AP Leaders Meet with President Hogan

ACADEMIC PROFESSIONAL representatives from Chicago, Urbana, and Springfield met with President Michael Hogan at his home on Sept. 26 to discuss timely issues and concerns shared by all three campuses. The meeting primarily focused on AP/Civil Service conversions and University of Illinois hiring authority (“exemption authority”); pensions and health care concerns; the budget outlook; concerns related to the upcoming legislative session; and Administrative Review and Restructuring (ARR) and the human capital strategy for APs.

THE PRESIDENT was joined by other campus leaders, including Maureen Parks (UIC and University Administration [UA]), Executive Director and Associate Vice President of Human Resources; Jami Painter (UA), Assistant Vice President of Human Resources (HR); Eric Smith (UA), Assistant Vice President of Equal Employment Opportunity and HR; Elyne Cole (UIUC), Associate Provost for Human Resources; Bob Lael (UIS), Acting Director of Human Resources; Wayne Stahl (UA), Visiting Director of Organizational Development; and Marilyn Marshall, Director, University Wide Student Programs and Academic Programs and Services; among others.

DURING THE meeting, representatives from all three campuses voiced the concerns of their constituents. Rather than restating these concerns, we have provided several salient updates below.

Why did APAC Members Meet with President Hogan?

PRESIDENT HOGAN meets twice per year with the University Professional Personnel Advisory Committee (UPPAC), with membership elected from each campus’s advisory committee of academic professionals. In 1977, University of Illinois President John E. Corbally created UPPAC to serve the Academic Professionals working at the University, and provide advice to the University of Illinois President on behalf of all Academic Professionals. UIC UPPAC members are Michael Moss, APAC Chair; Jennifer Rowan, APAC Vice Chair; Jacquie Berger, APAC Secretary; and Leticia Sanchez, APAC Representation Subcommittee Chair.

Fall Legislative Session

THE FALL veto session begins Tuesday, Oct. 25. Senate Bill 512, which addresses pension reform, is expected to be revisited at that time, but may be losing steam. Senate Bill 175, which addresses retiree health insurance, may also be revisited. The University will also continue its efforts to reduce the administrative burden of recent purchasing legislation. For more about these bills, see the article “UIC United Credits APAC for Stopping Bad Legislation,” below.

LAST YEAR, legislation was introduced that would have eliminated the University’s ability to autonomously create Academic Professional positions. If this occurred, the State University Civil Service System (SUCSS) would have to approve each new Academic Professional employee for all State universities – UIC could not hire someone into an Academic Professional position until after the SUCSS had approved the position.

THE LEGISLATION did not pass, and we have retained our “exemption authority.”  Tom Morelock, the Executive Director of SUCSS, had previously indicated that he would continue to pursue the change this year in the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR). However, he has recently communicated that this may no longer be the case.

State Universities Retirement System (SURS)

THERE WILL be no-cost SURS seminars in Chicago on Thursday, Oct. 27, and Monday, Nov. 21, that will cover:

• Retirement calculations (general formula and money purchase formula)
• Qualifying to purchase additional service
• Service for sick leave
• Salary averages
• Qualifying for insurance
• Returning to employment

REGISTRATION BEGINS soon for the SURS Seminars – keep an eye out for additional communications.

HR HAS also posted a news release on the SURS money purchase factors change effective July 2, 2012, available here.

Health Plans

CONTRACTS FOR all current health plan vendors have been extended through June 30, 2012, and rates will remain the same. There will be a special enrollment period from Monday, Oct. 10, to Friday, Oct. 28, with changes effective Thursday, Dec. 1. Changes are limited to health plan vendor changes only – no other changes will be permitted during the special enrollment period.

AP/Civil Service Conversions

ANNIESE LEMOND, the former Director of Compensation and the former UIC HR representative to APAC, has left the University to pursue other opportunities. Lemond oversaw the job analysis process at UIC. As part of a temporary staffing plan, Joe Fowler, Visiting Compensation Consultant, will oversee the job analysis process and Debbie Lewis, Compensation Consultant, will be responsible for the day to day operations of the Compensation department.

Administrative Review and Restructuring HR Update

THE Administrative Review and Restructuring (ARR) working group Human Resource Management Subcommittee presented several recommendations to campus leadership in June of 2010, which include creating a University human capital strategy, establishing shared service centers for HR work, and streamlining internal HR processes. UPPAC has been engaged to participate in the process of implementation, and has been asked to identify five academic professionals to participate on an advisory committee for the development of a human capital strategy.

