Furman's "other benefits"
By Susan Zeiger

Health, dental and life insurance. A retirement plan. Vision coverage and long-term disability. Vacation and sick leave.

These are terms that immediately come to mind when we think of an employee benefits package, and all of these benefits are extended to full-time staff and faculty.

However, as an employee of Furman you also have access to an array of other benefits that are, in many cases, unique to Furman. I urge you to take advantage of these non-traditional benefits, which include:

o As a Furman employee, you can attend wellness programs offered throughout the year at minimal or no cost. These programs cover such areas as flu shots, nutrition, stress reduction, osteoporosis and health fairs (held every other year). You can also use the physical activity center (PAC) free of charge for basketball, racquetball, swimming, and exercising in the weight room.

o You and your family have access to the library and its resources. o You can eat on campus from three locations: the Pala Den, the dining hall or the Tower Café. Also available on campus for your convenience are a post office, bank machines, bookstore, convenience store and (when referred by your doctor) a physical therapist.

o Discounts are available to Furman faculty and staff at area restaurants via the RHC card.

o The Chaplains Office offers pastoral care and counseling to Furman employees and their family members. The chaplains assist with individual and family concerns and hospital visitations and perform services for funerals and weddings. They also counsel and consult with ministers and social service agencies in the Greenville community and can assist with referrals. In addition, the chapel can be used by Furman community members for a nominal fee.

o The Career Services Office is available by appointment to staff members and their families to assist with writing resumés and discussing job-search strategies. Career Services professionals are trained to administer the Self-Directed Search and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator for those who would like to take these vocational assessment inventories.

o All Furman employees and their dependent family members may attend home sporting events by showing their ID card at the ticket booth on game days. Discounted season tickets are also available to full-time employees for football and basketball games.

o Furman employees receive discounts to on-campus theatre productions and musical concerts. As available, faculty and staff may also receive discounts to shows and events at Timmons Arena.

o Tuition benefits are available for full-time employees and their dependents to Furman, Associated Colleges of the South institutions, and tuition exchange schools. Tuition reimbursement of up to $500 per year is also available for job-related classes.

o Furman has an 18-hole golf course that is available to employees at nominal charges.

o Employees are given time off to attend university-sponsored community events such as picnics, forums and other gatherings.

o Time off during the Christmas season extends from Christmas Eve through New Years Day. This is possible because Furman has "shut down" days in addition to the holidays during this time.

As personnel director and affirmative action officer, I am available, on a confidential basis, to help any employee who has a job-related question or concern as well as to listen to any suggestions and ideas. My main goals are to improve communication among employees, mediate resolution of problems, and facilitate implementation of ideas and suggestions.

(Susan Zeiger is personnel director)