The University of Kentucky stands out by offering an exceptional benefits package, recognizing that your overall well-being extends beyond just your salary. This comprehensive approach to employee compensation is designed to attract and retain top-tier faculty and staff. Beyond your take-home pay, these benefits represent a significant investment in your future and well-being, encompassing features like a generous 200 percent match on retirement contributions, extensive health, dental, and vision coverage, and valuable tuition benefits for courses at UK, among many others.
This commitment to benefits and employee well-being has not gone unnoticed. The University of Kentucky has been recognized as a Great College to Work For by The Chronicle of Higher Education for five years running. Furthermore, Forbes recently ranked UK at No. 6 on its 2023 list of America’s Best Employers, highlighting its dedication to its employees.
Explore a selection of our key benefits below to understand how UK supports your professional and personal life.
For a detailed overview of all benefits and eligibility criteria, please visit the Benefits home page. You can also access printer-friendly versions of the benefits summaries for staff and faculty.
Secure Your Future with a Matching Retirement Savings Plan
Planning for retirement is crucial for long-term financial security, and UK’s retirement savings plan is a significant component of your total compensation. Our matching retirement plan features a substantial 200 percent match on your contributions. When you contribute 5 percent of your base salary, the University proudly contributes an equivalent of 10 percent. For employees hired on or after July 1, 2024, automatic enrollment in this plan begins immediately, regardless of age. For those hired between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, enrollment occurs upon reaching age 25. Employees hired before July 1, 2023, are automatically enrolled at age 30. Full vesting in the plan occurs after 3 years of regular, full-time service, ensuring a solid foundation for your retirement savings.
Comprehensive Health Insurance Options
Access to quality healthcare is a paramount concern for individuals and families. UK provides five diverse health plan options, including a Health Saver plan linked to a health savings account, all designed to offer exceptional value and meet varied healthcare needs. Notably, the University covers a significant portion of the cost of each plan, in some cases up to 94 percent, demonstrating a substantial investment in employee health. This commitment allows you to select the health coverage that best fits your personal and family circumstances, ensuring peace of mind and access to necessary medical care. Explore the specifics of each option on our Benefits website.
Prescription Benefit Program for Cost-Effective Medications
Prescription medication costs can be a significant healthcare expense. UK partners with Express Scripts to administer a comprehensive prescription benefit for all enrolled health insurance plan members. This benefit includes 24-hour customer service, online drug information resources, and an integrated mail service pharmacy for convenience and cost savings. Furthermore, UK employs dedicated pharmacists who offer prescription co-pay counseling, helping you identify the most cost-effective medication options and navigate your prescription benefits effectively.
Dental and Vision Insurance for Overall Wellness
Recognizing that health extends beyond medical care, UK provides robust dental and vision insurance options. Dental plans are available through UK Dental Care and Delta Dental, with all plans covering basic preventive services such as cleanings and regular office visits. Enhanced benefits are available depending on the specific plan you choose, supporting your ongoing dental health. Vision insurance through EyeMed offers savings on crucial vision care needs, including eye exams, contact lenses, eyeglasses, and even vision correction procedures. You can select between Essential and Enhanced plans to tailor your vision coverage to your specific requirements.
Generous Paid Leave Policies: Vacation, Holidays, and Sick Leave
Work-life balance is supported through UK’s generous paid leave policies. Regular, full-time staff accrue between 10 and 15 vacation days annually to start, increasing up to 20 days with longer service, allowing for ample time off for rest and personal pursuits. In addition to vacation, employees enjoy 13 paid holidays each year. For unexpected health needs, regular, full-time staff accrue 12 days of Temporary Disability Leave (TDL), or “sick leave,” annually. Understanding the evolving needs of families, UK also offers up to two weeks of paid leave for regular staff working at least half-time for the birth or adoption of a child, and one week of paid leave to care for an ill parent, demonstrating a commitment to family support.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Tax-Free Healthcare and Dependent Care
Maximize your healthcare and dependent care dollars with Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), administered by TASC. These accounts allow you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible health and child/dependent care expenses, effectively reducing your taxable income and increasing your spending power for these essential needs. For healthcare FSAs, you receive a convenient debit card for easy payment of eligible expenses, streamlining the process and making it simple to manage your FSA funds.
Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance: Protecting Your Loved Ones
UK provides foundational financial protection through basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, offered at no cost to employees. This coverage is provided at a level of one times your annual salary, offering an initial layer of security for your beneficiaries. For those seeking additional protection, supplemental term life insurance can be purchased up to five times your annual salary, and additional AD&D insurance is also available to further customize your coverage and safeguard your family’s financial future.
