2026 Open Enrollment Benefits Fairs
Open Enrollment is officially underway, and now's the time to review your health benefits, make changes, or enroll in new plans. You have until COB Friday, November 7, 2025, to complete your enrollment, with all changes taking effect on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
Need help deciding? Join us at a Benefits Fair on your campus where you can explore plan options, talk directly with vendors, get financial advice, and access wellness resources. Whether you have specific questions or just want to see what's available, we're here to help.
Open Enrollment Benefits Fairs
• Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Takoma Park/Silver Spring (TP/SS), Cultural Arts Center (CU) Lobby
• Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Central Services (CT), Board of Trustees (BOT) S108
• Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Germantown (GT), Bioscience Education Center (BE) 151 and 152
• Thursday, October 30, 2025, Noon–2:30 p.m., East County Education Center (ECEC), Community Room
Work 2nd or 3rd shift? We've got you covered with special sessions from 8 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22, at TP/SS and Wednesday, October 29 at GT.
| |
New for 2026: Roth Supplemental Retirement Contributions
Beginning next year, employees can make Roth contributions to their supplemental retirement accounts (SRA). Roth deductions come out after taxes and earnings on your investments in your Supplemental Retirement Annuity (SRA) are tax-free. Contributions and earnings are not taxed upon withdrawal when you meet specific age and holding requirements.
• The projected 2026 IRS annual maximum is $24,500 for each plan. This maximum includes traditional and Roth contributions combined.
• Employees age 50+ by December 31, 2026 may also contribute a standard catch-up of $8,000 to each plan.
• Employees age 60–63 by December 31, 2026 can contribute a higher, “super” catch-up of $11,500 to each plan.
• If an employee made $145,000 or more in 2025, their catch-up contributions must be Roth (after-tax).
Visit the Saving for Retirement page for more information to aid you in your planning. You will be able to make your Roth elections in Workday soon.
Sign up for a retirement check-in during Open Enrollment, or contact the HR Benefits Team with specific questions.
| |
We Want to Hear From You: Complete the 2025 Benefits Satisfaction Survey by November 7
Open Enrollment is the perfect time to reflect on the benefits that support your health, professional development, financial and retirement goals, and overall well-being. Your feedback plays a critical role in shaping the programs we offer–not just for the upcoming year, but for the future.
The 2025 Benefits Satisfaction Survey is designed to be quick and meaningful, giving you the opportunity to share your experiences and ideas in just a few minutes. The survey should take approximately 8 minutes to complete.
Here’s what to expect:
• Basic demographic information (to help us understand broad trends)
• Current benefits offerings (what’s working well and what could improve)
• Potential future benefits offerings (your preferences and priorities)
You’ll also have a chance to offer open-ended feedback and volunteer for upcoming focus groups to help shape future enhancements.
Please complete the survey by COB Friday, November 7, 2025. Your input helps ensure our benefits continue to meet the evolving needs of our community.
| |
Maximize Your Retirement: Individual Sessions with Voya
Montgomery College employees are invited to schedule personalized retirement planning sessions with Voya Financial.
Explore strategies for maximizing your 403(b) and 457(b) retirement plans, including contribution options, investment selections, distribution planning, and account management on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Schedule your virtual one-on-one session here.
Need a different date? Schedule an alternative appointment here or contact Mohammad Amer directly at 240-500-5000.
| |
EAP/PDAP Update: Processing Delays
| |
MSCHE: Discover Your Impact on Reaccreditation
MC is preparing for Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) reaccreditation and every employee plays a role in our success.
Join us for a snack-and-learn session to understand what reaccreditation involves, why it's important, and how your work fits into the bigger picture.
Bring your questions, connect with colleagues, and enjoy some treats while you learn.
• Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Noon–1 p.m., Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, Catherine F. Scott Commons (CM) 221
• Thursday, October 30, 2025, 2–3 p.m., Central Services, Board of Trustees (BOT) S108
| |
MC Wellness
Join us for wellness events and educational webinars to help you thrive this season.
Healthy Halloween Events
Join us for festive fitness activities across campus. Costumes are encouraged and prizes will be awarded.
