New Employees

New Employee Benefits Orientation

Benefits orientations are offered at 1 p.m. every other Tuesday on Zoom. Watching the Benefits Overview Video before attending orientation is recommended. During Benefits Orientation, there will be a quick review of the benefits package, but most of the session will be focused on addressing your questions. 

We strongly encourage you to attend orientation prior to submitting your benefits elections, once your information has been transmitted to the insurance providers, you cannot make changes until the next Open Enrollment season (with the exception of qualifying life events).

When Benefits Take Effect

Medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and supplemental life insurance benefits for those hired into a benefits-eligible position will take effect on the first of the month following the date of hire or eligibility date. If your date of hire is the first of the month, your benefits take effect as of that date. This applies to electable benefits only (the benefits you sign up for in GMS when you first become eligible or during open enrollment). Basic life insurance, basic AD&D, short term disability, long term disability, and retirement become effective on date of hire eligibility. Please note that all benefit premiums (cost of coverage) are retroactive to the coverage effective date.

How to Enroll

Georgetown Management System (GMS) is the University’s data management system, and houses all of your personal payroll and benefits information, time off requests, and timesheets. Different employees will have different roles and responsibilities in GMS, some of which will necessitate using the system on a daily basis. We strongly encourage everyone to check their GMS account on a frequent basis to ensure that personal information is up-to-date and accurate.

All newly benefits eligible employees have 30 days from their date of hire or change in eligibility to make their benefits elections online in GMS (employees are not able to make benefits elections prior to their start date or activation in this system). We strongly encourage you to attend a Benefits Orientation before submitting your elections. Once your information is sent to the insurance company, your elections cannot be changed until the next open enrollment period or you experience another qualifying life event.