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Benefits & Total Compensation

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As the third largest employer in the state, the University of Washington understands that employee benefits need to go beyond the basics. Here you will find a great package of traditional healthcare and savings benefits, plus the opportunity to discover offerings from across the University that help you make the most of UW employment.

In addition to your paycheck, you will receive a generous benefits package and access to many other valuable programs, services, and resources that you can tailor to meet your personal needs.

Choice Medical and Dental Coverage—Choose from a wide assortment of medical and dental plans for the coverage you and your loved ones need. Plus, save money on your medical expenses with an IRS-approved, tax-exempt, medical Flexible Spending Account.

Basics in a Big Way—In addition to top medical and dental options, the UW offers a complete basic benefits package unmatched by other employers. The UW provides $25,000 life insurance and long term disability insurance options for faculty and staff, with coverage you can easily supplement. Round out these basics with a generous amount of eleven paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Healthy Extras—UW faculty and staff enjoy a number of services to help stay healthy. The UWellness program offers quick access to the many UW services, activities, and groups that support employees' health and well-being. For a great workout, employees can participate in UW Recreational Sports for sports and fitness classes, use of the golf driving range, the Waterfront Activities Center, and more.

When Employees Need Assistance—We care for our employees and their families with free confidential counseling, child and elder care referrals, financial, and legal services from UW CareLink (our faculty and staff assistance program).

Weight Watchers@Work—Weekly Weight Watchers@Work meetings on campus for UW faculty and staff seeking solutions for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

Build Your Nest Egg—As a UW staff member, you'll enjoy a retirement plan geared to your employment program. Your nest egg will grow even more if you participate in our tax-deferred Voluntary Investment Program.

Save on Medical Care—Save money on your medical expenses with our tax-exempt, medical Flexible Spending Account.

Save on Dependent Care Expenses—The Dependent Care Assistance Program gives you significant tax-exempt savings for eligible dependent care expenses by funding a reimbursement account from your pay.

Employee Discounts—Save some green on goods and services through various discounts for UW employees.

Holidays—Eleven paid holidays per year: One personal holiday and ten observed holidays (New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas).

Annual Leave—Annual (vacation) leave is accrued anywhere from eight to 16 hours per month depending on employee's length of service and employment program.

Sick Leave—Most employees accrue eight hours of sick leave per month. Other Paid Leave—Bereavement Leave, Civil Leave, Military Duty Related Leave, we've got them plus more.

When Employees Need Assistance—We care for our employees and their families with free confidential counseling, child and elder care referrals, financial, and legal services from UW Carelink (our faculty and staff assistance program).

How Fast They Grow—We help you in finding quality childcare to suit your needs, including the services at our UW Children's Centers.

Lactation Support—Breastfeeding moms will be glad to know that there are 12 on-site lactation stations available.

Elder & Adult Care—Find resources for adult and aging loved ones.

Flexible Work Options—Flexwork and Telework options are not an entitlement; however, the UW supports their development when your manager determines that such an arrangement meets your needs and those of the department.

Discount Program—Save some green on goods and services through various discounts for UW employees.

Gettin' Around—The award-winning U-PASS program offers great discounts on local and regional bus service, including Metro Transit, Community Transit and Sound Transit. Your U-PASS provides discounts for car sharing (with Flexcar), parking, and carpooling. You will even be reimbursed for a ride home should an emergency arise.

Art and Culture—Special discounts on art, cultural, and sporting events, including Henry Art Gallery, Burke Museum, Meany Theatre, Husky Sports, and more.

Help with Home Buying—Everyone dreams of owning a home. With our Hometown Home Loan Program that dream can be realized a little sooner.

Get Smart—Pursue your college degree while you pursue a UW career. Course tuition is waived (six credits per quarter). Continue to polish your skills with training courses and workshops, from technology to personal and professional development.