March 2016 Minutes

Council of Academic Professionals
Thursday, March 3, 2016, 314A Illini Union
Meeting Minutes submitted by Elizabeth Rockman

Attendees:  Richard Gegg (1), Kristina Miller (1), Kathleen Booth (2), Todd Spinner (3), Maeve Reilly (4), Dustin Yocum (4), Rick Atterberry (5), Teresa Steckler (6), Elizabeth Wahle (6), Betoel Escobar (7), Tracy Parish (8), Mindy Spencer (8), Mike Bohlmann (9), Melissa Madsen (9), Ravi Ramrattan (10), Elizabeth Rockman (10), Jeffrey Stein (11), Elyne Cole (ex-officio)

  1. Call to Order – Chair Mike Bohlmann called the meeting to order at 1:20 p.m.
  2. Public Comment – None.
  3. Chair’s Remarks – Mike Bohlmann noted there is still no state budget, and that the general consensus among the President, Chancellor, and Provost is that there may not be one until after the November 2016 elections.  UI does not seem to be in the same straits as Chicago State University, EIU, or WIU.President is still moving forward on UI Strategic Planning, and Mike reminded all to go to the March 14 session.  For the SURS Advisory Committee, there were 8-10 volunteers.
  4. Review and Approval Previous Month’s Minutes – Jeff Stein made the motion to approve, and Ravi Ramrattan seconded; motion passed.
  5. Announcements:
    Report from Academic Professional Senators – Rick Atterberry noted the last Senate meeting was very short.Senate, Campus and University Committee Reports – Darcy Sementi, who is serving on the Chancellor Search Committee, discussed the Town Hall Meeting on March 11.  CAP members discussed various ways to engage APs in this discussion, including official statements, brown bag meetings, and other venues.  Darcy clarified the anticipated timeline.
  6. Communications Committee – Mindy Spencer updated on the CAP brown bag info session on South Campus, which Rick Atterberry organized and Mike, Elizabeth, Rich, Rick and Mindy helped facilitate approximately 15 individuals.  Also planned was a north campus brown bag info session, and other districts have held them as well.  Ideas promoted were “bring a friend” and to encourage feedback on the Chancellor position at meetings.
  7. Procedures and Elections Committee – Rich Gegg noted there were two candidates each for the three Senate district, and those elections would kick-off the following Monday (for a week), and that CAP elections would be held (there had been special elections for Districts 8 and 9 previously).
  8. CAPE Awards – The April CAP meeting was suggested to be moved to April 12 to accommodate the changed date for the CAPE Awards.  Jeff Stein made the motion to approve, and Elizabeth Wahle seconded; motion passed.
  9. Grievance Officer Update – Jeffrey Stein and Beth Hall had been informed of urgent matters to be discussed in closed session.
  10. Academic Human Resources Report by the Associate Provost for Human Resources
    Budget Update – None.Academic Professional Development Fund – The APDF has had 89 applications (3 denied for time submitted) for a total of $44,669.50; 3 were declined and $43,819.50 have been funded.Discussion followed on proactive measures APs could work out with departments in the case of extreme budget cuts, such as: offer to leave earlier with a cash payment, offer to reduce appointment from 100%, and reduce from 12 month employment.  Elyne noted there could be possible personal consequences.  At this time there cannot be more than 25% lump sum except in extenuating circumstances and in the case of a separation agreement.  Individuals and departments could have difficulty with the full amount of T-contract.  Sandy Jones and Deb Stone noted various issues related to creative suggestions, such as 9 month employees retaining notice but not health care costs over months not worked.  In cases where employees change percentages or months, there is no promise of returning once/if budget improves.  Furloughs are not on the table.
  11. SURS MAC AP Representative Appointment – A vote was taken for two candidates, and Tracy Parish will serve in this role.
  12. APDF and District 1 discussion – District 1 still has interest in having funds be administered under the APDF protocols.
  13. Senate proposal to change Senate electorate and representation – Mike asked all CAP members to encourage AP Senators to go to the vote on this, in case the proposal could lead to less AP representation.
  14. Ad hoc committee on CAP role in budget crisis – No update.
  15. Ad hoc committee on by-laws update – The committee has not met with AHR yet.
  16. Unfinished Business – None.
  17. New Business – Discussions were held regarding budget hearings and state insurance issues, and how CAP members’ roles intersect.  Mike, Tracy, and Kristina volunteered to organize personal stories regarding impact of late/no health payments to disseminate to public officials.
  18. Closed Session for Privileged Information/Grievances – Closed Session was held.
  19. Adjournment – Meeting was adjourned at 3:45 p.m.