Module 2: SMU Benefits
Discover the many benefits and programs available to you as part of your Total Compensation Package from SMU.
Your total compensation package includes a broad, competitive array of health, wellness, financial security and professional development benefits. SMU is committed to providing its' employees with financial stability, work/life balance, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. As a SMU employee, you will also have access to being a part of our vibrant collegiate community and all many amenities and activities offered on campus.
New Employee Benefit Enrollment
We encourage you to familiarize yourself with SMU's benefit package so you are ready to make an informed decision during your new employee 31-day enrollment period that begins on your first day of employment. SMU's Benefit Guide highlights the main features of your benefit options and can be accessed using the link below:
SMU is proud to offer the following benefit & retirement programs benefit-eligible staff employees. For more details on specific programs, click on the link below. A summary of the benefit costs for the health, dental and vision plans from this year's SMU Benefit Guide is available here.
Related Resources
Benefit Eligibility Requirements
SMU provides competitive paid time off programs, including Official Holidays, Vacation, and Paid Medical Leave. In addition, SMU offers a variety of paid and unpaid leaves to support employees with their life needs.
| Paid Vacation | Holiday Pay | Paid Medical Leave |
| Paid Maternity Leave | Civic & Military Leave | FMLA |
| Bereavement Leave | Paid Adoption Leave | Extended (unpaid) Leave |
SMU supports our employees total wellness because we believe healthier employees are more productive and powerful not just at work, but in their own families and communities. We know wellness pays off for everyone! SMU's Wellness includes a wide range of benefits, programs and services aimed at helping you enjoy greater wellness everyday.
SMU Wellpower Program
Participants in SMU's Wellpower Program earn points through trackers and challenges. Points can be exchanged rewards such as free vacation days, free membership to Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports, free meal tickets, free parking and more.
Participants of the Wellpower Program have access to free resources to help them achieve their goals such as:
- On-Site Health Coaching
- Free Fitness/Yoga classes at Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports
- Financial Well-Being™ Program Powered by Dave Ramsey
- Healthy Lifestyle Seminars and Workshops
- Self Defense Workshops
- On-Site Fitness and Yoga Classes
Wellness Benefits & Services
Employee Assistance Program - The EAP offers counseling and referrals for help with situations including work stress, family issues, legal issues, financial problems, alcohol or drug dependency/abuse, and mental health issues.
Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports (Recreation Center) - SMU campus's premiere sports and fitness recreation facility with 170,000 feet of indoor space makes it easier and more fun to build exercise into your busy days. Some of the facility amenities include weight room/fitness area, climbing wall, indoor and outdoor recreation pools, indoor track, outdoor adventure rental shop, indoor racquetball courts, and group exercise classes. SMU employee memberships are available.
Group Legal/Identity Protection - LegalGUARD Plan allows access to a network of specialized attorneys and coverage for specific legal services. InfoArmor Plan allows proactive defense against identity theft with focus on identity monitoring. LegalGUARD and InfoArmor offered as a bundled arrangement that employees can elect as part of their benefit enrollment.
Compass Healthcare Services - Navigating healthcare these days seems impossible-unless you have Compass on your side. From finding doctors to getting cost estimates to solving billing problems, we're here to help. Your employer has partnered with us to serve as your personal healthcare advisor. So rely on your Compass Health Pro® consultant to make you an empowered healthcare consumer who takes control of healthcare costs. Our service is simple to use and available to you and your family.
And many others such as:
- Free Annual Flu Shots
- On-Campus Mobile Mammography Clinics
- Naturally Slim (Weight Loss) Classes
- Smoking Cessation Program
- Free on-campus Preventative Health Screenings
SMU is committed to continuous learning, not only for our students but for our employees as well. As a part of its mission as an academic institution, SMU naturally views learning as a key to your success, both professionally and personally. SMU employees are fortunate to have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities.
Employee Tuition Benefits
SMU’s Tuition Benefit Program waives the cost of tuition & student fees for full-time staff enrolled in any of SMU’s degree-granting undergraduate and graduate programs. The tuition benefit program waives the tuition for eligible dependent children of full-time staff and provides a significant tuition reduction for their spouse.
The tuition benefit program is a SMU employee benefit coordinated by the Department of Human Resources. For more information regarding the Tuition Benefit Program including eligibility requirements and criteria, click are here.
Professional Development Opportunities
A variety of schools and departments provide employee with the opportunity for continued learning.
HR Professional Development Workshops give you the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills so you can make the most of your career at SMU. All professional development workshops are free to employees.
IT Training provides computer classes, webinars and customized training as needed. All IT Training workshops are free to employees.
Risk Management Workshops offer training programs in order to mitigate risk, educate the campus community, and foster a culture of safety.
SMU’s Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE) offers a variety of personal enrichment courses, professional courses, certificate programs and test preparation courses. CAPE also offers youth programs and summer camps. SMU employees are eligible for discounts on many CAPE courses.
SMU's Cox Executive Education in the Cox School of Business offers professional development seminars, courses and certificate programs in a broad range of disciplines —all designed to help you master and enhance the skills demanded in today’s challenged market.
As part of the SMU community, staff and faculty have access to a variety of campus amenities and services. The SMU community hosts world-class musical and theatrical performances and intellectually inspiring lectures and symposiums. Employees and their families are encouraged to cheer on the SMU Mustangs when they take the field at Ford Stadium, the court at Moody Colosseum or any of the other athletic events.
In the next module, you will familiarize yourself with the systems, policies and programs SMU has created to support you during your employment with the University. Click on the button below to begin!