Information for BCC Employees
All the information you need to navigate your career at BCC.
Full-Time Employee Enrollment Forms (jump to Part-Time Employee forms)
All new employees must complete and return the forms linked below to inform HR which benefits you've selected, complete standard new-hire paperwork, and acknowledge receiving College policies. (We'll be straight with you - you're going to be filling out some forms.)
We've organized everything you need into a checklist to help you keep track of the
various documents. Open each section to find the necessary forms to download and complete.
Below that, you'll find additional documents for your information - these do not have to be completed and returned.
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1. Mandatory Elections: Health, Basic Life, Optional Life and Long-term Disability Insurance
This is a mandatory form, even if you are not going to enroll in GIC health insurance - new employees must use this form to select or decline GIC health benefits.
This Decision Guide will help you understand the various benefit options available to you. You will receive an email from the GIC inviting you to the MyGIC portal, once you have registered on the portal you will be able to review the GIC Decision Guide to understand the options and complete the enrollment, even if you are declining coverage.
GIC Insurance Benefit Decision Guide
Health, Basic Life, Optional Life and Long-term Disability Insurance Enrollment
Complete this form within ten (10) days of hire to enroll for (or decline) medical, life and long-term disability insurance benefits through the Commonwealth’s Group Insurance Plan (GIC). Do NOT use this form to select Dental benefits! Instead, see section 2, below.
When enrolled, GIC insurance benefits become effective sixty (60) days from the first full month of hire (ex: If you are hired September 1, benefits become effective November 1; If you are hired September 2, benefits become effective December 1).
GIC Enrollment Acknolwedgement Form
If you are adding dependents, you will need the following documents to complete the enrollment process:
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate(s)
Go to the MyGIC link and request the Enrollment/Change Form1- complete the form and add any attachments needed for dependents or beneficiaries before selecting FINISH.
Request and complete Life Insurance Beneficiary – Form 319 to designate life insurance beneficiaries. You should be prepared with personal information such as the birth dates and social security numbers of your chosen beneficiaries.
Request and complete the Dependent Age 19 to 26 Enrollment/Change form if you have a dependent between the ages of 19 to 26 that will be on your insurance.
Request and complete the Handicapped Dependent Application form if you will be insuring a child who, prior to age 19, was mentally or physically disabled and incapable of earning their own living.
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2. Mandatory Elections: Dental Insurance, Vision Discounts
BCC employees are eligible for dental benefits through Metlife and for vision discounts.
(Note: this is not part of the GIC Dental insurance.)
Non-Unit employees (This form must be completed and returned to HR.)
These benefits become effective within sixty (60) days of hire.
Non-Unit Dental Plan Summary
Non-Unit Dental Plan Form
Benefitted, MCCC employees
These benefits become effective 180 days following the date of hire.
MCCC Dental Plan Summary
MCCC Dental Plan Form
These benefits become effective 180 days following the date of hire.
Metlife VisionAccess is a discount program that helps you save and stay on top of your care. This flyer will provide discount information on vision care services.
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3. Optional Election: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) - (a) Health Care FSA, (b) Dependent Care FSA
BCC Employees are eligible to enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). FSAs allow employees to set aside money every paycheck on an income tax-free basis for eligible expenses.
You can enroll in the Health Care and/or the Dependent Care FSA.The Health Care Spending Account covers expenses that diagnose, treat, cure, or mitigate an injury, illness, or condition.
The Dependent Care Assistance Program covers expenses such as day care; preschool, before- and after-school programs; and summer day camps.
New state employees enroll for partial-year benefits. For the Health Care FSA, benefits begin at the same time as other GIC benefits. For the Dependent Care FSA, benefits begin on the first day of employment.
Employees must re-enroll for FSAs every year during open enrollment to continue benefits.
GIC FSA Handbook 2022 -
4. Mandatory Election: Retirement Election Form
Employees must choose from one (1) of two (2) options for retirement contributions (in lieu of Social Security):
1. Massachusetts State Employee Retirement System (MSERS)
- MSERS is a defined benefit plan. New employees contribute 9% of gross salary, and 11% on salary over $30,000. These employee contributions are Federal tax-deferred.1.45% is deducted for the Medicare portion of Social Security.
- Those who entered state service after April 2, 2012 are eligible for a pension at age 60 with 10 years of creditable service. State employees are eligible for a pension at any age with 20 years of creditable service.
- For more information, contact (617) 727-2310 ext. 2, or visit www.mass.gov/gic for an online contact form
OR
2. Optional Retirement Program (ORP) (For Non-Unit and MCCC Employees Only)
- ORP is an alternative to MSERS that provides flexible and portable pension benefits. Watch this video for more information on ORP.
- You must enroll for ORP within 180 days of hire, or you will be automatically be enrolled for MSERS.
- This is an important decision because, once you make your election, it cannot be changed.
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5. Optional Elections: Supplemental Retirement Plans
This is an optional form.
You may opt for the 457 Deferred Compensation SMART Plan, a retirement “add-on,” for saving additional retirement monies.
For 2020, anyone under age 50 can save $19,500 per calendar year, and $26,000 is you are 50 or over.
You can enroll for the SMART Plan at any time.
