As the holidays approach, we want to remind employees about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as a resource for eligible employees (Regular and Contingent II) and members of the employee's household.

Turn the holidays into a happy, stress-free time by taking care of yourself, bringing balance to your work and home life, and letting yourself relax and enjoy the season. Please see the attached flyer for tips on how to take care of yourself this holiday season.

Highlights of the EAP program via ComPsych and Guidance Resources:

• The EAP is available 24/7
• Free Confidential Counseling, up to 5 sessions free!
• Work-Life Solutions
• Legal Support
• Discounts, i.e. Pet Insurance

There are two ways to access EAP services:

Call 1-855-410-7628 to speak to a counseling professional who will listen to your concerns and can guide you to the appropriate services you require.

OR 

Visit Guidance Resources Online at www.guidanceresources.com and enter our company ID: USMEAP

We wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season!

Beginning on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, employees will have access to a new online portal, USM Retirement@ Work, which will replace the current DocuSign form process. This portal will allow you to enroll and make changes in real-time to your supplemental retirement accounts with TIAA and Fidelity.

Take action now! If you want to make changes to the first paycheck in the 2025 calendar year (January 3, 2025), you must login and make those changes by December 19^th at 11:59pm. Any changes made after that date will be effective on a subsequent paycheck.

Please note: all existing contributions will continue for the 12/20/2024 paycheck. No action is required by employees for their contributions to continue at the current amount. Employees only need to take action if they want to make a change.

HOW TO LOGIN

You will need your SSN and date of birth to login to the USM Retirement@Work portal. The Quick Start Guide will help you get started. You may also watch this short video for a step-by-step visual guide to using USM Retirement@Work portal.

We encourage all employees who are currently contributing to a supplemental retirement account to log in to the USM Retirement@Work portal and review your contribution amounts and vendor selections to ensure they reflect your choices for your retirement planning.

WHAT’S CHANGING?

With the new USM Retirement@Work portal, you can now manage your TIAA and Fidelity supplemental retirement accounts online. You will be able to:

• Make Contribution Changes: change your bi-weekly contribution amount and/or how your funds are spread over your accounts with your retirement vendors (TIAA and Fidelity).
• Track Your Progress: see a snapshot of all your investments and view current and past transactions.
• Make Informed Decisions: learn more about your retirement plans and use calculators and other tools to help plan for the type of retirement you want.

In the USM Retirement@Work portal, you can choose from 4 different plan options:

• Pre-Tax 403b
• Pre-tax 457b
• ROTH 403b
• ROTH 457b (new for the 2025 calendar year)

WHAT’S NOT CHANGING?

·         You can still login to your TIAA or Fidelity  USM accounts to view your balances, allocate your funds, and designate and/or update your beneficiary information.

·         Your current plan elections and deduction amounts will remain the same, unless you make a change in the portal on or after December 17th.

·         Your current investment choices and fund allocations will remain the same, unless you make a change in your online account with TIAA or Fidelity.

MSRP/Nationwide accounts

For employees who have a supplemental account with MSRP/Nationwide, your access will still occur through the MSRP/Nationwide website. Nationwide accounts will not be affected by the new USM Retirement@Work portal.

Not enrolled in a supplemental retirement account yet?

You will be able to enroll in a TIAA or Fidelity supplemental retirement account through the USM Retirement@Work portal beginning on December 17, 2024. You can meet with a rep from TIAA or Fidelity to ensure you are contributing enough to your plan to meet your retirement goals. Please contact the retirement vendor (TIAA or Fidelity) to schedule a meeting.

Employees can enroll in a MSRP/Nationwide retirement account at any time on the MSRP/Nationwide website. 

Need Assistance?

The USM Retirement@Work phone contact center, managed by TIAA, can be reached at 1-844 567-9090 and will be available for assistance with enrolling and managing your accounts weekdays, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (ET).

Questions?

This is a notification that the paycheck on Friday, January 3, 2025 will have no deductions for the following State of Maryland benefits, due to the normally scheduled State Health Benefits premium deduction holiday schedule for Regular employees:

• Medical
• Prescription
• Dental
• State of Maryland MetLife Term Life insurance
• MetLife Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Healthcare FSA and Dependent Care FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts)

This deduction holiday does not apply to University System of Maryland (USM) MetLife deductions for Long Term Disability (LTD) and/or Term Life insurance coverages.

Employee contributions to supplemental retirement accounts will occur per usual on the January 3, 2025 paycheck.

Health Benefits deduction holidays for Regular State of Maryland employees typically occur twice a year. The next deduction holiday is anticipated to occur in the Summer of 2025.

