Bikes, Broadway and other benefits you may not know about

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Most University employees are familiar with the basics of their benefits package – health insurance, retirement plan, qualified tuition reduction. But there are plenty of other perks that faculty and staff might not know about.

Learn about a few of them below.

Technology support

The University Information Technology Services 24/7 Support Center provides free round-the-clock tech support for campus applications and services, such as email and NetID, and can help with resetting passwords, installing software installation and removing viruses.

But did you know 24/7 also can help troubleshoot issues with your personal devices?

If you prefer to speak with someone in person, rather than over a phone or in a chat, hands-on help is available at the 24/7 Lounge, located downstairs in the Main Library. The lounge is open whenever the Main Library is open.

"It's great being in the library, where clients can find us," said Clancey Dollard, director of the 24/7 Support Center. "A big plus for our new space is that area can serve as a technical 'one-stop shop' of sorts for everyone on campus."

Visits to the 24/7 Lounge come with one caveat: Clients must be present while technicians work on their personal devices. This is for liability reasons and in case a technician needs passwords or login information.

According to Dollard, support center staff have logged more than 20,000 calls, chats and online service requests since the fall semester began in August, with about a quarter of those coming from faculty and staff.

During the same period, the 24/7 Lounge saw nearly 1,200 visitors, but only about 8% were faculty and staff. The majority, roughly 70%, were students and around 22% were retirees and campus visitors.

Another hidden gem inside the Main Library is the Tech Toolshed, where employees can check out laptops, tablets and other devices.

Borrow a bike

While UITS works to make it easier for employees to navigate their devices, Parking & Transportation Services does its best to help them get around on campus with the Cat Wheels bike-sharing program.

Cat Wheels users can check out loaner bicycles at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis Monday-Friday at two campus locations:

• Parking and Transportation Office Building, 1117 E. Sixth St., 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Second Street Garage, 1390 E. Second St., 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

First-time users must print out and complete a registration form, which may be returned to either Cat Wheels rental locations. All subsequent checkouts require only a CatCard. The bikes, which range from single-speed cruisers to seven-speeds, all feature hand brakes and come with a u-lock and set of attachable lights. Loaners must be returned to their original location no later than 4 p.m. the day after checkout. For example, a bike borrowed at 8 a.m. Monday must come back by 4 p.m. Tuesday. A bike borrowed on Friday is due back Monday by 4 p.m. A daily $10 late fee will apply for bikes not returned by the next weekday.

Alex Chavez, transportation planning and commuter programs manager at PTS, described Cat Wheels as a major component of the office's effort to boost bicycle ridership on campus.

"Our goal is to make the University as bike-friendly as we can. We're one of just 12 schools to receive a gold rating from the League of American Bicyclists for our bike accessibility," Chavez said. "The climate allows for nearly year-round bike riding and on a crowded campus like this, it's important for everyone to have other ways to get around than a car."

PTS also offers students, faculty and staff a 50% discount on an annual Tugo membership, normally an $80 cost. Program members get access to 330 bikes at 36 stations on and near the University of Arizona campus, all available for an unlimited number of 30-minute trips. More serious riders may take advantage of the Employee Bike to Work, Bike Repair Shop, bicycle locker and enclosure and bike valet programs. Learn more about bicycle services on the PTS website.

Employee Assistance Counseling

Through Life & Work Connections, benefits-eligible employees, their dependents and members of their household can receive employee assistance counseling from a provider called ComPsych. Employees can access up to 12 free counseling sessions per person, per issue, per year. Sessions are available throughout the week, including evenings and weekends, and can be conducted in person, over the phone or by video chat. EAC providers are all mental health professionals with a wide array of cultural and clinical backgrounds. Counseling is available in English and Spanish. Translators are available for other languages.

"We have a diverse workforce with many unique needs," said Helena A. Rodrigues, vice president and chief human resources officer. "Through ComPsych's network, employees can access the support they need from providers that align with their values and in the format that serves them best."

Employees can also take advantage of workshops covering a variety of mental health and emotional well-being topics – from cultivating a positive mindset to fostering resilience – intended to support University of Arizona employees so that they can be effective and engaged at work and at home.

BookStore and retail discounts

Employees receive 10% off insignia clothing, gift items, computer supplies, textbooks and office supplies, and 20% off most general reading books, at all University of Arizona BookStores locations, with some restrictions.

Employees can also take advantage of special academic pricing on computer hardware and software. Discounts are subject to change in the future. The BookStores also offer occasional promotions and events where employees can find additional deals. Visit the BookStores website for locations, events and campus partners.

Performances and museums

Faculty and staff also receive discounts and special offers on cultural events such as Arizona Arts Live productions and select shows produced by the College of Fine Arts, including dance, music and theatrical performances. Tickets can be purchased through the box office, by phone or online. Employees with a CatCard can enjoy free admission to the Arizona State Museum and the University of Arizona Museum of Art and discounted admission to Biosphere 2.

Other benefits

• Wildcat Fridays – On Wildcat Fridays, Broadway in Tucson offers $19 tickets to faculty, staff and students. The next scheduled Wildcat Fridays are on April 1 for "Hadestown" and April 22 for "Pretty Woman." Tickets must be purchased at the Centennial Hall box office.
• Additional employee discounts include discounts on home and auto insurance and the Perks at Work Employee Discount Program.
• Expanded paid parental leave – With a recent revision, the University doubled the amount of paid parental leave available to benefits-eligible faculty and staff. The revised parental leave policy now covers 12 instead of six weeks of paid leave. Plus, new parents have the option to extend their leave up to an additional 12 weeks using accrued time off or unpaid leave. 

For more information about employee benefits and privileges, visit the Benefits page on the Human Resources website.