457 SMART Plan Highlights (PDF Download)
SMART Plan Information
This is an optional form.
Enroll for the 403B Plan to supplement your state core retirement plan. You can enroll for the 403B Plan at any time.
403B Plan Information403B Plan Enrollment - Follow the steps on this page
If you choose to enroll in the 403B plan, you must fill out and return the Salary Reduction Agreement. -
6. Mandatory State and Federal Employment Forms
Due upon hire.
These are standard employment forms required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the United States Federal Government.
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7. Mandatory BCC Institutional Forms
Due upon hire.
These are forms that BCC requires for all new hires, to ensure that you're aware of College policies and procedures.
Drug and Alcohol Policy Acknowledgement
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8. Public Information Exemption Form
Due upon hire (if appropriate)
As state employees, certain information about BCC staff members may be made public. If you are eligible to keep your information private, please complete an exemption form and return it to the Executive director HR (mloiodice@berkshirecc.edu), along with supporting documentation.
Payroll Public Records Exemption Form
Part-Time Employee Enrollment Forms
All new part-time employees must complete and return the forms linked below to inform HR which benefits you've selected, complete standard new-hire paperwork, and acknowledge receiving College policies. (We'll be straight with you - you're going to be filling out some forms.)
We've organized everything you need into a checklist to help you keep track of the
various documents. Open each section to find the necessary forms to download and complete.
Below that, you'll find additional documents for your information - these do not have to be completed and returned.
-
Mandatory State and Federal Employment Forms
Due upon hire.
These are standard employment forms required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the United States Federal Government.
-
Mandatory BCC Institutional Forms
Due upon hire.
These are forms that BCC requires for all new hires, to ensure that you're aware of College policies and procedures.
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Mandatory OBRA
As a part time, seasonal or temporary employee of the Commonwealth of MA you are required to participate in the MA Deferred Compensation SMART Plan as an alternative to Social Security.
Mandatory OBRA Form (to be returned)
OBRA Plan Highlights (Informational)
New Employee Information Forms
These files and documents contain useful reference information for new BCC employees.
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Academic Calendars
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Massachusetts Legal Holidays
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Massachusetts HealthConnector Marketplace Notification
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Earned Sick Time Information
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Guidance on the Pregnant Worker's Fairness Act
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Pay Calendars
Pay Calendars
Payroll Calendar for Benefitted Employees
Adjunct Faculty Payroll Calendar
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Payroll Self Service Login Information
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Paid Family Medical Leave
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Setting Up Emergency Notifications
Employee Training
- Every 2 years, all state, county and municipal employees must complete a conflict
of interest law online training program within 30 days of employment, and every 2
years thereafter. Employees are required to provide proof of taking this course to
the HR Office in the form of a certificate of completion.
Conflict of Interest Training
(Flash required; may not be accessible after 2020.) - Below, you fill find a form containing 3 short videos put out by the Massachusetts
Department of Public Health on safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please take some
time to watch these short videos today and verify that you have done so by completing
the form.
Covid-19 Training
The Benefits of Working for Berkshire Community College
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1. GIC Insurance Benefits (Health, Life, and Long-Term Disability)
The College offers medical, life and long-term disability insurance benefits through the Commonwealth’s Group Insurance Plan (GIC).
GIC Benefit Decision Guide - 2021
You must enroll in GIC insurance benefits within ten (10) days of your official hire date.
When enrolled, GIC insurance benefits become effective sixty (60) days from the first full month of hire (ex: If you are hired September 1, benefits become effective November 1; If you are hired September 2, benefits become effective December 1).
Deductions for Health Insurance will be split between biweekly paychecks.
Helpful Information to assist you in choosing an insurance plan and provider:
- Plan and provider options by location
- Plan rates and accompanying paycheck deductions
- Deductibles, copays, and costs of services by plan and provider
For questions about enrollment, contact the GIC at 1.617.727.2310.
For questions about coverage, contact the provider.Helpful information regarding Life Insurance:
Basic and Optional Life insurance rates
You may enroll in Optional Life Insurance for a coverage amount of up to eight times your salary (for a max of $1.5M)
- In order to enroll for Optional Life Insurance, you must be enrolled for basic life insurance.
- If you select coverage in an amount equal to a multiple of your salary, you will be enrolled in the Automatic Increase plan, and your coverage will increase automatically with increases in your salary.
- While you may elect Optional Life Insurance at any time during your employment with BCC, if you elect it within 10 days of hire, you will not be required to provide proof of good health.
- Deductions for Optional Life Insurnace are taken once per month, in one lump sum.
- GIC Life Insurance Brochure
The provider is The Hartford. Visit the Group Insurance Commission online or call 617-727-2310 ext. 1 for life insurance questions.
Helpful Information regarding Long Term Disability Insurance
- GIC provides up to 55% tax-free income replacement after a disability of more than 90 days.
UNUM is the provider, and can be reached at 1.877.226.8620.
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2. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
BCC Employees are eligible to enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). FSAs allow employees to set aside money every paycheck on an income tax-free basis for eligible expenses.
You can enroll in the Health Care and/or the Dependent Care FSA.The Health Care Spending Account covers expenses that diagnose, treat, cure, or mitigate an injury, illness, or condition.
