SMU Orientation Program

Overview
SMU Benefits Overview
Health Benefits
Additional Insurance Programs
Retirement Plans
Paid Time-Off Benefits
Other SMU Benefits and Services
Federally Mandated Programs
Conclusion

Enrollment Instructions

Your SMU benefits are important to your family’s well-being. It is critical that you enroll within the required time period.

Click the following to find out more:

New Employees
Qualified Life Event
Annual Open Enrollment

New Employees

You will make your benefits elections for the current year through Access.SMU>Self Service. It is important that you complete the selection process as soon as possible but no later than 31 days from your date of hire. If you don’t enroll within the 31 day period you will have no coverage and will not have the opportunity to enroll until the next annual Open Enrollment. You will be notified when you have security to log-in to Access.SMU with your SMU ID# and create a unique password.

Qualified Event

If you experience a Qualified Life Event (e.g., marriage/birth/adoption) during the year, you may make certain changes to your benefits. To make a change, you must immediately notify the Department of Human Resources. This will be discussed in greater detail later in this module.

Annual Open Enrollment

Each year during Open Enrollment, you will receive information regarding any changes to the current Benefits Program and will have an opportunity to make changes for the upcoming calendar year.

New Employee Enrollment Instructions

1. Review Your Benefits

Read the information provided in this module. Visit Benefits U on the HR website for more detailed information on the plans of interest to you.

2. Consider Your Choices Carefully

After your enrollment period ends you cannot change your benefits elections during the year unless you have a Qualified Life Event.

3. Getting Ready to Enroll

You will need:

Your SMU ID# as well as Social Security numbers and birthdates for yourself and eligible family members.
Information about other benefits coverage or insurance you or a family member may have.
Beneficiary designation information (Social Security number and birthdate), so you can properly identify your beneficiaries for your life insurance and 403(b)retirement accounts.
Out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision, and dependent care expense records so you can plan your Flexible Spending Account contributions.

4. Complete and Return Your Form by Deadline

Print the forms you need for each of the plans as well as the Benefits Enrollment form. Complete each form and return them to the Department of Human Resources by your deadline. Keep a copy for your records.

5. Be Alert!

Check your first paycheck after your benefits effective date to confirm that your payroll deductions are correct.
Report any discrepancies to HR.