Budget Outlook

ALTHOUGH THE University provided raises for the first time in years, the local and national budget outlook still is grim – at least for several years to come. The University has been in the process of preparing for reduced State funding and is in a position to weather budget cuts if necessary. The University is focusing on initiatives to reduce costs (Administrative Review and Restructuring efforts) and increase other sources of revenues (Research and Hospital).

More on President Hogan

THE FOLLOWING excerpt is taken from a recent interview with President Hogan published by the Daily Illini, available here.

“A year ago, we were planning for somewhere between a 5% to 10% reduction in our State appropriations that was on top of everything else we’ve been through. That would’ve been a very big hit at the University. We did take a reduction, but only basically a 1% reduction, and I’ve said over and over again, in this kind of a budget environment, that’s about as close to total victory as you’re going to get.”

YOU CAN also read the President’s blog, available here.

UIC United Credits APAC for Stopping Bad Legislation

An APAC petition is credited with stopping legislation that would have been harmful to UIC employees and retirees earlier this year, but the State Legislature (above) may re-examine the bills in October.

UIC UNITED President Merrill Gassman, in the Summer 2011 issue of the UIC United Newsletter, credited APAC with stopping legislation that would have harmed UIC employees concerning pensions and health benefits.

GASSMAN SAID, “thanks to the petition drive organized by Michael Moss and our colleagues in the UIC Academic Professional Advisory Committee (APAC), as well as the efforts of the member organizations of the Illinois Higher Education Legislative Coalition (HELC), we were able to forestall the passage of two bills that would have been deleterious to the interests of State annuitants.

“SB 512, which would have diminished the retirement benefits of current State employees, and SB 175, which would have imposed health insurance premiums on State annuitants, did not reach the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives for a vote in the regular spring session that ended on May 31,” Gassman said.

DESPITE THE fact that SB 512 was being championed by the two party leaders in the House, Rep. Michael Madigan (D) and Rep. Tom Cross (R), it was not called for a vote. Similarly, SB 175, led by Sen. Jeff Schoenberg (D), did not make it to the Senate floor.

SOME LEGISLATORS have threatened to attempt to resurrect these bills in late October, however.

UIC UNITED is the UIC chapter of the State Universities Annuitants Association.

Ben Ramirez Representing APs on Vice Chancellor for Research Search Committee

BEN RAMIREZ, Director of the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility, Research Resources Center (RRC) for Structural Biology, has been named the Academic Professional (AP) representative on the Search Committee that will recommend a candidate to fill the post of Vice Chancellor for Research.

“MANY APs working in research are paid salaries that are 100% grant funded,” said Michael Moss, Chair of APAC. “If an AP is converted to Civil Service and the grant money runs out, what happens to that employee? What is the impact on research at UIC? That’s why we’re glad Ben is on this committee—to represent the interests and concerns of APs to the candidates.”

RAMIREZ HAS worked for UIC for seven years. This will be the first major Search Committee on which he has served.

“I DO basic science research, and manage an instrumentation facility that works with faculty, grad students, and postdocs,” Ramirez explained. “I also work on obtaining grant support.

“THE NEXT Vice Chancellor for Research affects my lab, which is used not only by biochemistry but by chemistry, pharmacy, dentistry and a lot of other units on campus,” he continued. “It is a tremendous resource that is unique in our State and I want to see it used to its greatest extent.”

APAC, UIC United Hold Retirement Funds Panel Discussion

A large crowd attended the recent APAC/UIC United panel discussion 
on retirement funds.

APAC AND UIC United, the UIC chapter of the State Universities Annuitants Association (SUAA), on Sept. 20 held a panel discussion concerning financial plans for recovery relative to State funding of our retirement plans.

PANELISTS WERE Democratic Senator Heather Steans; Senator Matt Murphy, Minority Caucus Chair; Ralph Martire, Executive Director, Center for Tax and Budget Accountability; and Professor Paul Green, Director of the Institute for Politics, Roosevelt University, who served as moderator.

THEY ADDRESSED the audience’s questions on critical issues related to Illinois solvency such as State Universities Retirement System (SURS funding), potential pension legislation, and the University budget. 

FOR A viewing of the panel discussion, click on http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/17396405. (Note that in the final remarks at 1:57 an anomaly of speeded-up playback occurs). Photos taken during the event may be viewed by clicking here.

