LSU New Orleans Transition – Employee FAQ
This FAQ explains important changes to leave, holidays, benefits, education privileges, retirement plans, and compensatory time as LSU New Orleans transitions to become LSU New Orleans.
Effective: July 1, 2026
1. Unclassified Compensatory Time - Staff
Will exempt unclassified employees continue earning compensatory time?
Yes. Exempt employees may continue to earn and use compensatory time through June 30, 2026.
What happens to exempt unclassified compensatory time on July 1, 2026?
All compensatory time balances for exempt employees will be cleared. New compensatory time will no longer be earned.
Are non-exempt unclassified employees affected?
No. Non-exempt unclassified employees will continue to earn compensatory time for worked beyond 40 hours/week.
2. Holidays and Closure Days - Staff
Will LSU New Orleans continue using university closure days?
No. LSU does not use closure days.
What holiday schedule will we follow?
Starting July 1, 2026, LSU New Orleans will follow the holiday schedule used by the LSU A&M and LSUHSC-New Orleans campuses.
3. Educational Privileges – Faculty and Staff
When does the UL reduced tuition benefit end?
Summer 2026 will be the last semester for the UL reduced tuition benefit for employees, spouses, and dependents.
When does the LSU education benefit begin?
LSU’s tuition benefit for employees begins in Fall 2026. Employees must have at least one year of full-time service to qualify.
Will spouses, dependents, or retirees receive tuition benefits under LSU?
No. LSU educational privileges apply to eligible employees only.
What if my spouse or dependent is currently using the UL tuition benefit?
They may continue using the benefit through the Summer 2026 semester.
View Permanent Memorandum 12: Educational Privileges, Educational Leave, and Sabbatical Leave
4. Health Insurance – Faculty and Staff
Will LSU First be available to LSU New Orleans employees?
Yes. LSU First will be available for eligible employees to elect during Open Enrollment from October 1, 2026 – November 13, 2026.
When does LSU First coverage start?
Premium deductions will be taken from the two paychecks in December 2026. Coverage begins January 1, 2027.
5. Supplemental Insurances – Faculty and Staff - Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability
When do current LSU New Orleans supplemental benefits end?
Current supplemental benefits will end on December 31, 2026.
When will employees choose LSU supplemental benefits?
Supplemental Insurances will be available for eligible employees to elect during Open Enrollment from October 1, 2026 – November 13, 2026.
When does new LSU supplemental coverage begin?
Premium deductions will be taken from the two paychecks in December 2026. Coverage begins January 1, 2027.
6. Supplemental Retirement – Faculty and Staff - 403(b) Plans
What happens to current 403(b) contributions?
All current 403(b) contributions will end on December 31, 2026.
What do employees need to do to keep contributing?
Employees who want to continue contributing must choose an LSU-approved 403(b) vendor on or after January 1, 2027. Additional information to follow.
Which 403(b) vendors does LSU offer?
- Corebridge
- Fidelity
- TIAA
What happens to my existing 403(b) account?
Employees should contact their current vendor to discuss their options.
7. Annual Leave Accrual Options - Staff
What annual leave accrual options will LSU New Orleans offer?
LSU New Orleans will offer two annual leave accrual options:
Option I (LSU Annual Leave Accrual Plan) – a new one-time election with a cap of 176 hours for employees with fewer than 10 years of state service, or,
Option II (Civil Service Annual Leave Accrual Plan) – LSU New Orleans’s current leave system, which will stay the same.
Who can choose Option I?
Current employees with less than 10 years of state service may make a one-time election to move to Option I (LSU Annual Leave Accrual Plan) during July 2026. More information to follow.
I have less than 10 years of state service and would like to elect the Option 1 schedule, but my current annual leave balance is greater than 176 hours. What will happen to the annual leave hours I’ve accrued that are above 176?
Option I includes a 176-hour maximum annual leave balance. If your current balance exceeds this amount, any hours above 176 will be removed at the time you elect Option I. Employees are encouraged to review their leave balances before making a final election.
What about employees hired on or after July 1, 2026?
New employees may elect either Option I (if applicable) or Option II. This is one time election and cannot be changed once elected.
Option I – LSU Annual Leave Accrual Plan (less than 10 years of state service)
| Total State Service | Annual Leave Accrual Rate | Balance Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 10 years of service | 1 3/4 days per month | up to 22 days (176 hours) |
| 10–15 years of service | 1 3/4 days per month | no limit |
| 15 or more years of service | 2 days per month | no limit |
Sick leave follows the Option II accrual schedule.
Option II – Civil Service Annual Leave Accrual Plan (Current LSU New Orleans System)
| Total State Service | Annual Leave Accrual Rate | Balance Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 3 years of service | 1 day per month | no limit |
| 3–5 years of service | 1 1/4 days per month | no limit |
| 5–10 years of service | 1 1/2 days per month | no limit |
| 10–15 years of service | 1 3/4 days per month | no limit |
| 15 or more years of service | 2 days per month | no limit |
Sick leave follows the Option II accrual schedule.