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WesternU / Office of Human Resources / Benefits & Services

Benefits & Services

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Benefits At WesternU

We believe in making an impact in the lives of our employees, personally and professionally. Every employee has different individual and/or family needs. We offer benefits that are both comprehensive and flexible to address your unique needs. We believe work-life harmony is positive and achievable.

We offer competitive salaries, paid time off, insurance plans, reimbursements, and retirement benefits.
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WesternU offers each eligible employee



  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Basic Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), Long Term Disability (LTD)
  • Retirement – 403(b) (100% vested on first day)
  • Paid Holidays (eligible employees) and a current policy for a paid two-week winter break (subject to change)
  • Sick/Vacation Time
  • Training/Professional Development
  • Service Awards
  • Tuition Reimbursement, Tuition Remission
  • Employee Assistance Program (emotional well-being, parenting & childcare, education, and legal assistance)
  • Vendor Discounts (entertainment, food, goods, services)
  • Ride Share
  • Wellness Program (Exercise Incentives, Reimbursements for Health Club/Gyms & Weight Watchers Memberships)


  • Employee Assistance Program

    There are times when everyone needs a little help or advice, or assistance with a serious concern. The EAP through OPTUM can help you handle a wide variety of personal issue such as emotional health and substance abuse; parenting and childcare needs; financial coaching; legal consultation; and eldercare resources.

    Best of all, contacting the EAP is completely confidential, free and available to any member of your immediate household.

    For additional information, please visit the OPTUM web site.
    Select “Browse as a guest with a company access code”
    Enter Access Code: westernu
    If you would like to talk to a person, call OPTUM at (800) 234-5465

  • Employee Discounts

    Vendors Offering Discounts to WesternU Employees

    WesternU is pleased to offer discounts to employees for fitness & gyms, food & entertainment, goods, and services.

    Individuals who choose to use the links should understand that they are offered only as a convenience and WesternU takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided at these sites.

    Fitness & Gyms

    Food & Entertainment

    Goods

    Services

  • Rideshare Program

    Welcome to the WesternU Employee Rideshare Incentive Program!

    Ridesharing is one of the strongest means in reducing smog emissions and improving the overall air quality in our communities. For this reason, Western University of Health Sciences encourages our employees to try out alternative methods of transportation to get to work!

    Who is eligible to receive incentives through WesternU’s Rideshare Program?

    – Regular full-time employees who use alternative means of transportation to get to work during “peak” commuting hours (Monday through Friday between 6:00am and 10:00am)

    – Regular part-time employees who work at least 5 hours per week and use alternative means of transportation to get to work during “peak” commuting hours (Monday through Friday between 6:00am and 10:00am)

    Who is ineligible to receive incentives through WesternU’s Rideshare Program?

    – Temporary employees
    – Student employees

    WESTERNU’S RIDESHARE PROGRAM INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING INCENTIVES FOR ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES:

    WesternU offers two paid incentive programs: Bonus Pay and Public Transit Subsidy. Eligible employees may only participate in one WesternU-sponsored Rideshare incentive program per month.

    All submissions for bonus pay and transit reimbursement are subject to verification and approval by WesternU’s Employee Transportation Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources.

    BONUS PAY

    Reimbursement Guidelines: A bonus pay of $3.00 per day will be granted to eligible employees who use alternative means of transportation (as listed below) to get to work during weekday peak morning commuting hours. The bonus pay will be included in employee paychecks on a monthly basis, provided that the employee submits their report by the stated deadline. Employees are not eligible for the bonus pay on weekends or paid University holidays.

    You will receive a monthly email requesting that you electronically report your commutes using the electronic Rideshare Form. If you carpool with other WesternU employees a Rideshare submission must be entered by each person to receive the bonus pay.

    If you experience an error when attempting to submit the electronic Rideshare Form, you will need to submit a JPROD Service Request.

    Carpool* & Vanpool

    Eligible employees who carpool* with one or more people for at least half of their drive to work during peak morning commuting hours qualify for the bonus pay. Carpool partners may include other WesternU employees, employees at other institutions, and friends/family members (including children being dropped off at school, day care, etc.).