Thursday, October 30, 2025, Noon–12:25 p.m.
Halloween Line Dancing, East County Education Center
Friday, October 31, 2025
• Halloween Dance Fitness Party, Rockville Campus, Physical Education Center (PE), 12:15–1 p.m.
• Halloween Yoga, Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, Pavilion Four (P4), 12:15–1 p.m.
• Line Dancing and Costume Catwalk, Central Services, 2:30–3:15 p.m.
Wellness Webinar Series
• Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 3:30–4:30 p.m.
The Truth About Sugar. Register here.
• Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Noon–1 p.m.
Sleep: An Essential Component of Health and Well-Being. Register here.
• Wednesday, November 5, 2025, 2–3 p.m.
Thriving with Prediabetes and Diabetes. Register here.
| |
October Celebrations with MC Library
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, Italian American Heritage Month, Polish American Heritage Month, and German American Heritage Month. MC Library is excited to celebrate!
Stop by any of our campus library locations to view displays and borrow books, films, and more related to the rights of people with disabilities in the workplace and Italian, Polish, and German American heritage.
Or check out our online guides for Disability Employment Awareness, Italian American Heritage, Polish American Heritage, and German American Heritage. These guides include recommendations for books and e-books, streaming films, research resources, and local organizations related to disability rights, history, and contemporary thought, as well as Italian, Polish, and German American heritage.
We encourage you to use these guides for your own personal growth and share them with your students who may benefit from learning more about these important awareness months.
| |
Inclusion by Design Summit, Fall 2025:
Creating Spaces Where Everyone Thrives
The Universal Design Center (UDC) invites you to the Fall 2025 Inclusion by Design Summit on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This full-day virtual event focuses on inclusive excellence and belonging across our campus community.
This semester's theme, Creating Spaces Where Everyone Thrives, highlights emerging research, innovative practices, and actionable strategies for building inclusive learning, working, and digital environments.
Join us to build skills for designing more accessible and equitable spaces, strengthen your network of inclusion-focused professionals, and leave with practical takeaways you can implement right away to promote belonging for all.
Learn more and register here.
| |
|
Important Dates October 1–November 13
Wednesday, October 22
Thursday, October 23
Payroll Zoom Office Hours,
8:30–10:30 a.m. Join the Waiting Room here.
Friday, October 24
Payroll Zoom Office Hours,
10 a.m.–Noon. Join the Waiting Room here.
Saturday, October 25
Timesheets for non-exempt (hourly) employees and Period Activity Pay for all
part-time faculty and WDCE instructors are due in Workday by Noon.
Tuesday, October 28
Wednesday, October 29
Thursday, October 30
Friday, October 31
Payroll Zoom Office Hours,
8:30–10:30 a.m. Join the Waiting Room here.
| |
Staff and Administrators:
- Building Equipment Mechanic II
| |
Visit Careers at MC to view the current academic and staff openings.
| |
Workday Support for Employees
| |
Become a Contributor for Employee MattersAre you interested in submitting an employee-related article for publication or becoming a regular columnist for Employee Matters?
We’d love to collaborate with you and hear your story. Please submit your article to Tiffani Smith, Wednesdays by noon.
| |
Emergency Evacuation Accommodation In the event of an emergency, all employees should have an emergency evacuation plan. Those needing assistance during an evacuation due to a disability should inform their employers and building managers to aid in the planning process.
| |
MC Wellness provides free fitness classes, workout videos, wellness challenges, health events, and campus gym access for MC employees, spouses, and retirees to support your physical and mental well-being.
| |
Join the MC Employees Facebook Group
Join. Like. Comment. Share.
| |
Stay in the Know! Use this list for quick access to the information, resources, and updates every employee should have at their fingertips. Staying informed means staying empowered, so check your inbox and consider bookmarking these pages for easy reference.
Brand Campaign
Access the new branding guidelines, logos, templates, and resources to help you implement Montgomery College's refreshed visual identity in your work.
Employee Matters
Find current and previous issues of the Employee Matters newsletter.
| |
|
