Presiding: Ricky Arjune, President
I. Coffee/Breakfast
Breakfast, with the complements of
Academic Affairs, was served from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
II. Welcome & Introductions
Ricky greeted the members and asked everyone to introduce themselves. Sixty-five (65) members were present, and approximately five indicated they were new members.
III. Greetings from Provost Kline
Provost Kline gave greetings in the absence of President Hopkins. He indicated that he was asked by a member to reflect on President Hopkins' accomplishments so far. He said one of the things she has tried to do is to get the divisions to cooperate and work together for the common good of the University and not just for their units. He said this is not an easy task, but she has set the right tone which would benefit us all in the long run.
IV. Legislative Update - Janet Owen
Last year was the first year the SUS was given undergraduate and graduate enhancement funds. This year the SUS budget includes a request for approximately $89.7 million in enhancement funds ($48.8 million for undergraduate education and $39.9 million for graduate education).
$20 million is being requested for campus technology needs. These funds are not required to be tied to distance learning, as they have been in the past.
Salary increases request will be between 2.7% to 3% and possibly implemented July 1 instead of October 1. Additionally, the salary package includes a request for $4.4 million (SUS) for staff performance incentive funds and over $2 million for additional training and development needs.
A bill has been introduced to have our golf management and learning center named after John and Geraldine Hayt.
Regent Dennis Ross' term expires January 2000. Governor Bush has appointed a FAMU alumnus, Jim Corbin of Chattahoochee, to replace Regent Ross. The term of Regent Adolfo Henriques is also scheduled to expire in January 2000, but he has been reappointed for another six years.
Bills to watch in the 2000 session that affect students include: allowing state universities to accept credit cards, changing the eligibility criteria for Bright Futures scholarships and placing the existence of Student Government Associations into statute.
Janet will post prefiled legislation of interest to UNF on each of the Associations' websites to keep employees informed of their progress throughout the session.
V. Human Resources Issues - Helon Evans
Effective July 1, 1999, all A&P employees were eligible to participate in the Optional Retirement Program (OPR). There are 28 employees in DROP (deferred retirement program). The retirement contribution rate decreased from 16.45% to 10.15% for both FRS regular and ORP.
Effective January 1, 2000, we will have only two HMOs, Prudential and AvMed (down from 5). The insurance premiums increased as of October 1. The co-payments for medical services have been standardized, and now both HMOs and the State Health Self-Insured Plan have a co-payment of $10. Prescriptions are $7 for generic drugs and $20 for brand names. State Health and Prudential also allow employees to receive a 90-day supply of prescription drugs by mail.
The State added Oral Health Services dental insurance. The OHS plan is the only dental plan the State is currently endorsing.
The State Life Insurance amount has increased to 1.5% of employees' annual salary, with the employer paying 80% of the insurance cost. Retirees' life insurance increased from $1,500 to $10,000 for the same $4.20 per month as long as the retiree was enrolled in the program prior to retirement.
Personnel Rules are tentatively scheduled to be promulgated by February 1, 2000.
VI. Campus Update - Richard Crosby
The University's Master Plan is developed every 10 years and updated every 5 years. The Master Plan is currently being reviewed. We have short-listed to three firms to be used for consultation. The A&P Association will probably have a representative on the committee reviewing the Master Plan.
The first phase of the 9,800 seat soccer stadium is nearly complete. The next stage will include classrooms and office space underneath the stadium. A few classrooms, Communication Services and Auxiliary Services will be moving to the stadium once phase two is complete.
VII. Treasurer's Report - Cecilia Miller
We currently have $783.64 in the treasury. Cecilia asked members to support the Association through the Faculty/Staff Fund Drive which ends November 19. Last year five A&P employees gave a total of $750 to the Association.
VIII. Adjournment
Ricky introduced the Executive Staff. He asked members to forward any ideas on ways to improve the Association to any member of the Executive Staff.
Meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m.
Submitted by Connie Corker, Secretary.