Other Benefits & Services

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
This benefit, contracted through LifeEra Inc. will provide you and your family members services that can help with issues related to work relationships, family relationships, mental and emotional problems, alcohol and chemical dependencies, loss and grief, stress management, legal and financial concerns, and more. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is completely confidential.

Child and Elder Care Assistance
This benefit, contracted through LifeEra Inc., gives you access to resources, facilities, services, and programs associated with the needs, problems, concerns, care and nurture of your children and aging elders, living anywhere in the United States. The flexibility to choose appropriate care is left entirely up to you. If you need this assistance, contact LifeEra Inc.

The services of LifeEra Inc. are sponsored by the university as a part of the benefits available to staff and faculty members.

Savings Bonds
You may purchase U.S. Savings Bonds through payroll deduction. Savings Bonds offer a unique combination of features: market based interest rates with a guaranteed minimum, complete safety, and valuable income tax advantages.

Direct Payroll Bank Deposit (DOC)
Your paychecks can be conveniently deposited directly to your bank or credit union checking and/or savings account. A deposit receipt will be issued which lists earnings and deductions. This receipt will be distributed to you in the same manner and at the same time as payroll checks are distributed.

Athletic Events
All staff, faculty and members of their households are admitted without charge to general admission seating at any regularly scheduled home athletic contest. A valid university identification card (issued by the Dining and Conference Services located in the Wheelock Student Center) must be presented at the gate. Children must be accompanied by parents to gain free admission.

Recreational Facilities
Basketball, handball, racquetball, badminton, pickle ball, volleyball, tennis (indoor and outdoor), swimming, track, Cybex equipment and a weight room are available for staff and faculty members to use during published hours. A valid university identification card (issued by the Dining and Conference Services Office located in Wheelock Student Center) is required for admittance. Members of your household may also use the recreational facilities by presenting a Facilities Use Card (issued by the Department of Physical Education, Athletics, and Recreation) and a piece of personal identification. Children 15 years and under must be accompanied by and remain with parents and guardians while using the facilities.

Intramural Sports Program
The Intramural Sports Program provides an opportunity for staff and faculty, students and alumni to participate in a wide variety of sports competitions and physical activities. The intramural staff encourages all staff members to become part of the intramural experience.

Arts, Performances, and Entertainment
Kittredge Gallery annually presents nine major shows featuring work from student and faculty artists as well as the art community at large. The School of Music is home to many excellent musical groups, including a jazz band, a symphony orchestra, a wind ensemble, and choirs, all of which present regular concerts. The Theatre Arts Department produces two major plays every year. Students also stage up to ten additional productions annually. Staff and faculty members often receive advance notice of these events and reduced rates for performances with admission charges. Scores of nationally known speakers and performers visit Puget Sound each year, and staff and faculty members often receive discounted admission prices.

Dining and Conference Service
Staff and faculty members, as well as students, eat in the Diner located in the Wheelock Student Center. During the academic year, the Diner serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. During break periods, the Diner is open on an abbreviated schedule.

Diversions Cafe
The Diversions Cafe offers an assortment of specialty beverages such as espresso drinks and teas.

Bookstore
Staff and faculty members receive a ten percent discount on all general books purchased at the Bookstore. When shopping for software for your home computer, you may want to check the education pricing discount available to you through the Bookstore.

University of Puget Sound Identification Card, Charging Privileges, and Library Privileges
You may have your photograph taken for a University Puget Sound identification card issued by the Dining and Conference Services Office located in Wheelock Student Center. By completing a charge care agreement form in the Dining and Conference Services Office, you may use your identification card to charge meals in the Diner, Diversions Cafe, and The Cellar, and to charge purchases in the Bookstore. All charges on your identification card will be deducted from your paycheck. The identification card also serves as your library card to check out resources from Collins Memorial Library.