Guest Blog from Melissa Ashburn

This is what was discussed in the Exempt Staff Council meeting last week:

Presidential Search
We received an update on the search for a new UT President from Controller Ron Maples. This is a link to the search committee website: http://president.tennessee.edu/search/

Jane Davis is representing IPS on the Presidential Search Advisory Council, and it looks like she is going to be busy due to the very short time schedule set for the search. By October 6, candidates for the position will be named, and interviews are expected to take place October 12 and 13. We were informed that the Board of Trustees expects to name the new UT President at their meeting on October 22.

The search committee website has the position specifications, position advertisement, the FY 2011 proposed budget, and you may apply or nominate someone for the position through the site. The site also has a “submit questions/comments” function which you should use if you want more information about the process. We were informed that the Board of Trustees voted to accept applications from candidates who do not have PhD’s, although the degree is preferred. A search firm is being used to vet the candidates.

Health Insurance update
Rob Chance from HR provided the information you received earlier this week about providers and the anticipated deductibles and co-pay amounts, in addition to other useful and interesting information about the coming changes. Here is a link to information Rob provided to the council: http://esc.tennessee.edu/minutes/07-27-10_InsurancePresentationNotes.pdf.

The 2 providers you have to choose from are Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna. We still do not know premium amounts. In East Tennessee, it appears BCBS will have lower premiums than Cigna, while Middle and West Tennessee will see lower premiums for Cigna coverage.

We were told that the “promise” plan, under which you will pay a lower premium, will require participants to undergo a wellness exam yearly. You will be required to “make an effort” to improve your health and must follow doctor’s orders, or you may be dropped from the promise plan the next year. It does not appear that people will be forced to lose weight or stop smoking, but they will have to show they tried. These requirements will apply to all persons covered by your insurance, if you choose the promise plan. It is my understanding that a “wellness vendor” will be on campuses to conduct these wellness exams for free, or you can use your own doctor. The deadline for the first wellness exam will be June 2011.

For all insurance plans, the enrollment period is September 15 through October 15. If you do not choose a plan during that period, you will be enrolled in the most expensive plan by default.

All employees will receive an informational DVD mailed to their homes before this enrollment period begins.

The administration is working on scheduling forums at different locations, where you can attend and get further information on these pending insurance changes. Watch for emails about the dates and times set for these forums.

Peer/Supervisory Evaluations
We also discussed the peer and supervisory evaluations which the Exempt Staff Council will recommend to the incoming President. A proposal has been prepared for the administration to use these evaluations across the UT system. This is very similar to the evaluations IPS has been using for years.

Miscellaneous Items
Fall Festival is scheduled for October 8 on the Knoxville campus.
Smoking areas no longer officially exist on UT campuses, and there is a lot of confusion about the required distance smokers must be from entrances. We were informed it is generally 25 feet from entrances, although many ash trays are located much closer.

I hope you find this information helpful. Let me (Melissa) know if you have questions, or if there is any topic you want be to bring up in future meetings.