Staff Senate
Staff Senate Chair’s Report 05/01/2011
April 1 - 30, 2011
April is over and the semester has flown by! Derby Week is here. Officer nominations for the coming Senate year are due in by noon May 9th. There are two commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 14th. We have survived the deluge of rain and Tammy Lawson is leading the charge to collect non-perishable food items and clothing for tornado relief in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. There is a salary increase pool of 3% (at a minimum) coming to us and the Senate has made much progress with Vice President Connally on policy changes in the fourteen months he has been here. The Senate has forward momentum and we are striving to make positive changes for staff.
On Friday April 1, the Senate Officers met for lunch to discuss what we need to accomplish over the last few months of the fiscal year. Karen has been working on the photos on the website, putting a face to a Senator’s name. We are purchasing a new lap-top computer for the Senate – the last one was purchased when I was Secretary/Treasurer. The finances in the Senate office and SHARE are better than they have been in years! We are also monitoring the issues spreadsheet in an effort to get as many items closed out by the year’s end. On April 1st, I also provided a letter to President Ramsey with the Executive Committee’s observations on the Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation candidates. We presented our pros and any cons noted as we put all three candidates forward as acceptable candidates.
On Monday April 4th, I had new employee orientation, where I present on the Partnership for a Green City, Staff Senate and Tuition Remission.
Shortly following that, we had our Officer’s meeting with Vice President Connally and Melissa Shuter from Vice President Owsley’s office. We had a discussion of our issues spreadsheet, which follows:
Issues not on the spreadsheet – school buses on the north side of campus. A number of school buses that pick up schoolchildren near the Cultural Center are generating some horrible traffic.
CEHD Lobby Lights – there are problems with the light sensors and Jeff Dean is working on it.
LegendCompleted Items
Pending Item w/ Larry Owsley (VPBA)
Pending Item w/ Sam Connally (VPHR)
Pending Item, not yet resolved
Items sent to the Administration
# / Date / Staff Issue / Date forwarded / Sent to / Date
Resolved / Comments
135 / 3/31/2011 / A constituent of mine is a PHD student in the SPHIS, and when I discussed the senate deliberations over tuition vs. fees, he presented the question of this candidacy fee, which he believes all PhD students are subject to, for the amount of about $1000 a year. He said it is currently covered, but the bursar's office was not sure if it would be covered in the future. Can you give me some insight as to where we stand on this? / 4/1/2011 / Sam Connally / If graduate application fees have been paid in the past, this was not consistent with the BoT approved policy and is an example of how the program has grown in some unintentional ways. Graduate application fees are not covered by the tuition remission program (which is intended to pay the cost of tuition only) -- not other costs of attendance (such as student or course fees).
134 / 3/29/2011 / Two positions hired in OCRSS without being posted through Human resources. One was moved from IRB and the other was moved from Surgery / 4/1/2011 / Sam Connally / No actions are pending, at present. If OCRSS position are vacant, this would require a posting. If this represents the consolidation of staffed positions into OCRSS, it would be permissible to transfer staff positions and incumbents without an advertising process, since there would be no bona fide vacancy.
133 / 3/29/2011 / Recommendations to Administration on Salary Increase, budget cost-saving measures and tuition remission proposed changes / 3/29/2011 / President, Provost, Sam Connally and Mike Curtin / The Executive Leadership Team has approved the following increases for staff employees for 2011-12 (largely on the basis of Staff Senate input): $1200 across the board for employees earning up to $40,000, prorated by FTE (which equates to 4.0% of the salary base) and 3.0% of base salary across the board for employees earning over $40,000. Effective July 1, 2011 -- for all regular FT & PT staff who have completed their provisional employment period.
132 / 3/28/2011 / Redbook Changes to Chapter 5 / 3/28/2011 / Katie Niehaus, Beth Boehm and Sam Connally / 3/29/2011 / Changes are under review for later July/September Trustee cycle.
131 / 3/22/2011 / I still think that this is a good recommendation to the University to assist with the tuition remission issue. I don't see any reason why the University couldn't make adjustments in the program to say that everyone had to take their first year or all their "General Education" credits at JCTC. / 4/1/2011 / Sam Connally / The HRAC considered (and did not recommend) a requirement that employees or dependents take the first two years at JCTC -- wanting to preserve choice for employees and dependents to select the institution that best meets individual needs.
130 / 3/22/2011 / I have the Choice Plus PPO, same as I have had the last few years. This year I find myself being billed for lab tests. I called UHC to inquire as to why and it was explained to me I had to reach the deductible and now have to pay 10% each time. I thought there were no plan design changes for 2011;however, I have not been billed for lab work in previous years. / 3/22/2011 / Dana Hummel / This was a change in 2010, not in 2011. Coverage for lab tests changed for the PPO in 2010. At that time, labwork coverage changed to 90% after your deductible. This is the same coverage level in the PPO in 2011 as well.
