Faculty Benefits

The University, with the aid of University Senate committees, task forces, and working groups, endeavors to provide a comprehensive program of benefits and services to meet the needs of the faculty.

The Office of Human Resources is your destination for information on Pitt's benefits offerings. Orientation and enrollment sessions for all new hires are conducted by the Office of Human Resources. In addition, workshops are offered periodically by the Benefits Department for specific benefits. A personal appointment to discuss benefit eligibility, enrollment, and other related matters may also be arranged through the Benefits Department.

Eligibility

Full-time faculty, full-time faculty librarians, and full-time research associates are eligible for the insurance and retirement benefits described in this section of the Handbook, subject to the specific stated criteria for each program.

Part-time tenured or tenure-stream faculty and part-time faculty librarians with the expectation of continuing employment are eligible to participate in certain components of the benefits program, provided that they are employed for no less than half-time. Participation in the medical, dental, and vision coverage as well as dependent life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and the Defined Contribution Plan, is the same as for those with a full-time appointment. Certain benefits are calculated on base salary including life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment insurance (AD&D), long-term disability (LTD) coverage, and the Defined Contribution Plan.

Part-time, non-tenure-stream faculty, part-time research associates, and part-time faculty librarians are eligible to participate in certain medical, dental, and vision coverage, provided that their salaries are sufficient, after all other deductions, to cover their share of the cost.  Personal tax deferral opportunities without University matching contributions may also be available.

Statutory programs, including Social Security, Workers' Compensation, and Unemployment Compensation are extended to all eligible employees.

Health and Wellness Benefits

Visit the Office of Human Resources Health and Wellness Benefits pages for the most current information on:

  • Insurance Plans
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Life
    • Accidental Death & Dismemberment
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Long Term Care
  • Retirement Savings Plan
  • Additional Resources
     

For the full University policy, procedure, and supporting documents on Domestic Partner Benefits, view:

Educational Benefits

The University of Pittsburgh offers education benefits to faculty, librarians, research associates, post-doctoral associates, post-doctoral scholars, staff, their spouses, domestic partners, and dependent children. This benefit is available at the Pittsburgh campus and all regional campuses. Educational benefits are administered through the Office of Human Resources, Benefits Department.

Review Education Benefits for Faculty and Librarians on the Office of Human Resources website.

For the full University policies on faculty educational benefits, refer to:

Public Liability Insurance

The University has a policy and procedure in place addressing the conditions under which the University will provide indemnification and legal defense to faculty and staff while performing duties on behalf of the University.

View Faculty and Staff Indemnification AO 20 (formerly 07-06-06).