Benefits

Medical Plans:
Duquesne University offers their eligible faculty and staff a high deductible health plan (HDHP) or a PPO plan with both Highmark and UPMC.

Dental Plans:
Dental benefits are provided through MetLife. Eligible employees have the option to enroll in either a basic or enhanced plan. 

Vision Plans:
Vision benefits are provided through VSP Vision Care. Eligible employees have the option to enroll in either a basic or enhanced plan.

Life Insurance:
The University offers term life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment coverage at no cost to eligible employees. The coverage is equal to one times annual salary up to a maximum of $300,000.

Employee optional term life insurance provides additional protection for those who depend on you financially. Your need may vary depending on age, number of dependents, dependent ages, and financial situation. You are responsible for the cost of the optional coverage you choose.

Spouse and Child optional life insurance also offers financial protection when the unexpected happens. You are responsible for the cost of this affordable optional coverage.

Disability Insurance:
Long-term disability replaces a portion of your income if illness or accident prevents you from working for an extended period of time.

Basic long-term disability (LTD) is provided, after a 12-month wait period, at no cost to eligible employees. This benefit provides 50% of base salary to a maximum benefit of $5,000 per month.

Buy Up Long-Term Disability provides an additional 10% when added to Basic LTD allows up to 60% of base salary to a maximum of $12,000 per month.  Employee is responsible for the cost of this premium.

The Benefits Overview Guide will provide detailed coverage and cost information. 

When considering your benefit options please note that the Healthcare Reform now entitles children up to age 26 to participate in their parents’ health plan. The children can be married and do not have to live at home, be full time students, or be claimed on their parents’ taxes to be eligible for benefits. Eligibility ends on the last day of the month in which the child turns 26.

If you are enrolling your spouse and/or dependent children proper documentation is required to verify your dependents. 

When ready to enroll, eligible employees can select or manage their benefit elections through the  Benefits Enrollment Portal at any time.

As part of the University's Wellness in Motion program, the Center for Pharmacy Care offers campus health screenings, lifestyle counseling, educational seminars, drug therapy review and management, disease state management, and outcome reporting for certain health conditions.

The Center for Pharmacy Care is part of the Duquesne University Pharmacy. It is a pharmacist-coordinated provider of disease prevention and disease management services for the Duquesne University campus and Pittsburgh community.

Total Well-Being. Anytime. Anywhere.

The EAP benefit offers confidential, free solutions to help you and your family members navigate the financial, legal, and mental health, job stress, and other life challenges that affect your well-being.

Learn about the everyday services that the Employee Assistance Program offers, at no cost to you or your eligible family members.

If it is your first time visiting the site you will need to follow the instructions and create an account.  

As a Duquesne University employee, your benefits package includes time off programs, including holidays, sick days, and vacation days.  Your time off depends on your employment status.

Leaves of Absence:
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons (up to 26 weeks to care for a military service member injured in the line of duty).

Duquesne University also offers a 100% Paid Maternity and Parental Leave of absence for eligible employees. The University's Paid Maternity Leave allows for four consecutive weeks of 100% paid leave to be used immediately following the birth of a child. The Paid Parental Leave allows for two consecutive weeks of 100% paid leave that can be used within 12 months of the birth or placement of a child for adoption, foster care or legal guardianship.

Employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement should refer to their current contract.

Tuition Remission
Duquesne University offers valuable education benefits through their Tuition Remission and Tuition Exchange Programs.

Eligible employees and their eligible spouses and dependents can take advantage of Tuition Remission at the basic tuition rate. The first year of employment Tuition Remission offers a 55% discount on the basic tuition rate, after one year of employment, the discount increases to 80%, and after two years of employment Tuition Remission offers a 100% discount on the basic tuition rate. 

There are administrative fees associated with this program. 

The Tuition Remission Application can be completed upon hire and student is registered for classes.

Tuition Exchange
Duquesne University also participates in the Tuition Exchange and Council of Independent Colleges Program.  These programs are limited to full-time undergraduate studies.

Application for this program generally opens for dependents when they enter their senior year of high school.

Duquesne University employees also have a variety of other exciting benefits. Below are some highlights of these exciting benefits:

• ATMs
• Campus Ministry
• Campus Safety
• Child Care Services
• Computer Store
• Computing and Technology Services
• Credit Union
• Cultural District Event Discounts
• Dining at Duquesne
• The DU Card
• Nursing Mothers (Lactation) Room
• Parking at Duquesne
• Power Center Exercise Facility
• Psychology Clinic
• Public Transportation Options (UPASS)
• Real Estate Services
• Retiree Association
• Wellness in Motion-For Eligible Employees 
• Women's Guild

Some of these benefits are based on employment status.

All eligible employees have the opportunity to participate as a voluntary member of the plan. Employees may be required to participate in the plan as a condition of employment (refer to below chart).

Duquesne University's Match Contribution
The University offers a match. Eligibility for the match is based on employment status as outlined in the chart below. 

Retirement Eligibility


Log In or Enroll in Retirement Plan

Can I rollover monies from a previous employer plan?
Yes, the Duquesne University plan will accept rollovers from other pre-tax sources. 

What is the maximum amount that I can contribute?
Federal tax law limits the amount you can contribute. The limit for calendar year 2023 is $22,500 with an additional $7,500 catch-up for those age 50 and above.

Are the any other voluntary contribution options?
Yes, employees have the ability to contribute their own money to a University sponsored Roth 403(b) Plan.  Eligible employees have he option of electing after-tax contributions through payroll deductions into the Roth 403(b) voluntary contribution option under the Duquesne University 403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

Are there any loan features associated with the Duquesne University Retirement Plan?
Yes, employees may take a maximum of two loans based on all accumulations.

As a Duquesne University employee, a key part of your compensation and future security is your retirement plan. 

• The Duquesne University Plan provides matching funds toward your own contributions, if you are an eligible employee. 
• Both University and employee contributions are immediately vested, and the plan is 100% portable if you leave.
• You are eligible to receive the matching funds following your one-year anniversary.
• The one-year waiting period may be waived if you have previously worked at a qualifying educational institution and worked in a qualifying position. To verify eligibility complete the Prior Year of Service Form.

The Roth 403(b) is a part of the University's retirement plan and provides eligible employees with an option to make voluntary contributions on an after-tax basis.

What is a 457(b) plan? The University also offers a 457(b) Retirement plan for eligible employees. This plan is a non-qualified, tax advantaged, deferred compensation retirement plan that is used to provide an additional opportunity for pre-tax contributions for eligible employees. 

The salary threshold to participate in this plan must meet the IRS definition of a highly compensated individual.  For 2024 the IRS definition of a highly compensated individual is $155,000.

For more information about this plan please reach out to the Benefits Office or a TIAA financial advisor at 800-732-8353.

Notice Regarding Default Investments
Qualified Default Investment Alternative (QDIA) Initial Notice

Summary Annual Report
2021 Duquesne University 403(b) Retirement Plan Summary Annual Report

Summary Plan Description
Duquesne University 403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan Summary Plan Description

Universal Availability
Duquesne University 403(b) Retirement Plan Universal Availability

Plan and Investment Notices

TIAA Plan and Investment Notice
Valic Plan and Investment Notice

Department of Labor regulations require the University to provide detailed information about investment options and expenses associated with these investments.

The disclosure gives plan participants a complete picture of all the funds and associated expenses available. The disclosure is for informational purposes only.

The information includes:

• Fees and expenses related to the plan account
• Participant rights under the plan
• Rules related to providing investment direction
• Details about the plan's investment options, including investment-related feeds and restrictions.