Review Our Answers

QUESTION:
Can staff register for classes if they are not pursuing a degree under non-degree status? If so, how?

ANSWER:
An employee needs to be degree seeking or non-degree to be eligible for tuition remission

If qualified, an eligible faculty/staff member may apply tuition remission benefits to undergraduate or graduate courses taken at LMU under non-degree status. All Bulletin restrictions and requirements apply to courses taken under non-degree status including, but not limited to, restrictions on the number of units/semesters in which an individual may enroll under non-degree status.

Eligible faculty/staff members receive 100% tuition remission credit for courses taken at LMU under non-degree status. To register for courses, an employee must first be admitted to LMU through the Admissions process. Once admitted, the request for tuition remission benefits must be completed and submitted to human resources for processing.

QUESTION:
How do I increase my contribution to my HSA?

ANSWER:
To increase employee contributions to LMU's HealthSave, Health Savings Account (HSA), please contact Beverly Clayton, Human Resources Benefits Coordinator, at beverly.clayton@lmu.edu or she may be reached at 310-338-3803.

QUESTION:
Do we have the option of cashing out our vacation time?

ANSWER:
Under extraordinary circumstances, a staff member may, by written request to human resources, request that he/she receive pay in lieu of taking time off. The decision to grant such a request is reviewed with division leadership and approved at the sole discretion of the appropriate Executive or Senior Vice President.

LMU's Staff Vacation Policy may be found here.

QUESTION:
Can we get car insurance through the university? If so, how do we learn more about this. Thank you!

ANSWER:
Yes, MetLife Auto & Home insurance is offered through LMU's voluntary benefits program. You may find specific information here. You may also call MetLife at 800-438-6388.

QUESTION:
I was hoping you might post the slide from the original HR onboarding. I was particularly interested in the some of the discounts that we are eligible for and a little more insight into the tuition remission.

ANSWER:

Tuition Remission policy for faculty/staff may be viewed here and the policy for eligible dependents may be found here. Sharon Jay, Senior Human Resources Specialist, is our Tuition Remission coordinator. Her email is sharon.jay@lmu.edu and her direct telephone number is 310-338-4512.

QUESTION: 

I would like to know if there are any upcoming FERPA trainings offered this spring or summer? 

ANSWER: 

Yes, FERPA training is offered annually (last year in March). The Office of the Registrar is responsible for this training. Specific questions may be forwarded to the registrar@lmu.edu.

More about FERPA training - 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended ("FERPA"), is the Federal law which governs student privacy and the confidentiality of student education records. Loyola Marymount University ("LMU") complies with and enforces the confidentiality of student education records under FERPA. 

As members of the LMU community who manage student records information and/or act in the students' educational interest, we are required to regularly demonstrate our knowledge and understanding of FERPA and its requirements and to remain mindful of what it means to keep student education records confidential. One of the demonstrable ways we do so is by continuing education. 

QUESTION: 
Does LMU have any preferred vendors for starting a 529 plan (college savings plan)? 

ANSWER: 
Although the University does not offer an employer-sponsored 529 College Savings Plan and has no preferred vendor recommendations, there are several options for opening a 529 College Savings Plan account. Follows is a link to an article that provides general information about 529 College Savings Plans. 

QUESTION: 
What is the reason for not locking the faculty/staff parking area in Drollinger? 

ANSWER: 
"Gates" in the internal lots have proven to be dysfunctional 50% or more of the time. During times when they are not working, because the arm is either missing and/or in an up position, students have interpreted that as they are allowed to park in the otherwise restricted areas. Several lots on campus in addition to Drollinger (University Hall, Life Sciences parking garage, Lot F and Whelan Lane) have designated areas reserved for faculty/staff. These are consistently indicated by signage and/or distinctive color striping of the spaces. Non-faculty/staff vehicles in these areas are regularly issued citations ranging from $20-$80.

QUESTION: 
What would be the best way to nominate or elect someone for a leadership skills/executive coaching? 

ANSWER: 
Direct reports do not participate in the nomination process. The staff member's immediate supervisor in consultation with leadership identify the need and appropriate program. The University offers leadership development opportunities and/or coaching for different reasons: 

• Promotion to a leadership role 
• Newly hired at the University in a leadership role 
• Demonstrated high potential - skill, ability and motivation to promote
• Self identifies

QUESTION: 
What is the vacation cap for an employee that has worked under 5 years?

ANSWER: 
Vacation accruals and maximum accruals (cap) vary depending upon your classification. See the University's Vacation Policy & Procedure