As a member of the North Dakota State University (NDSU) community, you’re part of a vibrant and diverse institution known for academic excellence, innovation, and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re a new hire or a seasoned employee, understanding your benefits, compensation, and campus resources is key to making the most of your experience here. In 2025, NDSU continues to evolve its offerings to better support faculty and staff across all departments. This article provides a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about your employment package and how to leverage university resources to enhance your professional and personal life.
Employee Benefits at NDSU
NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial security. As of 2025, the university has continued to fine-tune its plans to provide even better coverage and more flexible options for employees.
Health and Wellness Plans
- Medical Insurance: Employees can choose from multiple Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, including high-deductible health plans with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
- Dental and Vision Coverage: Optional, affordable plans are available for dental and vision needs, including preventive services, orthodontics, and glasses or contact lenses.
- Mental Health Resources: Through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), individuals have access to confidential counseling sessions, wellness workshops, and stress management resources.
- Wellness Program: The “NDSU Wellness Benefit” provides incentives for regular physical activity, biometric screenings, and participation in wellness challenges.
Paid Time Off and Leave Policies
- Vacation Leave: Full-time employees accrue up to 18 days of vacation leave annually, depending on years of service.
- Sick Leave: All staff receive 12 days of sick leave per year, accruing monthly.
- Parental and Family Leave: In 2025, NDSU continues offering up to 6 weeks of paid parental leave, with job security and flexibility for family-related responsibilities.
- Holidays: The university observes 10 state holidays, including an additional floating holiday for religious or cultural observances.
Retirement and Financial Planning
Planning for your future is essential, and NDSU supports employees by offering:
- TIAA and NDPERS Plans: Depending on your employment classification, you can opt into either the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System (NDPERS) or a TIAA-defined contribution plan.
- 403(b) and 457(b) Voluntary Plans: Increase your retirement savings with voluntary contributions, which allow pre-tax or Roth options.
- Financial Workshops: The university partners with financial advisors to offer regular workshops on saving, investing, and debt management.
Understanding Your Pay at NDSU
In 2025, NDSU remains committed to providing transparent and competitive compensation to its employees. Whether you’re faculty, staff, or temporary personnel, knowing how your compensation is structured is key.
Salary and Pay Schedule
- Pay Frequency: Most employees are paid on a bi-weekly basis (every other Friday), with monthly pay schedules available for certain classifications like faculty and adjunct instructors.
- Salary Increases: Merit-based raises and cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are typically announced annually pending state funding and legislative approval.
- Online Pay Stubs: Access your earnings, tax withholdings, and accrued leave time via HRMS Self-Service.
Bonuses and Incentive Programs
- Excellent Employee Recognition Program: Offers bonuses and recognition for exceptional service and achievements throughout the year.
- Faculty Research Stipends: Eligible faculty can receive stipends for research grants or external funding through sponsored projects.
- Longevity Pay: Staff who reach service milestones are eligible for one-time longevity payments in recognition of their commitment.
Campus Resources for Employees
Beyond pay and benefits, NDSU provides rich resources to support personal development, lifelong learning, wellness, and work-life balance. These campus amenities are open and available to all employees.
Professional Development Opportunities
- Staff Senate Events: Workshops and training sessions on leadership, communication, and innovation in the workplace.
- Tuition Waivers: Full-time employees can take NDSU courses at no cost, up to 3 credits per semester. This benefit can also extend to dependents via tuition discount programs.
- LinkedIn Learning Access: Free subscriptions to the LinkedIn Learning platform give employees a chance to learn new digital tools and soft skills at their own pace.
Health and Wellness Facilities
Taking care of your physical and mental health can help you perform your best at work. NDSU offers excellent facilities and services for employee wellness.
- Wellness Center: Open to all employees, this facility includes a fitness center, indoor track, cycling studio, and yoga classes.
- Employee Health Services: On-campus providers offer flu shots, basic medical consultations, and health screenings.
- Work-Life Balance Resources: Includes access to lactation rooms, flexible scheduling, childcare referrals, and more.
Library and IT Resources
- Chester Fritz Library: Beyond students, employee faculty and staff have full library privileges, including access to research databases, interlibrary loans, and private study spaces.
- Technology Support: The IT Help Desk provides support for university-issued devices, software tutorials, and troubleshooting assistance.
- Software Access: As an NDSU employee, enjoy complimentary access to essential software such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud (with justification), and VPN tools for remote access.
Looking Ahead: Changes Coming in 2025
NDSU is continuously improving its programs based on employee feedback and national higher education benchmarks. Some anticipated changes in 2025 include:
- Enhanced Telework Options: A new flexible work policy allows eligible roles to operate on hybrid schedules or fully remote arrangements up to 3 days per week.
- Childcare Partnership: NDSU is partnering with local childcare providers to offer subsidized, priority access for employees’ children.
- Greener Commute Options: New sustainability initiatives include a carpool program, bike-sharing stations, and free public transit passes for faculty and staff.
These changes are part of NDSU’s broader commitment to retaining top talent, promoting health and equity, and fostering a high-quality work environment.
Supporting a Culture of Excellence
At NDSU, your contributions matter, and the university is focused on providing an environment where you can grow professionally while maintaining a fulfilling personal life. From generous leave policies and retirement planning to robust development resources and wellness facilities, NDSU’s benefits and campus amenities are designed to support you every step of the way.
For more detailed, role-specific information, employees should visit the Human Resources website or contact the HR staff at their department. Orientation sessions for new employees are also scheduled regularly and delve into benefits enrollment, university policies, and how to customize your NDSU work experience effectively.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re striving for career advancement, looking to maintain a healthy work-life balance, or trying to save for retirement, NDSU has the tools and resources to help you succeed. Staying informed and engaged with what’s available will ensure that you can take full advantage of everything the university offers. Here’s to a productive, balanced, and well-supported 2025 at North Dakota State University!