Milestone/Service Awards

It is the policy of Bethel University to recognize and reward its employees for long time service by acknowledging the importance and value for their achievements, contributions, and loyalty through varied means of recognition and at specific service increments.

Eligible Years of Service:

Service award eligibility is based on the following

•  All PT/FT staff positions
•  All FT faculty positions
•  Adjunct faculty who are retirement-benefits eligible
•  Note: Student and temp positions are not included

Individuals who are re-employed at Bethel within one year of resigning will receive credit for their previous years of service when determining service milestones. 

Award Levels:

Employees who complete 5, 10, and 15 years of service will be informally recognized at service milestone recognition events. 

Employees who complete 20 or more years in subsequent five-year increments of service will be formally recognized at service milestone events. 

Program Administration:

The Office of People and Culture is responsible for the overall administration and periodic review of the program.

Tax Information on Service Awards

IRS Regulations requires service awards to be reported as taxable for federal, state, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare). The month an employee is recognized for their service milestone is the month they will receive the monetary award in their paycheck. Bethel will increase the monetary amount of the award to cover the taxes.