Lake Superior State University
Lake Superior State University
 
Related Sites

 

Alum Success

Ben Mitchell

Ben Mitchell
Mechanical Engineering '06

Ben Mitchell grew up in a devout household in the central Upper Peninsula of Michigan where emphasis was placed on helping others. He traveled with his father to places such as Kenya and Peru on short-term medical missions. When he was in Kenya, a missionary explained that engineers have the greatest potential to influence the largest number of people. During high school, Ben participated in a youth mission trip to Tijuana. A result of the mission trips, his family decided to adopt three Vietnamese children when he was a junior.

All of these experiences had a great influence on Ben’s outlook on life. He decided to major in mechanical engineering and enrolled at Lake Superior State University. Near the end of his senior year, he decided to volunteer for the Peace Corps to help others.

His two-year commitment began in the fall of 2007 and took Ben to Burkina Faso in western Africa. He resides in the village of Tansila, population 3,000, approximately 10 km from the Mali border. His host organization is the local cotton growers union. It works cooperatively with other villages to improve and expand their production techniques. He serves as an agribusiness advisor as a part of the Small Enterprise Development program which helps create market linkages and assists with the advancement of business skills.

LSSU Employees Benefits Packages

Benefit Package for Faculty Employees

Benefits are fully paid for full-time faculty; part-time faculty pay pro-rated share of *. (See the Agreement between Lake Superior State University and Lake Superior State University Faculty Association, MEA-NEA.)

  1. Retirement Program: Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association, College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF) - transferable to other states. Twelve percent (12%) of salary contributed by LSSU. Also Available: Supplemental Retirement Annuity (SRA) - by salary reduction.
  2. Health/Hospitalization Insurance, 14% premium co-share contribution. For dependents aged 19-25: the University will also pay 50% of the health, dental and vision insurance costs for eligible dependents under the continuation plan.* $10 generic; $20 co-pay brand name Prescription Drug Rider, and Preferred Drug Program with mail order option.  $250/$500 in-network deductible  $500/$1,000 out-of-network deductible.
  3. Dental Insurance: 70%/30% co-pay; $1,000 annual maximum per member for Class I, II and III services, with plan year running from July 1 to June 30. 50% co-pay for Class IV - orthodontics, $1,500 lifetime maximum.*
  4. Vision Care Insurance: $5 co-pay for eye exam, $7.50 co-pay for frames and lenses, non-medically necessary contact lenses are covered up to a maximum of $35, during a 12 month period.*
  5. Life Insurance: $45,000 plus $45,000 A. D. & D.*
  6. Long Term Disability Insurance: Six (6) months eligibility, 70% of salary, to maximum monthly salary of $4,000.*
  7. Sick leave: Ten (10) days per year (12-month faculty appointments accrue thirteen (13) days per year); accrued at four (4.0) hours per pay period (maximum accrual: 1,200 hours or 150 days); available to use after thirty (30) days employment.
  8. Vacation: available only to 12-month faculty appointments; accrual is 24 days per year; maximum accrual is 288 hours or 36 days; accrual balance paid on termination.
  9. Funeral Leave: Up to five (5) days paid leave for immediate family; three (3) days chargeable to sick leave for other relatives (see the Agreement between Lake Superior State University and Lake Superior State University Faculty Association, MEA-NEA).
  10. Holidays and Term Breaks: During academic year.
  11. Personal Leave: Maximum of two (2) days per year, if classes are covered, for personal emergencies (not applicable to 12-month faculty appointments).
  12. Bookstore Discount: Fifteen percent (15%) on non-sale/non-food items. For personal use only; requires I.D. card.
  13. Free admission to University-sponsored athletic and cultural events, half price for dependents; requires I.D. card.
  14. Free basic membership to Norris Center athletic facilities and Student Activities Center.
  15. Participation in the University’s Wellness Program, which includes a health appraisal and physical assessment for a nominal fee, and release time for the worksite wellness program.
  16. A Section 125 plan is available for Medical Reimbursement ($2,500 maximum) and Child Care Expenses ($5,000 maximum). Plan year is from November 1 to October 31.
  17. Tuition Waiver: Tuition cost and fees waived for courses taken for credit.
  18. Dependent Tuition Waiver: Fifty percent (50%) reduction of tuition and enrollment fees for the semester for courses taken toward a baccalaureate degree. Employee's spouse and children or step-children under the age of twenty-five (25) will be considered eligible regardless of whether they meet the IRS definition of dependency. (See Agreement.)
Also Social Security, Worker's Compensation Insurance, Unemployment Insurance, travel and business insurance, and free parking on campus.


