|
Program
Chair Martin Krebs called the meeting to order
at 1:35 p.m. followed by a
report on the Executive Committee Meeting he attended.
Executive Committee Meeting
- The Governor’s
veto session is scheduled for April
2, 2003. Martin commented that no changes are expected
that will impact the University.
- The State is
proposing a 2.25% salary increase for Classified Employees that would
go into effect in November 2003. As Martin pointed out, all of this is
contingent upon the revenue.
- In an effort to
offset the budget shortfall, the State is proposing a 5% cap increase
on tuition for Public Institutions throughout the Commonwealth. For
the University, this would mean a 30% tuition increase. Martin
commented that employees raised concerns regarding the University’s
commitment to continue providing scholarships for their children in
lieu of the tuition hikes. The University is committed, Martin added.
- At this time, there
is no word on future cuts. However, the general feeling is that things
are leveling off and improving.
- On the issue of
decentralization, the University is continuing to talk with the
General Assembly to acquire more autonomy from the State and is
considering adopting the Autonomy Benchmark used by the Medical
Center. On a side note,
despite rumors of privatization floating in the air, Martin emphasized
that an undertaking of this magnitude would require at least 2 billion
dollars of unrestricted endowment. He added that talks of
privatization came about initially from the Medical
Center wanting to be classified
as a licensed hospital.
- A question was
raised concerning why classes were in session on Martin Luther King
Day since this day is observed as a State Holiday. Another issue
raised was that some University Departments worked on Martin Luther
King Day while others did not. Martin commented that these issues
should be worked out with the Managers in their units.
- Looking at
reorganizing committees for new BOV appointments and the terms served
by the Rector and Vice-Rector. The Rector would serve for 2 terms
while the Vice-Rector would preside after 2 terms. Martin added that
tuition and enrollment would be the topic of discussion at the next
BOV meeting.
Tom Gausvik – Director Human
Resources
Mr. Gausvik opened the floor for questions or
concerns council members or their constituents might have.
Question: Martin asked would the new State Health Plan have any
affect on the current University Health Plan.
Mr. Gausvik answered, no.
Question: Martin added would comparisons be made between the
new State Health Plan and the University Health Plan.
Mr. Gausvik commented that he is not concerned
with the new State Health Plan, but emphasized that the new State Health
Plan is experiencing price increases like our plan due to increases in
healthcare nationwide. Alan added that what is provided in the new State
Health Plan does not affect our plan.
Question: A constituent from Arlene’s unit noticed that
she paid more than $8 for a prescription drug and wanted to know why.
Mr. Gausvik said that it depended on what tier
the prescription drug is on. In other words, the tier a prescription drug
is on determines its price. Apparently, the prescription drug purchased by
Arlene’s constituent was on a higher tier, increasing the cost. As a
follow-up, Mr. Gausvik suggested contacting the
University’s Health Ombudsman, Anne Dawson.
Question: Martin commented that he had heard rumors about
dissatisfaction with Southern Health and as a result, the University was
considering changing providers.
Mr. Gausvik interjected quickly by saying that
it was not going to happen and added as a side note that they would be
posting a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Pharmacy Benefit Managers.
Question: In lieu of no pay increases, Arlene asked whether
employees could be compensated for years of service instead.
Mr. Gausvik responded by saying no, due to the
expense on VRS and the additional expense the University would incur as a
result of employees opting to retire. He added that a bill of this nature
submitted to the General Assembly would most likely fail.
Question: Arlene asked why the Resource Fair was cancelled.
Mr. Gausvik answered that the Fair was
cancelled due to budget cuts and the lack of funds in reserves. He noted
that it costs about $3,000 to fund the Resource Fair. Threr
are plans to bring the Resource Fair back this upcoming fall.
Question: Martin asked what is the
University’s position with respect to Martin Luther King Day.
Mr. Gausvik commented that a memo was sent out
to Managers telling them to be liberal (when possible) on observed holidays
such as Martin Luther King Day. He added that most University employees
prefer using these holidays at the end of the calendar year (around
Christmas) and emphasized that the University cannot be shut down
completely.
Arlene commented on the lack of knowledge employees seem to have about
services provided by the University. Mr. Gausvik
gave an example that of the 1% employees that appealed their enrollment in
VSDP, some of these individuals decided to stay after an HR representative
sat down with them and provided an overview of the program. He pointed out
that many employees do not read the information sent to them from HR via
mail, yet they ask a lot of questions. Our staff will continue exploring
better ways to communicate to employees.
|