The Dependent Care Assistance Program covers expenses such as day care; preschool, before- and after-school programs; and summer day camps.
New state employees enroll for partial-year benefits. For the Health Care FSA, benefits begin at the same time as other GIC benefits. For the Dependent Care FSA, benefits begin on the first day of employment.
Employees must re-enroll for FSAs every year during open enrollment to continue benefits.
GIC FSA Handbook 2022Helpful Information on FSAs:
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts employees save on average $300 for every $1,000 contributed in the Health Care Spending Account (HCSA)
- You pay a $1.00 monthly administrative fee for enrollment in one or both FSAs.
- Your elections will be withdrawn from your pay and placed in your account before federal or state income taxes, or federal payroll tax are applied.
- The IRS imposes a use-it-or-lose-it rule on FSAs. This means that you must use all the money in your account by the end of the plan year, or you lose that money, subject to a 2 ½ month grace period. For the 2021 plan year, you have until September 15, 2021 to incur claims and until October 15, 2021 to submit them.
- The Provider is Benstrat. For questions regarding the FSA, please contact 1.877.FlexGIC (1.877.353.9442); or contact Benstrat at: 877-353-9442; commonwealth@benstrat.com.
FAQ and Helpful Resources, including the Participant Handbook, Expense Lists, and presentations. There is also a live chat option available on this page.
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3. Dental / Vision Benefits
BCC employees are eligible for dental benefits through Metlife and for vision discounts.
You must enroll in GIC insurance benefits within ten (10) days of your official hire date.
For Non-Unit Professionals, GIC insurance benefits become effective sixty (60) days from the first full month of hire (ex: If you are hired September 1, benefits become effective November 1; If you are hired September 2, benefits become effective December 1).
For MCCC and AFSCME members, these benefits become effective 180 days following date of hire.Non-Unit Professionals
Non-Unit Dental Plan Summary
Metlife VisionAccess is a discount program that helps you save and stay on top of your care. This flyer will provide discount information on vision care services.
VisionAccess Employee Information -
4. Retirement Savings
Employees must choose from one (1) of two (2) options for retirement contributions (in lieu of Social Security):
1. Massachusetts State Employee Retirement System (MSERS)
- MSERS is a defined benefit plan. New employees contribute 9% of gross salary, and 11% on salary over $30,000. These employee contributions are Federal tax-deferred.1.45% is deducted for the Medicare portion of Social Security.
- Those who entered state service after April 2, 2012 are eligible for a pension at age 60 with 10 years of creditable service. State employees are eligible for a pension at any age with 20 years of creditable service.
- For more information, contact (617) 727-2310 ext. 2, or visit www.mass.gov/gic for an online contact form
MSERS Retirement Guide for Active Members
OR
2. Optional Retirement Program (ORP) (For Non-Unit and MCCC Employees Only)
- ORP is an alternative to MSERS that provides flexible and portable pension benefits. Watch this video for more information on ORP.
- You must enroll for ORP within 180 days of hire, or you will be automatically be enrolled for MSERS.
- This is an important decision because, once you make your election, it cannot be changed.
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5. 457 Deferred Compensation SMART Plan
BCC employees have options for additional retirement savings. You may opt for the 457 Deferred Compensation SMART Plan, a retirement “add-on,” for saving additional retirement monies.
- For 2020, anyone under age 50 can save $19,500 per calendar year, and $26,000 is you are 50 or over.
- You can enroll for the SMART Plan at any time.
- Prior to enrolling, contact your local SMART Plan office at 877-457-1900 to obtain a Plan Enrollment Code flier, which will include a specific code needed to enroll online. Then, click the button below to enroll.
- The minimum contribution is $10/pay period
- More information on the 457 SMART Plan
SMART Plan Enrollment
457 SMART Plan Highlights (PDF Download) -
6. 403B Supplemental Retirement Plan
BCC employees have options for yet more retirement savings.
Supplemental Retirement Plan Basics
Supplemental Retirement Plan Additional Information
If you choose to enroll in the 403B plan, you must fill out and return the Salary Reduction Agreement. -
7. Tuition Remission
Tuition Remission forms must be presented to the Business office when responding to the tuition and fee bill.
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8. Additional Benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Visit Mass4You for information on our Employee Assistance Program.
Mass4You Information
Mass4You FlyerPaterson Field House / Fitness Center
Employees of BCC get free access to the Paterson Field House where we offer use of an array of exercise equipment, a basketball court, a pool (open seasonally; available for a small daily fee), and offer exercise and wellness classes.
Berkshire Eagle Online Subscription
BCC employees get access to our Berkshire Eagle online subscription at no cost.
Employee Leave and Holiday Information
Types of Employee Leave
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Sick Leave
Sick Leave (accrued)
Sick leave may be used in the following circumstances:
- When an employee cannot perform duties because of incapacitation by personal illness or injury
- When, through exposure to contagious disease, the presence of the person at work would jeopardize the health of others
- In the case of a serious illness of husband, wife, child, parent of either spouse or any other person living in the immediate household of the employee
- To keep medical appointments
- See your Collective Bargaining Agreement or Handbook for additional circumstances in which you may be entitled to use sick time and for additional requirements.