Legal Services Benefit for Peace of Mind
Navigating legal matters can be complex and costly. UK offers a legal services benefit through MetLaw from MetLife, providing access to a network of over 14,000 experienced attorneys nationwide, including a substantial presence in Kentucky. This plan provides valuable resources for advice and representation on a wide range of legal issues, including wills, estate planning, contracts, family law, and financial matters, offering peace of mind and expert legal support when you need it.
Voluntary Benefits to Customize Your Coverage
Further personalize your benefits package with a range of voluntary benefits available for purchase through automatic payroll deductions, administered by the MPM Group, LLC. These options include long-term care insurance, universal life insurance, short-term disability coverage, cancer insurance, and even home and auto insurance, allowing you to tailor your benefits to your specific needs and preferences beyond the core offerings.
Education Programs: Invest in Your Future and Your Family
UK emphasizes continuous learning and development, offering significant education benefits. Eligible staff can receive a tuition waiver for up to 18 credit hours per academic year at UK through the Employee Education Program, fostering professional growth and educational advancement. For employees with at least one year of continuous, regular, full-time service who choose not to use the Employee Education Program themselves, the Family Education Program offers tuition discounts (ranging from 10 percent to 50 percent) for their child or spouse/sponsored dependent, extending the benefit of education to your family members.
Employer Assisted Housing Program: Investing in Our Community
UK is invested in the local community and offers the Employer Assisted Housing Program to support homeownership. Regular, full-time faculty and staff may qualify for “forgivable loans” up to $15,000 to purchase homes, condominiums, townhouses, and duplexes in designated neighborhoods. These loans can be used for down payments, closing costs, rehabilitation, or renovation assistance, encouraging employees to live and invest in the areas surrounding the University.
Professional Development Opportunities for Career Advancement
UK is committed to employee growth and provides ample Professional Development opportunities. Enhance your skills and acquire new ones through technology training, professional development workshops, and supervisory training programs, all designed to support career advancement and professional excellence within the University.
Well-being Programs: Prioritizing Your Holistic Health
Recognizing that employee well-being is fundamental to both personal and professional success, UK provides a wide array of well-being programs designed to support you at every stage of your career and life. These programs are designed to help you thrive in all areas of your life. Explore the full range of offerings on our well-being website.
Financial Well-being Resources for a Secure Future
Achieve financial wellness with Enrich, offering personalized financial well-being tips tailored to your individual circumstances. Access debt coaching from GreenPath and explore student loan forgiveness options with Savi, empowering you to manage your finances effectively and build a secure financial future.
MoveWell Fitness and Wellness Initiatives
Prioritize physical health with MoveWell, offering access to two on-campus gyms and group fitness classes for a nominal fee of $9 per month (or $4.50 bi-weekly). For personalized fitness guidance, you can also schedule one-on-one sessions with a fitness specialist to help you define and achieve your health and fitness goals.
EatWell Nutritional Guidance for Healthy Living
Nourish your body with EatWell, which provides access to on-site registered dietitians who can offer personalized nutritional guidance to meet your individual needs. Weekly classes are held throughout the year, focusing on sustainable, long-term dietary changes rather than quick fixes, promoting lasting healthy eating habits.
BeWell Personalized Health Coaching and Support
Enhance your overall well-being with BeWell, a phone-based program offering personalized, one-on-one coaching to help you build a strong foundation for well-being both at work and at home. Tobacco cessation support, including free nicotine replacement therapy, is also available through this program, supporting employees in achieving their health goals.
WondrHealth Weight Management Program
Manage your weight effectively with WondrHealth, a 10-week online program offered three times per year. This program focuses on changing how you eat, rather than restrictive diets, promoting sustainable weight management through behavioral changes and a healthier relationship with food.
Mental Health Support with Licensed Therapists
Prioritize your mental health with access to five free individual counseling sessions per year with licensed and certified therapists. This valuable benefit extends to spouses, children, and sponsored dependents, ensuring mental health support is available for your entire family.
Elder Care Resources and Support
Navigate the challenges of elder care with resources and support for caring for aging parents or relatives, regardless of their location nationwide. UK recognizes the growing need for elder care support and provides resources to help employees manage these responsibilities.
Child Care Assistance and Resources
Support for families extends to child care. In addition to assistance with finding local child care providers, the Big Blue Family Care program connects UK families with UK students for occasional, part-time child care needs, providing a convenient and trusted resource for childcare within the University community.
Resources for New Parents: The Little Cats Guide
For employees welcoming new additions to their families, the Little Cats Guide provides comprehensive information on preparing for parental leave and transitioning back to work. This guide includes details on leave time and available UK resources, supporting new parents through this significant life event and ensuring a smooth transition back to their roles at the University.
