assistance.

Is There a Cost to Use the Care.com Benefit?

There is no cost to find care providers on the self-service site. Once you hire them, the cost of care should be discussed with your caregiver.

This benefit is designed to support mental and emotional well-being. Learn to Live is a free, confidential, on-demand digital well-being resource for those interested in learning tools to help manage stress, anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, substance use, or panic, providing help any time and from anywhere.

Benefit eligible employees and their family members (age 13 and older) can enroll for free in any of Learn to Live's interactive programs and optional personalized one-on-one coaching.

To access Learn to Live please visit www.learntolive/partners (access code SMITHL2L).

Leaves and Time Off

Smith College offers a variety of time-off programs to support employees, including vacation, sick, holidays, leaves and even time off to volunteer. In addition to the information below, please visit the Employee Handbook.

Smith College strives to achieve an environment that is supportive of family needs by offering medical and family leaves, paternal leave, adoption leave and flexible work schedules. See the Employee Handbook for terms and eligibility.

To apply for a Leave, the employee would need to contact the Human Resource Specialist for Integrated Leaves & Benefits (asmith13@smith.edu). A request for leave form and medical documentation will be required. A claim is then filed with Lincoln Financial, and they will make the final determination on the leave request. Once a decision is made, the employee will be notified by Lincoln Financial and Human Resources.

OR Paid Family Leave FAQ

CO Paid Family Leave FAQ

2023 PFML Rate Sheet

Where possible Smith seeks to be flexible to help employees achieve a balance between work and home responsibilities. Managers will carefully consider requests for arrangements such as flextime, job sharing and part-time employment. See the Employee Handbook for terms and eligibility.

Paid personal time is available for use in the case of family illness or emergencies, or to meet other personal obligations that arise. You may also use your personal time to observe a religious or other holiday that is not an official college holiday or in the event of inclement weather when the college is not officially closed.

Other Requested Personal Time

Additional personal time off is granted by Smith for bereavement leave, jury duty leave, military reserve training and active military duty leave.

See the Employee Handbook for terms and eligibility.

Additional personal time off is granted by Smith for bereavement leave, jury duty leave, military reserve training and active military duty leave.

See the Employee Handbook for terms and eligibility.

Holiday Schedules

Smith observes a number of holidays throughout the year. Whenever possible, department heads are encouraged to grant time off for the observance of religious and other holidays that are not official college holidays. This time off may be taken as personal time, vacation or short-term absence without pay. See the Employee Handbook for terms and eligibility.

Administrative & Administrative Support Staff with 12-Month Appointments

(updated 1/5/2023)

Independence Day (2 days)
Monday, July 3, 2023
Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Labor Day (1 day) Monday, September 4, 2023
Fall Break (1 day) Monday, October 9, 2023

Thanksgiving (3 days)
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Thursday, November 23, 2023
Friday, November 24, 2023

Winter Break (8 days)
Friday, December 22, 2023
Monday, December 25, 2023
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Thursday, December 28, 2023
Friday, December 29, 2023
Monday, January 1, 2024
Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (1 day) Monday, January 15, 2024
Memorial Day (1 day) Monday, May 27, 2024
Juneteenth (1 day) Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Holidays are considered paid holidays only if they fall within your regular work schedule.

Summer office hours begin Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - (Due to holiday)

Regular office hours resume Monday, August 19, 2024

Administrative & Administrative Support Staff with LESS than 12-Month Appointments (academic year)

(updated 1/5/23)

Labor Day (1 day) Monday, September 4, 2023

Thanksgiving (3 days)
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Thursday, November 23, 2023
Friday, November 24, 2023

Winter Holidays (8 days)
Friday, December 22, 2023
Monday, December 25, 2023
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Thursday, December 28, 2023
Friday, December 29, 2023
Monday, January 1, 2024
Monday, January 2, 2024

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (1 day) Monday, January 15, 2024

