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UHR supports employees by promoting health, financial stability, and mental wellness. This reflects our commitment to benefits that support employees through every stage of their journey. Together, these benefits help employees feel supported, valued, and prepared to succeed at work and in life.
Fringe Rate
When Auburn hires a new employee, the university pays more than just the salary. Auburn also covers a fringe rate that funds a wide range of employee benefits. These costs do not appear on an employee’s paycheck, but they represent a significant investment Auburn makes on behalf of our employees.
What Is a Fringe Rate?
A fringe rate is the additional amount an employer pays to cover benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. At Auburn, full‑time employees and faculty currently have a fringe rate of 30.4%, similar to peer institutions. This means Auburn contributes an additional 30.4% of an employee’s salary to cover benefits.
What Does the Fringe Rate Cover?
- Health insurance
- Retirement plans
- Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays)
- Required employer taxes, such as Social Security and Medicare
Example
For a full‑time employee earning $50,000 a year:
- Salary: $50,000
- Fringe Rate (30.4%): $15,200
- Total Compensation: $65,200
Auburn covers these expenses so employees have important protections that make their jobs more valuable. Even though employees only see their salary on their paycheck, Auburn invests much more to support them.
Open Enrollment
For last year's Open Enrollment, UHR worked to manage rising health insurance costs while expanding campus outreach.
UHR worked closely with University leadership and benefits partners, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, to manage rising healthcare costs. With significant additional investment from the University and strong collaboration with our partners, Auburn was able to keep health insurance plan cost increases below 5%, depending on the plan selected. This compared favorably to the projected national trend of a 9% increase for 2026 and represented the second‑lowest increase among Auburn’s SEC peers.
The Benefits team—along with a dedicated Benefit Enroller—offered more in‑person presentations and hands‑on assistance to colleges or departments that requested it. Rather than keeping the enroller in the UHR office, the team placed him in various campus locations, giving employees easier access to one‑on‑one help where they work.
Although no new benefits were added this year, engagement remained strong. Sixty‑nine percent of employees reviewed their benefits and completed Open Enrollment, while the remaining employees retained their existing elections, aside from required FSA updates.
The Benefits team also provided clear, accessible resources—including step‑by‑step instructions, reminders, informational sessions, virtual Q&As, and individualized support—to help employees understand their options and feel confident in their choices. Together, these efforts reflect UHR’s commitment to making Open Enrollment smooth, informative, and employee‑centered, while balancing affordability, transparency, and long‑term sustainability.
Retirement Webinars
Through partnerships with the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) and the Social Security Administration, UHR offers two annual webinars for employees nearing retirement eligibility. These sessions provide:
- Guidance on retirement timelines and eligibility
- Explanations of RSA pension benefits
- Insights into Social Security options and claiming strategies
- Opportunities to ask questions directly to subject‑matter experts
These webinars help employees understand their long‑term financial picture and make informed decisions about their future.
Employee Assistance Program
Through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and other wellness initiatives, Auburn provides resources that support mental, emotional, and physical well‑being.
The EAP offers confidential counseling, work‑life resources, and referrals to help employees navigate personal or professional challenges. Whether someone is managing stress, seeking financial guidance, or facing a difficult time, the EAP provides accessible, compassionate support.
Auburn’s wellness initiatives also promote preventive care and healthy living through campaigns, educational sessions, and resources that encourage employees to prioritize their health. Together, these programs reinforce Auburn’s belief that well‑being is essential to a fulfilling work experience.
By the Numbers
