The parties to this Agreement recognize the importance of direct communication and a collaborative problem-solving approach to issues and problems that affect Association-University relations.
Accordingly, the parties agree to establish the following joint committees. These Committees will not replace or override existing faculty governance bodies at the University or other joint committees
established in this Agreement. In order to have a frank and open discussion, these Committees shall have no authority to change, delete or modify any of the terms of the existing Agreement, or to settle
grievances arising under the Agreement. Recommendations made by these Committees are not binding.
Section 1. Health Benefits Review Committee.
A. Charge. The Health Benefits Review Committee may review all existing medical, dental, vision,
prescription drug and life insurance benefits currently provided by the University. Among other things, the Committee may review the current level of benefits and methods of delivery and alternative structures for benefits plans, as well as the costs to the University and Faculty of such benefits. The University and the Association may each designate issues to be studied by the Committee when the Committee is given its charge each year. The Association will have an opportunity to consult with the Vice President for Human Resources prior to the implementation of any decision regarding the establishment of a specific charge for the Committee.
B. Membership. The Health Benefits Review Committee will be comprised of two members of the
bargaining unit designated by the Association, two (2) members of the Administration, and not more than four (4) other individuals designated by the Administration. The Association will have an opportunity to consult with the Vice President for Human Resources prior to the
implementation of any decision regarding the specific composition of the Committee. Additional members of the committee may be appointed as specified in other Collective Bargaining
Agreements.
C. Organization. The Committee will be chaired by the designee of the Vice President of Human
Resources, usually the Director of Benefits. The Committee will develop ground rules to cover scheduling of meetings, setting agendas and other issues deemed appropriate by both parties. Joint minutes, in the form of a summary of topics discussed and recommendation made, shall be taken. Drafts of minutes from each meeting will be jointly reviewed and approved by both parties. These minutes will then be sent to committee members, the Association President, and the Vice President for Human Resources.
D. Meetings. The Committee will meet on an as needed basis but at least once per semester unless
both the Administration and the Association agree that a meeting is unnecessary.
E. Recommendations. The Committee will issue an annual written report setting forth its findings
and recommendations. Such report will be available to the parties in advance of negotiations for a successor agreement to facilitate such negotiations. However, the parties may by mutual written agreement implement recommendations of the Committee during the term of this Agreement even if such recommendations involve changes in or additions to existing benefits provided under this Article.
Section 2. Quality of Faculty Work/Life Committee.
A. Charge. The Quality of Faculty Work/Life Committee is charged with the review and study of
ways, exclusive of salary, in which the University could enhance the quality of the work/life of faculty members, especially women and minority faculty members. In reviewing and studying quality of work/life issues, the Committee will pay special attention to gender and minority faculty issues that may impact recruitment and retention of Faculty within the nonsalary
parameters stated above. This committee may also consider issues concerning child care services which were previously the charge of the Child Care Review Committee. The University and the Association may each designate issues to be studied by the Committee.
B. Membership. The Committee will be comprised of four (4) members designated by the
Association and four (4) members designated by the University. The Association and the University will each designate one of their respective appointees to serve as convenor so that there will be two (2) convenors.
C. Organization. Responsibility for chairing committee meetings will rotate between the
Association and the University convenors. The Committee will develop ground rules to cover scheduling of meetings, setting agendas and other issues deemed appropriate by both parties. Joint minutes, in the form of a summary of topics discussed and recommendation made, shall be taken. The Association and the University shall alternate in recording the minutes. Drafts of minutes from each meeting will be jointly reviewed and approved by both parties. These minutes will then be sent to committee members, the Association President, the Provost, and the Vice President for Human Resources.
D. Meetings. The committee will hold its first meeting not later than sixty (60) days following the
ratification of the Agreement or the start of the academic year. The committee will meet on an as needed basis but at least twice per semester. By mutual agreement, the committee may meet more frequently.
E. Recommendations. All reports or sets of recommendations emanating from this Committee will
be sent to the Provost, the Vice President for Human Resources, and the President of the Association. The University and the Association recognize that the establishment of this Committee does not imply a commitment on the part of the University to commit additional resources.