New Employee Benefits Enrollment
Essential steps to get you started with the benefits enrollment process.
Eligible employees have access to a comprehensive benefits package
On your first day or first day of eligibility, you'll join a Benefits Orientation with the Human Resources team. They’ll explain everything about your options and help you start the enrollment process.
Mandatory Retirement Plans
All benefits-eligible employees are required to enroll in either the Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS) of MS or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). If an ORP election form is not received by Human Resources, the employee will be defaulted into the PERS plan.
The deadline for enrollment is 31 days from the new hire date or eligibility date (30 days if you are ORP eligible).
Insurance
Benefits-eligible faculty and staff have access to a variety of insurance options designed to support the health and wellness of both themselves and their families.
Benefits enrollment dates and deadlines
| Benefit | Eligibility/Effective Date | Enrollment Deadline |
| Medical | Coverage begins either on your first day of employment or your date of eligibility, depending on when your enrollment forms are submitted to Human Resources. | Within 31 days of new hire date or eligibility date |
| Dental | Coverage begins on the first day of the month following your hire date or your eligibility date. Orthodontics and major services benefits are effective after 12 months of continuous coverage without a waiver of waiting period. To request a waiver, send proof of other coverage to Human Resources. For dependants, these services are only available for those age 19 and under. | Within 31 days of new hire date or eligibility date |
| Vision | Coverage begins on the first day of the month following your hire date or your eligibility date. | Within 31 days of new hire date or eligibility date |
| Life Insurance | Mississippi State and School Employees’ Life Insurance Plan coverage begins either on your first day of employment or your date of eligibility, depending on when your enrollment forms are submitted to Human Resources. UNUM coverage is effective the first of the month after your start date or date of eligibility. Amounts over the guaranteed amount are subject to underwriting. | Within 31 days of new hire date or eligibility date |
| Accidental Death and Dismemberment | Coverage begins on the first day of the month following your hire date or your eligibility date. | Within 31 days of new hire date or eligibility date |
| Cancer, Dreaded Disease and Intensive Care Insurance | Coverage begins on the first day of the month following your hire date or your eligibility date. | Within 31 days of new hire date or eligibility date |
| Long-term Disability | Coverage begins on the first day of the month following your hire date or your eligibility date. | Within 31 days of new hire date or eligibility date |
Online Benefit Enrollment Steps in Workday
Step 1: Log in to Workday
Sign in to Workday.
Step 2: Access Your Enrollment Task
From the Workday homepage, click the My Tasks icon.
In My Tasks, select Benefit Change – New Hire.
Click Let’s Get Started to begin your enrollment.
Step 3: Make Your Benefit Elections
On the New Hire Election page, select your benefit options.
Important:
If you are waiving Medical or Basic Life coverage, you must select Waive Coverage.
Workday will not allow you to submit without making a selection for each benefit.
Step 4: Add Dependents (if applicable)
Dependents may be added before or during enrollment.
Required information: Date of Birth and Social Security Number.
If a dependent cannot be verified, you will be prompted to upload documentation proving identity and relationship before submitting.
Step 5: Review and Submit Your Elections
Review your selections carefully before submitting.
Once submitted, changes require assistance from a Benefits Team member.
Tip: Consider attending a Benefits Orientation before making and submitting your elections.
Print or save your summary page for your records.
Important:
Be sure to check your Workday inbox for any outstanding tasks needed to complete your enrollment.
Contact Human Resources
Whether you have a question or need assistance, the Department of Human Resources is here to help. Explore resources available in Workday, including Help Articles & Workday Assistant.
Need Further Support?
Submit a case directly in Workday. Select Menu in the top-left corner of Workday > Choose Help from the Personal section > Select Create Case.
You can also reach out to your Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP), who is here to support you across key areas, including Workday, Recruiting, and People Relations.