Staff Council Meeting Minutes

May 13, 2009

Full Committee ARC 346

Attendees: Dave Anderson, Vince Aquino, Janet Baker, Jennifer Davis, Sarah Douvres, Lynn Faudree, Dan Gette, Lisa Gould, Larry Hill, Dana Kusjanovic, Gregg Lundgren, Donna Maes, Toni Morales, Maria Oliveras, Annie Piatt, Jeanine Reinke, Michael Roseberry, Brett Rogers, Randi Viola, Stephanie Weber

Absent: Dana Drummond, Kathleen McGovern, John McKee, Pat Testarmata

Call to order / roll call: 12:20 p.m. Quorum present - Maes took roll call in absence of Gette

Approval of April minutes

• With requested corrections. Piatt motions to approve Maes seconds. No opposed/abstentions.

Visitors: Don Thomas, TCOM; Philip Bradley, Old Main; Barbara Slopey, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services; Ken Bonetti, Academic Advising; Bradley Albus, Housing

Co-Chair’s Reports and Announcements: Larry Hill / Donna Maes

• Hill welcomes visiting new SC members

Secretary’s Report: Dan Gette: no report

Treasurer’s Report: Gregg Lundgren:

• At the next BCSC Executive meeting, (May 27^th) 09-10 budgets will be determined. It is important for all committee chairs to be present, or for arrangements be made to ensure representation or to have previously submitted figures.

Human Resources: Gloria Timmons -

· Labor Relations report on classified performance management responses. 2470 received. 40 not received. Brett Rogers thanks SC members for participating.

· Level 1=11.46% level 2=43.97% Level 3=55+% which is within .2 of previous year ratings. Ratings very consistent.

· Health benefit rates are now available. No word from state on whether pay grades/minimums will be raised. Feeling is that they won’t be raised for next year.

· Q: Were there any faculty increases?

· A: Not that HR reporting is aware of. None of the employment groups are receiving raises / merit increase.

· Jill Pollock, Sys. HR had reported a decision was made that furloughs would not apply to higher-ed. Higher Ed would only be impacted if their governing board (Board of Regents for UCB) made the decision to do so.

· Q: Has there been a change in PERA for university employees?

· A: Not to Timmons’ knowledge.

· Hill: A bill in the legislature mentioned that some professional exempt may be eligible for PERA. Info may have been in a PERA ambassador report.

Vice Chair Report: Mike Roseberry: None

Guest Speaker(s): Regent Steve Bosley answers questions from council.