129 / 3/21/2011 / Issue with blue bag liners and recycling containers / 3/21/2011 / Directly to Larry Owsley / Referred to Larry Detherage for review
128 / 3/19/2011 / If I understand correctly ... I am going to have to pay for these expenses that my daughter does not use at UL?? I signed on and have stayed here for 28 years with the idea that my daughter could go to school as MY benefit. I have stayed here for all the kids I have watched and helpgraduate, and hope to see more. Are we here to educate these kids or add another expense to cover something else? There use to be a program that people gave their ideas on cutting costs ...I would be happy to get some ideas from the University community / 3/19/2011 / Went directly to the President, Provost and Sam Connally / Two lengthy responses to TR questions were sent under separate cover: (1) Dependenttuition remission proposal will result in an approx 10%/90% cost sharing, but will preserve the most generous dependent TR policy in the state; (2) addition of "legal wards", if approved, will continue to provide Tuition Remission for grandparents who have legal custody and are financially responsible for grandchildren.
127 / 3/17/2011 / Questions about new hiring and advertising policy / 3/17/2011 / Directly to Sam Connally / HR received two cost-related concerns; but this proposal was well endorsed by VPs and Deans. Will result in 100% of staff positions being advertised in the CJ (instead of the 7.7% rate we achieved last year). 1st display ad appeared Sunday, Apr 3 with 35 vacancies.
126 / 3/17/2011 / I would like to know where the Staff Senate/HR stands with regard to modifying the grievance process to include issues such as poor supervision, etc? Also, I would like to propose having a different VP (than the one affected) review at the final stage. We have a process where someone with drug issues can get help, but what changes have we made since the Felner fiasco? / 3/17/2011 / Sam Connally / Grievance policy is under review by Staff Grievance Committee. Will include new grievance options (including warning letters and unsatisfactory performance evaluations). "Poor supervision" is not grievable, per se, but will be addressed through new performance management training as we roll out a new PM program and "intro to supervision" course to be rolled out this summer.
125 / 3/15/2011 / A department called me today regarding an individual in their department who is staff senator. The person is an hourly employee, and because of tight budgets, overtime and comp time are not allowed.They are working with minimal staff. / 3/15/2011 / Sam Connally / 3/18/2010 / HR has responded to individual concerns by providing guidance to departments that they may not require "make up" time for staff senate activities and must afford reasonable work time for participation. This is not intended to be discretionary at the department level, provided employees schedule time out of the office in an orderly manner.
124 / 3/14/2011 / The wife of an employee inquired with SIGS about spouse tuition remission since her husband was not using his 6 hours per semester. / 3/14/2011 / Senator Gamm Answered / 3/14/2011 / The university suspended indefinitelytuition remission for spousesof employees approximately two years ago; tuition remission only covers employees and their children/dependents.
123 / 3/9/2011 / I know you know the rumor mill is always spinning but this is one that came out of the Dental Council. They were told that since there is a projected 2.5% budget cut that it has been decided to just forgo raises again and no budget cuts. Is this true? / 3/9/2011 / Talked to Mike Curtin in a meeting / 3/9/2011 / No truth to the rumor, according to Mike Curtin. He had not heard anything about it.
113 / 2/7/2011 / Staff Senate Safety Report - and now we hear we are losing a Police Officer and Security Guards / 2/7/2011 / Budget issues will report to senate. Will report on the 14th. To DPS Advisory Committee
92 / 11/23/2010 / Reduction in value of life insurance at age 65 / 11/23/2010 / PED / Sent for discussion and recommendation
91 / 11/19/2010 / Great Places to work Flexible Scheduling - if the HSC would implement staggered start and release times, they could alleviate a bunch of traffic exiting the Chestnut St. Garage at rush hour. / 12/3/2010 / Sam Connally / A good suggestion to incorporate as a possible rationale for departments to adopt flexible scheduling at the unit level. Will include in working flex time draft.
83 / 11/19/2010 / HSC population is the same as Belknap, when will HSC get affordable parking? Belknap has purple, yellow, green, blue and red, but HSC only has magenta and red / 12/3/2010 / Larry L Owsley / VPBA working on response
82 / 11/19/2010 / No promotional opportunities for staff - national searches and hires, but no loyalty for years of work / 12/3/2010 / Senate Chair and VPHR working on question and answers to present to the EVPHA and ULP Managing physician.
81 / 11/19/2010 / Is KDP being sold to a private for-profit business? What will happen to the staff? / 12/3/2010
80 / 11/19/2010 / ULP Incorporation - staff is not hearing anything and they have a set of questions / 12/3/2010
62 / 9/18/2010 / Scorecard compensation instructions / 9/30/2010 / Sam Connally / This is a budget issue, more than an HR issue. HR has opened a discussion with VP-Finance and Provost how we can better manage "compensation at risk" so as to reduce perceptions that these established contractual agreements are adverse to staff employee interests or unduly burden operating funds that would otherwise be available to support staff concerns.
