
New Faculty, Staff & Postdocs
Welcome to UCR! Now that you are onboard, we want to insure you have access to accurate internal resources to obtain the support you need and to answer your questions. We are providing the Scope of Services Reference Guide to help point you in the right direction. The reference guide notes specific services offered to faculty, staff and postdocs relating to benefit enrollment, activation and support; department human resources services, and leave administration. Please reach out to your department human resources representative for contact information.

Everything You Want to Know About Your UC Benefits
As a new or newly eligible employee, you have a 31-day period of initial eligibility (PIE) to enroll yourself and eligible family member(s). Before you enroll, take these steps to help you understand the UC benefits that are available to you and to ensure that you are making well-informed decisions for you and your family. Also be sure to view the New Employee Welcome Kit.
View – Employee Benefits Overview video
Review – A Complete Guide to Your UC Benefits
Attend – New Employee Benefits Orientation webinar
Visit – UCnet Compensation and Benefits webpage
Resource - New Faculty & Staff Contact Sheet
Introducing Alex
ALEX — your personal benefits coach — helps find the plans that fit you best. Learn more.
Benefits Information

Benefits
Orientations
New Employee Benefits Orientation The New Employee Benefits Orientation (NEBO) is offered by the UCPath Center via live webinar. The webinar is designed to offer new faculty and staff the flexibility to learn about UC health and welfare benefits and retirement plans on a mobile device or at their desk. New Employee Monthly | First Friday | 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
New Mid-Level Benefits Eligible Employees Monthly | 2nd Thursdays | 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. How For instructions on how to attend the New Employee Benefits Orientation, please review the New Employee Benefits Orientation flyer.
If you have questions regarding NEBO, please contact the UCPath Center at (855) 982-7284 or by email at ucpath@universityofcalifornia.edu. New Employee Financial Planning and Retirement OrientationUCR offers assistance to employees required to make a selection on the UC Retirement Choice program and contributing to a voluntary UC retirement savings plan. Additional benefits re offered through California Casualty insurance, Altura and SchoolsFirst local credit unions. Please visit the following section—Financial Planning & Benefits Resources—to learn from the plan experts, obtain information, receive guidance and answers to your questions in order to make quality decisions about investing in your future. Each tile provides access to important information about the vendors, the benefits and services each offers, contact information, interactive webinars and resources, and tips on maintaining health and overall well-being in all areas of life. |

Benefits Plan
Enrollment
How to Enroll in Benefit Plans The UCPath Center and the UCPath Portal is where all employee health and welfare benefits are managed. Once you receive your UC Net ID—benefit elections for newly eligible employees, qualifying mid-year plan changes, and annual open enrollment updates are processed through the UCPath portal by visiting the UCPath portal at https://ucpath.universityofcalifornia.edu. You may also view your personal information, leave balances, income and taxes and retirement and savings plan information. Dependent Enrollment Verification UC requires all faculty and staff who enroll household family members into medical, dental and/or vision insurance plans to provide supporting documents to verify the family members' eligibility for coverage. For more information, please review the Family Member Eligibility Verification - Dependent Definitions and Documents Required. UnifyHR is the organization responsible for administering the dependent verification process for UC health and welfare plans. UnifyHR sends a Request for Verification packet to employees within 90 days following adding dependents. Recipients must respond by the deadline noted on the cover letter or risk disenrollment of household family members from UC benefits. Employees adding dependents during Open Enrollment will also receive requests for eligibility verification materials to complete the enrollment process. UnifyHR offers assistance in multiple languages. For more information and resources (i.e., definitions, eligibility, FAQs, documentation) please visit the UCnet Family Member Eligibility Verification webpage. Benefits Eligibility UC offers three benefits packages—Full, Mid-level and Core. Your eligibility for a particular package depends on the type of job you have, the percentage of time you work and the length of your appointment. For more information, please visit the UCnet Benefits Eligibility webpage. |

UC Retirement
Information