• Bosley had attended earlier today, the one millionth registration for the Bolder Boulder in which his son now presides over.
• Bosley has been visiting faculty assemblies, staff councils and student assemblies on a regular basis, mainly to listen to concerns/questions.
• Davis – Are the Regents considering furloughs, staff or faculty pay cuts, are you (Regents) waiting until fall registration stats to determine full budget picture.
• The Regents are having a budget meeting next week, previously postponed by the legislative session which may continue if new projected numbers on revenue come in.
• Benson met with his restructuring group. The decision now lies with the campuses. The action will come from the campuses up, not down from the Regents or the President. Ideas are circulating and waiting for projected figures to come in. All campus leadership working together will make the proposals for what ever changes become necessary.
• Bosley favors reforming programs, restructuring and decisions must come from levels where people are closest to the process.
• Next week’s meeting will bring each Chancellor’s ideas on how they think things will unfold.
• Hill – Relating to overall budget situation, the issues of S&G closing, we hear a lot of lip service regarding shared governance. The term is batted around a lot.
• Hill - As an example, in this room how many are involved in budget decisions or discussions in your department? (Nearly half)
• Hill – BCSC has never been asked or invited to discuss any campus level budget discussions. This council, the elected represented leaders of our staff, had never been invited to the table.
• Bosley – will not commit the chancellor to anything…………
• Hill – this is the representation of the shared governance concept that is talked about. We get news of closing the S&G with the $600,000 reduction in budget. Concerns of what is next.
• Bosley – The Chancellors overview is first commitment to teaching excellence, research excellence as in Anschutz.
• Hill – We get old news today, waiting for the invitation but reading it in the paper. Cuts have to be made by June 30, when will our part begin?
• Bosley - believes the processes, the plans that we (SC) will be involved.
• Bosley – we are weeks behind on planning/marketing standpoint. Many of the students/parents are going through the same budget type decisions, mostly being patient.
• Maes – Benefit costs were released, some items have an asterisk referring to ‘subject to approval by regents’. What input does Regents have regarding benefits?
• Bosley – Will check into the reference to asterisk
• Maes – Classified staff pay twice as much for overall benefits as faculty, prof. exempt and retirees. It is a big difference and very frustrating with no raises planned. Those making 100k+ pay less in benefits. Why is this?
• Bosley – These are stressful times throughout the university system, discussions with efficiency task force and other groups, to those of us serving the staff councils, everyone is concerned. Appreciation given to those giving extra time to this institution. Optimistic that it won’t be a ‘meat ax’ cutting approach. Compliments to those helping reduce departmental costs through cost savings, future planning in process.
• Bosley – President Benson working with the state legislature, presented higher education not an expense but investment bringing credibility to the process, legislators agreed that higher-ed, producing a qualified workforce is a way out of recession. Cuts that JBC wanted to impose on higher-ed were higher than final cuts that came out.
• Reinke – With higher-ed being an investment, maybe Regents would consider the university staff, not just the faculty as bringing responsible for success. Faculty and research get front line credit. Consider the staff from the ground up creating the university, makes it run. Little respect or money is left for staff after trickle down.
• Reinke – A slap in the face to staff if benefit cost raises with no increase in salary, but no increased cost to faculty. Can there be more done in recognition for staff - maybe not salary, but other moral boosters.
• Bosley and Reinke have run business and agree, without the staffing, there would be no business. The university doesn’t seem to act like its business does not depend on staff. We are being treated differently.
• Bosley – the board of Regents and the president recognizes staff, and if the appreciation isn’t coming down, it’s the same as not appreciating.
• Faudree – explain an overview – if funding is coming from the state to the campuses and through the campuses, the president’s office is funded. Is this correct?
• Bosley – yes. Campuses pay for services of central administration. Savings at administrative level reflect support of less money from campuses. This also includes tuition, as not a lot comes from the state.
• Faudree – if Chancellors and campuses fund system, with President of system administration being their boss. President is reporting to Regents, Chancellor reporting to Pres, with Chancellor funding president’s office, seems conflict of interest.
• Bosley – It’s an accounting formula rather than a reporting structure. As administrative costs compared to peers, the cost is lower and is an efficient operation from the standpoint of peers. It could come to a point much different, where the allocation might come to the President and that staff reallocate to the campuses. It’s not what’s being done now.
• Roseberry – Thanks Regent Bosley for coming. Relating to appropriateness/roll of an editorial independent news source for CU campuses. What is your (Bosley’s) perspective on importance of independent editorial news source? Many campuses have student run independent papers.
• Bosley – Research has been done looking at other universities. Most don’t have S&G equivalent, but have something to satisfy faculty/staff. Benson assures that an equivalent will be available in some form – probably after many attempts to accomplish goal.
• Maes – Regarding S&G staff being eliminated, is it a possibility that current S&G staff may be placed in positions to establish/create new media source mentioned above?
• Bosley – Does not know what plans are for that.
• Hill- What’s the cost of producing an editorial independence, credible with the staff, ends up costing excessively, where is the gain? S&G staff were willing to accept salary cuts lowering cost comparable to possible future media source. Info coming from President or Regents, may not hold as much credibility as independent source such as S&G.
• Bosley – A proposal is being contemplated rather faculty/staff would be willing to try a paid subscription. Does not know status of idea. Does not endorse or reject idea.
• Davis – Salary compression – is it being considered with reviewing campus procedure. Many staff are ‘clustered’ at bottom of pay range, talks of 5% cut, could not be with already minimum pay range. Despite outstanding evaluations, many are barely 2% above minimum. How could they be reduced in salary? Becomes demoralizing for long serving staffing.
• Bosley – Chancellors have been waiting to jump in, get under way. These types of issues will be looked at. A better plan means more efficiency, a plan to be determined for success.
• Anderson – Relating to complimentary process to staff councils with staff governance developed by Gov. Ritter for partnership for state classified staff. Department of revenue, CDOT having departmental negotiations and statewide negotiations, in higher-ed, it’s the executive’s decision to or not to participate.
• Bosley – Has been advised not to comment to the partnership issues. Will take comment to attorney specialists.
• Anderson – Fort Lewis College has departmental negotiations under the partnership WINS.
• Oliveras – Comments to the feeling of overall sense to the movement of culture of the state of our economy. Issues in positive light would be brought out if staff felt that we were being heard, we would be more accepting to the necessary economic changes.
• Faudree – Announces being a member of S&G editorial board to Bosley, regarding idea of subscription service to help paper continue in some form. Many of these things and others were on the table before Dinegar’s elimination announcement. With Faudree’s known absence to the upcoming board meeting, made request of Bosley to take a resolution to Regent’s meeting. Faudree will present to SC at today’s meeting, a resolution for termination of S&G Record to be delayed until other options can be investigated and completed.
• Bosley – is aware that those discussions are out there.
• Bosley’s closing comments – apology for delaying speaking. Realizes discussions to editorial content/issue fairness, appreciates that S&G reporting has been very fair, although not always in agreement. Will always be available for SC to visit with.