If you will be using sick leave, please inform your supervisor as soon as possible on the first day of your absence. The College may require a physician’s certificate proving the necessity of such absence. Failure to inform your supervisor of your absence or to provide a physician’s certificate when requested may result in sick time being denied.
You will report your sick time using the code “SIC.”
The number of sick hours you are allotted is set forth in your Collective Bargaining Agreement or Handbook.
See your Collective Bargaining Agreement or Handbook for information on the Sick Leave Bank.
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Personal Leave
Personal Leave (accrued)
If you will be using personal leave, please give as much notice as practical. Please see your Collective Bargaining Agreement or Handbook for additional details and requirements. Such requests will not unreasonably be denied.
You will report your personal time using the code “PER.”
The number of personal hours you are allotted is set forth in your Collective Bargaining Agreement or Handbook. Please see your Collective Bargaining Agreement or Handbook for additional detail.
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Vacation Leave
Vacation Leave (accrued)
Vacation leave should be scheduled as far in advance as practical.
Please make arrangements with your supervisor for coverage during your vacation.
You will report your vacation time using the code “VAC”
Please see your Collective Bargaining Agreement or Handbook for information on limits on vacation accrual and carry-over.
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Bereavement Leave
Bereavement Leave (paid)
Employees may take up to seven (7) consecutive paid days in the case of the death of certain members of an employee’s or employee’s spouse’s family or members of the employee’s immediate household.
The number of personal hours you are allotted for bereavement leave is set forth in your Collective Bargaining Agreement or Handbook
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Military Leave
Military Leave (paid)
Employees in the armed forces or and members of reserve components of the armed forces are entitled to paid military leave if called to duty.
Please check your Collective Bargaining Agreement or Handbook for additional details.
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FMLA Leave
Federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Leave (unpaid)
The Federal FMLA entitles eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for up to twelve (12) weeks during a single 12-month period for specified family and medical reasons, with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave. Reasons include:
- The birth of a child and to care for the newborn child within one year of birth;
- The placement with the employee of a child for adoption or foster care and to care for the newly placed child within one year of placement;
- To care for the employee’s spouse, child, or parent who has a serious health condition;
- A serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the essential functions of his or her job
Employees may take up to 26 workweeks of leave during a single 12-month period under the FMLA to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness if the eligible employee is the service member’s spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin (military caregiver leave).
Please see your Collective Bargaining Agreement or Handbook for more information on your family leave/parental leave benefits.
If you are seeking FMLA protections because of a need for leave due to a serious health condition, you must to submit an FMLA Notice Form and a Medical Certification (see below) issued by the your health care provider to the HR Office. This notice form is due 30 days in advance of the leave when possible, or as soon as you become aware that you will need to take a leave.
Use this form to give notice of the need for FMLA leave:
FMLA Notice FormHR will issue you a Medical Certification for completion by your medical provider.
FMLA Medical Certification FormThis link provides an overview and helpful resources in regards to FMLA:
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Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML)
Massachusetts’ Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) (Paid)
Starting in January 2021, PFML will provide Massachusetts workers with specified family and/or medical reasons with up to 26 weeks of paid leave in a benefit year, with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave.
(NOTE: Massachusetts’ PFML and the federal FMLA are separate laws that cover similar situations.)
The PFML is available to all workers in Massachusetts.
Please see your CBA or Handbook for information on other types of employee leave.
Forms and Resources
If you believe that you have been harassed or discriminated against based on your sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity; race, color, national origin; religion, creed; age; disability; or based on membership in any other class protected by law or by the College’s Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity & Diversity Policy, you may file a complaint with the College. Likewise, you may file a complaint if you believe you have been retaliated against for reporting harassment or discrimination or for cooperating in an investigation concerning the same.
Informal Resolutions
Any of the parties involved in a particular matter may request the intervention of the Title IX Coordinator to assist in resolving that matter informally. Likewise, where appropriate, the Title IX Coordinator may attempt to reach an informal and prompt resolution of an issue. An informal resolution is achieved through open or closed dialogue between the parties that allows for the airing of any misunderstandings or disputed issues. Parties reserve their right to withdraw from the informal resolution process and resume the Complaint process at any time. If the parties come to an informal resolution, its terms are reduced to writing and the matter is thereafter considered resolved. Please note, however, that this informal procedure shall not be used as a sole measure in cases involving sexual harassment or violence, or in cases involving student allegations of sexual harassment or violence of any type by an employee.Confidential Reporting Resources
Persons who have experienced prohibited forms of sexual harassment may share information confidentially with designated employees (“Confidential Employees”) who cannot reveal identifying information to any third party unless one or more of the following conditions is present:
• the individual has provided written consent to disclose information;
• there is a concern about imminent harm to self or others;
• the information concerns the neglect or abuse of someone who is a minor, elderly, or disabled; or
• an employee is responsible for providing non-identifiable information
for purposes of the Clery Act.
