Letter of Appointment
A Letter of Appointment (LOA) employee is a temporary part-time faculty member. The university provides benefits to Letter of Appointment employees who are assigned duties that are considered exempt by the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulations and is employed at 50% Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) or more for a period less than twenty-four months.
This includes Part Time Instructors (PTIs) depending on the number of credits they are teaching per semester.
More information is available on the Letter of Appointment (LOA) Guidelines webpage.
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Health Benefits
Health coverage for LOAs begins on the first day of the month concurrent with, or following, the effective date of your date of hire. If your position begins after the first day of the month, your coverage will not begin until the first day of the following month.
Family and dependents are eligible to be added to the plan at the same time an employee elects coverage. For additional eligibility guidelines, review the overview section.
Family and Dependent Eligibility Overview
Coverage ends the last day of the month in which your employment ends.
Voluntary Benefits
Benefits-eligible employees can elect to participate in voluntary benefit programs. Enrollment with Public Employee Benefits Program (PEBP) health insurance is not required to enroll in any of these products.
Medicare Plans
Individuals become eligible for Medicare coverage when they turn 65. Enrollment is not required if enrolled in a group medical plan with the Public Employee Benefits Program (PEBP).
Medicare and PEBP Coverage Overview
Additional Resources
Medical Plan Options
There are three medical plan options for you to choose from so you can find coverage that meets your needs.
Part Time Instructor Health Coverage Eligibility
Coverage is available for Part Time Instructors who are at least 50% full time equivalent (FTE). The following chart details what months are covered for the term taught.
| Term | Month(s) |
|---|---|
| Spring | January - May |
| Summer I | June |
| Summer II | July |
| Summer III | August |
| Fall | September - December |
Prescription Benefits
Prescription benefits differ based on the medical plan you choose. The Statewide CDHP - PPO and Low Deductible PPO plan use Express Scripts and the HMO plan uses OPTUM Rx to manage prescription benefits.
Vision Benefits
Vision benefits, copays, and coverages differ based on the health plan that you choose. Most plans cover all or part of the cost of prescription eyeglasses or contacts on a bi-yearly basis.
Dental Benefits
Dental coverages are the same for all three medical care plans. Coinsurance rates differ based on whether your provider is in-network or out-of-network.
Health Savings Accounts & Health Reimbursement Arrangements
If you select the PPO - Consumer Driven Health Plan, you may choose a health savings account or a health reimbursement account to assist you in overing medical bills.
Health Savings Accounts & Health Reimbursement Arrangement Overview
Time Off and Leave
Letter of Appointment employees do not accrue annual or sick leave. If these employees need sick leave, they must discuss available options with their supervisor.
Wellness
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a University of Nevada, Las Vegas sponsored program. The EAP is managed by ComPsych. The program provides all employees with assistance to address personal everyday challenges and obtain resources and information needed to support positive change and improve your well-being.
The program provides:
- Emotional support for issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, greif, loss, and life
- Qualified referrals and resources for finding child and elder care, hiring movers, home repair contractors, planning events and locating pet care
- Legal guidance and resources for divorce, adoption, family law, wills, trusts, and more
- Financial experts who can assist with retirement planning, taxes, relocation, mortgages, insurance, budgeting, debt, and bankruptcy
- Online information tools and support such as podcasts, articles, videos, slideshows
- On-demand training
The faculty/staff wellness webpage also provides on-campus resources based on the Eight Dimensions of Wellness.
Tuition Assistance and Professional Development
Grant-in-Aid Program
The university offers a Grant-in-Aid program to Letter of Appointment employees.
Learning & Development
A variety of personal and professional development opportunities are available to develop and enhance our workforce including:
- Virtual Professional Development Seminar series
- Management Training Academy
- Real Colors
- Leadership Coaching Program
These programs are available from our Learning & Development unit.
Retirement
All university employees do not participate in Social Security. Part-time instructors, Letter of Appointment, seasonal, temporary, and casual employees do not participate in the university’s mandatory retirement plan but are required to participate in the FICA alternative plan.
- 7.5% is withheld from the employee’s total salary on a pretax basis and invested in a guaranteed interest-bearing account under your name
- No additional contributions are permitted
- The Nevada Deferred Compensation (NDC) Program administers the FICA alternative retirement program
- VOYA is the sole record keeper for this plan
- To manage your account, login to the VOYA web portal
Withdrawal
Letter of Appointment employees are eligible to withdraw these monies when they separate from service or are off payroll for at least one month. Participants can contact the Nevada Deferred Compensation customer service line at 1-855-467-3868 or log in to the VOYA website. Withdrawals are subject to taxes.
Voluntary Retirement Plans
Contact
If you have any questions about your benefits, please contact your HR business team representative.