Two From APAC Move On; New Secretary Named

 Jill Davis.

JILL DAVIS, Assistant to the Director, Center for Advanced Design, Research, and Exploration (CADRE), APAC Secretary, and an AP member of the University Senate, has left the University to become College Transfer Coordinator at the College of DuPage.

“I WOULD like to thank all my fellow APAC members for the camaraderie and productivity,” Davis said. “I’ve seen this committee evolve so much throughout the years and I’m so proud of all of our accomplishments. 

“LASTLY, I would like to express my gratitude to Michael Moss, who has been an excellent Chair and great supporter of my role as Secretary.  I’m excited to start my new adventure at the College of DuPage, but I cannot put into words how much I will miss all my UIC friends and colleagues,” Davis concluded.

Sophia Magill.

SOPHIA MAGILL, Associate Director, Programming, Campus Programs, and a former APAC member, has left UIC for a post with the Personnel Office of the White House in Washington, DC.

WITH DAVIS’ post as Secretary vacant, APAC elected Jacqueline Berger as its new Secretary. Berger is Director of Communications in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and is an AP representative on the University Senate.

AP Senate Election Coming

WITH THE departure from UIC of one Academic Professional Senator, APAC will soon hold an election to fill that seat on the University Senate. If you are interested in running or would like more information, please contact Margaret Moser at mlmoser@uic.edu or (312) 413-2326.

Climate Survey Announced

President Michael Hogan has announced the first Climate Survey 
ever conducted at the University.

UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT Michael Hogan has announced the first multi-campus, University-wide Climate Survey ever conducted at the University of Illinois. 

THIS CENSUS survey, which will solicit responses from all staff, faculty, and students on each campus, will be conducted beginning Wednesday Oct., 26, with an invitation sent to your University e-mail account. This survey will build on earlier campus efforts to provide a benchmark for the University of Illinois to gauge perceptions and help administration respond to concerns of the campus community. “After the survey results are analyzed, the information gathered will be used to prioritize and implement necessary changes to improve climate,” Dr. Hogan said.

THE SURVEY has been developed with the assistance of the University of Illinois’ Survey Research Laboratory and a Climate Survey Advisory Group, which comprises staff and faculty from all three campuses and University administration. “The survey was developed with a broad approach to assessing climate,” Dr. Hogan said.

“CLIMATE IS the atmosphere of an organization as perceived by its members. An organization’s climate is reflected in its structures, policies, and practices; the demographics of its members; the attitudes and values of its members and leaders; and the quality of personal interactions. It includes perceptions of inclusiveness, friendliness, cooperation, professionalism, recognition, support, and opportunities for advancement.

IF YOU have questions about the Climate Survey, review the FAQ page to find answers to commonly asked questions. 

“A ROBUST response rate is necessary to gather meaningful data from the survey,” Dr. Hogan concluded. “Participation from all constituencies throughout the University is very important to the survey’s success. We rely on you to make your voice heard, to participate in this survey, and to shape the future of your University.”

FOR MORE information, log on to http://www.uillinois.edu/climatesurvey/.

Board Chair Kennedy to Speak

Board Chair Christopher Kennedy.

UIC UNITED will present its fall membership meeting with Christopher G. Kennedy, Chair, University of Illinois Board of Trustees, speaking on “Research Universities and the Future of Our State,” Wednesday, Oct. 19, at Student Center West, Chicago Rooms, 828 S. Wolcott St.

THE EVENT will begin with coffee and rolls at 10:30 a.m., a business meeting at 11 a.m., Kennedy’s talk at noon, and a buffet luncheon at 1 p.m. Cost of the luncheon is $15, and reservation required.

To RSVP or obtain more information, contact Donna Knutson at markanddonna@uicalumni.org, (630) 579-6134, or Rose Kirk at rfrankirk@comcast.net, (630) 852-7316.

APAC Meeting Scheduled; All Invited

ALL APs are invited to the monthly APAC meeting. The next meeting will be held Wednesday, Oct. 12, in Room 5175 of the College of Medicine Research Building, 909 S. Wolcott. For information, call (312) 996-0306.

Cutting Public Sector Jobs Fails to Help Economy

Reprinted from The Progress Report, Sept. 2, 2011

IMAGINE FOR a moment if Boston, Denver, or Seattle — cities of roughly 600,000 residents — simply disappeared. Well, since the recession officially ended, about 600,000 public sector jobs previously held by 600,000 real people have disappeared from the economy — consistently offsetting some of the gains made in the private sector. Indeed, the stunner headline that zero jobs were created in August was the result of 17,000 new private sector jobs being offset by 17,000 more government jobs being axed.