Confidential Employees at Berkshire Community College are listed below:
Celia Norcross
Dean of Students
413-236-1601
cnorcross@berkshirecc.edu
Lisa Mattila
Personal Counselor
413-236-1609
www.berkshirecc.edu/personalcounseling
Formal Resolutions
Please use this form to report a violation of the College’s Title IX Sexual Harassment
Policy (including claims of sexual violence):
Title IX Complaint Form
Please use this form to report a violation of the College’s Affirmative Action, Equal
Opportunity & Diversity Policy (other than sexual harassment and sexual violence claims):
Affirmative Action and Discrimination Complaint Form
For more guidance on the Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity & Diversity Policy
and complaint procedure, to submit a complaint, or for resources, please contact Melissa
Loiodice-Walker, Title IX Coordinator and Affirmative Action Officer, at mloiodice@berkshirecc.edu
Students may also contact Celia Norcross at cnorcross@berkshirecc.edu to speak about options.
Tuition Remission forms must be presented to the Business office when responding to the tuition and fee bill.
Employee CBAs and Handbooks
Forms and Procedures for Supervisors
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Initiating a Job Posting using the Authorization to Hire form
Initiating a Job Posting using the Authorization to Hire Form
The Supervisor, Dean, or Vice President who desires to post a job for a particular position (the “Hiring Manager”) will fill out an Authorization to Hire form, and will attach the applicable Job Description.
If a Hiring Manager cannot locate a particular job description, or needs assistance creating or revising a position, the Hiring Manager may contact Sean Grady, the Business and Communications Manager(sgrady@berkshirecc.edu).
The Hiring Manager will complete the top portion of the form, which includes:
- position and pay information,
- names of search committee members and committee chair,
- anticipated start and end date of the position, and
- information as to whether it is a new position or a replacement for another position.
In order to ensure timely processing, the Hiring Manager must ensure that the form is completed accurately and in full. Questions about the form may be directed to Sean Grady at sgrady@berkshirecc.edu.
The Hiring Manager will sign the form and deliver it to the necessary parties for signature, which includes:
- the head of the department (if different),
- the Vice President of Administration & Finance, the President, and
- the Comptroller (if the position is grant funded).
The form should be forwarded by the last person to sign the form to Ann Stevens, Employee Services Coordinator at astevens@berkshirecc.edu. Forms without proper signature cannot be processed.
Once the fully signed Authorization to Hire form is received by Human Resources, Sean Grady will arrange to meet with the Hiring Manager to discuss the details of, and timeline for, the posting.
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Hiring a Candidate and Requesting IT Access
Hiring a Candidate using the Personnel Requisition Form,
Requesting IT Acess using the Application for Access to Electronic Records/Colleague Account Request FormAfter a candidate accepts a position, in order to initiate the actual hiring of a particular employee, the Hiring Manager will fill out a Personnel Requisition form AND an Application for Access to Electronic Records/Colleague Account Request Form.
BCC IT Account Application Form
The Hiring Manager should complete the top portions of the Personnel Requisition form, which includes:
- employee,
- department,
- pay information,
- source of funds, and
- start date.
The Hiring Manager must complete all applicable portions of the Application for Access to Electronic Records/Colleague Account Request Form. In order to ensure timely processing and timely access to email and other systems, the Hiring Manager must ensure that these forms are completed accurately and in full. Questions about the form may be directed to Sean Grady, Business & Communications Manager in Human Resources at sgrady@berkshirecc.edu.
The Hiring Manager will sign the Personnel Requisition form and deliver it to the necessary parties for signature, which includes:
- the head of the department (if different),
- the Vice President of Administration & Finance, and
- the Comptroller (if the position is grant funded.)
The form should be forwarded by the last person to sign the form to Ann Stevens, Employee Services Coordinator at: astevens@berkshirecc.edu. Forms without proper signature cannot be processed.
Once the fully signed Personnel Requisition form is received by Human Resources, an Appointment Letter will be generated and will be sent to the new hire for confirmatory signature.
Once the fully signed Application for Access to Electronic Records/Colleague Account Request Form (in addition to required onboarding paperwork from the employee) is received by the Human Resources Office, it will be immediately sent to the IT Department for processing. It takes up to 24 hours for email accounts to become active once set up by the IT department.
PLEASE NOTE: If there is a special case, such as with faculty who may require training on Moodle during the summer, hiring managers and supervisors should arrange for new hires to sign on-boarding paperwork at least three (3) business days prior their need to access the systems.
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Changes in Employment Status
Changes in Employment Status (e.g., Pay; Position/Title; Supervisor; Schedule) using the Change of Status Form
In order to initiate and/or document a change in an employee’s status as to pay, position/title, supervisor, schedule, or other; a Supervisor, Dean, or Head of Department will fill out a Personnel Change of Status form.
Personnel Change of Status form
The Supervisor, Dean, or Vice President will complete the top portions of the form, which includes:
- information as to the type of change,
- an explanation of the change,
- effective dates, and
- changes in salary and source of funds, if any.
In order to ensure timely processing of the Change of Status form, the form must be completed accurately and in full. Questions about the form may be directed to Sean Grady, Business & Communications Manager in Human Resources at sgrady@berkshirecc.edu.
The Supervisor, Dean, or Head of Department will sign the form and deliver it to the necessary parties for signature, which includes the head of the department (if different), and the President. If the change regards a non-routine change of pay (e.g., not related to a yearly raise) or source of funds, or affects the same, the Vice President of Administration & Finance’s signature is required, and lastly, the Comptroller’s if the position is grant funded. The form should be forwarded by the last person to sign the form to Ann Stevens, Employee Services Coordinator at: astevens@berkshirecc.edu. Forms without proper signatures cannot be processed.
