UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD
STAFF ASSOCIATION MEETING MINUTES
10 September 2014 – Woods Family Classroom – 1:00 PM
Present:
Terriann Abarzua, Jessica Abbott, Manuel Acosta, Randi Ashton-Pritting, Brandy
Ciraldo, AnneMarie Cirullo, Beverly Collins, Judy Denny, Barbara Dessureau, Mary
Dowst, Anna Paula Frazao, Valerie Gilleran, Evelyne Haldimann, Ben Ide, Sue
Landolina, Cheryl MacMath, Anita Marchant, Cindy Oppenheimer, Catherine
Rose, Chris Sanford, Sebby Sorrentino, Bonny Taylor, Connie Yoczik
Discussion/Approval of Minutes of the June 10 meeting: The minutes were
approved as presented.
Status as new Staff Association President: Cheryl MacMath explained that she
has assumed the position of President in accordance with Staff Association bylaws. Former President Evelyne Haldimann has stepped down in order to
accommodate any eventualities in the approaching outsourcing of her
Department.
I. University Committee Reports
Budget Advisory Team - The two new representatives from the Staff
Association to the University’s Budget Advisory Team will be Randi AshtonPritting and Valerie Gilleran. Valerie Gilleran reported that they had attended
the first meeting of the year, and described the work of the Team as that of
integrating the University’s strategic goals as they are developed, with the
budgetary planning process. There is traditionally a practical reason for a second
three-year term, because expertise and familiarity with the Team’s work develops
over time. The representatives’ current three-year term will run through June,
2017.
Wellness Committee: Weekly wellness classes (Zumba, yoga, ) have begun
again with the new semester. Weight Watchers will begin September 19 and
Hawk Walk begins October 6 and runs through November 14. Flu shots will be
available on October 14, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, on a first-come, first served
basis.
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Benefits Task Force: At its recent meeting, the discussion centered
on insurance benefits and what costs are to the University, which pays
every claim directly itself. Increases to employees, if they are put in place,
will be minimal. The committee is also looking into alternatives to the Flex
Spending Program, and has made a recommendation to the President.
II. Staff Association Reports
Web Advisory Committee: Barbara Dessureau. A newly refurbished web
site will be launched on October 2, and University employees are urged to explore
it to see if anything in their departments is out of order.
Faculty Senate : Ben Ide. The first meeting of the year is scheduled for
September 23, and a report will be given in the October Staff Association
meeting.
Treasurer’s Report: Jessica Abbott. A new balance, $2386.81, reflects a
slight increase due to the August barbecue receipts.
Membership Director Report: AnneMarie Cirullo. Membership remains at
154, as reported in the June meeting.
V. Old Business
Barbecue: The August barbecue was a great success. Despite the weather,
the attendance had been very good. Many thanks were expressed to Evelyne
Haldimann, who had not let the rain hinder an excellent performance as barbecue
chef.
V. New Business:
The Chair presented the E. Board’s program suggestions for the next two
meetings, soliciting opinions for or against. Since none were given, the programs
will stand as presented.
October: The Staff Association meeting will be held in the new Commons
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private dining room, providing it is available, and will give members an
opportunity to see the refurbished building. (This would not be subsidized by the
Staff Association.)
November: Thanksgiving Luncheon at the 1877 Club Restaurant, will be
partially subsidized, as in the past.
VI. Presentation: Shane Ciccarelli, Associate Dean for Admissions, on the subject
of the University’s Tuition Exchange Program. The subject was covered in careful
detail, and many questions from those present were answered. It was a timely
presentation on a program that is a complex but nevertheless an important
benefit for University employees who qualify.
The meeting adjourned at 2:05 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Anita Marchant
Secretary
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