UAA Meeting
July 17, 2008
Micklethwaite Banquet Hall

Co-Chair Bill Rockwell called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m.

The minutes from the June 19, 2008 meeting were distributed.  Mark Moore made a motion to approve the minutes.  Rick Merb seconded.  Motion passed.

New Business

1)      Alternative Work Schedule

Bill reported that he had received several e-mails with ideas about an alternative work schedule and he asked for the members to continue sending him ideas.  Bill told the group that there was a discussion at the President’s Advisory Council meeting last month about energy savings ideas.  He said that PAC is looking at alternative work schedules as part of the big picture of saving energy and lessening the impact of higher gas prices on employees.

            Ann Marie Short shared with the group that Kentucky state employees have been asked to begin looking at    different options.  However, closing offices for any period of time was not something at which they were looking.

2)      Administrative Hiring Process

Bill reported that the Executive Committee had discussed the hiring process for administrative positions after receiving some feedback from members about some problems during recent searches.  Bill had a meeting with Bane Sylvia, HR Director, to discuss the concerns including the release of position announcements, the process of dealing with internal candidates and the notification of candidates when a position is filled.  Bane and his staff will develop a working procedure to improve the process in the future.

Bill reiterated to the group the importance of contacting co-chair Jennifer Bailey or himself whenever there are problems of this nature so that they can work to find answers.

3)      Introduction of New Employees

Bill introduced Nathan Ward, one of two new Residence Coordinators.  Nathan comes to Shawnee State from Pennsylvania. 

4)      UAA Personnel Development Event Update

Ann Marie Short reported that the UAA Personnel Development Luncheon is scheduled for September 18^th from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Micklethwaite Banquet Hall.  Kordell Norton is tentatively scheduled to present “Status Quo to Status Grow” about enrollment management and retention.

Ann Marie also reminded everyone of the presentation by Ruby Payne on “Understanding Poverty” September 18^th at 7 p.m.  The presentation is sponsored by the Women’s Center and the Scioto County Literacy Council.

Angela Henderson reminded everyone that the luncheon will replace the regularly scheduled UAA meeting for September.  She also encouraged the members to attend because of the importance of the topic to the University.

5)      Welcome Back Week Information Booths/Tents

Bill reminded everyone that the UAA will once again be doing information booths/tents the first two days of classes (August 26^th and 27^th) to hand out pop and provide information to students.  Vicky Crawford is doing the scheduling for one-hour shifts and Bill encouraged the members to volunteer.

Bill reported that there are currently over 790 housing applications and that additional furniture has been ordered to accommodate them, taking our capacity to 808.

6)      Update on Anthem and Southern Ohio Radiology Negotiations

Bane reported that Southern Ohio Radiology broke off contract negotiations with Anthem (SSU’s health insurance provider) on July 4^th, which prompted his e-mail to all employees on the SSU insurance plan.  He explained that Southern Ohio Radiology is the only radiology group with which Southern Ohio Medical Center works.  Therefore, if an employee on the SSU insurance plan receives a test such as an MRI at SOMC, the employee will be responsible to pay the cost above what Anthem pays.

Bane handed out a letter from Anthem that states:

“Until or unless this issue is resolved, Southern Ohio Radiologists will be considered out-of-network.  Consequently, Anthem members may be billed by this group for any balance not covered by Anthem.  However, since members do not have a choice of radiologists for services performed at Southern Ohio Medical Center, Anthem will apply the equivalent of any member liability amounts such as copays, deductibles, etc., at the member’s in-network level.”

Bane gave two suggestions to the group as to what to do until the situation is resolved, but he stressed that it was each person’s personal decision.  First, he suggested calling and asking the cost of the test before it is done.  However, he stressed that this does not guarantee that will be the final cost.  Second, he suggested looking at other options.  Bane handed out a sheet from Anthem that listed other area hospitals that are still in-network.

Bane reported that he has had discussions with the hospital and the head radiologist to apply some pressure to continue negotiations.  Bill asked if there was anything that the group could do.  Bane said that the members could contact Dr. Logan or any of the other radiologists they knew and Anthem to encourage them to continue negotiations.  Sherri suggested a petition for the members to sign.  Bane reported that Anthem has 10,000 participants in the region who could potentially use this service. 

Bane assured the group that HR would keep the members informed of the progress of the negotiations.

Bill said he would contact the SEA and CWA Presidents to work together on a petition.

7)      Approval of UAA Representatives for Women’s Center Advisory Committee

Angela explained that the Women’s Center had an advisory committee made up of faculty, staff, administration and students.  She reported that she and Mistie Spicer had volunteered to represent the UAA on the committee.

Kris Liles made a motion that Angela Henderson and Mistie Spicer be accepted as the UAA representatives for the Women’s Center Advisory Committee.  Ann Marie seconded the motion.  Motion passed.

Campus Announcements

1)      Relay for Life

Sarah Clausing reported that the Shawnee State team raised $1660 for the American Cancer Society and she thanked everyone who gave.  She also said the team won the Looney Lap Award for having the most participation in the “looney laps” (pajama lap, high heel lap, etc.).  Sarah reported that the student respiratory therapy group raised over $900 and won an award for best booth.  She said they planned to participate next year and invited everyone to be a part of it.

2)      Lending Closet

Angela announced that the Lending Closet for the international students is in need of twin size sheet sets, towels, blankets, and pots and pans.  Anyone with those items or other items they think could be of use should contact Rita Haider.

Bill reiterated the importance of the Lending Closet since some of our international students come with only the clothes on their back.

3)      Voting Registration Week

Tiffany Weaver announced that the week of September 8^th there will be a voting registration drive for students.  She is looking for employees who are willing to help register students.  She will have more details later.

4)      New Provost

Kris Liles announced that the Board of Trustees voted Friday to approve a three-year contract for Dave Todt as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Rick Merb made a motion to adjourn the meeting with Chaylee Liberator seconding.  Motion passed.  The meeting adjourned at 10:35 a.m.