Action Items :

· Approve updates to bylaws from March 18^th workshop.

· Hill: Formatting needs to be uniformly corrected, but wording is good.

· Lundgren motions to approve bylaws as written with correction to formatting.

· Viola seconds the motion.

· Asking for ideas on location for SC summer retreat

· Maes recommends ad-hoc committee is formed. Also have dates of availability for Augustin to facilitate. Greg, Randi, Lisa, Mike, Sarah

· After Bosley’s visit, Faudree presents resolution in support of S&G Record, to delay eliminating of paper until other funding sources can be investigated.

· After discussion, resolution was presented and passed, with stipulation of two wording changes.

· Resolution votes: 12 in favor, 5 abstained, 0 opposed.

· Follow up – 5/14/09, Faudree emailed corrected resolution to SC administrator, who forwarded resolution to Board of Regents and mailed copy to BFA, Chancellor DiStefano and President Benson.

Delegate Reports:

Boulder Campus Planning Commission – Lundgren/Hill –

• Met April 9, Smith Hall design was presented, many comments. Minutes are on BCPC website with the schematic for Smith Hall, although design will change several times before approval. Bike ways, pathways, accessibility issues arose.
• A site concept of the Systems Bio Tech project is available. A larger picture of future Research Park may be designed.
• BCPC meeting on May 14^th will provide schematic design review for Bio Tech and a feasibility study for RBS office building and a new data center also in Research Park.
• May 14^th meeting also planning final approval of revised BCPC bylaws.
• Planning info is available on FM web site.
• Q: (D.Thomas) Is funding available for planned buildings?
• A: (Hill) Systems Bio Tech is moving ahead with design and still working on funding, Smith Hall is housing/auxiliary funded, RBS is Research Building System, auxiliary funded as is the Data Center which will be part of the RBS systems.

Boulder Faculty Assembly – Roseberry –

• BFA recent discussions are on S&G, a special meeting was called on Monday to discuss a resolution, basically condemning the administration’s decision. Also a vote of no confidence in President Benson, although not sure how much attention that conversation received.
• Comment from Glasscock who attended the BFA meeting: BFA passed a resolution stating S&G is integral for the academic mission and by eliminating S&G, System Admin. has violated the laws of the Regents. A request was made to the Regents to reconsider the decision. A second resolution was passed asking that S&G be funded for an indeterminate length of time while alternative funding is looked at. BFA asked that temporary funding for S&G come from the Chancellor’s office on the campuses.

Chancellors Advisory Committee on Multi Cultural Affairs – Douvres–

• Sarah Douvres is the new SC rep for CACMA.
• There will be no CACMA meeting in May. CACMA will begin meeting twice monthly in June.
• The diversity summit has been moved from spring time to October.
• Keynote speakers are being researched
• CACMA will try to increase committee membership in June – please apply now if interested in diversity or multicultural issues. May also contact Sarah.Douvres@colorado.edu 5-3232 for information.
• CACMA is exploring ideas on increasing participation on multicultural events.

Chancellor’s Executive Committee – Hill / Maes –

• CEC met on April 15^th. NCAA accreditation was discussed, study on working on the accreditation committee.
• Budget cuts that are now published were talked about.
• Information seemed to be published accurately in terms of the numbers.
• A brief discussion of professional exempt evaluation process took place. Prof. exempt has gone to a five tier system, while classified staff are now using a three tier system.
• Brief discussion about layoffs and procedures, possible incentives for early retirement consideration. Referrals to HR were made for departmental questions. Incentives have now been published for classified staff.
• CEC next meets May 20^th.