Making your choice of UC Retirement Plans A very important benefit available to you is contributing to the UC Retirement Plan and it is equally important that you take swift action to make an election. The sooner you decide which option is best for you—Pension Choice or Savings Choice—the sooner you begin receiving service credit towards vesting and UC contributions. You have 90 days from your retirement option eligibility date to choose a primary retirement benefit; your enrollment window closes once you submit a choice and elections are irrevocable. Once you’ve decided which option is best for you, making your choice is fast and easy—view the UC Retirement Choice Program—Steps For Electing Pension Choice or Saving Choice. If you don’t choose a primary retirement option, you will be automatically enrolled in the Pension Choice plan at the end of the 90-day period. Ready to make your choice, please visit this website to proceed https://myucretirement.com/choose. UC Retirement Plan Counseling Need a little help understanding your options and which pension plan to elect? Fidelity Investments Financial Counselors are available to assist you. Please visit the Fidelity Consultations & Workshops webpage to schedule a counseling appointment with our dedicated Fidelity representative or call a Fidelity Investments consultant for counseling at (800) 558-9182. UC Retirement At Your Service Once you have made your benefit and retirement plan elections, UC Retirement at Your Service (UCRAYS) is available to you at any time to view and track your retirement service credit and run estimates of your retirement benefits. Once you have made your pension plan election, please complete the next steps by visiting the UCRAYS website to designate your beneficiaries for your life insurance plans, pension benefits and UC business travel insurance. CalPERS/CalSTRS Pension Reciprocity If you are a member of both the University of California Retirement Plan (UCRP) and the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) or the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS), you may become vested sooner or be able to retire with a higher benefit than if you were a member of just one plan. To take advantage of these benefits, you will need to establish reciprocity between the two plans. To learn more about how reciprocity works, who is eligible and how to establish reciprocity, please visit the following resources: Voluntary Retirement Plans Beneficiary Designation If you decide to enroll in additional retirement savings options like the 403(b), 457(b) or Defined Compensation Plan (DCP), remember to take the next step and designate your beneficiary for these savings options. These beneficiary elections are separate from your UC Retirement Plan beneficiaries. Please visit Fideltity NetBenefits website to enter your beneficiaries. |

Postdoctoral Benefits
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Financial Planning & Benefits Resources
Credit Unions
Altura Federal Credit UnionServing Riverside County and existing to meet the needs of the members by providing many financial savings and planning options available exclusively to UC employees and ways your financial well-being will be positively impacted. The Altura Federal Credit website also details all the benefits and services offered to UCR employees through our partnership. Information | Resources Altura Credit Union Representative Email: jsmith@alturacu.com SchoolsFirst Federal Credit UnionServing the educational community in the state of California, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union was established to "help improve each other's lives." SchoolsFirst prides itself on the commitment to work for its members, providing many benefits to the education industry. Information | Resources SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Representative Cynthia Covarrubias, Membership Development Specialist Wescom Credit UnionSince 1934, Wescom Credit Union has been dedicated to helping members throughout Southern California build better lives. Anyone in SoCal can open an account and experience better banking. Information | Resources Wescom Credit Union Representative Andrea M. Ortega, Corporate Partnership Manager |
Early Childhood
Services
The curriculum at the UCR Early Childhood Services follows guidelines set by the California Department of Education and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. All of our programs are accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. Teachers provide developmentally appropriate experiences in math, science, language, art, music, motor skills and social/emotional skills. They use a range of learning materials including books, puzzles, computers and art materials with regular access to outdoor play equipment. Teachers follow a daily schedule, prepare weekly lesson plans and conduct two parent-teacher conferences each year. Parents receive a written progress report at the end of each year. We provide breakfast, lunch and a morning and/or afternoon snack. Our active parent association meets regularly to plan family-oriented events and fundraisers. Students and researchers are welcome at ECS, which features observation rooms that are available to parents as well. For more information, please visit the Early Childhood Services website. |
Faculty and Staff
Assistance Program
The University of California Riverside has partnered with ComPsych® to assist you and your household family members with counseling regarding personal concerns that may be affecting your personal life and/or job performance. They utilize licensed counselors who are trained and experienced in working with people who find themselves facing normal but unexpected difficulties in their lives. ComPsych® offers referral services, brief therapy, services for you and your dependents, daytime/evening/weekend appointments, multiple locations, bilingual services, and a 24hr/7-day crisis hotline. Appointments are scheduled away from your place of employment to protect confidentiality and assistance is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For more information, please visit the UCR Faculty and Staff Assistance Program. Information | Resources Please click on the following links for a general orientation for all of the services offered to all UCR faculty and staff by ComPsych. The legal and financial services shared are secondary offerings for those that are not eligible for or enrolled in a UC legal plan.