Once the fully signed Change of Status form is received by Human Resources, the Employee Services Coordinator will process it.
PLEASE NOTE: If the change involves a change of position or title, the blue Change of Status form must be accompanied by a new Position Description before it will be processed.
Pay Calendars
HR CMS Login Instructions
HRCMS is a self-service website that BCC employees can use to submit working hours, view pay rates and history, and more.
BCC Mission Statement and Values
BCC Organizational Charts
Here you will find comprehensive BCC organization charts detailing the reporting structure of the following (in .PDF format):
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Divisional Organizational Chart
Divisional Organizational Chart (Download as PDF)
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President's Office
President's Office (Download as PDF)
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Academic Affairs
Academic Affairs (Download as PDF)
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Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
Student Affairs and Enrollment Management (Download as PDF)
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Administration and Finance
Administration & Finance (Download as PDF)
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President's Cabinet
President's Cabinet (Download as PDF)
Revision date March 29, 2022
Who to Contact in Human Resources
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Melissa Loiodice-Walker, Executive Director of Human Resources
Tel: (413) 236-1022
Contact for:
- Employee accommodation requests
- Questions related to Title IX and the College’s Policy on Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity & Diversity; and for filing Title IX and Affirmative Action Discrimination Complaints
- Collective bargaining and contract matters (including generation of seniority lists; questions related to tenure and changes of rank; and reclassification requests)
- Employee complaints and grievances
- Consultation on personnel and supervisory matters
- Project and initiative planning in partnership with the Human Resources Department
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Sean Grady, Business and Communications Manager
Tel: (413) 236-4576
Contact for:
Contact for:
- Questions related to posting jobs, position description development and review (including E-7s), and the search committee process
- Employee training, including search committee training
- Salary and wage questions
- Questions involving the employee evaluation process
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Ann Stevens, Employee Services Coordinator in Human Resources
Tel: (413) 236-1023
Contact for:
- Employee onboarding
- Questions on and assistance with benefits and tuition remission
- Questions on and assistance with retirement
- Accessing personnel files
- Information on employee wellness resources
- General questions about Human Resources policy, process, and procedure
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Human Resources General Email
Contact for:
- Submitting Authorizations to Hire, Personnel Requisitions, and Change of Status Forms
- Requests for current and historic employee data
- Contact from people/entities external to the College, including for:
- information requests under the Massachusetts Public Records Law
- verification of employment requests;
- general questions from job candidates;
- sales
- Determining the correct Human Resources contact
Human Resources Forms and Procedures
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I. INITIATING JOB POSTING using the Authorization to Hire Form
The Supervisor, Dean, or Vice President who desires to post a job for a particular position (the “Hiring Manager”) will fill out an Authorization to Hire form (add form here- attached to email) and will attach the applicable Job Description.
If a Hiring Manager cannot locate a particular job description, or needs assistance creating or revising a position, the Hiring Manager may contact Sean Grady, the Business and Communications Manager.
The Hiring Manager will complete the top portion of the form which includes position and pay information, names of search committee members and committee chair, anticipated start and end date of the position, and information as to whether it is a new position or a replacement for another position. In order to ensure timely processing, the Hiring Manager must ensure that the form is completed accurately and in full. Questions about the form may be directed to Sean Grady, Business & Communications Manager in Human Resources.
The Hiring Manager will sign the form and deliver it to the necessary parties for signature, which includes the head of the department (if different), the Vice President of Administration & Finance, the President, and lastly, the Comptroller if the position is grant funded. The form should be forwarded to HR@berkshirecc.edu by the last person to sign the form. Forms without proper signature cannot be processed.
Once the fully signed Authorization to Hire form is received by Human Resources, Sean will arrange to meet with the Hiring Manager to discuss the details of, and timeline for, the posting. [Please see the College’s Search Committee Guidelines- COMING SOON]
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II. HIRING A CANDIDATE using the Personnel Requisition Form; AND REQUESTING IT ACCESS using the Application for Access to Electronic Records/Colleague Account Request Form
After a candidate accepts a position, in order to initiate the actual hiring of a particular employee, the Hiring Manager will fill out a Personnel Requisition form (add form here – attached to email) AND an Application for Access to Electronic Records/Colleague Account Request Form (add form here – attached to email).
The Hiring Manager should complete the top portions of the Personnel Requisition form which includes employee, department, pay information, source of funds, and start date. The Hiring Manager must complete all applicable portions of the Application for Access to Electronic Records/Colleague Account Request Form. In order to ensure timely processing and timely access to email and other systems, the Hiring Manager must ensure that these forms are completed accurately and in full. Questions about the form may be directed to Sean Grady, Business & Communications Manager in Human Resources.
The Hiring Manager will sign the Personnel Requisition form and deliver it to the necessary parties for signature, which includes the head of the department (if different), the Vice President of Administration & Finance, and lastly, the Comptroller if the position is grant funded. The form should be forwarded to HR@berkshirecc.edu by the last person to sign the form. Forms without proper signature cannot be processed.