Benefit Package for United Steelworkers Bargaining Unit Employees
For members of the United Steelworkers Bargaining Unit Employees - Clerical, Food Service, Maintenance and Security - hourly, non-exempt positions. Benefits are fully paid for full-time employees, 27 or more hours per week. (See the Agreement between Lake Superior State University and Lake Superior State University Educational Support Personnel, MEA-NEA.)
  1. Retirement Program: Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association, College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF) - transferable to other states. Ten percent (10%) of salary contributed by LSSU, mandatory two percent (2%) contribution by employee. Also Available: Supplemental Retirement Annuity (SRA) - by salary reduction.
  2. Health/Hospitalization Insurance through Community Blue/Preferred PPO, premium co-share contribution dependent upon initial employment start date. For dependents aged 19-25: the University will also pay 50% of the health and 100% dental and vision insurance costs for eligible dependents under the continuation plan. Prescription Drug Rider: $10 co-pay for generic prescription, $20 co-pay for name brand prescription; and Preferred Drug Program with mail order option.
  3. Dental Insurance: 70%/30% co-pay; $1,000 annual maximum per member for Class I, II and III services, with plan year running from July 1 to June 30. 50% co-pay for Class IV - orthodontics, $1,500 lifetime maximum.
  4. Vision Care Insurance: $5 co-pay for eye exam, $7.50 co-pay for frames and lenses, non-medically necessary contact lenses are covered up to a maximum of $35, during a 12 month period.
  5. Life Insurance: $45,000 plus $45,000 A. D. & D.
  6. Long Term Disability Insurance: Six (6) months eligibility, 70% of salary, to maximum monthly salary of $4,000.
  7. Sick leave: Thirteen (13) days per year; accrued at four (4.0) hours per pay period (maximum accrual: 1,200 hours or 150 days); pro-rated to hours paid; available to use after thirty (30) days employment.
  8. Vacation: Accrued bi-weekly, pro-rated to hours paid, on the following schedule:
    • 1st year 3.7 hours per pay = 12 days per year
    • 2nd year through 7th year 4.6 hours per pay = 15 days per year
    • 8th year through 14th year 5.6 hours per pay = 18 days per year
    • 15th & subsequent years 7.4 hours per pay = 24 days per year
    • Maximum accrual: 288 hours = 36 days; accrual balance
      paid on termination.
  9. Funeral Leave: Up to five (5) days paid leave for immediate family; three (3) days chargeable to sick leave for other relatives (see Agreement).
  10. Holidays: Ten (10) per year; six (6) legal and four (4) President's option; pro-rated to hours paid.
  11. Bookstore Discount: Fifteen percent (15%) on non-sale/non-food items. For personal use only; requires I.D. card.
  12. Free admission to University-sponsored athletic and cultural events, half price for dependents; requires I.D. card.
  13. Free basic membership to Norris Center athletic facilities and Student Activities Center.
  14. Participation in the University’s Wellness Program, which includes a health appraisal and physical assessment for a nominal fee, and release time for the worksite wellness program.
  15. A Section 125 plan is available for Medical Reimbursement ($1,2000 maximum) and Child Care Expenses ($5,000 maximum). Plan year is from November 1 to October 31.
  16. Tuition Waiver: Tuition cost and fees waived for courses taken for credit.
  17. Dependent Tuition Waiver: Fifty percent (50%) reduction of tuition and enrollment fees for the semester for courses taken toward a baccalaureate degree. Employee's spouse and children or step-children under the age of twenty-five (25) will be considered eligible regardless of whether they meet the IRS definition of dependency. (See Agreement.)
  18. Longevity: Eligible for longevity after five (5) years of continuous, full-time service; annual bonus payment according to schedule in contract (see Agreement).
  19. Overtime: Overtime pay for hours worked over forty (40) per week or eight (8) per day.
  20. Shift Differential: (see Agreement).
Also Social Security, Worker's Compensation Insurance, Unemployment Insurance, travel and business insurance, and free parking on campus.


