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The Ole Miss HR Revolution: 7 Must-Know Updates On Employee Benefits, New Leadership, And The 2025 Digital Shift

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The University of Mississippi's Department of Human Resources (HR) is undergoing a significant strategic evolution, positioning itself as a modern, employee-centric service hub for the entire Ole Miss community. As of today, December 26, 2025, the department is focused on enhancing the "employee journey" through digital modernization, robust wellness programs, and a highly competitive benefits package that solidifies the institution’s commitment to its faculty and staff. This deep dive reveals the critical updates and comprehensive resources that current and prospective employees need to navigate the new landscape of employment at Ole Miss.

The core mission of Ole Miss HR transcends traditional administrative tasks; it is now a strategic partner in talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational health. The recent appointment of new leadership and the launch of a major campus-wide digital initiative underscore a future-forward approach, ensuring that the University of Mississippi remains a premier employer in the state and the region. Understanding these changes is essential for anyone connected to the institution, from new hires attending Benefits Orientation to long-time faculty planning for retirement.

Key HR Leadership and Departmental Profile

The Department of Human Resources at the University of Mississippi (UM) serves as the central administrative body for all faculty and staff employment matters, from initial hiring to retirement transition. Located in Oxford, Mississippi, the department is structured to provide specialized support across various domains, ensuring compliance with both federal regulations and Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) policies.

HR Department Contact Information

  • Office Location: 2301 S Lamar Blvd, University, MS 38677 (5th Floor)
  • Email: hr@olemiss.edu
  • Phone: 662-915-7431
  • HR Service Center: Available to assist with general inquiries and connect employees with specific HR Service Coordinators.

HR Leadership Entities

The department is helmed by experienced professionals driving the strategic vision for the university's workforce.

  • Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO): Bradley Salters
  • Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer: Andrea Jekabsons

Bradley Salters, appointed following a national search, brings a wealth of expertise to the role, emphasizing talent acquisition, employee relations, and fostering a supportive work environment.

The Digital Transformation: Project Encompass and MyOleMiss

A major, fresh update in the Ole Miss HR landscape is the ongoing implementation of a massive digital initiative known as Project Encompass. This initiative represents a significant investment in the future of the university's administrative efficiency.

Project Encompass is the University of Mississippi's plan to modernize core technology systems. This transformation is not just an IT upgrade; it directly impacts the daily lives of faculty and staff by focusing on the Human Resources and Payroll systems.

Impact on HR Services

The new, streamlined systems under Project Encompass are designed to:

  • Improve the accuracy and speed of payroll processing.
  • Enhance the user experience for managing employee information.
  • Integrate HR data more effectively with other campus enterprise systems, including student information.

This digital shift is part of a broader commitment to efficiency and transparency, ensuring that key services like compensation and classification, leave benefits, and new employee enrollment are handled with cutting-edge technology.

The MyOleMiss Employee Portal

Current employees rely on the myOleMiss online portal, which serves as the primary self-service hub. Through myOleMiss, employees can manage critical personal and employment data:

  • Update address and contact information.
  • Access and update banking details for direct deposit.
  • View pay stubs and tax documents.
  • Manage benefits information and timesheets.

Comprehensive Employee Benefits and Wellness Programs

The Ole Miss employee benefits package is a cornerstone of its talent retention strategy, offering a robust suite of options for health, financial security, and professional development. The Department of Human Resources provides comprehensive support for navigating these options, especially during the crucial New Employee Enrollment period.

1. Health and Financial Security Benefits

The core of the benefits package is focused on providing security and comprehensive coverage.

  • Health Insurance: Employees have access to various health, dental, and vision plans.
  • Life Insurance: Options for both basic and supplemental life insurance are available.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): These accounts allow employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses.
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D): Additional insurance coverage for unforeseen circumstances.

2. Retirement and Long-Term Financial Planning

Ole Miss offers a mandatory retirement plan, with options managed through the Mississippi Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) or an Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) for specific positions.

A notable update for future planning involves the retirement contribution structure. For new employees hired before July 1, 2025, the University contributes a significant percentage on behalf of the position, making the retirement plan highly competitive.

3. The "Red, Blue and Well" Employee Wellness Program

The university demonstrates a strong commitment to its employees' holistic well-being through its official wellness program, "Red, Blue and Well."

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): In partnership with AllOne Health EAP, the program offers confidential, off-campus counseling and wellness services available 24/7.
  • Physical Health Initiatives: Campus Recreation supports the program by offering various physical fitness activities and challenges designed to promote preventative health.
  • Mental Health Resources: The program provides resources and seminars to support mental and emotional health, recognizing the demanding nature of academic and administrative work.

4. Tuition Benefits and Professional Development

One of the most valuable benefits for faculty and staff is the tuition benefit, which encourages continuous education and professional growth.

  • Tuition Waiver Details: Eligible employees can receive a tuition waiver for up to two University of Mississippi courses per semester, provided the total credit hours do not exceed seven.
  • Departmental Approval: Access to this benefit requires approval from the employee's department head.
  • Family Benefits: The policy also extends financial aid resources and tuition benefits to dependent children of employees, making an Ole Miss education more accessible to employee families.

Navigating HR Policies, Employee Relations, and Performance

The Department of Human Resources is the definitive source for all official HR policies, which are centrally located in the University of Mississippi Policy Directory. These policies cover critical areas such as leave benefits, employee relations, and performance management.

Performance Management and Review Cycle

The HR department manages the annual performance review cycle for all non-faculty employees. This process is designed to foster professional development, clarify job expectations, and provide structured feedback.

  • The performance review system is a key component of employee retention, ensuring fair and consistent evaluations across all departments.
  • Employees are encouraged to contact the HR Service Center immediately if they identify any errors or need updates to their performance records.

Talent Acquisition and New Hire Process

The talent acquisition team within HR is responsible for recruiting and onboarding new employees. The process is designed to be seamless, with new hires beginning their first day with a mandatory Benefits Orientation session led by the HR team.

The department publishes a schedule of New Hire Dates, ensuring a smooth transition for all incoming faculty and staff members, from academic to administrative roles across the Lafayette County campus.

Employee Relations and Policy Directory

For complex issues related to workplace conduct, conflict resolution, or policy interpretation, the Employee Relations team provides confidential guidance. The central Policy Directory is the official reference for all university-wide policies, ensuring all faculty and staff have access to the most current rules and regulations governing their employment.

By focusing on strategic initiatives like Project Encompass, maintaining clear leadership, and offering a robust package of benefits and wellness support, Ole Miss Human Resources is actively shaping a positive and productive employment experience. The commitment to digital modernization and comprehensive employee care ensures the University of Mississippi remains a leading institution for both education and employment.

The Ole Miss HR Revolution: 7 Must-Know Updates on Employee Benefits, New Leadership, and the 2025 Digital Shift
ole miss human resources
ole miss human resources

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