58 / 9/13/2010 / Lack of blue parking on the east side of campus / 9/13/2010 / Larry Owsley / went to parking - Pending
51 / Listening session / Another person brought up the issue of golf cart safety – riding on sidewalks and speeding around campus with people walking in the vicinity / 9/7/2010 / Larry Owsley / Mitchell drafted policy and guidance - making the rounds - Now under revision
21 / 7/14/2010 / U.S. Legal issues with attorney not responding / 7/14/2010 / Sam Connally and Dana Hummel / HR has verified that US Legal has fairly limited coverage in Jefferson Co (with only five listed providers). We appear to be their only client in KY and they do not appear to be interested in growing their KY network. HR will re-bid this program this summer. HR has list of local providers if there are questions. Will be rebid this summer.
15 / 6/17/2010 / Is there a reason Custodians cannot wear shorts when it is over 85 - 87 degrees and the humidity is high? / 6/17/2010 / Larry Owsley / Under review for next summer
14 / 6/17/2010 / Issues with the "green" floor wax / 6/17/2010 / Larry Owsley / To Larry Detherage for review
3 / 10/27/2009 / North end traffic / 10/27/2009 / LLO / Working with City (Has anything happened to this end??) There is a study coming, but seems to be no rush given the election. Exit by Speed will be completed next summer
On Tuesday the 5th, I attended the Smoke-Free Policy group where we continue discussing enforcement and ways to change the culture so smokers do not smoke on campus. Much of the work now is focused on what other colleges and universities are doing that is successful in being smoke free.
We had our first EVPHA candidate, Dr. David Dunn, on campus for interviews with multiple groups on April 6 – 8.
On April 8th, I attended an NCAA Steering Committee for recertification in 2013. The recertification process starts a couple of years in advance to address the different areas of compliance. Everything looks to be in good shape – our Athletics department and leaders do an excellent job and our student-athletes are also excelling as students as well.
Also on the 8th, the Executive Committee interviewed Dr. Dunn along with the Executive Committee of the Faculty Senate. After that meeting, the Search Committee had an exit interview time with the candidate before he left campus.
On Sunday evening April 10th, the second EVPHA candidate, Dr Eric Nielson started his campus visit. The Staff Senate and Faculty Senate Executive Committees interviewed Dr. Nielson and the Search Committee conducted its exit interview on Tuesday the 12th.
On Tuesday, April 14th, the Board of Trustees had a Personnel Committee Meeting, which I called to order and started the agenda. We approved the Grawemeyer Award in Education, the alumni fellow in the College of Arts & Sciences, the monthly personnel actions and approved the President delegating authority to decide a faculty grievance when the Provost is named in the Grievance. While there is a nomination committee meeting listed, it was canceled. Following the Personnel Committee, the Board meeting was called to order by Chair Owsley Brown Frazier. We approved our consent agenda including the actions from the personnel committee, we approved a capital project – a new roof on Miller IT Center, and we approved the May graduates. The winner of the Trustees Award was announced. It is Professor John Cumbler in History. There were some excellent nomination packages sent to us and it is obvious that Dr. Cumbler has had a profound impact on a number of his students. We approved entering into an agreement with the Speed Museum, which will add space to the museum and public art to the University. The Board approved the new revisions to the HSC Professional practice plan after Dr. Cook answered a number of questions. We had reports from the SGA regarding the proposed Student Recreation Center they are advocating. Provost Willihnganz reported on scholarships of all kinds. We concluded the meeting in executive session before reconvening with nothing to report. The link on the web site is:
Friday the 15th was the opening of the UofL Autism Center on the campus of the old Kosair Children’s Hospital on Eastern Parkway. It is a collaboration of the Medical School, College of Education and Human Development and Kosair Shriners providing the space. The facility is on the Burnett Avenue side of the campus and is a holistic treatment and therapy center for children with autism.
On Monday the 18th, I had New Employee Orientation on my regular bi-weekly rotation. This is one of the things I really enjoy doing, plus it provides a brief time to expose new staff members to the Staff Senate. The personnel in HR are really fun to work with and are very supportive.
The third and final EVPHA Candidate, Dr. David Bjorkman came for his campus visit on April 20 – 22. The Staff Senate and Faculty Senate Executive Committees interviewed the candidate on Thursday the 21st and the Steering Committee conducted its exit interview on Friday the 22nd.
On Tuesday the 26th, the Steering Committee met for the final time and reviewed the candidate’s visits and the confidential surveys that were completed. We reviewed the pros and cons of each candidate and agreed upon language for a letter to President Ramsey with our observations and survey results. The Committee Chairs were to meet with the President on Thursday morning to discuss the search process. The Committee agreed that all three candidates should move forward for the President’s consideration. I provided a letter on behalf of the Staff Senate Executive Committee to President Ramsey with the Senator’s observations on the candidates. It has been an interesting process to follow – in both the EVPRI and EVPHA searches, there have been excellent candidates. The ultimate factor is how the candidates fit with the Leadership team.
On Friday the 29th, the Executive Committee had a meeting with President Ramsey where we covered a number of issues. The President updated us on the budget. March was a record month when 12,000 jobs were added in Kentucky. However, the problem is that one out of five Kentuckians is on Medicaid – that is over 800,000 people. The Legislature needs to address the Medicaid shortfall and public pensions. There is also a moratorium on earmarks, which decreases some revenue that comes to the university.