Human Resources
News & Reminders
Important Update: Changes to the Annual Performance Appraisal Cycle
The evaluation period for the Annual Performance Appraisal (APA) for staff employees is changing to follow the calendar year. This adjustment will align the timing of all employee evaluations, as the performance period for both staff and faculty will be January through December. - The performance period is shortened to March 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024, to accommodate a transition to the new appraisal dates coming in CY 2025. - Annual Professional Development Requirement: In acknowledgment of the shorter cycle, the professional development requirement of 8 hours for staff and 12 hours for supervisors is waived for the 2024 performance period only. Future Cycle: After this 2024 transition year, the 2025 performance review period will follow the new schedule, beginning on January 1, 2025, and ending on December 31, 2025
Exempt Minimum Salary
Department of Labor has set the new exempt salary threshold. Effective July 1st, the minimum exempt salary rose to $43,888, increasing to $58,656 on January 1st. However, this law was blocked for State of Texas employers and we are monitoring the litigation for future required actions.
Employee Emergency Fund (EEF)
The Employee Emergency Fund (EEF), designed through Staff Senate and administered by People Operations (PO), is a donation-based fund that considers requests for a one-time payroll payment of $500.00 for full-time, benefits-eligible Sam Houston State University (SHSU) employees who experience qualifying pressing financial need.
Free Mental Health Resources
Did you know that SHSU’s medical insurance plan offers mental health virtual visits at no cost? Health Select covers visits through Doctor on Demand by Included Health and MDLIVE at 100% for enrollees. Additional employee mental health resources: • Employee Assistance Program (EAP). All employees and their dependents may access multiple mental health counseling sessions at no cost. Username and password for the EAP website are SHSU or employees may call 800-346-3549. • Health Select and Consumer Directed Health Select provides more services. Please visit Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Health Select Website. For information regarding your current benefit elections, please contact 936-294-1070, or email us at hrbenefits@shsu.edu.
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Living Well at SHSU
Sam Houston State University recognizes a great work-life balance is essential to living a happy, healthy life and optimizing employee performance. Explore many resources and perks we offer to our employees.
Medical Coverage. The Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) is the administrator for Texas Employees Group Benefits Program (GBP) which provides health and other optional coverage to insurance eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees can choose to enroll in either HealthSelect of Texas or Consumer Directed HealthSelect Plan.
Dental Coverage. Employees can choose to enroll in one of two dental plans. State of Texas Dental Choice Plan is a preferred provider organization dental insurance plan or DeltaCare USA dental HMO, which is a dental health maintenance organization dental insurance plan.
Vision Coverage. Employees can choose to enroll in the State of Texas Vision. For a set copay amount, the plan offers and eye exam, contact lens fitting, and an allowance for the cost of eyeglasses or contact lenses and discounts for LASIK.
Long-Term Disability. Long-term disability provides 60% of the employee’s monthly salary with benefits payable until the employee returns to work or until employee reaches Maximum Benefit Period (based on the age disabled) or based on the condition causing disability. Must complete the 180-day waiting period or use all available sick leave (including extended sick leave, donated sick leave and sick leave pool), whichever is longest.
Short-Term Disability. Short-term disability provides 66% of the employee’s monthly salary with benefits payable for a period of up to five months (a maximum of 150 days) after completion of a 30-day waiting period or use all available sick leave (including extended sick leave, donated sick leave and sick leave pool), whichever is longest.
Life Insurance (AD&D). Voluntary Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) provides additional financial support if employee or eligible dependent has an accidental injury or death. Amount chosen can be in increments of $5,000 starting at $10,000 up to $200,000.
Optional Life Insurance. Optional Term Optional Term Life Insurance provides additional coverage, including AD&D coverage, up to four times your annual salary (Election 1, 2, 3 or 4). Maximum coverage is $400,000.
Dependent Term Life Insurance. Dependent Term Life insurance provides the employee to have $5,000 life insurance, including AD&D for eligible dependents.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP services are available to faculty and staff employees and employees’ immediate families to help resolve issues related to family, mental health, finances, legal concerns, and alcohol and drug problems. The EAP provides counseling and support for all types of life concerns.
Elevate Program. Elevate is the SHSU Healthy Campus initiative to prioritize the health and wellness of students, faculty and staff.
Paid Time Off. Benefits eligible employees may be granted paid time off for wellness activities, vacation, illness, injury, and pregnancy.
Fitness Center. The Department of Recreational Sports and Activities offers a wide variety of recreational programming and provides facilities for students, faculty and staff.
Mother's Rooms. Mother’s Rooms are available across campus, providing a private place to nurse, pump, bottle feed, and change a diaper. Nursing mothers will need to contact the department or area monitoring the room for access. If you are unsure of who to contact, ask us!
Linkedin Learning. As an employee, you have access to the Linkedin Learning library that contains wellness related video courses. Once logged in with your SHSU credentials, you can connect your Linkedin profile.
TRS - Teacher's Retirement Plan. Employees contribute 8.25% and the State contributes 8.25% of the employee’s wages. Employee contributions are tax deferred. Interest is credited annually on August 31st to the member’s account. Members vest after 5 years of credible service.
ORP – Optional Retirement Plan. Employee contributes 6.65% and the State contributes 6.6% of the employee’s wages. Employee contributions are tax deferred. These contributions are deposited with the employee’s selected ORP carrier. Participants vest after one year and one day of ORP participation. ORP is a defined contribution plan with benefits based upon individual investment decisions.
Longevity Pay. Additional compensation based on the employee’s total lifetime State of Texas service. Longevity is paid only to full-time staff and is calculated at the rate of $20 per month for each two years of lifetime service credit, up to a maximum of 42 years of service.
Hazardous Pay. Commissioned law enforcement officers or custodial officers are eligible for hazardous duty pay of $10 a month for each 12-month period of lifetime service credit.
Discount Programs. Employees are encouraged to use discount programs that provide savings on technology, entertainment, travel, and more.
Flex Spending Account. Flex Spending Accounts allow the employee to set aside money from their paycheck, pre-tax to pay for eligible health and dependent day care expenses. This lowers the employee’s taxable income to pay less in federal income taxes.
Tuition Assistance Program. Eligible employees can work and earn an SHSU degree at a discounted rate.
Linkedin Learning. As an employee, you have access to the Linkedin Learning video library where you can learn and improve a job related skills. Once logged in with your SHSU credentials, you can connect your Linkedin profile.
The Learning Academies. The Learning Academies offer both live and online classes that feature competency-based curriculum. We have multiple professional development tracks, designed to meet specific needs.
Trainings & Conferences. Employees are encouraged to take advantage of training opportunities on and off campus. Staff are required to earn professional development credit each year.
Library. The Newton Gresham Library primarily serves the research needs but is also available to you for self-growth and leisure reading! The library holds over 1.3 million books, bound periodicals, and government documents.
Organizations. Employees can participate in the Faculty Senate or Staff Council depending on their position type. These organizations are motivated to enhance work culture and discuss relevant issues.
Employee Resource Groups. Sam Houston State University will allow for the formation of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) by current employees to network and promote awareness, and respect at the University.