Benefit Package for A/P (Exempt) Employees
Fully paid for exempt, full-time administrative/professional positions.
  1. Retirement Program: Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association, College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF) - transferable to other states. Twelve percent (12%) of salary contributed by LSSU. Also Available: Supplemental Retirement Annuity (SRA) - by salary reduction.
  2. Health/Hospitalization Insurance through Community Blue/Preferred PPO; the University will also pay 50% of the health and 100% of the dental and vision insurance costs for eligible dependents under the continuation plan. For dependents aged 19-25: the University will also pay 50% of the health and 100% dental and vision insurance costs for eligible dependents under the continuation plan. Prescription Drug Rider: $10 co-pay for generic prescription, $20 co-pay for name brand prescription; and Preferred Drug Program with mail order option. Employee is responsible for 14% of the monthly premium deducted bi-monthly.
  3. Dental Insurance: 70%/30% co-pay; $1,000 annual maximum per member for Class I, II and III services, with plan year running from July 1 to June 30. 50% co-pay for Class IV - orthodontics, $1,500 lifetime maximum. Employee is responsible for 14% of the monthly premium deducted bi-monthly.
  4. Vision Care Insurance: $5 co-pay for eye exam, $7.50 co-pay for frames and lenses, non-medically necessary contact lenses are covered up to a maximum of $35, during a 12 month period.  Employee is responsible for 14% of the monthly premium deducted bi-monthly.
  5. Life Insurance: $50,000 plus $50,000 A. D. & D.
  6. Long Term Disability Insurance: Six (6) months eligibility, 70% of salary, to maximum monthly salary of $4,000.
  7. Funeral Leave: Up to five (5) days paid leave for immediate family; two (2) days chargeable to sick leave for other relatives (see Procedures Manual).
  8. Holidays: Ten (10) per year; six (6) legal and four (4) President's option.
  9. Sick leave: Thirteen (13) days per year; accrued at four (4.0) hours per pay period (maximum accrual: 1,200 hours or 150 days); available to use after thirty (30) days employment. (9-month and 10-month appointments accrue sick leave during months of appointment only.)
  10. Vacation Accrual Schedule for 12-month Appointments (9-month and 10-month appointments accrue vacation during months of appointment only; those with term breaks off DO NOT accrue vacation). Available for use after two (2) weeks of employment.
    • 1st through 5th year 6.5 hours per pay = 21 days per year
    • 6th & subsequent years 7.4 hours per pay = 24 days per year
    • Maximum accrual: 288 hours = 36 days; accrual balance
      paid on termination.
  11. Bookstore Discount: Fifteen percent (15%) on non-sale/non-food items. For personal use only; requires I.D. card.
  12. Free admission to University-sponsored athletic and cultural events, half price for dependents; requires I.D. card.
  13. Free basic membership to Norris Center athletic facilities and Student Activities Center.
  14. Participation in the University’s Wellness Program, which includes a health appraisal and physical assessment for a nominal fee, and release time for the worksite wellness program.
  15. A Section 125 plan is available for Medical Reimbursement ($1,200 maximum) and Child Care Expenses ($5,000 maximum). Plan year is from November 1 to October 31.
  16. Tuition Waiver: Tuition cost and fees waived for courses taken for credit.
  17. Dependent Tuition Waiver: Fifty percent (50%) reduction of tuition for the semester for courses taken toward a baccalaureate degree. Employee's spouse and children or step-children under the age of twenty-five (25) will be considered eligible regardless of whether they meet the IRS definition of dependency.
Also Social Security, Worker's Compensation Insurance, Unemployment Insurance, travel and business insurance, and free parking on campus.