Once the fully signed Personnel Requisition form is received by Human Resources, an Appointment Letter will be generated and will be sent to the new hire for confirmatory signature.
Once the fully signed Application for Access to Electronic Records/Colleague Account Request Form (in addition to the required paperwork from the employee) is received by the Human Resources Office, it will be immediately sent to the IT Department for processing. It takes up to 24 hours for email accounts to become active once set up by the IT department.
PLEASE NOTE: If there is a special case, such as with faculty who may require training on Moodle during the summer, hiring managers and supervisors should arrange for new hires to sign on-boarding paperwork at least two (2) to four (4) business days prior their need to access the systems.
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III. CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENT STATUS (e.g., Pay; Position/Title; Supervisor; Schedule) using the Change of Status Form
In order to initiate and/or document a change in an employee’s status as to pay, position/title, supervisor, schedule, or other; a Supervisor, Dean, or Head of Department will fill out a Personnel Change of Status form (add form here – attached to email).
The Supervisor, Dean, or Vice President will complete the top portions of the form which includes information as to the type of change, an explanation of the change, effective dates, and changes in salary and source of funds, if any. In order to ensure timely processing of the Change of Status form, the form must be completed accurately and in full. Questions about the form may be directed to Sean Grady, Business & Communications Manager in Human Resources.
The Supervisor, Dean, or Head of Department will sign the form and deliver it to the necessary parties for signature, which includes the head of the department (if different), and the President. If the change regards a non-routine change of pay (e.g., not related to a yearly raise) or source of funds, or affects the same, the Vice President of Administration & Finance’s signature is required, and lastly, the Comptroller’s if the position is grant funded. The form should be forwarded to HR@berkshirecc.edu by the last person to sign the form. Forms without proper signatures cannot be processed.
Once the fully signed Change of Status form is received by Human Resources, the Employee Services Coordinator will process it. PLEASE NOTE: If the change involves a change of position or title, the blue Change of Status form must be accompanied by a new Position Description before it will be processed.
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IV. SEPARATIONS IN EMPLOYMENT (e.g., Termination; Resignation; Retirement)
Upon receiving notice of an employee’s intended or actual separation from the College (resignation, termination or otherwise) the Supervisor shall instruct the separating employee to make an appointment with Ann Stevens, the Employee Services Coordinator in Human Resources, as soon as possible for an exit interview and to discuss benefits if applicable.
The Supervisor should make arrangements to collect keys, badges, parking passes, equipment (including computer) and any other college property or materials from the separating employees on their last day of employment, and return these items to the Facilities, Security, and IT Offices as applicable.
Ann will reach out to employee to set up an appointment for an Exit Interview if the employee has not first contacted Human Resources by their last day as an employee.
Following the exit interview, the Human Resources Office will deliver the appropriate form to the IT Department, who will delete accesses to College email and other electronic systems, as appropriate. Please note, retires will have the opportunity to add a personal email address to the Everyone Email List. Also note, adjuncts will remain on the email list for four (4) consecutive semesters before removal.
General Information about Retirement
As you contemplate your retirement, it is important that you understand the retirement process and what retirement means for you, financially and in regards to your insurance coverage. To aid you in this process, we have listed information and resources related to retirement below.
Ann Stevens, the College’s Employee Services Coordinator in Human Resources, is available to assist you in navigating the retirement process. You may reach her at astevens@berkshirecc.edu.
Erion Lamme at the DHE can assist you with setting up retiree income and general
questions at: elamme@dhe.mass.edu
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State Retirement System (GIC)
State Retirement System Members
Visit Mass.gov for more details about Massachusetts state retirement
Resources:
Includes: Retirement Benefit Guide, Retirement Calculator, and a pre-retirement checklist.
How to Apply for Retirement
Download the Retirement Application
During the application process, you'll choose how your retirement payments will be made. Retirement Board staff will be available to discuss these options with you.
Review Retirement Allowance Options
Buybacks of Prior State Service
See this Mass.gov page for details about prior service buybacks:
Service Purchases / Buybacks (MSRB)
Enroll or Changing Retiree Benefits
How to Enroll in or Change GIC Retiree Benefits
The Retiree/Survivor Enrollment/Change Form (Form-RS) is the form you need to sign up for retiree benefits, including dental thru GIC.
PLEASE NOTE: In signing up for these benefits, you must also complete the Employment Status Change Form, which can also be found at the "GIC Forms" link above.
Contact the GIC
Due to the COVID pandemic there is little telephone presence at the GIC, so it is recommended you use the online contact form linked below for requests for information or assistance.
If you have further questions, you can also contact the GIC at 617-727-2310.
Declan Hobbs is also a great resource on retirement:
Declan Hobbs, Retirement Counselor
State Retirement Board
w. (413) 730-6135 x 384 -
The Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
Optional Retirement Program (ORP)
View ORP resourses and the ORP Checklist below.
Drawing Benefits from
your ORP PlanBenefit Application Process
Download the ORP Checklist
ORP Provider Contact Information
If you opted in to an ORP, you will have chosen either TIAA or Fidelity as your provider. You may contact these providers to discuss your retirement situation.
