December 2006 Board Minutes East Campus Union
Members Present: Jim Kendrick, Dick Boohar, David B. Brinkerhoff, Delivee Wright, Rose Marie Tondl, George Tuck, Max Clegg, Howard W. Ottoson, Bob Fuller, Jerry Petr, Jim McShane, Walter E. Mientka, Don Edwards, Dan Lutz
President Irv Omtvedt called the meeting to order.
It was noted that this meeting is the final one for Past President Don Edwards who will be leaving the Board on December 31 as will Jerry Petr who has completed his 3-year term as a Director. Tondl was welcomed as the newly elected director to replace Petr.
The November 2 board of directors meeting minutes and the November 16 membership meeting minutes that had previously been circulated to the administrative group on-line and suggested changes incorporated, were formally approved by acclamation.
The treasurer’s report covering the period November 1-November 30, 2006 was accepted as presented by Walter Mientka on a motion by Mientka and second by McShane. The treasurer’s report is posted on the Emeriti Assn. website.
The next agenda item taken up by the board was discussion of recommendations pertaining to changing the amount of Maude Wisherd stipends to Emeriti applying for assistance in meeting medical costs. The gap in Medicare part D coverage "the donut hole” relating to the shortfall of benefits in making it possible to pay Medicare costs in full was discussed. Questions arose regarding how Emeriti Association originated funds lodged in the NU Foundation can be used to meet Emeriti medical assistance requests. Mientka said he would check with the Foundation regarding this issue and get back to the board. (Note: A note circulated to the administrative group on the internet by Mientka after contact with the Foundation is reproduced as Addendum A to the minutes).
The next item for discussion was the report of the ad hoc committee chaired by David Brinkerhoff on obtaining an accurate database of retired UNL faculty to make it possible to deal with the issue of identifying faculty recommended for tenure. The committee charge is ultimately to recommend criteria for certifying Emeritus status for retiring academic faculty (the current policy of the Board of Regents is contained in Addendum B to the minutes).
Brinkerhoff handed out a 4-page report, which was discussed in depth for some time. (See Addendum C to the minutes). Brinkerhoff made the following motion, seconded by Boohar: “The Board of Directors committee accepts the recommendations of its ad hoc study group and transmits them to the Emeriti Association president to see to their implementation as is practicable.” Motion approved.
Omtvedt asked when the new Emeriti Association brochure would be completed for distribution. The answer offered is “soon.” Cost per copy of the brochure will be 73 cents.
Omtvedt said there is a need for a new chairperson for the Member Relations Committee; other committee chairs will continue to serve.
Kendrick distributed a hard copy of the Website Committee report for November, which is also posted on the Web. In the report, he asserted that having visual and audio presentations on the Association website is essential if we are to generate meaningful interaction with Emeriti who live outside of Lancaster County. The Association needs to own its own digital camcorder and a wireless mike, he said in the report. The wireless audio-visual equipment needed to produce acceptable quality for streaming or podcasts could be acquired for about $1,000. It was moved by Mientka, seconded by Fuller, to authorize Kendrick to purchase the appropriate equipment for $1,000. Motion carried.
Omtvedt cited the following correspondence needs to be sent soon:
* Spouses of deceased Emeriti: Letters be prepared and sent prior to December 31 by Omtvedt as President
* New retirees: Boohar will compile this list and the letters will be sent over the President's signature when information is available
* Retirees completing their 1-year dues-free membership: Boohar and Mientka will collaborate and send dues letters to these individuals when information is available.
Omtvedt reported that the UNL Library system has agreed that Emeriti Assn. records can be archived in the system. Volunteers for the East Campus Visitors Center are needed. There was no discussion on this item.
Board and membership dates for 2007 were discussed. It was proposed that the next board meeting would be held at 12:30 p.m. on January 9, with meetings on the first Tuesday in following months, except for June, July and August when board meetings are not scheduled. Moved by Omtvedt, seconded by Mientka, approved.