    Employees who wish to carpool or vanpool to work together may agree upon one person in their group to purchase a parking permit through WesternU, then split the cost among the group as they choose. It is the permit holder’s responsibility to make financial arrangements with the other carpoolers. Up to three vehicles can be registered on one parking permit. Employees who share a parking permit must continue to submit monthly reimbursement forms through the Office of Human Resources to continue receiving the bonus pay incentive. Email parking@westernu.edu for questions regarding parking permits.

    * Please note that private rides-for-hire such as taxis, Uber (including Uberpool), Lyft, etc. do not count as carpooling.

    Bicycle & Walk

    Eligible employees who bicycle or walk to work during peak morning commuting hours qualify for the bonus pay.

    EV (Electric Vehicle) & PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)

    Eligible employees who drive a PHEV to work during peak morning commuting hours qualify for the bonus pay, provided that their entire commute from home to work is made solely on electric power, without any use of a gasoline engine or cogeneration system. Hybrid vehicle drivers should check the vehicle manufacturer’s stated full-charge electric range to make sure this applies to their vehicle.

    Motorcycle

    Eligible employees who drive a motorcycle during peak morning commuting hours must be riding with one other person for at least half of their drive to work to qualify for the bonus pay. Single riders are not eligible for bonus pay.

    PUBLIC TRANSIT SUBSIDY

    Reimbursement Guidelines: Eligible employees will be reimbursed a maximum of $120.00 per month for their public transit passes that were purchased to commute to work during weekday peak morning commuting hours. Original public transportation receipts noting the employee’s name should be submitted electronically to the Office of Human Resources at RideshareOHR@westernu.edu for reimbursement.

    RIDESHARE RECOGNITION

    Employees that participate in WesternU’s Rideshare Program for each of the three consecutive months in a quarter will receive a $5 gift card* to the University Bookstore.

    Other prizes will be gifted periodically in recognition of employees who regularly use alternative means of transportation to get to work. Prizes may include gift certificates, movie tickets, electronics, etc.*

    *Some prizes will be subject to applicable taxation on the employee’s following paycheck. Talk to your income tax advisor or WesternU’s payroll department for more information.

    RIDE GUIDES

    Personalized Ride Guides can (1.) match potential Rideshare partners based on home proximity and work start and end times and/or (2.) provide a route between your home and work via public transportation. Employees can obtain ride guides can by:

    1. Emailing RideshareOHR@westernu.edu – The Employee Transportation Coordinator will conduct a search via email for other WesternU employees in your area who can potentially carpool to work with you.
    2. Creating a profile at Ridematch.info – This website matches commuters based on proximity and work start/end times. You can be matched with other WesternU students and employees or individuals who are not employed with WesternU; filter your results however you’d prefer. All WesternU employees, including those that are ineligible for Rideshare incentives, are encouraged to use this site to find Rideshare partners!
    3. Getting a guide from Los Angeles Metro and/or Inland Empire Commuter – These regional transit agencies offer free personalized public transit (bike, bus, train) ride guides based on your location and ride match services (carpooling).

    THE FOLLOWING FREE RIDESHARE INCENTIVES ARE OFFERED THROUGH LOCAL TRANSIT AGENCIES TO ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES AT WESTERNU’S POMONA CAMPUS:

    Because local rideshare benefits are not connected to WesternU, eligible employees may participate in a local incentive program as well as a WesternU-sponsored incentive program.

    All submissions for local rideshare benefits are subject to verification and approval by the local transit agency and/or WesternU’s Employee Transportation Coordinator.

