People and Culture

Benefits

 

Your Benefits

There are virtual Benefit information sessions for faculty and staff held each month. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the benefits available to you as an employee and ask any questions. Register for the next session by searching the Employee Learning Calendar [login required]. 

 

Benefits Packages for Employee Groups and Retirees

If you are eligible for benefits, please review your relevant package below. You can also visit Employee Benefits [login required] on our People and Culture myDal site. 

Enrolment Information

Benefit-eligible employees are enrolled in single health and travel coverage. You have 60-days from your start date to:

  • Add dental coverage, and/or
  • Change to family coverage

Note: Some optional benefits have shorter enrolment windows. Required paperwork and instructions are available under your relevant benefit package listed above. Any requests received after the applicable enrolment window will be considered late, and you and your dependants may be subject to restricted coverage and/or medical underwriting approval. The 60-day enrolment window reopens if you experience an eligible life event.

MSI or equivalent provincial health coverage is mandatory for participation in the group health and dental plan. If this coverage is not in place, please contact Employee Benefits.

You will receive a benefits card with your policy number directly from Medavie Blue Cross in the mail after your eligibility date. For detailed information on your benefit entitlements and to submit claims online, please register with Medavie Blue Cross. A mobile app is also available for smartphones and tablets.

If you have any questions about your benefits eligibility or the application process, please contact Employee Benefits at benefits@dal.ca or 902-494-1122.

Optional Benefits

Some optional benefits (such as optional life insurance, critical illness, and long‑term disability) must be elected within 31 days of your job start date to avoid medical underwriting. Eligibility and enrolment requirements vary by employee group - please review your benefit package for details.

Employee Wellness Programs

Health and wellness:  All employees gain access to sick leave after 6 months of service, with the total number of days determined by the employee's respective collective agreement and/or handbook. Visit Wellness [login required] on our People and Culture myDal site for wellness resources and supports available to faculty and staff.

  • Health Spending Accounts (HSA): Each eligible employee receives an annual HSA allotment, with the amount varying by employee group. HSA allows employees to balance areas where the benefits plan may offer less coverage and to direct support where they need it most. HSA funds can be used for eligible health and dental expenses not reimbursed by the plan, and unused funds may be carried forward for one year.
  • Discounted membership at Dalplex (Halifax): Employees receive a 50% discount compared to the regular community member rate. 
  • GoodLife Fitness discount: Dalhousie participate in a membership program offering a 30% discount. 
  • Health and safety are important for the well-being of all employees, students, and campus visitors, and are a shared responsibility. Learn more at Environmental Health and Safety.
  • Enhanced mental health benefit:  Dalhousie offers an enhanced mental health benefit to all benefits-eligible faculty and staff. This benefit, up to a maximum of $1500 per calendar year, is specific to mental health services, and covers an expanded list of mental health practitioners including psychologists, social workers, counselling therapists, psychotherapists, psychoeducators, and Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT). 

Professional Development

The university encourages learning opportunities and professional development for faculty and staff through a tuition assistance program. 

Tuition and tuition assistance: Dalhousie prioritizes educational opportunities for its employees. Regular, full-time and part-time faculty and staff (greater than 50%) and unionized Grant-Paid employees may be eligible for tuition waivers for Dalhousie courses, for up to 2 full credits per academic year, subject to applicable conditions.  

Tuition assistance may be provided through:

  • Tuition waivers for Dalhousie courses (up to 2 full credits per academic year) and
  • Tuition reimbursement for approved, non-Dalhousie courses (where applicable). 
  • Eligibility varies by employee group. For detailed eligibility, please refer to your collective agreement or employee handbook, which outlines provisions specific to your employee group. More information on tuition assistance is available on our People and Culture myDal site.

Dependant Tuition Benefits: Eligible dependants of regular full‑time and part‑time faculty and staff (greater than 50%) may receive 50% off tuition, in accordance with program rules and conditions.

Additional Resources