Spring Break (5 days)
Monday, March 18, 2024
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Thursday, March 21, 2024
Friday, March 22, 2024

Memorial Day (1 day, if scheduled to work) Monday, May 27, 2024

Holidays are considered paid holidays only if they fall within your regular work schedule

Recess Period (7 days)
Fall Break (2 days) Monday and Tuesday October 9, 10, 2023
Spring Break (5 days) Monday–Friday March 18–22, 2024

Work Schedules for Academic Year Staff
39-Week Schedule Monday, August 21, 2023 through Friday, May 24, 2024
Other 9, 10 or 11 Month Schedules Work schedule dates vary; specific dates are listed in employee’s salary letter.

Other Offerings

Local insurance agencies offering insurance discounts to Smith College employees:

Smith College recognizes that faculty and staff commuting to campus as the sole occupants of vehicles has an impact to the environment and imposes stress to availability of campus parking.

This policy:

  • Has been developed to complement a series of transportation demand management policies including parking opt-out, free passage on five college buses during the academic year, parking pass fees, free ride home and availability of two ride-sharing services all designed to work in concert to reduce the number of commuter trips by individuals in vehicles.
  • Creates a more equitable transit subsidy system where employees who live in areas not served by Five College bus routes (those routes that are subsidized through Five Colleges, Inc. – PVTA routes B38, B39, M40 and B43) are eligible for reduced fares on other routes.
  • Supports compliance with Massachusetts Rideshare regulations (310 CMR 7.16) (a state-wide air quality regulation and is part of the Commonwealth's plan to reduce air pollution and to achieve and maintain health-based federal quality standards).
  • Satisfies Smith’s commitment to the "Provision of Public Transportation," one of the "tangible actions" included within the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment. This action is defined as follows: Encourage use of and provide access to public transportation for all faculty, staff, students and visitors to your institution.

The subsidy is valid only for employees who do not live in the area served by the Five College bus routes (those routes that are subsidized through Five Colleges Inc. – PVTA routes B38, B39, M40 and B43) which already offer free passage during the academic year.

Maximum IRS reimbursement limit for 2022 is $280 per month. Reimbursement is not subject to income taxes per IRS Publication 15-B.

To receive reimbursement for a monthly or weekly transit pass, employees must fill out and submit a Transit Pass Reimbursement Form and provide proof of purchase (receipt) to Human Resources.

The Emerson-Lewis Fund was established in 1921 by the Smith Class of 1901 in memory of two classmates. Income from the Fund, which is administered by a committee, is used to assist employees of the college community in times of emergency when a gift of money would come in useful. While the funds at its disposal are limited, the committee hopes that they will not only provide financial assistance, but will also convey the support of a caring community.

Written applications to the Fund may be made either by an individual or by the individual's supervisor. Applications should be addressed to Elena Palladino, Board of Trustees Office, College Hall 207. They should explain the circumstances of the emergency, request a specific sum, and be accompanied by proof of expenditures.

As a Smith College employee, you and your family may become members of the UMass Five College Federal Credit Union. The credit union offers many services and programs to assist members with college tuition costs:

PDF icon Paying for College

 

Disclaimer

The benefits summarized here are not conditions of employment. Smith College, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to amend, modify or terminate any plan or provision at any time. (Smith College has the sole and absolute authority to interpret the terms of these plans, determine benefit eligibility and resolve any and all ambiguities or inconsistencies in the plans.)

This link leads to Blue Cross Blue Shield machine-readable files made available in support of the federal Transparency in Coverage Rule and includes negotiated service rates and out-of-network allowed amounts between health plans and health care providers.  Machine-readable files are formatted to allow researchers, regulators, and application developers to more easily access and analyze data. The files are not intended to be a cost comparison tool for employees and dependents in medical plans offered at Smith College. Information on medical plans is available on the Smith College Benefits Page and Blue Cross Blue Shield's website.