    $2/DAY START-UP INCENTIVE

    Courtesy of Inland Empire (IE) Commuter, eligible employees located in San Bernardino and Western Riverside County that are interested in trying out ridesharing for the first time (i.e. carpooling, vanpooling, riding the bus or train, biking, walking, telecommuting) may be eligible to receive $2/day in gift card incentives for every day that they rideshare in the first three months! To qualify, participants must:

    • Be brand new to ridesharing
    • Have been driving alone at least 90 days prior to their rideshare arrangement start date
    • Log a minimum of five roundtrip rideshares in their commute diary for three consecutive months

    Eligible employees interested in switching their commute to ridesharing can sign up for IE Commuter’s rewards program and start logging their rideshares:

    IE COMMUTER REWARDS PROGRAM

    In addition to the $2/day start-up incentive and local merchant discounts, IE Commuter has a monthly drawing for their Rideshare Program Spotlight. Winners can take home a monthly prize valued up to $100 and a chance to share their Ridesharing story! To be included in the monthly drawings, eligible employees located in San Bernardino and Western Riverside County must log eight roundtrip rideshares in their commute diary per month. Each trip counts as a sweepstakes entry. Remember: All you have to do to take advantage of all three of IE Commuter’s incentives is sign up and regularly log your weekday rideshare trips!

    METRO REWARDS PROGRAM

    Courtesy of LA Metro, eligible employees located in LA County can win gift cards and Metro passes in monthly drawings for reporting their rideshare trips to work! There is no minimum amount to qualify; the more you rideshare the more chances you have to win prizes! Create a profile at ridematch.info, then log your rideshare trips using the Commute Calendar to participate.

    FREE METRO TO WORK

    Courtesy of LA Metro, newly hired eligible employees located in LA County can apply for a free 7-day Metro pass and transit information! Email the Employee Transportation Coordinator at RideshareOHR@westernu.edu to request an application.

    GUARANTEED RIDE HOME

    Worried about carpooling to work and losing your ride home? WesternU partners with the regional Guaranteed Ride Home Program (GRH), which benefits ridesharing employees who have lost their ride home due to an unforeseen emergency during normal working hours. Emergency circumstances that qualify for a ride under the GRH Program include:

    • Personal illness/emergency
    • Unexpected illness/emergency of an immediate family member
    • Your carpool/vanpool driver has an emergency or unexpected overtime
    • Your supervisor requires you to work unexpected overtime

    IE Commuter and LA Metro reimburse emergency rides home via Lyft. If you find yourself stranded without a ride home from work, contact WesternU’s Employee Transportation Coordinator* at RideshareOHR@westernu.edu or University ext. 3751. The ETC will handle the logistics and payment; just sit back, relax, and be assured that your Lyft driver will get you home safely!

    *As a courtesy, the Office of Human Resources asks that you give at least 30 minutes-1 hour of notice when requesting a guaranteed ride home.
    Reimbursement amount and usage limits apply, as determined by the regional Guaranteed Ride Home Program handbook. Contact the Employee Transportation Coordinator for details.

    OTHER QUESTIONS?

    Contact WesternU’s Employee Transportation Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at RideshareOHR@westernu.edu or campus extension 3751.

  • Wellness Incentive Plan

    To promote the wellness and health of our employees, Western University of Health Sciences offers several benefits and incentives to encourage our employees to exercise.

    These are available to all regular full-time employees actively working a minimum of 30 hours per week.


    Health Club Reimbursement

    Employees can be reimbursed up to $100.00 annually (on a rolling 12-month calendar), for their health club membership.

    To receive this reimbursement, simply complete the Health Club Membership Reimbursement Form, attach a copy of your receipt or proof of payment that details who the membership was for, the date of the payment, and the amount that was paid and e-mail to HRBenefits@westernu.edu.


    LA Fitness Membership Agreement

    WesternU has negotiated special rates for memberships to LA Fitness as shown below. Membership includes access to all group fitness classes like Yoga, Cardio Blast, and more, at your selected club.

    Membership Type Pricing Membership Details Exclusions*
    Single State Paid in Full $299.00 annually Paid in full for 12 months of access to
    all LA Fitness & Esporta clubs
    within state of enrollment.
    Excludes signature clubs and clubs outside of state.
    Signature Paid in Full $359.00 annually Paid in full for 12 months of access to
    all LA Fitness & Esporta clubs
    in U.S. & Canada.
    N/A
    Single State Monthly $0 Initiation Fee
    $29.99 Monthly Dues
    $49.00 Annual Fees
    Grants access to all LA Fitness & Esporta clubs within state of enrollment. Excludes signature clubs and clubs outside of state.
    Signature Monthly $0 Initiation Fee
    $34.99 Monthly Dues
    $49.00 Annual Fee
    Grants access to all LA Fitness & Esporta Clubs in U.S. & Canada. N/A

    *Future club locations and brands may be excluded at the discretion of LA Fitness for any of these membership types.

