1. How do I change my name, marital status, dependents, etc?
2. Can I change my department name on the web?
3. Can I review my personnel file?
4. Is the Human Resource Administration Department the
   place for students to apply for work on campus during the school year, i.e., work study?
5. When will my benefits take effect?
6. Can benefits be cancelled other than during “Open Enrollment?”
7. Do I need to inform Human Resources when I marry or have a child, and how does it affect my benefits if I forget?
8. Will Cobra be available to me when I terminate employment?
9. What is the policy on closings due to emergencies or snow storms?
10. How often can I change my 403 (b) contribution percentage?
11. Am I eligible for a Tuition Waiver?
12. How long are classified jobs posted for and is there a grace period for applying after the deadline?
13. Can I join the union, if applicable, before getting hired?
14. Can I submit an application to URI to keep on file?
15. Once I submit an application for a job title, ex: housekeeper or senior clerk typist, will it apply to each housekeeper or typist position
    that gets posted?
16. Do I need to come in person to the University to apply once I see a job I am interested in?
17. Can I apply for more than one job at a time?
18. Do I need to take a state civil service exam before applying for a position?
19. How do I find out when a state civil service exam will be given?
20. I am interested in applying for clerical/administrative support work. Are there any special requirements?
21. What if I lose my W-2 forms – what do I do?

How do I change my name, marital status, address, etc?

• All name changes, marital status changes, and address changes  must be processed by the employee on the USP-5 (Personal Information Update Form) . Name changes require a copy of the appropriate legal document such as a social security card, driver’s license or probate court documents. Marital status changes require a copy of the marriage certificate or divorce decree.
• To add or remove a spouse or dependents, the employee must contact URI Employee Benefit at 874-9054. See Change in Status information

Can I change my department name on the web?

Your position is located in a specific department and cannot be changed unless your position transfers to new department. In that case, an Employee Action form would need to be submitted and processed by Human Resources.

Can I review my personnel file?

Yes. Employees are allowed access to their personnel file. Simply print the Personnel File Access Request form, fill it out and bring it to the Human Resource Administration Office.

Is the Human Resource Administration Office the place for students to apply for work on campus during the school year, i.e., work study?

No. Students looking for employment on campus should go to Enrollment Services in Green Hall.

When will my benefits take effect?

Your health coverage is effective as of your benefits eligibility date/hire date. Your United Healthcare medical card is usually received 7 to 10 days after meeting with the Benefits representative. Once your co-share is deducted from your paycheck, the state will notify the dental and vision carriers of your coverage. We recommend you do not use your health, dental or vision coverage until you receive your cards.

Can benefits be cancelled or changed at any time?

• That depends on the benefit.
• Changes to your health, dental and vision coverage can only be done during open
  enrollment or a change in status. Contact Employee Benefits at 874-9054 if any of these occur.
• Changes to your Basic Life insurance can be done during open enrollment
  due to its pre-tax status. Optional life insurance over
  $50,000 may cancelled at any time since it is not pre-taxed..
• You may enroll or cancel Legal insurance only during open enrollment.
• Pre-taxed benefits that are an IRS approved
  tax exemption are usually only eligible to new hires, during open enrollment, or if there is a change in status.

Do I need to inform HR when I marry or have a child, and how does it affect my benefits if I forget?

• It is important to contact HR Benefits if your spouse or child needs to be added to your health coverage. Please visit the Change in Status web page for detailed information.

Will COBRA be available to me when I terminate employment?

• Federal Law – Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) requires the State of Rhode Island to offer employees and their families, including domestic partner, the opportunity to pay for a temporary extension of health coverage called “continuation
  coverage” when your health coverage terminates. Coverage under COBRA is at a group rate for a period of time specified by law. An administrative fee is included in the premium that you pay.
• If you choose continuation coverage, the State of Rhode Island is required to allow you to purchase coverage which, as of the time coverage is being provided, is identical to the coverage provided under the plan to similarly situated employees or family members.
• Dependent children who cease to be a “dependent” may qualify for COBRA if you notify the State within 60 days of the occurrence. Contact the COBRA office at 401-222-3279.

What is the policy on closings due to emergencies or snow storms?

If it is announced on radio or television that classes are cancelled at the University without specific reference to University employees, it is considered a regular work day for all employees. Though classes may be cancelled, employees are expected to report to work. Nonessential employees who feel that they cannot safely get to their work sites (due to weather conditions) may be excused from work, provided that they discharge a vacation or personal leave day (in accordance with appropriate Personnel Rules and/or contractual provisions). 

How often can I change my 403(b) Supplemental contribution percentage?

There is no limit to the number of times during the year that you can adjust the percentage of your Group Supplemental Retirement Annuity contribution. However, you must contribute at least 5 % if you are participating in the BOG Retirement Annuity Plan. Contact Heather Nayman at 874-4618 with any questions.

Am I eligible for a Tuition Waiver?

If you are a full-time State employee on the bi-weekly payroll (calendar or academic year), you and your dependents may be eligible for a Tuition Waiver. Check our Tuition Waiver page for your union’s eligibility guidelines. If you have further questions, please contact Laura Shea at 874-2513.

How long are classified jobs posted for and is there a grace period for applying after the deadline?

URI Classified jobs are posted for 10 calendar days which includes a 3-day grace period.

Can I join the union, if applicable, before getting hired?

No. Your union status is determined by the position you fill.

Can I submit an application to URI to keep on file?

No.

Once I submit an on-line application for a job title, ex: housekeeper or senior clerk typist, will it apply to each housekeeper or typist position that gets posted?

No. Your on-line application remains with that original job posting. You must apply for each job that you see posted individually.

Do I need to come in person to the University to apply once I see a job I am interested in?

No. All positions that are posted require submission of an on-line application. For further information call 874-4088 or visit the job postings web page.

Can I apply for more than one job at a time?

Yes. There is no limit to the number of jobs you can apply for.

Do I need to take a state civil service exam before applying for a position?

There are some classifications that are not subject to exam, ex: housekeeper, cook’s helper, and laborer. However, there are classifications that may require passing an exam when it is announced by the State of Rhode Island. If a list may for a specific position that is posted, it will be noted on the posting.

How do I find out when a state civil service exam will be given?

Announcements  for State civil service exams are posted on the URI Human Resources website and the State also places the announcement on STATE JOBS

I am interested in applying for clerical/administrative support work. Are there any special requirements?

Yes.  Several of the clerical/administrative positions require a Certificate of Typing Proficiency.  Please click on this link for additional information.  CERTIFICATE OF TYPING PROFICIENCY

What if I lose my W-2 forms – what do I do?