Grundy Reporter

Illinois State University Senate Committee on Faculty and Academics Staff Benefits met April 6.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Present: Chair David Lange, Jennifer Bergmark, Justin Kern, Piper Martin, Francis Thomas

Ex officio: Mark McGiles, Katie Ross, Deb Stone, Brent West, H.F. Williamson, Karie Wolfson

Absent: John Prussing

Ex officio: Larry Curtis, John Kindt

Guest: Wendy Doebel (Senior Coordinator, Human Resources Administration)

A regular meeting of the Senate Committee on Faculty and Academic Staff Benefits (FB) was called to order at 10:00 am with Chair Lange presiding.

I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes of the March 9, 2020 meeting were approved as distributed.

II. PUBLIC COMMENT

No requests received.

III. CHAIR’S REMARKS

Chair Lange welcomed committee members to the Zoom meeting which is allowed since the Governor has relaxed the Illinois Open Meetings Act provisions to allow public bodies to meet online as long as quorum is still present.

Chair Lange noted that the COVID-19 situation calls for special flexibility and commitment to the work of the University. He thanked committee members for all their efforts.

Chair Lange reported that he recently attended the Senate Executive Committee (SEC) meeting and shared an update from FB with SEC.

IV. OLD BUSINESS

FB.20.01, Review Bylaws, Part D.11 – Committee on Faculty and Academic Staff Benefits

The draft revision to the Bylaws was sent to committee members prior to the meeting.

FB reviewed the draft revision and approved to send it to the Senate Committee on University Statutes and Senate Procedures for transmittal to the Senate.

FB.20.02, Behavioral Economics of Retirement Planning

Chair Lange will draft a document for discussion prior to the next meeting.

V. NEW BUSINESS

FB.20.03, 2019-2020 Annual Report of the Senate Committee on Faculty and Academic Staff Benefits

A draft annual report will be sent to committee members prior to the next meeting.

VI. UPDATE FROM SURSMAC REPRESENTATIVES

Williamson reported that the spring SURSMAC meeting has been cancelled. He noted that Larry Curtis, SURS Employer Representative, reported to SURSMAC that the SURS office is closed due to the shelter-in-place order by the Governor.

VII. UPDATE FROM UNIVERSITY PAYROLL AND BENEFITS

No update.

VIII. UPDATE FROM STATE UNIVERSITIES RETIREMENT SYSTEM

No update.

Williamson noted that the February SURS member newsletter, The Advocate, is headlined by two articles:

• SMP enhancements coming soon

• Two Pension Buyout Programs Still Available

IX. UPDATE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PROVOST

Stone reported that the COVID-19 Pay Continuation Protocol ensures the continuation of pay and benefits to employees during this time of the shelter-in-place which was issued by the Governor.

Chair Lange questioned if there will be any long-term financial impact for the University and if funds from the federal stimulus plan will be able to offset any financial impact.

Stone responded that the long-term impact is unknown at this time; however, there will be some financial realities that have to be assessed at some point in the future.

X. UPDATE FROM FACULTY STAFF ASSISTANCE SERVICES (FSAS)

Wolfson reported that FSAS is now offering tele-counseling services and trying to provide resources for those in need during the COVID-19 situation. Wolfson shared concern that the spring fundraising drive for the Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund may be impacted following the campus directive to suspend fundraising activities. FB noted the need of the fundraising drive to help employees in crisis in the upcoming year. Chair Lange will contact Christy Moss, Executive Director of Strategic Engagement, on behalf of FB in support of the fundraising drive.

XI. UPDATE FROM ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR HUMAN RESOURCES

Ross distributed copies of the HR/Benefits: Current Topics & Events document and gave an overview:

• The transition from Fidelity and TIAA to Voya for the SURS Self-Managed Plan (SMP) has been delayed due to Covid-19. The transition is now expected in September 2020.

• SURS is working on a concept for a potential new 457 plan, and it is uncertain whether this will be offered to the University of Illinois. More information is expected from SURS later this Summer or Fall, and would likely need to be considered by the Board of Trustees.

• Two federal laws were passed recently in response to the COVID-19 situation:

1. Family First Coronavirus Response Act – The Act created an emergency sick leave option and an expanded family medical leave option. This new law specifically excludes public employers from eligibility for federal funding to provide two additional benefits.

2. Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) – The Act provides employees additional withdrawal options up to $100,000 from their 403(b) retirement plan.

State Claim Payment Delays as of April 3, 2020

QCHP – Aetna 01/06/2020 3 months

HealthLink OAP 01/13/2020 3 months

Aetna OAP 12/30/2019 4 months

QCDP PPO/Premier 01/17/2020 3 months

QCDP Non-network 11/01/2019 5 months

XII. UPDATE FROM THE UIUC CHAPTER OF THE STATE UNIVERSITIES ANNUITANTS ASSOCIATION

Williamson reported that the annual meeting for the UIUC Chapter of SUAA scheduled for April 19 has been postponed.

XIII. UPDATE FROM THE COUNCIL OF ACADEMIC PROFESSIONALS (CAP)

West updated FB on the following:

• A CAP meeting via Skype is scheduled for tomorrow and Chancellor Jones is scheduled to attend. The agenda includes a discussion topic regarding a date extension for unused vacation leave due to the COVID-19 situation.

• The Academic Professional Development Fund is exhausted for FY20.

• The academic professional award ceremony has been postponed.

XIV. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 11:25 am.

https://uofi.app.box.com/v/FacultyAcademicStaffBenefits/file/658518273721