Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, November 9, 1999

Minutes of the Meeting of Tuesday, November 9, 1999, 2:00 p.m., Octavia II

PRESENT:

Michelle Andrews
Jay Calamia
Catherine Comiskey
Debbie Diliberto
Charlotte Harris
Gail Howard
Avia Morgan
Paula Ruiz-Saurage
Jay Sonier
Arthur Stern

ABSENT:

Al Alcazar
Bob Gross
Dave Huffman
Robert Reed
Karen Shields
Germayne Turner

PROXIES:

Maureen King for Bob Gross

I. Arthur Stern called the meeting to order at 2:05 p.m.

II. Approval and/or correction of the Minutes of the October 12, 1999 meeting

MOTION was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the October 12, 1999 meeting. MOTION passed.

III. Old Business

A. Reminder memo to 6-99 parking proposal and response

Mr. Stern sent a reminder memo to Dr. Eiseman concerning the parking problem, and he received a response, which was attached to the agenda and minutes. Ms. Andrews observed that there are obviously not enough funds for new hires and the other suggestions and that it will take even longer until new personnel understand their duties. Mr. Calamia noted that some tickets are not being billed. The number of citations is up, but the bills are not being sent out and the fines are not being collected. More violations should equal more revenue, and therefore, yield enough money to hire another individual. Mr. Stern suggested that our proposals be brought up at every parking committee meeting and that we should also discuss this agenda item again at next month’s meeting. It was suggested that Pat Bailey be scheduled to speak to us again next semester.

IV. New Business

A. Committee Reports:

1. Rec Sports - No report

2. Parking - Will be discussed at next meeting

3. Fringe Benefits - J. Sonier - At the meeting of October 27, the consulting firm of Bearden & Guibault reviewed the university’s group insurance. The report emphasized that Loyola’s benefits package is both generous and comprehensive. In comparing Loyola’s package with other universities and corporations, Loyola provides a better than average benefit structure while paying less than the average premium. Loyola has generally maintained employee contributions for health coverage at unchanged levels for at least the last seven years. Renewal rates for Group Life, AD&D, and Group LTD will not change. Rates are guaranteed through December 31, 2000. Voluntary dental insurance should have little or no rate change for 2000. SMA will increase 3% and Blue Cross will increase 10%. Increases are being absorbed by the university.

Prescription co-payments will be raised on January 1, 2000 to $10 for generic drugs and $20 for name brand drugs. The charge will be $40 for drugs not on the preferred list. It was emphasized that employees should be educated on the importance of asking for generic drugs and to be aware that it is important to ask if the cost of a drug is cheaper than the co-payment. The consultants informed the committee that Loyola is now approaching a point where adjustments in the current cost/benefit relationship will need consideration. Our current contracts expire at the end of 2000. The committee has been presented with several items to be discussed over the next several months before negotiating new contracts for January 2001. In other matters, a motion was passed to increase the medical flex spending account from a maximum of $2,000 to $4,000. Ms. Harris reported that the health insurance survey results are complete and Mr. Passman with Louisiana Health Care Alliance will speak on the results at the next meeting.

V. Guests

Joe Bellows, SGA President
Mr. Bellows is a senior and a Finance major who loves speaking about the SGA (Student Government Association). The SGA provides services and is a voice to the administration. The students work for the common good. This year, the SGA has allocated $70,000 to university programs and organizations. He reminded the group that we are in the middle of SGA week, which is nine days long this year. It includes rallies, games, debates, public service, speakers, etc. This year the focus is on increasing faculty and staff participation to create a spirit of community with the students.

Amber Ramanauskas, Chair of LUCAP
Ms. Ramanauskas is a senior English Writing major and a Women’s Studies minor. She said that our Mission Statement inspired her to choose Loyola. Next April will mark the 25th anniversary of LUCAP on campus. There will be a semester-long celebration. She announced that they had begun a new program this year, United Students Against Sweat Shops. They are working for workers’ justice. Loyola University will sign a Workers’ Rights Statement, making us the first Jesuit university to support this cause. She said LUCAP volunteers also train tutors to work with adults who are illiterate. They provide an after-school program of teaching children. Best Buddies pairs a disabled person with a Loyola student. LUCAP members also work for social justice, play with children in the St. Thomas Development, and with children in transitional housing. They have an environmental action program, and are working to protect the environment. They have a long-standing Hunger Relief program, bringing sandwiches to the homeless in Lafayette Square. In conjunction with other area universities, LUCAP volunteers collect food for the hungry. There are 16 students on the board, and about 200 student volunteers. The students then asked this group how best to get their message to us. Mr. Stern responded that he thought the best way was by using e-mail addressed specifically to staff. Mr. Calamia expressed that he was very impressed with the number of activities they are involved in. He suggested that the student organizations send out an e-mail at the end of each year, recapping their accomplishments, service, and activities.

IV. A. (cont.)

4. Jesuit/Catholic Identity - Mr. Stern reported for Dave Huffman that a meeting was held on October 13th. Two major points were made: 1) on stressing our Jesuit/Catholic identity at employee orientation, and, 2) how to identify what our unique Jesuit identity is.

5. UPT - Mr. Stern reported on the Objective #5 committee meeting with Human Resources input. There is now a working document for each sub-committee, so there is a starting point. He distributed a copy of what he will give to the subcommittee members and asked for comments. Ms. Harris questioned the connection between the Human Resources survey of staff members and the stated goal of enriching the education of students. Discussion continued on ways to make a difference by helping the students get supplies and funds. Ms. Andrews believes a resolution should be written encouraging staff participation at university events. Mr. Stern will include this as an agenda item for the next meeting.

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:40 p.m.