Information for Faculty & Staff

Limestone is here to assist you through this uncertain and difficult time in every way possible. If you have any questions, please call or email the Human Resources office or any Cabinet member. If you feel that your questions are not being addressed, please contact Brandi Hartman.

We will update these FAQs as additional information becomes available or is identified, and for clarification.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Will there be assistance from South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW)?

Yes. Unemployment Benefit information:

The Rapid Response Division at SCDEW is tasked with ensuring a smooth employment transition for employees. Rapid Response represents the immediate effort by federal, state, and local officials to help workers return to work as quickly as possible; as such, all of the services offered by the Rapid Response Division are at no cost. Rapid Response activities include the provision of reemployment services, unemployment benefits, and retraining programs for all impacted workers.

SC Works staff can offer some of these additional services; including, resume building, interviewing skills, online registration for job searches, etc.

  • Claimant Handbook
  • UI Hotline: 866-831-1724
  • Website: https://www.dew.sc.gov/individuals/applying-benefits
    • Available Information:
      • Layoff assistance information (available in English and Spanish)
      • Unemployment Insurance Benefits & Registration
      • SC Works training and job search assistance.
      • Comprehensive Video Tutorials

Please see the Rapid Response Booklet for more information.

 

Am I eligible for unemployment benefits?

You may apply for unemployment benefits through the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW), which will determine eligibility. The DEW determines who is eligible for unemployment benefits, but Limestone’s Human Resources team will work with DEW to help support the process for those affected. Limestone will provide the DEW with a list of employees who have been laid off which should facilitate the unemployment benefits eligibility process.

 

Who should potential employers contact for employment verification?

Limestone expects to provide all employees who are laid off as a result of the current financial situation with a letter confirming at least the day your employment ended, that you were laid off due to no fault of your own, and that you were employed in good standing at the time of your separation. Please use these letters for employment verification purposes to the greatest extent possible. Additional verification inquiries can be submitted to plankford@limestone.edu through an unknown future time after which further instruction about submitting inquiries will be provided.

 

Is there a way to contact Limestone HR after April 30, 2025?

After April 30, 2025, 2025, HR-related questions can be sent to plankford@limestone.edu. Limestone will notify you directly or via its website if the contact information for HR-related questions changes.

 

What happens with current Full-Time faculty appointments?

For full-time faculty, please see the email from the Provost, Dr. Brian Ameling on Friday, April 18 for details about faculty appointments.

 

Will I retain access to Limestone’s employee self-service portal?

No. You should access all (ADP) statements such as pay stubs or tax forms before your final day. Access to records through the self-service portal after your termination date, may not be guaranteed. All full-time employees will have access to ADP , including all pay stubs and W-2’s until their termination date.

 

How will I receive my W-2?

Limestone will mail 2025 W-2s to employees after the year-end. Since online systems will no longer be available, ensure your mailing address is updated in ADP’s self-service portal before your final day. You should be able to change your address if it is not current. If you have any questions, please email plankford@limestone.edu.

 

Can I continue health coverage through COBRA?

At present, any employees who retain employment and are enrolled in health, dental, vision, and FSA coverage, will be able to continue that coverage through the applicable plan year. Employees who are enrolled in health, dental, vision, and FSA coverage at the time they lose their employment, as well as their spouses and eligible dependents, may qualify to continue health, dental, vision, and FSA coverage through COBRA following employment termination as long as university remains open in any capacity. BenefitFirst will send out COBRA notices to covered employees with more information. COBRA continuation will no longer be available if Limestone closes. More information will be included in a mailed COBRA notice from BenefitFirst, our plan administrator. COBRA coverage is not available when a company closes and there is no longer a health plan to offer. COBRA is a continuation of your previous employer's group health plan, only so long as that plan exists. In the event of Limestone’s closure you will need to explore other health insurance options, such as individual plans through the Marketplace or short-term coverage.

 

Are there alternative health coverage options besides COBRA?

Yes. Consider reviewing options through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid, or private
insurers. If eligible, individuals over 65 may explore Medicare or supplemental policies. More information
is available through healthcare.gov and medicare.gov.

Please see this PDF for individual health care options.

 

When do Limestone’s group life and disability insurance benefits end?

Group life/AD&D and voluntary insurance benefits will end on the date the employee loses employment. However, you may be able to convert or port these plans within 30 days of termination. For more information, visit www.mutualofomaha.com or call 1-800-931-9210 for details.

 

What happens to my health care flexible spending account (FSA)?

Former employees may file claims for eligible FSA expenses incurred prior to their termination date. FSA continuation through COBRA may be available if your account has a positive balance at the time of separation.

 

What happens to my health savings account (HSA)?

Your HSA remains in your name and stays active after your employment ends. You can continue using funds for eligible expenses. You can change/delete the amount you are contributing at any time outside open enrollment. Monthly maintenance fees may apply post-termination. Current Limestone HSAs are administered by McGriff 1-800-930-2411.

 

What happens to my TIAA retirement plan?

Unless Limestone continues operating, Limestone’s retirement plan with TIAA will end. We will notify you as soon as we know the end date and the deadline for you to move your funds. Options for where to move your funds include rolling them into a new employer plan (if eligible), converting to an IRA, or defaulting into a TIAA money market account. Contributions will stop once your employment ends.

 

How can I speak with a TIAA advisor?

To speak with a licensed TIAA advisor, call 1-800-732-8353 to schedule consultation. You may also schedule a Zoom or phone meeting through your TIAA online account. Visit www.tiaa.org.

 

How will accrued leave be handled?

  • You will be paid for earned, but unused vacation/vacation carryover hours at the time of separation pursuant to the limits stated in the Vacation Policy located in the Faculty/Staff Handbook.
  • If you have used leave not yet accrued, the value of that leave will be deducted from your final paycheck within legal limits.
  • Sick Leave is not payable upon separation.
  • Vacation and sick leave accrue once per month on the last day of the month for employees paid monthly and on the last day of the pay period for employees paid bi-weekly.

 

If I would like to purchase my laptop or desktop computer and monitor, will that be an option?

Yes. If you would like to purchase your laptop or desktop computer and monitor you may purchase at
fair market value. You will need to: