Grundy Reporter

University of Illinois System Senate Committee on Faculty and Academic Staff Benefits met March 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Present: Chair Angela Lyons, Roy Campbell, Matthew Feely, Craig Lemoine, Antonio Sotomayor Ex officio: John Kindt, Jessica Mette, Katie Ross, H. F. Williamson

Absent: Anustup Basu, Piper Martin

Ex officio: Richard Gegg, Mark McGiles, Chris Ochs

Guest: Wendy Doebel (Senior Coordinator, Human Resources Administration), Kim Graber (Head, Department of Kinesiology and Community Health), Sally Mikel (Interim Director, University Office for Planning and Budgeting)

I. CALL TO ORDER

A regular meeting of the Senate Committee on Faculty and Academic Staff Benefits (FB) was called to order at 1:00 pm with Chair Lyons presiding.

II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes of the February 23, 2022 meeting were approved as distributed by roll call vote.

Yes: Campbell, Feely, Lemoine, Lyons, Sotomayor

No: None

Abstain: None

III. PUBLIC COMMENT

No requests received.

IV. CHAIR’S REMARKS

Chair Lyons welcomed two guests – Kim Graber, Head of the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, to discuss FB.22.02 (Discussion on the Current State of Faculty and Staff Salaries) and Sally Mikel, Director of the University Office for Planning and Budgeting, to provide perspective on data requested by FB.

Chair Lyons noted that the last FB meeting of the semester will be held on April 13.

V. OLD BUSINESS

No old business.

VI. NEW BUSINESS

FB.22.02, Discussion on the Current State of Faculty and Staff Salaries

Chair Lyons commented that, at the last meeting, FB agreed to begin review and discussion of the current state of faculty and staff salaries. Following that meeting, Chair Lyons shared these concerns with Kim Graber, Head of the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, and Rob Kar, Chair of the Senate Executive Committee. From those conversations, Chair Lyons realized that a more formal approach to the issue is needed by FB to raise the issue to a higher status on campus. Chair Lyons shared a draft letter to Provost Cangellaris with FB. The letter highlights the key opportunity budget wise where salary inadequacies can be addressed.

Graber commented that she shared her concerns regarding the direction the University has been going in relation to salaries with President Killeen at the January Senate Executive Committee meeting. She shared that faculty/staff salary increases have been low in the past decade while increases in administration and athletics have been much higher. She noted that the cost of living increase is approximately 7% and the salary increases for many years has been 2%. She commented that other expenses (e.g., health insurance, parking) for faculty/staff continue to increase annually and those expenses are not offset with the on-going trend of a 2% salary increase. This results in faculty/staff continuously falling behind financially with only a 2% salary increase.

Graber commented that it is difficult to hire and retain faculty/staff in the current financial climate. She noted that prospective faculty hires have inquired about raise increases in recent years.

Graber stressed the need for the University to be more pro-active and implement more than the recent 2%. She shared that Purdue University has approved a $500 appreciation award for full-time employees and a 4% salary merit pool, with an additional 1% salary pool to address specific workplace objectives.

Graber commented that, overall, the University has not given enough attention to salaries in the last decade. She noted that faculty should not feel that the only opportunity for significant increases is to obtain an offer from another university and then provide the University the chance to counteroffer.

Graber stressed the importance for the University to be proactive and suggested FC should share its concerns with President Killeen since the salary program is approved at the system level. She encouraged FB to send a letter to President Killeen in addition to Provost Cangellaris.

Campbell commented that the University needs to consider how to address some of the hardships that have occurred during the bad years within the State. He also commented that other areas of concern are the continued escalating cost of healthcare and the two pension tiers, which create a separate level of retirement for new employees.

Lemoine noted that childcare increased 10% last year while salary increases were only 2%.

Graber commented on the increased faculty-to-student ratio in recent years; however, faculty have not received extra compensation for the increased workload.

FB reviewed and discussed the draft letter. FB suggested sending two letters – one letter to President Killeen and one letter to Provost Cangellaris.

Chair Lyons will revise the draft letters and share with FB members via email for further review.

VII. UPDATE FROM SURSMAC REPRESENTATIVES

The SURSMAC spring meeting is scheduled for April 14.

VIII. UPDATE FROM STATE UNIVERSITIES RETIREMENT SYSTEM

The legislative update from SURS was sent to FB members prior to the meeting. A copy is included in the committee records.

IX. UPDATE FROM FACULTY STAFF ASSISTANCE SERVICES (FSAS)

No new developments.

X. UPDATE FROM UNIVERSITY PAYROLL AND BENEFITS

No new developments.

XI. UPDATE FROM ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR HUMAN RESOURCES

Copies of the HR Benefits and Legislative updates were distributed prior to the meeting. Copies are included in the committee records.

Ross commented that some employees were sent a letter from the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) regarding the need to submit social security numbers for dependents. She urged all impacted employees to secure an appointment with the Social Security office (if needed) and notify CMS of the upcoming appointment. Failure to notify CMS could impact coverage for those dependents.

XII. UPDATE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PROVOST

No new developments.

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

The annual meeting for the UIUC Chapter is scheduled for Sunday, April 24 with Suzanne Mayer, SURS Executive Director, speaking on current initiatives and challenges facing SURS and how they may impact SURS members.

XIV. UPDATE FROM THE COUNCIL OF ACADEMIC PROFESSIONALS

No new developments.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 pm.

https://uofi.app.box.com/v/FacultyAcademicStaffBenefits/file/945240033809