Silver & Gold Editorial Board Committee – Faudree –

• S&G Editorial Board met May 1^st with the intention of discussing budget issues.
• At that time, Leonard Dinegar made an announcement to the board of the elimination of S&G Record effective with the next issue.
• Prior to the S&G board meeting, Dinegar met with the Denver newspaper staff announcing its elimination.
• Unpleasant discussion took place regarding the lack of consultation with S&G Board based on President Brown’s 2007 APS.
• Leonard Dinegar is chief of staff for President Benson, was firm in the comment that the decision is irreversible. No further discussion to be had.
• Further discussions from the S&G Editorial Board meeting have been reported in the S&G.
• An email has been sent to SCREPS with information on the Board of Regents Meeting for 5-18-09 or 5-19-09.
• For comments around the S&G issue, please contact the Regents, the President’s office, your state legislators.
• The President of the university work for the Regents, the Regents work for us as elected officials.
• The previous PBRL committee meeting discussed rather the mission of the S&G Record is critical. Feelings were that it is as part of the academic mission, supporting interns such as at the School of Journalism and the Business School, as the only independent voice for the faculty and staff.
• Particularly concerning was the manner in which the elimination of S&G was handled with no consultation with any of the governance groups or with the board.
• Q: (Ken Bonetti) Is it possible for this group (Boulder Staff Council) to pass a resolution in support of S&G?
• A: (Faudree) A resolution has been written and will be presented during this meeting.
• Q: (visitor Ken Bonetti) Is it possible to see it in the larger context of the upcoming budget discussions? Further opinions by Ken Bonetti in relation to S&G, budget, programs, personnel, furloughs, that S&G is tied in because of the independent voice from faculty/staff not always consistent with those of CU Administration. Feels that the elimination of S&G is the first step in the elimination of the voice of faculty/staff. An ad hoc committee Bonetti has joined, along with other faculty and staff members has written a letter to (at that time interim) Chancellor DiStefano in regard to the January 16^th memo on various options for budget cuts from President Benson regarding further budget cuts. Bonetti encourages everyone to take a strong stand on S&G and also on decisions regarding budget cuts, how the general outline of budgets should be handled. What kinds of input on the part of faculty/staff representative’s voice will be considered, as well as Co. WINS, as well as BFA. Bonetti/ad hoc group is attempting to link up groups to present a united front on S&G and budget issues, bringing faculty/staff into the process. Bonetti offered to attend a future SC meeting, bringing letters written. Bonetti suggests that SC should move forward in a forthright way, letting administration know that this is the first item on an assult to the university community.
• No other comments from S&G Editorial Board report.

Statewide Liaison Council – Oliveras/Anderson –

• Oliveras - Statewide has a new website coming soon.
• Next meeting July 30^th for executive staff, the 31^st for full members in Durango, Ft. Lewis College.
• No agenda available at this time

University of Colorado Staff Council – Aquino/Testarmata/Lundgren –

• Lundgren - One of the first noticeable layoff of system personnel affecting UCSC was the layoff of Chair Lahlou, whose term would have ended in July. The current Vice Chair is retiring in July.
• Elections of officers were conducted.
• Lori Krug has been elected the new UCSC chair; Lori is from systems, her office in the UCB ARC location. The newly elected Vice Chair is Gregg Lundgren; newly elected Treasurer is Pat Testarmata, both of UCB.
• The budget for UCSC had been $33,000.00 annually, has been cut to $14,000.00 annually which will result in major changes to the activity of UCSC.
• Due to layoffs and other circumstances, newly elected posts are now active in their positions.
• Vice Chair Lundgren will meet with Regents on May 19^th, as rep from UCSC and will present UCSC’s resolution to S&G.
• UCSC resolution is asking that S&G be reinstated for a minimum of six months waiting alternative funding.
• Maes to forward the UCSC resolution to SCREPS
• Regent Bosley attended the UCSC meeting where he was asked if a resolution on S&G were presented, if it would do any good. The response was that he would listen.
• UCSC stated in resolution about being unhappy about no shared governance, which was promised and the excuse that no other school has similar paper and that CU wants to be in the forefront, unlike other schools.
• Aquino – felt that Regent Bosley’s information was pointed to no rescue of the S&G paper, but that they ‘will’ listen.
• A four page report released in March, from Dan Montez with the efficiency task force, may state changes that may affect the ability of procurement or organization within your work area.
• The report is available on the efficiency web site.
• Larry Drees from UBAB (University Benefits Advisory Board) reported that UBAB is working on non-monetary awards for staff appreciation. Possible administrative leave or further tuition benefits or assistance, possibly parking discounts or child care. Very early on process.
• Maes had asked Drees why suggestions were being made where faculty was receiving more/better benefits. It was indicated that because there were more faculty on their board than staff.
• Hill - UBAB bring concerns to the decision making bodies of benefits providers; screening proposals received from benefit providers. Evaluation and ranking of benefits packages are done.
• Maes – Drees indicated that UBAB is going to initiate two year term limits, which can be carried out as two, two year terms. Maes would like to invite Drees for BCSC.

Committee Reports:

Elections – May have a meeting in a few weeks to recap 2009 elections and discuss ideas for 2010.

