Welcome back to the new school year! As you return to school and work, here are a few things GEO thinks you should keep in mind.

Useful Links

• Stewards Directory
• SEVIS Fee Reimbursement Page
• RSVP on Facebook for our Welcome Back Party
• Register for CRLT teaching seminar series

DEI GSSA Update

The DEI Core group worked over the spring and summer to make sure as many interested grads as possible had the opportunity to apply for the 6 Rackham-funded DEI GSSA positions. (Two more were added in the school of Nursing.) As of publication, most application deadlines will have passed, and we are looking forward to seeing what their work looks like come Fall. The rest of the beginning of Fall will be devoted to making a plan for the upcoming year, and the core team is seeking new leaders to help make it. If you are interested in continuing the fight for more DEI GSSAs across campus, and/or you want to be a part of the conversation about other strategies we might employ in our broader campaign to improve campus climate, we encourage you to reach out: deicommcore@geo3550.org.

GEO Benefits and Open Enrollment

Health Insurance Plans – GSIs and GSSAs working under the new GEO-UM contract can find information on contributions for health plans and coverage levels for 2018 using Wolverine Access (under Self Service, then the Benefits tabs). You will be able to see rates and benefits for all plans for which GSIs and GSSAs are eligible, not just health plan rates.

Starting on January 1, 2018 through plan year 2021, the annual out-of-pocket copayment maximum for mental health office visits shall be $700 per individual and $1,400 per family!

Flexible Spending Accounts – The annual amount employees can contribute to a Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts will increase to $2,600 for 2018.

Find out more about the changes for 2018 on the Benefits Office website.

Helps Us Stay Strong!

After our successful contract campaign where we secured raises for the next three years, caps on mental health co-pays, strict hours caps for IGSIs, expanded parental leave for all parents, among other benefits, we need your help to stay strong as we enter our first term under “right-to-work” laws. The best way to help keep GEO and our collective voice strong is to encourage your peers and colleagues to sign “yellow cards” and become full members of GEO. To fill out a card, contact: umgeo@geo3550.org.