Penn State offers a generous benefits package. We encourage you to review the on-line Summary of Benefits to acquaint yourself with the benefit options available to you as a new full-time employee. The Retirement Plan Comparisons site summarizes the differences on several major provisions available through the SERS and TIAA-CREF retirement plans.

After attending your new employee orientation sessions and reading the on-line Employee Benefits documentation, you can elect your benefits on-line through the Employee Self-Service Information Center (ESSIC). [Note: Access to ESSIC is restricted and will not be accessible until your ITS computer access account has been established through your department.]

Our Human Resources office wants you to be aware of the following additional benefits that may be of interest to you:

• The Bennett Family Center offers on-campus day care for full-time employees located at University Park campus.
• The Dual Career Employment Assistance Program is designed to assist the partners of newly recruited or recently hired full-time faculty and staff in their search for employment and relocation to Penn State.
• Full-time employees can take advantage of Penn State's Educational Privileges to advance their education by taking University courses at reduced rates.
• The Employee Assistance Program is a confidential, consultative employee and family resource as a first line of defense for personal or work-related concerns for yourself or your family.
• The Family and Medical Leave guideline outlines an employee's rights for time off necessitated by illness or family care in accordance with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 and additional provisions granted by the University.
• The Penn State id+ Card is the official University identification card which enables you to participate in a variety of special programs.
• The Ride for Five program offers discounted fees to full-time employees to encourage use of mass transit.
• In addition to either the State Employees' Retirement Plan or TIAA-CREF, Penn State offers employees the option to defer federal income tax on a portion of their salary by enrolling in a Supplemental Retirement Plan Completing a Salary Reduction Agreement offers the convenience of a payroll deduction for such contributions.
• Travel expenses are to be reimbursed uniformly throughout the University. The Travel Policy applies to all University employees, students, guests, and visitors whose travel is paid by the University.

Additional Penn State Resources and Services

• The Americans with Disabilities Act brochure includes information on Penn State's commitment to equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
• The Diversity Support Education Services is an educational and support system that promotes the development of multicultural understanding and cross cultural competence.
• The Faculty Handbook is intended to serve as an orientation and reference guide for all faculty, but especially for new faculty. Its information will enable faculty to understand and effectively use a wide range of University resources. It contains valuable information about the University's organizational units, policies and guidelines, services, and publications of interest to faculty.
• The Staff Handbook is designed to acquaint staff members holding either a standing or fixed-term appointment with the various policies, services and facilities of the University which directly affect them during their careers with the University.
• University Health Services can provide information that everyone should know about HIV Infection and AIDS.
• The Human Resource Development Center (HRDC) helps the University to improve and enrich its human resources through training and development programs and services for faculty and staff.
• Become a member of the Penn State Federal Credit Union and take advantage of the benefits of membership.
• Penn State's Financial and Compliance Hotline is 1-800-560-1637. The hotline is for reporting financial irregularities including fraud/theft, unauthorized transactions, inappropriate financial procedures/controls. Key features include anonymity, available 24/7, 3rd party screening, professional operators and follow-up is available.
• The University Women's Club offers an exciting and diverse array of interest groups, service projects, special excursions and events, and annual traditions.
• The Policies, Safety, & U publication contains information about campus safety measures and reports statistics about crime in our University community.
• The Penn State Strength and Fitness web site is the place to go for all your information relating to health and fitness opportunities for Penn State students, faculty and staff.
• Policy AD41 Sexual Harassment outlines the University's policy prohibiting sexual harassment of faculty, staff or students.
• Full-time employees can authorize a payroll deduction to purchase U.S. Savings Bonds.
• Payroll deductions can also be authorized for United Way contributions.

Information about the State College Community

• The Central Pennsylvania Convention & Visitors Bureau is a nonprofit, membership-based organization committed to the fundamental principal that convention and visitor business can be attracted to an area more effectively through “coordinated group action” rather than independent action.
• CentreConnect.org is your link to government, education, and non-profit information in Centre county, PA.
• The Centre County Association of Realtors is an organization incorporated in 1962 supporting the growth and development of the real estate profession in Centre County . Their mission and purpose is to provide persons engaged in the recognized branches of the real estate business with a unified organization that will promote and maintain the highest of professional and ethical standards.
• HappyValley.com is a comprehensive online guide to entertainment, recreation, and relaxation in the beautiful State College region.
• The mission of the State College Area School District is to prepare students for lifelong success through excellence in education.