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Farmers Insurance
Farmers Insurance offers personal auto, homeowners, and renter’s insurance available to UCR faculty and staff. Farmers Insurance is a powerful tool that gives you access to multiple quotes from top carriers, so you can choose the auto, home and renter's insurance for your individual needs. The Farmers Insurance on-line quoting tool allows qualified employees to:
If you’re interested in taking advantage of this employee benefit, call Farmers at 844-297-3773, or visit the Farmers Insurance website to go get your quotes today. Disclaimer *Based on the average nationwide annual savings in 2020 reported by new customers who called our employer and affinity call center, switched their auto insurance to an insurance policy issued through our employer or affinity program, and realized savings. Potential savings vary by customer and may vary by state and product. Farmers Insurance is used by Farmers General Insurance Agency, Inc. (the "Agency") and other independent agencies and captive agents to provide consumers a broad choice of insurance providers. Program information provided by the following specific insurers seeking to obtain insurance business underwritten by Farmers Property and Casualty Insurance Company (a MA licensee) and certain of its affiliates: Economy Fire & Casualty Company, Economy Premier Assurance Company, Economy Preferred Insurance Company, Farmers Casualty Insurance Company, Farmers Direct Property and Casualty Insurance Company (CA Certificate of Authority: 6730; Warwick, RI), Farmers Group Property and Casualty Insurance Company (CA COA: 6393; Warwick, RI), or Farmers Lloyds Insurance Company of Texas, all with administrative home offices in Warwick, RI. Farmers Insurance Coverage, rates, discounts, and policy features vary by state and product and are available in most states to those who qualify. [3730835.1] |
Fidelity Investments
UC Retirement Plans
Need to make a decision about which UC Pension plan to select? The following tools and information are available to assist you with your UC Retirement Plan options—included are a few other benefits available to employees at any time. Be sure to visit the various informational webpages, review the presentations, and reach out to the plan representatives to answer questions or provide additional information. Live Webinars | Overview The following provides a detailed explanation of the primary retirement options.
Contacts Please contact Brandon Moore for inquiries and about the UC Retirement Plan and Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan options, a consultation or to request a virtual meeting via Zoom.
Brandon Moore, CRPC® |
Healthcare Facilitator
Program
The Health Care Facilitator (HCF) is here to help faculty and staff, retirees, survivors and their eligible household family members to better understand and obtain the full benefits and services available from the UC-sponsored health plans. Health Care Facilitators are located in the Benefits Offices at all UC campuses. Assistance and Resolution The Health Care Facilitator is a knowledgeable counselor who will provide you with confidential one-on-one assistance in resolving health plan issues. There is no charge for the services provided by the Health Care Facilitators. Information | Resources
UCR Health Care Facilitator Ranada Palmer, UCR HCF |
Healthy
Campus
UCR is taking an integrated and comprehensive approach to elevate health and well-being at UCR. Healthy Campus invests in improving the health and quality of life of our UCR campus community. UCR’s Healthy Campus has formed partnerships with staff, faculty, students and the surrounding community to develop, implement, and institutionalize policies and environments essential for sustainable behavior change, making the healthy choice the easy choice. Information | Resources |
Landed Down
Payment Program
![]() Landed's down payment program is currently waitlisted in your area. Regardless of waitlist status, you can still sign up to learn about other Landed programs to kickstart your homebuying journey and be the first to know when we open co-investment to new customers.
