Samuel Merritt University strives to provide employees with a safe working environment, open communications, competitive pay and benefits, and a professional environment. In addition, the University strives to provide a work environment that is vibrant, collegial and that embraces creativity, innovation, and scholarly inquiry. (The Office of People and Culture includes what was formerly Human Resources and Diversity and Inclusion).
SMU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, ethnicity, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, familial status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law—including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any resolution process within the University or within the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other human rights agencies. Nondiscrimination is consistent with the principles and practice of the University and is in compliance with Title VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of The Education Amendments of 1972, and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Service Area Contacts
Benefits (medical, dental, vision, life insurance plans, FSA questions, and wellness program): 855.398.1631 (7 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST)
Leave of Absences: Call the Employee Help Line 855.398.1631
Student employment and work-study students: Email the posting to Maria Salas. Postings will occur within 72 business hours.
For 403b enrollment and changes as well as general questions: Email the posting to Maria Salas.
What is FMLA?
The Family Medical Leave Act is Federal legislation to provide eligible employees with 12 weeks of unpaid job-protected leave for their own illness or injury, or that of a spouse, domestic partner, child(ren) or child(ren) of the domestic partner and parents. (Ref: HR Policy—Family Medical Occupational Leave)
Who is eligible for FMLA?
Employees are eligible if they have worked a period of 12 months and 1250 hours with the University during the year preceding the start of the leave. (Ref: HR Policy—Family Medical Occupational Leave)
When will medical insurance begin for new benefit-eligible employees?
Medical benefits begin on the first day of the month following the date of hire.
How do I add my newborn to the health plans? Call 855.398.1631
How often should I update my address information?
Anytime you have a change of address or telephone number it is important to update this information through Lawson Employee Self Service.
Are internal candidates automatically considered for each open position(s)?
No. Internal candidates must apply for open positions. Internal candidates must notify their immediate supervisor and submit an updated resume to the Human Resources Department. (Ref: Samuel Merritt Employee Handbook)
Electronic Injury/Illness Reporting Process For Employees/Clinical Students/Work Study Students
If you have sustained an injury/illness and are in any way directly affiliated with Samuel Merritt University please follow the steps outlined here:
IMMEDIATELY report it to the Instructor, Manager, Supervisor, or Professor. This must be done the SAME DAY of the occurrence.
If you are remote and without Sutter access your supervisor/instructor can submit the Injury Report on Sutter's MyInjuryConnection for you if they have access. If neither of these options work, you must IMMEDIATELY contact either Lisa Tullis or Erick Wilkinson.
Lisa Tullis, Sutter Health Workers Compensation Coordinator
510.869.8698 | Direct
855.771.0326 | Fax tullisl@sutterhealth.org
Employee Health Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Employee Health/Occupational Medicine
3232 Elm Street, Suite “A” Oakland, CA 94609
Phone: 510.869.8920, Fax: 510.869.6814
Eden Medical Center Employee Health/Occupational Medicine
20130 Lake Chabot Rd, Ste 201
Castro Valley, CA 94546
Phone: 510.727.3058, Fax: 510.727.3397
Sutter Delta Medical Center Employee Health/Occupational Medicine
3903 Lone Tree Way, Ste 310
Antioch, CA 94509
Phone: 925.779.2970, Fax: 925.779.2975
If outside employee health hours and medical attention is required, go to the Emergency Department.
If in a facility without a nearby Occupational Medicine Office and treatment is requested, please contact Lisa Tullis for a referral to alternate treatment facilities.
Office of Diversity & Inclusion
Diversity is a core strategy deeply embedded in the University's ongoing work. ODI strives to foster a sense of belonging for all campus members, develops culturally competent leaders who reflect community demographics, and works to reduce healthcare disparities in vulnerable communities.
SMU, through Sutter Health, offers health care, vision and dental care, retirement plans, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, and more.