'Tis the season that you try to be jolly as you shop 'til you drop, gather with friends, travel to see family members, and host or attend holiday celebrations - all while maintaining your daily duties. What's often missing during this holiday hustle and bustle is your self-care. Learn how to incorporate holiday habits that will help keep you and your family members healthy and happy this holiday season.

Mindful Mondays: Embrace the Good!

Monday, 12/2, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Holiday Anxiety - Ease Your Mind with Mindfulness

Holiday anxiety can easily turn this most joyful time of year into a stressful time. Manage holiday anxiety with practical mindfulness tips presented in this webinar.

Register for 12/2 Holiday Anxiety - Ease Your Mind with Mindfulness

Monday, 12/9, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Holiday Mental Health Checklist

This checklist will provide you with the opportunity to identify your holiday stressors, learn easy-to-incorporate holiday stress relievers, and invite more joy into your life during the holidays and beyond.

Register for 12/9 Holiday Mental Health Checklist

Monday, 12/16, 11:00 am - 11:30 am: Holiday Sleep and Your Heart

Did you know that "Holiday Heart Syndrome" is a real thing? This term was coined in 1978 as a result of studies that identified various holiday stressors and their impacts on heart health. While good sleep (at least 7.5 hours) is critical for good heart health all year long, sleep disruption during the holidays creates additional heart health risks. Hear heart-specific stress relief strategies that will help you sleep like a baby during the holidays and beyond..

Register for 12/16 Holiday Sleep and Your Heart

Tuesday Wellness from the Kitchen with Chef Sandra Lewis:

Tuesday, 11/12, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Warm Cranberry Feta Spread

This elegant yet easy oven-baked appetizer is a delicious combination of creamy baked feta that perfectly balances with the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries. This is ideal for cozy gatherings and entertaining during the holidays!

Register for 11/12 Warm Cranberry Feta Spread

Tuesday, 12/3, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Holiday Meatloaf

Chef Sandra invites you to make her favorite meatloaf dish inspired by the movie "A Christmas Story." Her secret twist on this tasty, healthy, and easy to prepare dish makes it perfect for the fast-paced holiday hosting season. It's so good that your family will want seconds and your guests will ask for the recipe!

Register for 12/3 Holiday Meatloaf

Tuesday, 12/10, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Sweet and Sour Green Beans 

It’s that time again! Holiday banquets and dinners are on the agenda at every turn. If you're looking for a new recipe to add to your yearly festive feasts, borrow this favorite from Chef Sandra's family for your holiday table.

Register for 12/10 Sweet and Sour Green Beans

Tuesday, 12/17, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Bruléed Bananas

Transform humble bananas into a show-stopping treat as you brulée your way to holiday dessert perfection! With caramelized bananas, a crunchy hazelnut-oat topping, and an optional splash of luscious Frangelico liqueur, it's holiday heaven!
Register for 12/17 Bruléed Bananas

Healthy U Wednesdays: Women's Health Latest Updates:Healthy Habits and Coaching for Success!

Wednesday, 12/4, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Holiday Happiness

The most wonderful time of the year can quickly turn into the most stressful time of the year without proper preparation for the onslaught of stressors. In this presentation, you'll understand how to identify stress and recognize triggers to create a peaceful environment for yourself amidst holiday chaos.

Register for 12/4 Holiday Happiness

Wednesday, 12/11, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Slow Your Holiday Scroll - The Benefits of a Social Media Break

Social media can be a great way to stay in touch with friends and family during the holidays, yet there is a growing body of data about how social media use during the holidays affects your mood. Learn strategies to moderate social media use during the holidays - try it as an experiment to see if your overall emotional well being increases!

Register for 12/11 Slow Your Holiday Scroll

Wednesday, 12/18, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Dealing with Holiday Emotional Eating

You may find yourself reaching for food when you experience negative emotions and stress as a way of coping. This time of year the combination of holiday stress and the availability of holiday treats may increase emotional eating. Join this webinar to learn strategies to help manage holiday emotional eating.

Register for 12/18 Dealing with Holiday Emotional Eating

Thursday Health Focus: Get "InStep" with Diabetes

Thursday, 12/5, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Taking Care of Your S.E.L.F. (Sleep, Exercise, Love, and Food)

During the holidays it can be challenging to maintain the four areas of good sleep, exercise, loving relationships, and healthy eating. Join this webinar to learn simple strategies to help these areas survive the holidays!

Register for 12/5 Taking Care of Your S.E.L.F.

Thursday, 12/12, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Taking Care of Your Sleep 

With holiday parties, holiday shopping, and holiday "everything" your sleep may be disrupted because of the increased activity. Join this webinar to review the importance of sleep for your physical and mental health and learn simple tips to consistently get a good night's sleep.

