University of
Connecticut3/19/2009 - Amendment to the Stipend Policy
Earlier this semester you were sent an email that outlined the new Wireless Device Program (attached for review). As a result of several inquiries and the strong desire to minimize the financial impact of this program, the stipend payment tiers have been reworked to provide more flexibility so that a data plan may be selected as a standalone option or in combination with a less expensive voice plan. Section 5 of the University of Connecticut Wireless Communication Device and Plan Stipend Policy has been amended with the following underlined language below to allow for greater flexibility. The full amended policy along with an amended Payroll Authorization form can be found at http://stipend.cellular.uconn.edu.
- Procedures for Initiating A Stipend
- Funding
- Stipends are funded by the unit/department.
- The wireless communication device can be used for both personal and business purposes; therefore, it should be understood that the stipend should cover all reasonable and appropriate business use. The stipend would be like any other payment: subject to taxes (FICA, Federal and State) and subject to fringe benefits calculations (depending on the employees’ actual retirement plan). This would not fall under a special payroll, separate check process.
- A tiered model based on the current market rates includes the following options.
- Voice minutes (including International calling service, if required)
- Data minutes
- Text messaging
- Internet service
- Tier Plans
Wireless Communication Stipends shall be up to but not more than the figure stated below for each tier. In no case shall the stipend exceed the maximum cost of the plans plus allowance for equipment. Annual review of the rates will be conducted by the Accounting Office in conjunction with Network Services.
Note: There are generally 26 pay periods per year so the biweekly pay will average out to the per month allowance.
Tier Plans Tier 1 $18.46 per biweekly pay period ($40/month) This allowance is for the employee who has light usage of the cell phone (450 minutes/month) Tier 2 $27.69 per biweekly pay period ($60/month) This allowance is for the employee who has high usage of the cell phone (up to 900 minutes/month). Tier 3 $46.15 per biweekly pay period ($100/month) This allowance is for the employee who has heavy usage of the cell phone (over 900 minutes/month). Tier 4 $25.38 per biweekly pay period ($55/month) This allowance is for the employee who requires a Blackberry or Smartphone for corporate email, corporate calendar integration and internet access at $45/month). This allowance includes a $10 per month allowance for a Blackberry or similar Smartphone. This Tier may be approved as a standalone option or combined with any one (1) of the cell phone tiers above (Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3). Please note: The University email system is for work related communication only.
The monthly service cost for connection to the Blackberry Enterprise Server, if a Blackberry device is selected and the connection is requested, will be charged to the employee’s department by UITS.
Disputes over Tier placement will be resolved by the Chief Operating Officer or his/her designee.
As a reminder if you have not worked with your department to receive approval and process paperwork necessary to receive the stipend and to turn back your current device to the University we ask that you do so as soon as is possible . An outline of a step by step process and more detailed information about the University’s new policy, IRS regulations, commonly asked questions and answers, and other information are located at http://stipend.cellular.uconn.edu.
If your wireless device stipend should be modified, please complete an updated Wireless Device Stipend Approval form and send it to Payroll. As a reminder, upon termination of your wireless contract you are obligated to notify your supervisor and submit a Wireless Device Stipend Cancellation notice to Payroll within 5 business days to terminate the stipend.
Created: 3/19/2009