It was agreed that the first membership meeting in 2007 would be held in the UNL East Union, convening at 11:30 p.m., with the meeting to begin at 12:00 noon.
There being no further old or unfinished business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:20 p.m.
Addendums
Addendum A
Wisherd and Emeriti Funds
Definition of terms and explanation of allowable use of these funds.
As per information obtained on December 7, 2006 from
Jason D. Kennedy, Assistant Vice President, Director of Accounting Services
University of Nebraska Foundation.
Book value is the historical cost basis of the endowment (or investment) whereas market value is what the endowment is worth right now. Basically, book value is what went into the endowment and market value is what you would get if you sold it now. Because this is a permanent endowment, only the income can be spent. The income is the spendable account. The estimated annual income is the amount the fund can expect to earn over the next year if no new contributions are made to the account. It is the endowment thatis earning income and the earnings are placed in the spendable account. Fund 30086910 (Emeriti Fund) is not an interest bearing account. It is considered an expendable fund and our expendable funds do not earn income. It's treated like a free checking account. Income from the Wisherd Fund may provide support for the programs and activities of the Association's Membership, Membership Relations, Program and Website committees.
Addendum B
EMERITUS STATUS FOR RETIRED FACULTY
ACADEMIC /ADMINISTRATIVE EMPLOYEES
Emeritus status is the rank awarded by the Board of Regents to an employee at the time of retirement in recognition of substantial service rendered to the University in teaching, research, extension, or administration in a professional field. It may also be awarded to a retired administrator whose work impinges directly on the educational program.
For faculty the recommendation is initiated by a vote of the departmental faculty with the endorsement of the chair and dean. In the case of A?line administrators, the recommendation is made by that individual's immediate supervisor. Consistent with Regents policy, eligibility for emeritus status includes being at least 55 years of age and having been employed by the University of Nebraska for at least ten years, although exceptions to this may be made by the Board.
The official statement of the Board indicates that, while a retired individual is clearly on a non?active status with regard to required activities, emeritus status is granted to encourage the individual to maintain association with the institution and to continue study and scholarly investigation. Certain perquisites and privileges are provided as follows:
On all formal occasions, emeritus faculty are recognized on the same basis as active members. They do not attend departmental or faculty meetings except upon invitation by the presiding office, and then without vote, but with privilege of the floor.
As detailed in the Graduate College Governance Document, upon the recommendation of the departmental or interdepartmental Graduate Committee, retired Graduate Faculty Members who have been appointed to emeritus status may retain the rights and privileges associated with their level of membership on the Graduate Faculty. Further, consistent with the policies of the Distinguished Professorships Committee, emeriti faculty may retain any special professorship title as approved by the Chancellor.
When emeritus faculty are called upon to act as references for former students, to furnish information to earlier associates, or to perform any other similar university service stemming from a responsibility which continues beyond their retirement, they are entitled to use official stationery and other departmental office privileges as is customary.
Special privileges within a department relating to office space or desk room and use of research facilities, including access to the computer network, may be granted at the discretion of the dean or director, in consultation with the department head or chair. This decision will take into account availability of space and the individual's ongoing contribution to the university.
The Campus Parking Office will issue a standard parking permit at no charge to any emeriti.
The ticket office allows all emeriti to purchase tickets for athletic events on the same basis as current employees. However, retirees who do not hold season tickets at the time of retirement. will not be contacted by the ticket office regarding their interest in obtaining tickets.
Events sponsored by the University Program Council at the Student Union are available to all emeriti at the same discounts as regular faculty.
Revised 9-99
Addendum C
Recommendations of the Ad Hoc Emeriti Study Group
to the
UNL Emeriti Board, December 5, 2006
by
David Brinkerhoff, Chair, Richard Boohar, John Goebel, and James McShane
Recommendations:
1) It is NOT recommended that the Association establish separate criteria from the UNL administrative process nor is it recommended that the Association evaluate faculty for emeriti status. Rather, we recommend that the President of the Association contact Chairs, Heads and Deans annually to encourage them to follow department procedures for approving of emeriti status of faculty with pending retirements. In essence, this recommendation encourages “tweaking” existing procedures as Mientka has proposed rather than invent new ones unique to the Association.