Blood drive – Oliveras –

• Bonfils cancelled blood drives scheduled for April 23 and June 24/25. Bonfils was asked is they could purchase the food, or reimburse SC for their costs. Bonfils cancelled drives.
• Olivares/SC to meet with the UMC board to see how Sept., Nov. 2009 and Feb. 2010 drives will proceed.
• Kusjanovic – has placed phone calls and email which have not been responded to by the UMC board. Not the UCSU Tri-Exec board, the UMC board.
• June 19^th drive will take place at east campus.
• Maes – spoke to VC McKee who suggested looking into grant funding for community outreach. SC should meet with McKee and possibly write a grant request for blood drive support.
• Oliveras asked Linda Culbert, liaison to Bonfils, if the SC request for money/reimbursement for food was a determining factor in cancelling blood drives.
• Explained that ‘fountain area’ of UMC mandates UMC food purchase.
• Bonfils insists that UMC is the logical donation sight at UCB.
• One of several UMC issues is restricted use of donation room for evening when blood drive is not taking place and that no SC reps were available at UMC logia location. SC / Bonfils can remove donation furniture each night if necessary.
• Continued partnering with UCSU is desired. Blood drives could be free of charge to SC if UCSC approved blood drive worthy cause for costs to student fees.
• Kusjanovic was billed for the first time in five years for the UMC games held after-prom event for extra security charge.
• J. Davis- asked for clarification about food/donated food at UMC. Recommendations to use ATLAS have been suggested. Norlin has been used for blood drives for many years. Bonfils may use their own food for that location.
• Oliveras – if the UMC can not be considered for future blood drives, an alternative location will be found. We do not want to discontinue the blood drives.
• Roseberry – asked if Bonfils may want to come in support of SC to speak to UMC.
• The UMC has made it clear that exceptions would be made for student or faculty groups only. Too many non profit groups requesting ‘free’ space or fringes.

Outreach – Gette/Testarmata –

• Gette - Will have meeting in a few weeks for ideas on ice cream social. Outreach committee will be emailed.

PBRL – Roseberry / Douvres –

• Roseberry - The awards ceremony on April 29^th went well. A couple years of service people who were also retirees did not get called for both awards. Most responses were very positive. Seems recipients do appreciate the effort for recognition.
• What were the feelings from supervisors on combining supervisor thank you/awards together? Comment – some SC members felt that few were aware they had been combined.
• There were greater numbers of supervisors/SC members in attendance than ever before.
• Suggestions to have more fanfare for supervisor’s recognition.
• Some supervisors commented for their portion of event might be first so they can return to work.
• While delivering pins, some recipients chose not to go to ceremony due to having work clothes on. SC to make a ‘come as you are’ notice.

General:

Old Business: none

New Business:

• Douvres proposes resolution for FMLA for same sex domestic partnerships. Lengthy discussion took place with SC members of HR. Explanation of current policy was explained. The form that is available through Boulder campus can be changed in wording relating to gender identity.
• Five resolutions came from previous FMLA based meeting. Due to federal regulation, CU HR can not offer family medical leave as family medical leave to same sex partners. CU may be able to entertain different ideas, which would involve input from the Regents / Chancellor / State.
• Douvres indicated that CU supervisors are not allowing same sex partners time to be home during healing period.
• Rogers – the CU HR form is for the purpose of determining how much time an employee can use for sick leave – not specific FMLA policy. Sick leave can only be used for the recovery period of the mother after birth of child. Sick leave can not be used for later ‘bonding time’. The father or mother can take sick time off, but FMLA is another issue outside of the HR form.
• CU can not change that under FMLA a female partner can take time off. This is a State Personnel Board rule, state and federal law. Federal law says FMLA can not be provided to same sex partners.
• Roseberry – reminded of the portion of meeting that CU may be able to consider providing a ‘like’ FMLA or FMLA ‘type’ benefits where there is currently a gap for same sex partner. Something to substitute for that type of leave. Change term or praise.
• Rogers - Sick leave can not be used for non sick purposes. Birth persons can not use more sick leave than deemed necessary for recovery.
• Roseberry moves to table the resolution for later discussion. Not seconded. Discussion continues.
• Douvres moves to contact appropriate parties to change wording through addendum regarding gender reference. Reinke seconds. Vote unanimously passed. No opposed. No abstained.
• Hill – we need to look into the issue and agree on terminology to pass as a council.
• Follow up: Rogers – 5/18/09 - Currently, a language change is being proposed to the HR team regarding gender reference. Feedback is expected by the next subcommittee meeting.
• Stephanie Wilenchek could be invited to join a meeting to make sure wording is appropriate.
• If FMLA benefits are not made available to domestic partners under current federal law, CU could look at a resolution encouraging the Regents and the state to enact similar job protections for same gender partners.

Adjournment: 2:40 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lori Jackson

Administrator UCB Staff Council

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