August 2003

The Doner Room, Morris Inn

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

 

Present: Martha Sue Abbott, Don Anglin, Eugene Basker, Lisa Dahlin, Becky DeBruyn, Maryellen Fetherolf, Jim Gloster, Debby Herczeg, Paula Horne, Sharon Konapka, Stephanie Maenhout, Susan McGonigal, Roberta McMahon, Jane Nielson, Terry Oxender, Marv Pruett, Joy Schosker, Fred Sonneborn, Terrell Ward-Thomas, Holly Webb, and Melodie Wise

 

Absent: Julann Bauer, Amy Dorn, Angela Miller-McGraw, JoAnn Norris, Barbara Robinson, Jimi Sholty, and Irene Stines 

 

HR Liaisons: Cindy Ewing and Kathy Fischer

 

Guests: Tom Guinan, Associate Controller, Office of the Controller

Denise Murphy, Director, Benefits, Office of Human Resources

 

Melodie Wise, Chair, called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. 

 

I. Tom Guinan, Associate Controller, Office of the Controller 

Melodie Wise introduced Tom Guinan from the Office of the Controller. Tom thanked everyone for the opportunity to speak to the group regarding Cashier Services being conducted by the Notre Dame Federal Credit Union branch in LaFortune. In order to increase the efficiency in processing cash, Tom explained that extensive research had taken place over a two year period as to finding the right business partner. Tom described the current procedures for cashier services and explained some services that were being conducted elsewhere on campus were not transferred to the Credit Union.

 

With the return of students to campus, the next challenge will be to communicate all changes regarding Cashier’s Office to the students. The Controller’s Office is available to meet with departments or groups as requested. Information regarding the new processes may be found on the Controllers’ website at http://www.nd.edu/~control. Tom may also be reached at tguinan@nd.edu or 631-7082. 

 

II. Denise Murphy, Director, Benefits, Office of Human Resources

Melodie introduced Denise Murphy who spoke to the group about Benefits Trends. Some facts she shared about benefits included:

• Average healthcare increases that employers are experiencing for 2003 is 14%.

• Prescription costs are averaging increases of 16.9%.

• Dental and vision programs continue to be offered.

 

Questions were raised on various benefits topics:

 

1. EyeMed – Members were positive about the vision program. It would be helpful if vision providers in the area were better educated as to EyeMed provisions. Several doctors were not familiar with the plan.

 

2. Flexible Spending Account –Human Resources staff will be happy to explain this benefit to any department that requests a visit. Paula Horne asked if reimbursement could be direct deposited rather than have a check mailed to the individual. This is an initiative the University has reviewed and not sure if this can be changed prior to the implementation of Banner.

 

 

3. Long Term Care Insurance – During the last open enrollment period, there were representatives across campus responsible for giving information about this benefit. Stephanie Maenhout said that she left a message with one of them regarding a question but no one returned her call. A committee is reviewing several Long Term Care providers to recommend whether to continue offering UNUM or to move to a new company. It was noted that the Long Term Care benefit may be used for relatives such as spouse, parents, and parents-in-laws. 

 

4. Sick Time – The question arose as to what to do with unused sick time. This topic is currently under discussion.

 

Denise announced that enrollment for next year’s benefits will be held October 22 through November 14. There will be information sessions in September and a Benefits Fair on October 29. 

 

III. Approval of the July 10, 2003 Council Meeting Minutes

Susan McGonigal made a motion to accept the minutes; the motion was seconded and passed. 

 

IV. Committee Reports

 

Promotions

Melodie Wise reported the committee provided table tents at the Awards of Excellence luncheon on August 13. In order to assure a more timely distribution of these cards next year, the cards will be sent to Human Resources several days prior to the luncheon. They will then be distributed along with the programs the morning of the luncheon. 

 

Parking Appeals

Stephanie Maenhout shared with the group that employees should park only where there are designated spaces. If there are no lines indicating a parking space, then you are not to park there.

 

Ad-Hoc Committee on Women’s Issues

Last month’s tour of RecSports was well attended with approximately 50 people taking part in the tour. There was a positive response in that (1) employees were pleased to find there were hours available without a lot of students using the equipment, and (2) having seen the layout of the locker rooms, employees said they would feel more at ease when using them. Suggestions were made to have a tour of the Basilica and the stadium.

 

SAC Web Page

Joanne Norris is busy adding new items to the website and would like everyone to know that past SAC minutes may be found on the site at www.nd.edu/~staffcou. 

 

RFP for healthcare coverage and EAP

Stephanie Maenhout reported that the committee is busy reviewing proposals from insurance companies trying to find one that mirrors Partners services as much as possible. The company should be chosen and announced in the near future. 

 

The choice of next year’s EAP provider will be made this month. It was suggested that we have someone address the group introducing the new provider and what they have to offer.

 

V. Open Discussion

Stephanie passed around a thank you card from Sarah Misener for the going away gift that SAC presented to her. 

 

Borders no longer offers Notre Dame discounts. 

 

Joy Schosker invited everyone to visit the newly remodeled lower level of Hesburgh Library, opening August 18th. 

 

Employee feedback regarding the Awards of Excellence luncheon was that some felt it was too long since some of the attendees are only allowed an hour.

 

The SAC Executive committee has participated in the interview process for the position of Director, Organizational Effectiveness, Office of Human Resources left vacant by Sarah Misener. 

 

Melodie noted that any SAC representative may request a topic be kept confidential at the monthly SAC meetings. 

 

Prior SAC materials should be consolidated and archived on campus. A sub-committee will be formed to review past information in order to consolidate information.

 

Melodie thanked Jim Gloster for allowing us to hold this month’s meeting at the Morris Inn. If anyone would care to offer use of a meeting room in their department, let someone on the Executive committee know so that it may be arranged.

 

 

VI. Set the Agenda for the September 11, 2003 Council Meeting 

I. Approval of the August 14, 2003 Council Minutes

 

II. Committee Reports

- Promotions Committee

- Parking Appeals Committee

- Ad-Hoc Committee on Women’s Issues

- Web Page Article

- Archive of Minutes

- EAP and Health Insurance provider

 

III. Open Discussion

 

IV. Set Agenda for September 11, 2003 Council Meeting

 

 

A motion was made by Jane Nielson to adjourn the Council meeting; Lisa Dahlin seconded it. The motion was passed.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Staff Advisory Council