Thinking about homeownership? UCR is proud to partner with Landed to expand access to homeownership for employees. Landed offers up to $120,000 in shared equity toward a down payment on a home, as well as other comprehensive home buying resources. |
Landed's shared-equity down payment program invests alongside UC Riverside employees to help them reach a 20% down payment. Landed’s funds come in the form of an equity investment, meaning homebuyers share in a portion of the gain (or loss, if any) of the home’s value once the partnership is ended—typically by sale or refinance. Program Highlights
Online Information Sessions Over the next few weeks, Landed is hosting online information sessions for all employees interested in learning more about their services, which include access to $120,000 in shared equity toward down payment on a home. Join Landed at an upcoming info session to learn more: www.landed.com/events If you are unable to attend an info session or if you would like to connect with a Landed teammate sooner, visit landed.com/signup. An info session recorded in Spanish is available here. Resources
Contact Landed Mortgage Origination Program For information regarding the University of California Mortgage Origination Program (MOP), please contact the following:
Disclaimer Please note: This is not a UCR benefit. Landed works with many employers in several states and is not affiliated with, endorsed, or sponsored by UCR, UC or any UCSF affiliate or UC affiliate. Any interested employee should independently review and investigate this program to ensure it meets their needs. Landed’s down-payment support program will provide an option for employees who cannot benefit from UCOP’s Mortgage Origination Program (MOP), which is limited to academic senate appointment faculty and senior management group staff. The two programs will co-exist for the different employee groups. |
Public Service Loan
Forgiveness Program
The information provided below is being shared to bring awareness to the availability of the Federal student loan forgiveness program for all UC employees making payments towards paying off the loan. Please review the information below, visit the links to the program website, and contact FedLoan Servicing at (855) 265-4038 if you have any questions about the program. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) If you are employed by a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government or not-for-profit organization, you might be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit the PSLF website to see whether you might qualify. PSLF Eligibility Requirements and Process To qualify for PSLF, you must:
You must be working for a qualifying employer at the time you submit the form for forgiveness and at the time the remaining balance on your loan is forgiven. Whether you have made 120 qualifying payments, or working toward loan forgiveness, it is recommended to complete and submit the (PSLF) & Temporary Expanded PSLF (TEPSLF) Certification & Application (PSLF form) to determine if you are making qualifying PSLF payments. This will help you determine if you are on the right track for loan forgiveness as early as possible. Submit the form to the UCPath Center for employer certification. The UCPath Center is responsible for certifying the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) form only and will defer any questions about the program to the PSLF website for answers. Here are the steps to submit the completed PSLF form to the UCPath Center:
Submitting an Inquiry
After UCPath signs the form, send the completed form to FedLoan Servicing, the U.S. Department of Education’s federal loan servicer for the PSLF Program. You may mail the form to the following address or fax to (717) 720-1628: U.S. Department of Education If FedLoan Servicing is already your servicer, you may upload your PSLF form on their website. For questions, review the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program FAQ webpage or contact FedLoan Servicing at (855) 265-4038 |
UCR Athletic All Sports Pass
The All Sports Pass is a great way to support Highlander student-athletes, catch every game, and save money in the process. All Sports Passes are available for $80 per person, and grant the bearer general admission to all UC Riverside ticketed athletics events: Current and retired university employees are also welcome to purchase up to three All Sports Passes each. For more information and to purchase tickets: https://gohighlanders.com/news/2021/11/1/general-uc-riverside-faculty-staff-and-administrators-offered-all-sports-pass.aspx |
UCR
Discounts
UCR employees are eligible for an abundance of discounts. Visit the UCR Discounts webpage where you will find discounts on everything from phone service to shopping, lodging and dining around the UCR campus. |
UCR
R' Card
The UCR ID Card (R'Card) is an interactive ID that facilitates commerce and access across the campus (and beyond) for students, staff and faculty. You will want to keep it with you at all times. Visit the UCR Card Services website for more information. |
UCR Recreation Center
At the University of California, Riverside's Recreation department, our programs help Highlanders develop a positive attitude toward life-term fitness and healthy lifestyles, both mental and physical. Our programs, services and facilities are designed to enhance personal and academic success by providing a forum for people of similar interests and skills to meet and participate. For more information, please review: https://recreation.ucr.edu/ |
UCR Staff Assembly
UCR Staff Assembly is an association of many employees dedicated to promoting the interests and welfare of all UCR staff. It seeks to inform, involve, connect and recognize staff in one of the fastest-growing campuses in the UC system. For more information, please review: https://staffassembly.ucr.edu/ |
Tuition Discounts
UC supports employees who want to advance their education and offers tuition and fee discounts to those who are eligible. Tuition discounts are not available for certain self-funded academic programs and extension programs. For more information, please review: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/other-benefits/tuition-discounts.html |
Workplace Health & Wellness Program
UCR cares about your health. The UCR Wellness Program focuses on promoting awareness and education, motivation for positive behavior changes, and influencing campus practices and policy to support a healthy environment. The program was created to encourage all faculty, staff, and retirees to live healthier lifestyles and create a culture of health throughout the campus. UCR prioritizes the health and quality of life of the campus community and offers resources and expertise to support a healthy and high performing workforce. Information | Resources Contact Hung Wu |