Register for 12/12 Taking Care of Your Sleep

Thursday, 12/19, 11:00 am - 11:45 am: Taking Care of Your Gratitude

Here's a holiday present to give yourself - gratitude! When you practice gratitude, you increase your happiness and positive emotions, improve your physical and mental health, and improve your relationships with others. It's a gift you and others will enjoy every day of the year! .

Register for 12/19 Taking Care of Your Gratitude

Unwind Time Fridays: The Gratitude Experience!

Friday, 12/6, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: The Power of Acceptance

Acceptance is simply recognizing reality as it is. Practicing acceptance gives you the power to release memories of unpleasant experiences and reframe them as lessons worth learning. Experience the power of acceptance in this guided meditation.

Register for 12/6 The Power of Acceptance

Friday, 12/13, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Drop the Suitcase of Worries and Regrets

While the past cannot be changed it can be learned from. By dropping the baggage of trying to rewrite the past, you'll free yourself to move on enlightened in this guided meditation

Register for 12/13 Drop the Suitcase of Worries and Regrets

Friday, 12/20, 11:00 am - 11:15 am: Connections Reflection

December is the perfect time to reflect on connections made during the year. Consider how you were impacted and how you impacted others in this guided meditation.

Register for 12/20 Connections Reflection

Healthier by the Minute

Friday, 12/6, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Understanding Colds and Flu

With winter here, every sniffle might make you wonder if it's a cold or flu. In this session learn how to protect yourself from colds and flu during the winter months.

Register for 12/6 Healthier by the Minute: Understanding Colds and Flu

Friday, 12/13, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Healthier Ways for the Holidays

The Holiday Season is here! This time of year can be both joyful and stressful. Learn strategies to help you sail through the season.

Register for 12/13 Healthier by the Minute: Healthier Ways for the Holidays

Friday, 12/20, 11:30 am - 11:45 am: Laughter is Medicine

Laughter warms us in winter months and helps keep our stress low. Join this session and chuckle about the benefits of having a good laugh!

Register for 12/20 Healthier by the Minute: Laughter is Medicine

Please see the information below about the upcoming retirement webinars from Maryland Supplemental Retirement Plans (MSRP).

Featured Webinars Registration HERE 

(webinars are approximately 45 minutes in length)

Registration closes 2 hours prior to the Webinar

Get Your Financial House in Order for 2025!

Why not use the arrival of a new year to review the steps to become financially stable and confident! Learn how to get your financial house in order, save time, and gain peace of mind.

December 4th at 11am

December 12th at 9am

December 17th at 11am

December 18th at 1pm

Putting It All Together for Retirement

Whether you’re saving for a dream vacation, a down payment on a home, your children’s education, or retirement, having a clear purpose can make all the difference in reaching your goals. Attend this webinar to learn how to set clear goals, create achievable timelines, and understand the types of accounts designated to help you reach each goal.

December 4th at 1pm

December 12th at 11am

"Walk Me Through" Online Enrollment Tutorial

This webinar will assist you with enrolling in a Maryland Supplemental Retirement Plan 457(b), 401(k), or 403(b). A Nationwide Representative will walk you through, step by step, explaining how you can easily enroll in approximately 10 minutes.

Please note: you must have your 6-digit payroll code (360231) and payroll type (Central Payroll Bureau) available at the time of enrollment.

Enroll as we go or enroll quickly after the webinar!

December 3rd at 11am

December 3rd at 1pm

December 10th at 11am

December 10th at 1pm

Take Control Series Register HERE 

(webinars are approximately 45 minutes in length)

Registration closes 2 hours prior to the Webinar

Success in Planning: Understanding Your MSRP Plans

Are you a NEW employee, a Contractual employee, or just looking for a review? This webinar is for YOU! Learn the features and benefits of the MSRP 457(b), 401(k), 403(b) plans.

December 5th at 9 AM

Financial Knowledge: Understanding Investing and Your MSRP Options

Successful investors build their "nest egg" over time with discipline, patience, and regular, systematic deferrals/contributions. Learn the basics of investing and gain the confidence needed to help you with your savings goals!

December 5th at 11 AM

Countdown to Retirement: Understanding Retirement Readiness

Whether the day you stop working is a decade away or just around the corner, attend this webinar and learn the financial planning steps to take that are relevant to help you retire on YOUR terms.

December 5 at 1 PM

Beginning December 17, 2024, employees will have access to an online portal, USM Retirement@ Work, which will replace the current DocuSign form process. This portal will allow you to enroll and make changes in real-time to your supplemental retirement accounts with TIAA and Fidelity.