MATT YGLESIAS has more on the dismal economy brought to us by failed conservative economic theory:

“THE PUBLIC sector has been steadily shrinking. According to the conservative theory of the economy, when the public sector shrinks that should super-charge the private sector. What’s happened in the real world has been that public sector shrinkage has simply been paired with anemic private sector growth. This is what I’ve called ‘The Conservative Recovery.’ Steady cuts to the government sector, offset somewhat by private sector growth. We ought to be forcefully trying to avoid public sector layoffs knowing that workers are also customers for the private sector. But we’re not.

“WE’RE ALREADY teetering on the edge of another recession, and continuing down a conservative economic path is likely to take us right off the cliff,” Yglesias concluded.

BENEFIT BEAT

‘Desk Audit’ Possible

ACADEMIC PROFESSIONALS who have been converted to Civil Service who do not believe their new job title is reflective of the work they do can ask the State Universities Civil Service System for a Desk Audit. The Desk Audit will not result in the person’s conversion back to Academic Professional, but it may result in a more accurate title for the person’s job under Civil Service.

IN A Desk Audit, a Civil Service representative comes in and audits what the employee does.

FOR MORE information, call (217) 278-3150, or see http://www.uic.edu/depts/hr/compensation/civilservice.shtml.

AP RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

OBFS Introduces New Online Resource:
Orientation for New Business and Finance Employees

IN AN effort to better acclimatize new employees who have business and finance responsibilities, the Office of Business and Financial Services (OBFS) introduced a new online resource, the Orientation for New Business and Finance Employees. This web page serves as a “getting started” point to introduce new employees to information and resources they will find helpful to fulfill their business and financial responsibilities.

THE RESOURCE, sponsored by OBFS leadership, was published on the OBFS Website on July 1 of this year. The content of this orientation was developed with input from OBFS customers across all campuses, including advisory teams consisting of business and finance employees from all organizational levels who provided suggestions and validated the development of information on the website.

“THIS HAS been a need expressed by our customers for a while and we are grateful to all those who contributed to make this resource possible,” said Mary Malcolm, orientation project team leader. She added that, “Although this resource was developed with the new business and finance employee in mind, it points to information useful to anyone in these roles."

YOU MAY ACCESS the orientation through the OBFS homepage (http://www.obfs.uillinois.edu), under “Resources.” To support this initiative, additional web pages were developed in the “About OBFS” section of the OBFS homepage (http://www.obfs.uillinois.edu/about-obfs/), including OBFS Units, OBFS Leadership, and Roles and Responsibilities.

FEEDBACK FROM employees using the new resource is needed to continue its development. Already on the radar as possible next steps are the addition of information more specific to responsibilities of managers of business units, and development of a more comprehensive glossary of terms. If you would like to participate with your input, please send your comments or suggestions to: obfstrainingteam@uillinois.edu.

The Continuing Crisis

Editor’s Note: “The Continuing Crisis” is a section of APAC News which links to news pertinent to the state budget crisis and other financial matters as they affect the University and Academic Professionals. These news outlets are not affiliated with or endorsed by APAC.

UIC FACULTY writing union constitution. See Aug 27 News-
Gazette, http://www.news-gazette.com/news/education/2011-08-27/faculty-writing-union-constitution-uic-disputes-ruling.html.

STOP BASHING government workers, says Katrina vanden Heuvel in the Sept. 5 Washington Post. See http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/stop-bashing-government-workers/2011/09/04/gIQAwugE4J_story.html.

NEW DATA by the Center for State and Local Government Excellence furthers the argument that public employees are not the cause of state and local budget deficits. See Progress Report, Sept. 16, http://www.progressillinois.com/quick-hits/content/2011/09/16/study-public-workers-make-less-those-private-sector.

Vol. 4, No. 8, September 2011

ISSN 1946-1860

Editor: William S. Bike

Writing Staff: Ivone De Jesus, Lucia Gonzalez, Gail Mansfield, Tomeiko Sewell, Susan T. Varghese, Monica M. Walk

Chair: Michael Moss

Vice Chair: Jennifer Rowan

Secretary: Jacqueline M. Berger

Treasurer: Virginia Buglio

http://www.uic.edu/orgs/apac/