Other Benefits

Union Invests in Employee Training "Scholarships"

Employees are able to pursue external training opportunities to enhance their skill level and effectiveness and/or to broaden their knowledge and skills for future job assignments. Employees interested in pursuing training opportunities (courses, seminars, workshops, licenses, certifications, etc.) should submit a brief written proposal, to their Supervisor and Responsibility Center Head, describing the training opportunity and related costs. Each proposal will be considered carefully, in terms of job-relatedness, and a prompt approval or denial will be provided.

Medical and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts

Un-reimbursed expenses may be paid with pre tax dollars when you direct your out-of-pocket expenses to the reimbursement accounts.

Medical Reimbursement Account

Your un-reimbursed health care expenses in each calendar year can be paid with pre tax dollars when you direct your estimated out-of-pocket medical expenses to the Medical Reimbursement Account. Health care expenses which can be paid with before-tax dollars include: health and dental insurance plan deductibles, co-payments for certain health and dental treatment, expenses not covered under the health and dental plans, eye and vision care, hearing examinations, and hearing aids.

When you enroll, estimate the amount to be withheld during the calendar year. When you incur un-reimbursed medical expenses, complete a claim form and submit copies of the bills or receipts. You will be reimbursed for the amount of the unpaid claims. However, you ca\not receive more money than the total you elect to deposit into the Medical Reimbursement Account for that year.

You may allocate up to $3,000 each calendar year to the Medical Reimbursement Account. The Internal Revenue Service guidelines require that any amounts not spent from the Medical Reimbursement Account must be forfeited, therefore you should estimate your expenses carefully.

Dependent Care Reimbursement Account

You can set up a pre tax Dependent Care Reimbursement account to pay for the costs of caring for children or other eligible dependents in nursery schools, day care centers, or private homes.

When you enroll, estimate the amount of expense that will be incurred in the calendar year. When you incur the expense, you submit a claim form together with proof of expense and you will be reimbursed.

You may allocate up to $5,000 each calendar year to the Dependent Care Reimbursement Account. Internal Revenue Service guidelines require that any amounts not spent from the Dependent Care Reimbursement Account must be forfeited.

You should be aware that instead of participating in the Dependent Care Reimbursement Account you may elect a tax credit on your income tax return for a portion of certain allowable expenses. Depending on the earned income of you and your spouse for the calendar year, it may be to your advantage to claim the tax credit. You may not take the tax credit on reimbursed dollars. Tax credit (up to IRS limits) may be taken on expenses that exceed reimbursed expenses.

Business Travel

Parking

A annual fee of $15 is charged to register a car for on-campus parking. Parking is free.

Housing

College-owned apartments are occasionally available, contact Paul Matarazzo, Facilities Services (518-388-6181) for more information.  Also consider inquiring with Human Resources (518-388-6108) regarding recent notices of available apartments or houses.

HOUSING ASSISTANCE

The College Park Home Loan Assistance Program was established to offer assistance to employees who purchase a home in College Park.  The College will provide a maximum of $5,000 in the form of a forgivable loan (at the rate of 20% per year) to pay for required contract deposits, appraisals, inspections and other related closing costs.  This benefit is available to full time employees with two years of service.  See your Staff/Administrative/Faculty Manual for more details.

If your are in need of real estate services, Union College recommends the following agents:

Veronica W. Lynch, Bethan E. Davenport, Licensed Sales Person, 1475 Balltown Road, Niskayuna, NY 12309, 518-393-1100 Ext. 49, bedport@nycap.rr.com

Reality USA, Marion DeSantis, Licensed Sales Person, 480 Balltown Road-Suite 2, Schenectady, NY 12304, 518-370-3170, desantis@capital.net

Prudential Manor Homes-Realtors, Stephanie Cuva, Relocation Director, 8 Airline Drive-Suite 210, Albany, NY 12205, 518-452-4298 Ext. 301, relo@prudentialmanor.com

The following are a few websites that should be helpful in locating an apartment in Schenectady or the Capital Region:

Computer Loan:

The College seeks to encourage technology awareness by employees and their families. Full Time employees, after one year of service, may borrow the funds (up to $2,250) to purchase a computer from the College or outside vendor. Loan repayment is done through payroll deduction over a twenty-four (24) month period.  Employees are eligible for more than one computer loan in the course of their employment, however any additional loan can only be granted following completion of the previous loan.  Please contact Joanne Herrick, x6105, for an appointment.

Credit Unions

Employees of the College are eligible to become members of the First New York Federal Credit Union or Capital Communications Federal Credit Union. Both Credit Unions offer interest-varying savings accounts and also makes loans. Arrangements must be made directly with the Credit Union for any of the services they offer. It is possible to have payroll deductions made for deposit to your Credit Union savings account. Those arrangements, too must be made directly with the Credit Union. First New York Federal Credit Union is located at 1776 Union Street, Schenectady, Telephone 393-1326.  Capital Communications Federal Credit Union is located at 18 Computer Drive, Albany, NY 12205, Telephone 458-2195.

Direct Deposit of Pay Check

The College offers you the convenience of a Direct Deposit Plan with many financial institutions, including local and national banks as well as credit unions. You must indicate your interest in having direct deposits of your pay check made to your account. You may pick up the required form at Human Resources. A voided check or copy of a check must be submitted with the form for those who wish to have direct deposit to a checking account. For savings accounts, you just need to put the account number in the space provided on the form.

Moving and Relocation Reimbursement

 Newly hired faculty and administrators are eligible for reimbursement of moving and relocation expenses incurred in their move to the Schenectady area.  Reimbursable moves can be either self-moves, made by the use of rented equipment (i.e. U-Haul, Rider, Budget, Pods) or commercial-moves, through a moving company (i.e. Corrigan/East End Moving Systems, Clark Moving & Storage, Inc.). 

  •  The maximum reimbursable amount for a self-move will be the actual cost of the self-move, up to $4,000 dollars.
  •  The maximum reimbursable amount for a commercial-move will be one-half the cost of the commercial move, up to $4,000 dollars.

 Whether through a self-move or commercial-move the policy does not provide reimbursement for mileage, personal transportation, personal expenses (i.e. food, lodging, travel), vehicle transportation, storage, warehouse costs, or secondary moves. 

 Requests for reimbursement should be submitted to Eric Noll, Director of Human Resources.  For reimbursement of self-moves an itemized summary and original receipts is required; for reimbursement of commercial moves a quote and original invoice is required.

Commercial Moving Agreements

 The College has entered into agreements with two (Corrigan/East End Moving and Storage - 800-333-0763 x. 232 or 222 or Clark Moving & Storage, Inc.- 518-370-4100 or 800-280-0090), which provide a discount for packing materials, packing, and the transportation of household goods.  Some specialized or local moving companies (i.e. California to New York Express) may offer an even lower package so please check all options before contracting with a specific mover.

 If you have any questions regarding the Moving and Relocation policy please contact Human Resources at ext. 6108.