October 2009
Staff Advisory Council Minutes
Thursday, October 8, 2009
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
LaFortune Student Center
Present: Patricia Smith, Sandy Sarber, Char-anna Koblick, Barb Wadley, Jody Klontz, Victoria Chidister, Tami Springer, Sharon Konopka, Bill Peck, Shari Herman, Mo Marnocha, Roxie Litteral, Diana Singleton, Kathy Troth, Marie Revak, Penny McIntire, KathyStopczynski
Excused: Joe Wheeler
Unexcused: John Mackowicz, Fred Sonneborn, Adele Almaguer
HR Liaison: Lori Maurer
I.Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 1:35 p.m. by Patty Smith.
Approval of September 2009 Council Minutes
Minutes were approved with changes- motion by Bill Peck and 2nd by Mo Marnocha.
II.Committee Updates
Elections Committee
The district update is in progress.
Benefits Committee
Nothing to report
By-laws Committee
As a follow up to last month’s discussion, the committee reported that there is no language in the by-laws that mandate 12 SAC meetings per year. The discussion on this topic was tabled until next meeting.
Parking Appeals/Parking
Two meetings were held to review appeals
Promotions Committee
Hacienda Night should be scheduled soon.
ECDC
Nothing to report
Webpage Committee
Nothing to report.
Compassion Fund
There is one employee request pending.
III.New Business
Denise Murphy, Director of Compensation & Benefits, spoke to SAC. Denise reviewed the upcoming Open Enrollment period (October 21-Nov 6). She provided information about the Health Quotient screenings and also handed out the Benefit Summary Information. She announced the premium costs for 2010 and outlined the medical plan changes. During her presentation, Denise provided SAC with an overview of the Healthy Campus Metrics. The University uses aggregate data from the Heath Quotient to improve services and programs.
Denise asked SAC for feedback on communicated the HQ screening and asked members to encourage their colleagues to participate.
Denise announced that current full time staff who opt out of medical coverage and are not covered under their spouse’s plan will no longer receive a credit. This practice will be discontinued on January 1, 2010.
Denise also provided SAC with information on the pension plan. She noted that an Annual Funding Notice will look different to staff and is coming out at the end of October. Employees will receive a cover letter, along with FAQ’s, explaining the notice. HR will hold information sessions to answer questions employees have about the notice.
Dr. John Affleck-Graves, Executive VP, attended SAC. Dr. Affeck-Graves delivered a few opening remarks to SAC including a thanks to employees for the level of service they provide. He noted that he is asking departments for updates on the ND Voice action plans.
Dr. Affleck-Graves followed up on his Town Hall meetings by reiterating that the ND budget is still sobering but we are better off than most institutions of higher education. He said that preservation of jobs is his #1 priority. Therefore, merit pay increases will be modest for 2010.
Dr. Affleck-Graves spent approximately 30 minutes answering questions from SAC members on various topics.
IV.Additional Business
Sarah Misener attended the meeting and introduced herself. Sarah is replacing John Whelan as Director of Business Partners.
V.Adjournment
Shari Herman made a motion to adjourn at 3:30 p.m. The motion was seconded by Kathy Stopczynski.
Respectfully submitted,
Human Resources