    Vouchers for the discounted rates are available as Electronic PDF Document, upon request.



    SamFit Membership Agreement (Oregon Campus ONLY)

    WesternU has negotiated special rates for memberships to SamFit as shown below.

    Membership benefits include:

    • No enrollment or activation fees
    • Free access card upon enrollment
    • Free new member consult, wellness-life coaching consult, dietician consult
    • Up to 15% discount on all additional services (e.g. personal training, nutrition/health coaching)
    • Discounted Annual health risk assessments (available as part of the Wellness Package purchase)
    • Free unlimited access to the onsite health, wellness & fitness educational sessions
    • Free unlimited access to select group exercise classes (SamCircuit, SamCore, SamCircuit Express, and SamFlex)
    • Free access to Albany SamFit racquetball courts, saunas and classes
    • 24/7/365 access to all SamFit facilities (including Corvallis, Lebanon, Albany, etc.)
    • Additional Family Add-ons: $10.00/month

    Membership Fees:

    Membership Type Pricing
    Primary Member (18 yrs. or older) $30.00 / month
    1st addition (Spouse/Partner)* $15.00 / month
    Other Additions (Children over 16 yrs.)* $10.00 / month

    A valid WesternU ID is required to receive these discounts. All members under the same account must live within the same household and be at least 16 years of age.

    Locations:

    SamFit of Lebanon
    35 Mullins Dr. Ste 3
    Lebanon, OR 97355
    (541) 451-6990
    SamFit of Corvallis
    777 NW 9th St. Ste. 310
    Corvallis, OR 97330
    (541) 768-5850
    SamFit of Albany
    380 NW Hickory Ave
    Albany, OR 97321
    (541) 812-3300
    SamFit of Newport
    1111 SW 10th St.
    Newport, OR 97365
    (541) 574-9062

    Weight watchers logo on a black background.

    In order to promote the balance of employee work and personal life, WesternU offers a 50% reimbursement for dues/membership fees paid to Weight Watchers when you join at work, online, or at a physical location.

    To receive this reimbursement, simply complete the Weight Watchers Reimbursement Form, attach documentation stating your current membership status and a copy of you receipt, cancelled check/s, or statement and return it to Human Resources. This reimbursement is taxable and will be added to your paycheck.

    For general questions regarding Weight Watchers and information on meetings held on campus please contact Benefits, HRBenefits@westernu.edu.


    Exercise Incentive

    The University offers a financial incentive to employees for exercising. To take advantage of this incentive, employees should keep track of each day they exercise for at least 30 minutes. At the end of each 18-week period, an e-mail will be sent from the Office of Human Resources that includes a hyperlink and instructions on how to electronically submit your exercise days.

    You may be paid up to a total of $54.00 ($1.00 per day) if you exercise at least 30 minutes, an average of 3 times per week, for a total of 54 days during an 18-week period. The money is taxable and will be included in your paycheck.


    For questions regarding these wellness incentives and reimbursements, please contact Human Resources at HRBenefits@westernu.edu or 909-706-3751.

    Reimbursement forms can be found on the Human Resources’ Forms page.

  • Holidays Observed

    The University recognizes the following holidays (campus closed on day of holiday or an observed day):

    • Christmas Day
    • Independence Day
    • Indigenous People’s Day
    • Juneteenth Day
    • Labor Day
    • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
    • Memorial Day
    • New Year’s Day
    • President’s Day
    • Thanksgiving
    • Veterans’ Day

    For more information on the annual University calendar including holidays, orientation, convocation, commencement, and fall, winter, spring recess, refer to the academic calendar.