TIAA
Fidelity Elizabeth (Betsey) O’Boyle,
Senior Financial Consultant / TIAA Financial Solutions
130 Turner Street
Building 3, Suite 215
Waltham, MA 02453
Tel: 781.314.2903Matthew Toedt,
Retirement Planner / Personal and Workplace Investing
Fidelity Investments
1 Spartan Way, Mailzone TS4V
Merrimack, NH 03054
Tel: 508-450-4284 -
Supplemental 403(b) Voluntary Savings Plan
Supplemental 403(b) Voluntary Savings Plan
Drawing benefits/distributions from your 403(b) plan
If you are enrolled in a 403(b) Plan, please let Ann Stevens (astevens@berkshirecc.edu) in HR know if you want your final payout deposited into this plan, or paid directly to you upon retirement. If you choose to be paid out, this payment will occur approximately 2 weeks after your last day at work.
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Massachusetts Deferred Compensation SMART Plan 457(b)
Massachusetts Deferred Compensation SMART Plan 457(b)
To access information about drawing benefits or to schedule an appointment with your SMART Plan Advisor,
Sign into your
SMART Plan accountIf you are enrolled in a SMART Plan, please let Ann Stevens (astevens@berkshirecc.edu) in HR know if you want your final payout deposited in this plan, or paid directly to you upon retirement. If you choose to be paid out, this payment will occur approximately 2 weeks after your last day at work.
Contact Information
For more information on withdrawing SMART Plan benefits, please contact:
Heather Kane, Empower Retirement
(877) 457-1900
heather.kane@gwrs.com
Policy: Emeritus Status
- The Board of Trustees, on behalf of the college, and upon the recommendation of the President, will grant the title "Professor Emeritus" to retiring faculty members who have met the qualifications below. Under special circumstances, the Board of Trustees may waive requirements as stipulated in this policy.
- An ad hoc committee of three senior faculty members with at least fifteen years' service at BCC and the Dean of Academic Affairs will consider all candidates for the designation and make recommendations to the President in accordance with the provisions of this policy.
- The honorary title "Emeritus" will be granted by the Board of Trustees to approved faculty members at the time of retirement, and a plaque acknowledging the designation will be presented at the commencement following retirement.
- Designees of the "Emeritus" status must meet the following qualifications:
- Candidates must have taught for twenty years in higher education, a minimum of fifteen years at BCC;
- Candidates must have achieved the full professor rank; and
- Candidates must have retired from the college in good standing.
- The designees will receive the following benefits:
- Designees' names will be listed in the college catalog during an individual's lifetime.
- Designees will be invited to participate in significant events in the life of the college; for example, commencements, honors convocations, retirement and awards banquets, etc.
- Designees will have access to all such other benefits as may be defined by the college, including the same tuition and fees benefits for attending BCC as received by full-time faculty members.
If you believe that you have been harassed or discriminated against based on your sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity; race, color, national origin; religion, creed; age; disability; or based on membership in any other class protected by law or by the College’s Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity & Diversity Policy, you may file a complaint with the College. Likewise, you may file a complaint if you believe you have been retaliated against for reporting harassment or discrimination or for cooperating in an investigation concerning the same.
Informal Resolutions
Any of the parties involved in a particular matter may request the intervention of the Title IX Coordinator to assist in resolving that matter informally. Likewise, where appropriate, the Title IX Coordinator may attempt to reach an informal and prompt resolution of an issue. An informal resolution is achieved through open or closed dialogue between the parties that allows for the airing of any misunderstandings or disputed issues. Parties reserve their right to withdraw from the informal resolution process and resume the Complaint process at any time. If the parties come to an informal resolution, its terms are reduced to writing and the matter is thereafter considered resolved. Please note, however, that this informal procedure shall not be used as a sole measure in cases involving sexual harassment or violence, or in cases involving student allegations of sexual harassment or violence of any type by an employee.Confidential Reporting Resources
Persons who have experienced prohibited forms of sexual harassment may share information confidentially with designated employees (“Confidential Employees”) who cannot reveal identifying information to any third party unless one or more of the following conditions is present:
• the individual has provided written consent to disclose information;
• there is a concern about imminent harm to self or others;
• the information concerns the neglect or abuse of someone who is a minor, elderly, or disabled; or
• an employee is responsible for providing non-identifiable information
for purposes of the Clery Act.
Confidential Employees at Berkshire Community College are listed below:
Celia Norcross
Dean of Students
413-236-1601
cnorcross@berkshirecc.edu
Lisa Mattila
Personal Counselor
413-236-1609
www.berkshirecc.edu/personalcounseling
Formal Resolutions
Please use this form to report a violation of the College’s Title IX Sexual Harassment
Policy (including claims of sexual violence):
Title IX Complaint Form
Please use this form to report a violation of the College’s Affirmative Action, Equal
Opportunity & Diversity Policy (other than sexual harassment and sexual violence claims):
Affirmative Action and Discrimination Complaint Form
For more guidance on the Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity & Diversity Policy
and complaint procedure, to submit a complaint, or for resources, please contact Melissa
Loiodice-Walker, Title IX Coordinator and Affirmative Action Officer, at mloiodice@berkshirecc.edu
Students may also contact Celia Norcross at cnorcross@berkshirecc.edu to speak about options.