2) Embrace the document “Emeritus Status for Retired Faculty Academic/Administrative Employees” (attached) which summarizes and details the current policies of UNL and the Board of Regents specifying the conditions for eligibility (age and length of service) as well as privileges and benefits to those awarded emeriti status. This document serves as the basis for defining emeriti status as it pertains to EA membership.
3) A letter be sent by the President of the Emeritus Association congratulating the retiree on their achievement of emeriti status, informing her/him of the association and detailing the benefits that come from emeriti status and membership in the Association.
4) Additional research be undertaken by the Benefits Committee to articulate clearly the benefits that accrue to Emeriti and debunk any existing misconceptions. For example, there is no mention in the attached document regarding audit privileges. Are there other benefits and/or privileges that should be considered and/or existing ones that need to be renegotiated?
5) The President of the Emeritus Association correspond annually to Department and Division chairs/heads information on the Association (brochure) and include for distribution to those newly appointed to Emeritus status the document “Emeritus Status for Retired Faculty Academic/Administrative Employees”. Also, work with the SVCAA to insure that this same document is included in the Faculty Handbook.
6) Identify UNL emeriti from a “single” source reflecting the names of those who have been administratively processed and awarded the status of emeritus by the University. Because the Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs has administrative responsibility for annually (September) notifying the BOR of those faculty officially approved for emeritus status, we recommend that the SVCAA office be that single source. The Source of this information comes from SAP and reflects the change to emeriti status on the employees PAF. This listing is generated for the SVCAA by the payroll department.
Further, we recommend a semiannual listing (February and September) to facilitate capturing in a timely manner faculty who have retired mid-academic year and those on twelve month appointments who potentially retire any time during the calendar year.November 2, 2006 – UNL East Campus Union
Vice President Ottoson called the meeting to order around 1:30 pm. Those attending were Ottoson, McShane, Brinkerhoff, Petr, Kendrick, Mientka, and Boohar.
The Board approved the 5 October Board Minutes and recommended that the Association membership approve the minutes of the 19 October Associatione meeting that were email circulated to Board members.
The Board approved the oral report from Treasurer Mientka. The Treasurer’s report will be posted on the Website after Mientka receives the Bank statement for October.
The Board approved the email distributed recommendations for funding from the Maude Wisherd Fund. The Board asked the Committee to suggest modifications to the current $1,000 limit on awards made for unreimbursed medical, pharmacy expenses, or the costs of custodial care.
Ad hoc Committee chair David Brinkerhoff reported that the Committee would, at the December Board meeting, provide specific recommendations likely along these lines:
* Recommendation that the UNL and IANR administrations establish procedures that will identify, upon their retirement, those named Emeriti.
* Change the name of the Association to the UNL Emeriti and Retired Faculty Association. Retired Faculty would be those individuals who would have been classified as “A LINE” in the old “A”, “B”, and “C” classification system. The Association would stipulate other requirements for membership in the Association such as “X” number of years as an A Line employee of UNL. This provision would make eligible for consideration of membership in the Association those retired, for example, with the title of Instructor or Lecturer.
* Whomsoever was declared Emeriti or Retired Faculty would receive a letter at retirement signed by the appropriate Vice Chancellor and the Association’s President.
* The Ad hoc Committee will also, before the next Board meeting, look for models from other Universities dealing with the naming of Emeriti and/or Retired Faculty.
Kendrick indicated that usage of the Website had increased in October relative to September (see Committee report on the Website).
Ottoson reminded that the membership program on November 16 would feature Dan Lutz describing his railway journeys.
Ottoson gave some details on the need for assistance at he East Campus Visitors" Center and said a signup sheet for volunteers would be circulated at the membership meeting.
It was suggested that the president check on whether the Nebraska Alumni magazine is available gratis to Emeriti.
Ottoson adjourned the meeting around 2:45 pm.
Minutes by Kendrick