The start of the semester is the start of a new year, even for faculty and staff at Chapman. It inspires that feeling of wiping the slate clean and setting new schedules and goals.
“September is a great time to review your benefits package at Chapman and take advantage of programs that might be new to you,” said Joanna Hernandez, assistant vice president of compensation and benefits. “Open enrollment will be here before you know it and you’ll be more prepared to take advantage of every opportunity.”
Most employees are familiar with Chapman’s robust health plans with low premiums, highly competitive retirement match and generous time away from work, but Hernandez says that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Here’s how some members of the Chapman family are making the most of their total rewards package.
Education
With lifelong learning at the core of its mission, the breadth and depth of Chapman’s educational benefits are no surprise. This year, 86 students have parents who work for Chapman and are eligible for the discounted or free tuition. Three additional families participate in tuition exchange, a reciprocal scholarship program that opens up opportunities at over 600 participating institutions. Tuition benefits are also available to Chapman employees who are interested in forwarding their own education. Chapman faculty and staff also have access to the Scholarshare 529 which allows them to start saving and investing post-tax dollars to save for college tuition for children or grandchildren.
“My Chapman tuition benefits allow me to pursue my graduate degree while my son earns his undergraduate degree,” says Sara Elsenpeter, endowment gift account manager. “Sharing the Chapman experience with him is incredibly rewarding and meaningful.”
Gail Nishida, chief compliance officer, is retiring after 19 years at Chapman and describes the university as her home. Her family took advantage of Tuition Exchange. “Through this program, we were able to access a national network of colleges and universities that provide tuition scholarships for employees’ dependents,” she said. “It made it possible for my daughter to attend USC at a greatly reduced cost, lifting a tremendous financial burden and opening doors to opportunities for her.”
Whole-Person Wellness
Wellness goes beyond health insurance, vision and dental, all of which Chapman provides and supplements generously. Additional benefits include gym membership discounts and access to Chapman’s 4,000 square-foot Julianna Argyros Fitness Center and Rock Climbing Wall. Wellness webinars and financial wellness resources are featured each month, while the Fish Interfaith Center is open to those interested in exploring their own personal spiritual journey.
ThrivePass, one of the most flexible benefits, deposits funding into an account reserved specifically for wellness activities, services and products. Vendor partners include Corepower Yoga, 24-Hour Fitness and Lifetime Athletic.
“ThrivePass is great. They put money in your account every month automatically, and I have been using it on REI gift cards so I can save up to buy a bike for my daughter,” said Matt Watson, senior director of executive and strategic communications.
The employee assistance program provides counseling and work-life services through Health Advocate and The Standard, as well as identify theft and fraud resolution.
Financial Wellness
Chapman’s benefits package has a unique partnership with Schools First Credit Union. Perks include great rates for car and home loans. Build your children’s credit early with a special card program just for teenagers.
When it comes to saving for retirement, Chapman supports employees with a generous match. Eligible employees receive an automatic 3%, and on top of that, when employees invest their own money, they can receive up to 6% in additional matching funds from Chapman. “I can’t stress our retirement and match program enough,” said Hernandez. “I can’t believe how many of our employees are leaving ‘free money’ on the table.”
Need advice? TIAA and Fidelity are on campus regularly for in-person appointments.
Entertainment and Travel
From concerts to museums to shopping and dining, Chapman’s access to Great Work Perks and Fun Express gives employees access to discounts nationwide on some of the Nation’s most sought-after destinations, near and far.
“I bought discounted Disneyland tickets for my family through the Fun Express website, which saved me about $75 on top of the Southern California Resident 3-Day deal. I haven’t lived in California long, so that was the first time my kids and I had ever been. It’s already a perk that Chapman is so close to the park, but making it more affordable to go is amazing,” Watson said.
A discount through Zip Car will get faculty, staff and their families to wherever they are headed. “Travel assistance through health plans is another often-overlooked benefit that provides valuable information about accessing medical care in the event of an emergency while traveling,” said Hernandez. “Both Cigna and Kaiser provide these services.”
Life and Family
For everything else in life, there is an array of discounts and services to make life easier. Bright Horizons Care Advantage connects Chapman faculty and staff to back-up childcare and eldercare resources helping them find babysitters, nannies and senior care.
Discounts on auto, home and pet insurance provides peace of mind while a voluntary legal plan can assist with wills, living wills and basic legal advice.
Top off these total rewards with free parking and a work location in one of the most desirable counties in the United States, it’s no wonder that Chapman employees find long-time careers at the university.
