Author: Sara McIntyre

KPERS 457 is offering several webinar learning opportunities in May. The next session is on “Nearing Retirement – Are you ready but your finances are not?” at noon, Tuesday, May 5.

Topics covered:

• KPERS 457 steps to consider before retirement
• Income replacement and income needs in retirement
• How to continue KPERS 457 benefits in retirement

The Kansas 529 Educational Savings Plan has a new name: Quest 529. This transition also includes a change in vendor, now supported by TIAA. The Quest 529 plan offers a wide range of benefits and can help you meet your family’s college savings needs.

Learn more about the Quest 529 program at an informational webinar at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 13. Learn more and register for the webinar.

More information about the Quest 529 Educations Savings Plan can be found on its website.

Tuition Assistance application for the next academic year (2026-27) will be available May 1. The priority deadline for fall 2026 applications is July 1. The final deadline for fall 2026 applications is Aug. 4. Applications are submitted through the online application form.

Applications for multiple semesters within the same academic year can be submitted with one application, however assistance is awarded per semester based on eligibility and availability of funding. Due to the volume of applications received each semester, requests to submit late applications will be automatically denied without exception.

Full program details can be found at wichita.edu/tuitionassistance. Questions may be directed to tuitionassistance@wichita.edu.

Mike Crabtree, KPERS 457 advisor, will be on campus for in-person meetings from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9 in 238 Rhatigan Student Center, Meeker Room. Appointments need to be booked ahead of time.

All Wichita State University benefits-eligible employees can access their YTD 2025 Total Compensation Statement in myWSU. The Total Compensation Statement provides you with a complete view of your compensation package, including both direct compensation, such as pay and leave, and indirect compensation, such as benefits paid by WSU.

To access the summary:

• Visit mywsu.wichita.edu and select login to myWSU.
• Sign in with your myWSU ID and password.
• Under the “Employee Self-Service” channel in myWSU, select the direct link titled “Total Compensation Statement.”
• From the drop-down choose the year 2025.*

*You may also view your Year-to-Date 2026 totals throughout the year at any time and/or a prior year statement.

If you are participating in the Kansas Board of Regents Retirement Plan, you additionally may view the “Special Notice Regarding your 403(b) Retirement Plan Contributions.”

Contact HR Total Rewards at totalrewards@wichita.edu with questions regarding the summary.

The HR Total Rewards team reminds staff and faculty that the application window for summer 2026 Tuition Assistance will be open from Sunday, Feb. 15 through April 15.

Just a reminder, Tuition Assistance applications for summer 2026 are submitted through the Online Application Form.

Due to the volume of applications received each semester, requests to submit late applications will be automatically denied. There will be no exceptions.

Full program details can be found at wichita.edu/tuitionassistance.

Questions may be directed to tuitionassistance@wichita.edu.

The new KPERS 457 Deferred Compensation Plan representative, Mike Crabtree, will be on campus for meetings by appointment with employees from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan 27 in 240 Rhatigan Student Center, Mayfield Room.

Watch your inbox this week for an email from HR Total Rewards with the subject line “Changes to your Benefit Deductions.” This email will show changes in deduction amounts for the benefit elections you made during open enrollment for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

Note:

• The 2026 benefit elections have been finalized and cannot be changed.
• If the new deductions match what you elected for 2026 there is no action required. You can review your benefit elections in the Pending Election Statement email you received from SEHP.
• If there is a discrepancy, reply directly to the email you receive, and a member of the team will respond after winter break. If you do not receive an email, it simply means that your elections and deduction amounts will not change.
• Recent new hires: Reminder that you may have multiple premium deductions on the first paycheck that includes benefit premium deductions.

Justin Pierce, financial consultant with TIAA, will be on campus for in-person meetings Nov. 18 and 19. Schedule a time to meet with Justin Pierce.

Tuition Assistance applications for the spring 2026 semester are now being accepted through the online application form. The online application will be available through the end of the business day Jan. 6, 2026. Also, with the recent changes to the tuition assistance program, applications can now be submitted for both spring and summer 2026 in one application.

Due to the volume of applications received each semester, requests to submit late applications will be automatically denied. There will be no exceptions.

Full program details can be found at wichita.edu/tuitionassistance. Questions may be directed to tuitionassistance@wichita.edu.