Council of Academic Professionals
Thursday, March 2, 2017, Illini Union Ballroom
Meeting Minutes submitted by Elizabeth Rockman
Attendees: Rich Gegg (1), Kristina Miller (1), Jenny Ehrnthaller (2), Amy Hovious (2), Shawna Naidu (3), Todd Spinner (3), Jessica Beaudoin (4), Andrew Reynolds (4), Rick Atterberry (5), Teresa Steckler (6), Elizabeth Wahle (6), Betoel Escobar (7), Tanisha King-Taylor (7), Tracy Parish (8), Chantelle Thompson (8), Rebecca Ferrell (9), Ravi Ramrattan (10), Elizabeth Rockman (10), Jeff Stein (11), Deb Stone (ex-officio)
- Call to Order – Chair Jeff Stein called the (recorded) meeting to order at 1:20 p.m.
- Guest Speaker President Tim Killeen – President Killeen discussed the following topics:
- State budget is still uncertain, with significant effort made by the Senate, but budget recently fell apart due to revenue and pension issues. There is a family of bills that would provide the UI funding for FY17 and FY18 at the level of 90% of FY15. Individuals may contact individual senators. UI is still paying bills and covering salaries (including mid-year increases and gift-days). There is no move to implement mass layoffs, but if individuals retire, they are less likely to be replaced.
- The Strategic Framework is alive and well, and will frame enrollment and technologies.
- Tuition will be frozen for the 3rd year in a row, as we must be competitive on cost.
- UI will be launching a development campaign; no name has been assigned and we are in a quiet phase.
- Sesquicentennial events are ongoing, and a book has been published.
- UI has an innovation agenda that will include private partnerships.
- Grants and research funding is robust and we have wonderful talent.
- UI will further grow enrollment by 15% over the next 5 years, with a nod to capabilities.
- UI will continue to grow recruitment of in-state and underrepresented minority student populations.
- IPAC (Illinois Performance Accountability Commitment) has been introduced into legislation, which would put into statute that UI budget will guarantee results, as measured by quantifiable metrics.
- University Administration is working on health care issues, and communicating what is being done through AFSCME negotiations. It is hoped mid-year raises will help with related additional costs.
- There is anxiety around the world, particularly related to underserved and marginalized populations; it is an important goal that UI is a most welcoming and inclusive environment. Statements will not be put out on every issue, but civil discourse is expected.
President Killen also answered questions:
- A concern was raised related to public education and science, and it was noted there would be a 4/22/17 march for science after the Illinois Marathon. President Killeen noted that science and technology is important.
- Another individual asked if a 15% increase in student enrollments might impact affordable housing. President Killeen noted that planning takes these issues into account, and Barb Wilson clarified that there will be some distance education and graduate student increases; all first-year students must live on campus in any case.
- Chair Stein noted that one of CAP’s roles is to interface with UPPAC, CAP counterparts throughout UI, and that there are different ways of supporting professional development at each campus. The President confirmed that it is not the intent to have homogenous campuses.
- Public comments – None.
- Review and Approval Previous Month’s Minutes – Rick Atterberry made a motion to approve, and Todd Spinner seconded; motion passed.
- Chair’s Comments – Jeff Stein noted that the Sesquicentennial Luncheon at the Alumni Center involved campus, university, and community in the public kick-off. There would be a closed session for the Provost Search, as the process played out differently over the month, with APs expected to be well represented.
- Announcements – The Chancellor announced that United Airlines would begin serving Willard Airport in May. An item was noted for the Senate related to a bylaw change for representation of specialized faculty. Senate approved slate of Provost Search for faculty and students; also addressed was a resolution on Native American imagery. There will be no election for Wendy White’s CAP seat beyond the regular election.
- Committee Reports:
CAPE Awards Committee – Kristina Miller said that 6 finalist names were submitted to the Chancellor, and that a last vetting would be done to ensure the individuals are still eligible.
University Professional Personnel Advisory Committee – UPPAC met on February 6. UIC has had some HR changes. FLSA court decisions are being watched. It was noted to remind all APs to familiarize themselves with My Benefits Marketplace since that will be how May changes will be made (Deb Stone said the system works well, but all should make sure they are registered ahead of time – and keep track of their identifying number, as it will be important). Retirement planning conference will be on April 29.
Academic Professional Senators – Rick said the most recent Senate meeting involved going over election process, and issues related to needed DIA reporting.
Senate, Campus, and University Committees – A Senate Executive Committee report was given by Michael LeRoy related to budget. There is currently an incremental budget model with various factors considered, but UI will likely move to a responsibility centered management model to help with transparency of expenses (ie., how much it costs to keep operations up for colleges/departments). Budget will determined using 14 principles and balancing revenue with expenses; it is not clear yet how small units that rely on the collective will fit into this model (and cuts will likely have to happen in some of those areas). Andrew Reynolds asked if we should monitor these changes, and Jeff noted we would receive more informal information dissemination.
Procedures and Elections Committee – Tracy updated on Senate and CAP district elections, with the Senate election deadline just passed (with election dates of March 6-12, 2017), and CAP deadlines upcoming (with election dates of April 3-9, 2017). Committee vacancies will be publicized and voted on after both election cycles.
Communications Committee – Becky Ferrell noted there have been several meetings per month, and many communications related to elections. As far as usability of the live feed, Chantelle Thompson said it was a bit clunky and the audio is somewhat low. Discussion ensued related to special topics, and it was agreed to keep the live feed for special guests. Kristina suggested CAP review metrics for how many were accessing the feed. Becky said the committee is trying to revamp the CAP website, as well as update terms; Andrew corroborated, and said that they are also trying to ascertain what can come off the website; Jeff said the Senate website is a good site to use as a model.
Grievance Officer – No report, but an update that the Grievance Committee is awaiting information.
External Diversity Review Team session – CAP members who attended the session agreed that the people tasked with the review wanted to know more about what CAP is and how APs fit into the University structure as relating to many aspects of diversity. All agreed it was valuable program for CAP and APs.
- Academic Human Resources Report – Deb Stone attended for Elyne Cole, with regard to:
- Salary increase upload took place the previous evening.
- Lots of leadership changes: including new Interim Provost, and many vacancies (Associate Chancellor, Vice Provost, etc.), good sign that funding not curtailed.
- Benefits Choice Options available in May.
- July 3 is not listed as a holiday (as response to question).
- Thanks were proffered related to Reduced Service Days being given as Gift Days, although some noted issues: some have challenges with work that is remaining, Academic Hourly employees didn’t receive the benefit, and grade audits must still be done in academic units.
- Unfinished Business – Questions were asked about leave for APs and Civil Service (websites need updates). Illinois HR will be rolled out in April (with web changes and structural clarifications).
- New Business – Rick noted the Title IX training has some glitches, and lack of customization.
- Closed Session – Closed session was held to determine Provost Search recommendations.
- Adjournment – Meeting was adjourned at 4:20 p.m.