Minutes
November 9, 1998
Present: Verne Smith, Kitty Friedman, Becky Sommer,
Ken Selm, Sharon Powell, Karen Wilhoit, Jack Butler, Tony Ortiz, Marty Jenkins,
Sheila Hollenbaugh, Rick Zech, Nancy Makley, Christine Zeller, Joyce Carter,
Jane Baker, Brian Maxwell, Mary Kenton, Ellen Demerath.
Issues and Trends in Health Benefits
Joyce Carter outlined factors to be considered
and trends to be dealt with as we approach expiration of our current conctract
with United Health Care. These include local and national cost trends, WSU
utilization patterns, and practices among other employers. While WSU's costs
are likely to increase, the university does plan to focus on preventive programming
which will help lower costs by making our workforce healthier.
"Call for Issues"
The "Call for Issues" for USAC to address in
the coming calendar year will be sent out in December.
Open Forum
We have agreed not to hold an Open Forum on
benefits until negotiations have been completed. In its place, USAC is looking
into sponsoring a program on the role of staff in student retention. Suggestions
of other open forum ideas are welcome.
Alternative Retirement Plan
Two questions raised during October's discussion
of the Alternative Retirement Plan were clarified: 1) Eligibility: Persons eligible
are new hires and those with less than 5 years in PERS/STRS; 2) Social Security:
Persons choosing to participate in an alternative plan remain exempt from
Social Security contribution.
University Committee Reports
- Artist Series - Fundamental changes have been made in the way that the Artist Series operates.
The Artist Series Committee accepted proposals from units within the
University for programs related to the performing arts. The committee met on
Monday, October 26 to evaluate the proposals. The committee was pleased with
the quality and diversity of the proposals, and was able to provide some
funding to every applicant for the 1998-1999 academic year. Applicants
included: Asian/Hispanic/Native American Center; Music Department; College of
Business and Administration; Women's Center; English and Theatre Departments;
Bolinga Center; and Lake Campus.
- Athletic Council - Met with President Goldenberg for
general discussion of athletics issues.
- Dining Services - The committee has been asked to
make a recommendation to the administration on future delivery of dining
services on campus, in light of the upcoming closings of the Allyn Hall
Lounge and the Bike Shop during renovation of their respective buildings.
Options proposed to the committee include: construction of a dining hall
building in The Woods area; or, redesigning the Millett location as a larger,
centralized dining service operation. Both options would include closure of
all other on-campus operations except the Depot. Also under consideration
is an offer from Sodexho to assist with purchase of equipment for the new
facility in return for a long-term operating contract. You may direct
comments on these issues to Brian Maxwell (brian.maxwell@wright.edu, x2105).
- Wellness and Recreation - The 1998 Health and Benefits
Fair will be held Wednesday, Nov. 18, 10:00-2:00 in the Student Union
Multi-Purpose Room.
- University Budget Review - UBRC's major activity for
the year will be looking into budget trends since 1989, particularly hoping
to address the issue of flat operating budgets for departments.
- Campus Climate - The Campus Climate Team has been
disbanded on the expiration of its 3-year charge.
NEXT MEETING
Mark your calendars for the next meeting on Monday, December 14 at 3:10
p.m. in Room E157B Student Union. Hope to see you there!
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