Benefit Package for A/P (Non-Exempt) Employees
Fully paid for non-exempt, non-union positions, working 27 or more hours per week*.
  1. Retirement Program: Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association, College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF) - transferable to other states. Nine percent (10%) of salary contributed by LSSU, mandatory three percent (2%) contribution by employee. Also Available: Supplemental Retirement Annuity (SRA) - by salary reduction.
  2. Health/Hospitalization Insurance through Community Blue/Preferred PPO. For dependents aged 19-25: the University will also pay 50% of the health and 100% dental and vision insurance costs for eligible dependents under the continuation plan. Prescription Drug Rider: $10 co-pay for generic prescription, $20 co-pay for name brand prescription; and Preferred Drug Program with mail order option. Employee is responsible for 14% of the monthly premium deducted bi-monthly.
  3. Dental Insurance: 70%/30% co-pay; $1,000 annual maximum per member for Class I, II and III services, with plan year running from July 1 to June 30. 50% co-pay for Class IV - orthodontics, $1,500 lifetime maximum. Employee is responsible for 14% of the monthly premium deducted bi-monthly.
  4. Vision Care Insurance: $5 co-pay for eye exam, $7.50 co-pay for frames and lenses, non-medically necessary contact lenses are covered up to a maximum of $35, during a 12 month period. Employee is responsible for 14% of the monthly premium deducted bi-monthly.
  5. Life Insurance: $50,000 plus $50,000 A. D. & D.
  6. Long Term Disability Insurance: Six (6) months eligibility, 70% of salary, to maximum monthly salary of $4,000.
  7. Holidays: Ten (10) per year; six (6) legal and four (4) President's option; pro-rated to hours paid.
  8. Vacation: Accrued bi-weekly on the following schedule; pro-rated to hours paid; available for use after six months of employment (for those hired on or after 05-28-89).
    • 1st year 3.7 hours per pay = 12 days per year
    • 2nd through 7th year 4.6 hours per pay = 15 days per year
    • 8th through 14th year 5.6 hours per pay = 18 days per year
    • 15th & subsequent years 7.4 hours per pay = 24 days per year
    • Maximum accrual: 288 hours = 36 days; accrual balance
      paid on termination
  9. Sick leave: Thirteen (13) days per year; accrued at four (4.0) hours per pay period (maximum accrual: 1,200 hours or 150 days); pro-rated to hours paid; available to use after thirty (30) days employment.)
  10. Funeral Leave: Up to five (5) days paid leave for immediate family; two (2) days chargeable to sick leave for other relatives (see Procedures Manual).
  11. Bookstore Discount: Fifteen percent (15%) on non-sale/non-food items. For personal use only; requires I.D. card.
  12. Free admission to University-sponsored athletic and cultural events, half price for dependents; requires I.D. card.
  13. Free basic membership to Norris Center athletic facilities and Student Activites Center.
  14. Participation in the University’s Wellness Program, which includes a health appraisal and physical assessment for a nominal fee, and release time for the worksite wellness program.
  15. A Section 125 plan is available for Medical Reimbursement ($1,200 maximum) and Child Care Expenses ($5,000 maximum).
  16. Tuition Waiver: Tuition cost and fees waived for courses taken for credit.
  17. Dependent Tuition Waiver: Fifty percent (50%) reduction of tuition for the semester for courses taken toward a baccalaureate degree. Employee's spouse and children or step-children under the age of twenty-five (25) will be considered eligible regardless of whether they meet the IRS definition of dependency.
  18. Overtime: Overtime pay for hours worked over forty (40) per week.
Also Social Security, Worker's Compensation Insurance, Unemployment Insurance, travel and business insurance, free parking on campus, and uniforms provided where required.*Regular positions less than 27 hours per week receive:Retirement, Social Security, Worker's Compensation Insurance, Unemployment Insurance, free parking on campus, pro-rated holiday pay, sick leave and vacation accrual on the same schedule noted above, bookstore discount, admission to events, and membership to athletic facilities.
Home > Human Resources > Benefits Packages