This report focuses on the group benefits available to Illinois public higher education employees. The study provides a perspective on the range of benefits and the differences in the administration of institutional benefits. Findings reveal the availability of retirement annuities that increase with each 10 years of service; optional retirement plans, including a portable retirement benefit program; disability benefits for employees with at least 2 years of eligible service; death benefits to the families of active members with 1.5 years of covered service and of inactive members with at least 10 years of covered service; group insurance benefits; payment of one-half of any unused sick days earned after January 1, 1984, for all state employees when they leave the state service; vacation benefits according to the number of years of service; and tuition waivers for staff and their dependents. The study points out that the issue of benefits should be weighed within the framework of an institution's resources and other priorities. Tables provide detailed data by individual Illinois institution. An appendix details specific sick leave and vacation benefits earned by various classes of employees at each institution. (CK)