Benefits

From health plans to educational assistance programs, from retirement savings to time off, Stanford provides staff members with an array of benefits that increase their financial security, help them develop professionally and promote healthy, fulfilling lives. These benefits combine to equal about one-third of an employee’s base salary. An overview of benefit highlights appears below.

Health Plans and Resources

Medical Plans

Choose among a variety of medical insurance plans, including coverage for pre- existing conditions, prescription drugs, mental health and substance abuse. Two medical plans are available at no charge for full-time staff members seeking individual coverage - Kaiser and Stanford Healthcare Alliance.

Dental Plans

Select the free Basic plan which covers preventive cleanings and major services, or the Enhanced plan which covers implants and orthodontic services in addition to preventive and major services.

Vision Care

Purchase exam and eyewear coverage through Vision Service Plan.

On-Site Counseling

Obtain free, professional, confidential, short-term counseling and consultation services through Stanford’s Faculty & Staff Help Center (up to 10 free visits per problem for each staff member and eligible dependents).

Flexible Spending Accounts

Set aside before-tax money to pay for certain health care expenses, including deductibles, copayments and dependent daycare expenses.

Life Insurance

Receive free basic life insurance coverage in an amount equal to annual salary (up to a $50,000 maximum). Staff members may purchase additional insurance for themselves, spouse or registered domestic partner, and dependent children.

Health Improvement Program (HIP)

Participate in a broad range of discounted health maintenance and improvement programs, such as yoga, Pilates, cycling and other classes.

BeWell@Stanford

Pursue a healthy lifestyle with a health risk assessment, regular health screenings, one-on-one advising, and a selection of workshops, classes and wellness programs with cash incentives.

Retirement Savings Plans

Your Contributions

Have pre-tax contributions deducted automatically. This reduces taxable income and creates valuable retirement savings.

Investment Options

Choose from a variety of investment options through the Stanford Contributory Retirement Plan (SCRP). Staff members are immediately vested 100 percent in both their and Stanford’s contributions.

University Contributions

After one year of service, receive from Stanford a total retirement account contribution of up to 10 percent of earnings.

Educational Assistance Programs

Tuition Grant Program (TGP)

Receive assistance with up to four years of undergraduate college tuition (a maximum of $20,625 per year as of 2012-13) for eligible dependent children attending approved colleges and universities. Staff members qualify for this program after completing five years of continuing benefits eligible service.

Staff Tuition Reimbursement Program (STRP)

Receive reimbursement of up to $5,250 per fiscal year for tuition and required books and supplies to pursue a graduate or undergraduate degree at an accredited college or university.

Staff Training Assistance Program (STAP)

Be reimbursed for up to $800 in tuition costs, registration fees and required textbooks for training activity related directly to your job or career development.

Time Off

Holidays

Enjoy 11 paid holidays through out the year, including one floating holiday (which can be taken any time during the calendar year, with supervisory approval) available to those already employed on January 1.

Vacation

Accrue vacation time starting in the first month of regular employment, with the rate of accrual beginning at 10 days per year (for non-exempt employees) and 15 days per year (for exempt employees) and increasing according to years of service to approximately 24 days per year.

Personal Time Off

Use up to 24 hours of paid time off per calendar year for personal reasons, with supervisory approval.

Sick Leave

Accrue eight hours of paid sick leave for each calendar month of pay. Unused sick leave accumulates without limit.

Maternity/Paternity Leave

Take time off to care for your infant under a number of leave programs available to eligible new mothers and fathers.

Winter Closure

Spend time with friends and family when Stanford shuts down each year.

Work-Life Balance

Navigating Work & Life

We recognize that your work at Stanford and the rest of your life aren't separate concepts anymore, and finding a "balance" between the two isn't as simple as the term implies. At the WorkLife Office, we offer support, services and resources to help you navigate the many layers of your life - work, academics, children, family, hobbies and interests - and find the right strategy for you. Through our educational events and helpful resources, the WorkLife office supports you through all of your life stages.

Children & Family

Whether you are expecting your first child or seeking care for your fourth, the WorkLife Office provides resources that will help you manage all aspects of children and family life. Our goal is to partner with you as you navigate this exciting and busy season of life. We offer on-site child care centers, resource and referral support for off campus child care options, and other parenting resources and events.

Eldercare & Caregiving

Caring for an aging relative can be exhausting as well as rewarding. The WorkLife Office wants to ensure you have the resources and support you need to not only care for your loved ones, but yourself as well! We offer free consultations with a geriatric social worker, resource and referral support for caregiving options, and monthly educational events.

Financial Assistance Programs

The WorkLife Office provides assistance in meeting the financial demands of many of life's most significant events, includes the Child Care Subsidy Grant, the Faculty Child Care Assistance Program, the Junior Faculty Travel Grant,  the Adoption Reimbursement Program, Emergency and Back-Up Dependent Care and the Dependent Care Spending Account.

Other Resources and Services

Use of Facilities

Enjoy the use of athletic facilities for sports and recreation; attend lectures, concerts, athletic events and exhibits; and obtain access to Stanford’s renowned library facilities, along with spouse or domestic partner and eligible dependents.

News and Information

Stay informed about events and initiatives throughout the broader university community via the online Stanford Report and Stanford for You.

Parking and Transportation Services

Participate in commuter programs, including free transit on Caltrain and VTA bus, ride-sharing incentives and more. Be part of Stanford’s commitment to a green and sustainable workplace.