Dear fellow Rutgers A/P/S employees,

Recently the Administrative Assembly has had the privilege to meet with Dr. McCormick privately at a luncheon to discuss some concerns and thoughts we had with the future of Rutgers. We came away knowing that he was very interested in what we had to say and wants to maintain an open dialogue with the Assembly. In addition, he has tried to reach out to the University Community by having receptions, sending informative e-mails and by being more approachable and receptive.

At our September meeting, the first meeting of the new school year (the Assembly adjourns for the summer) Sandy Russell, who represents the Administration, and Patricia Torok from the Human Resources Dept. spoke to us about upcoming ideas and events. For several years, the Assembly has tried to get the Administration to approve of benefits and/or programs in favor of A/P/S staff. Finally, some good news is as follows:

1) The Assembly requested (about 2 years ago) that the Administration look into allowing A/P/S staff to be able to contribute unused sick and/or vacation days into

a bank for people with catastrophic problems to use, if they should run out. This program is presently offered at several universities and is being considered for the future at Rutgers

2) Another program that the Assembly presented some time ago is for a Summer four-day flextime policy for departments that would be able to use it. It would be at each department’s discretion. This is not as far along as the previous benefit, but is on the drawing board and up for discussion.

3) For quite a while, the Assembly has been trying to get out of the grievance procedure. The Employee Relations Dept. would tell people who are having problems with their jobs to turn to the Assembly for help. This was becoming increasingly difficult because we neither had the training or resources to help anyone. The Assembly is about to be released from this policy and replaced with trained volunteer representatives. This should take place sometime in the next few months, as the policy is being re-written.

4) The Administrative Assembly is looking into creating a better image that is more positive. Possibly an A/P/S Advocacy group. This is still under consideration.

5) The Administrative Assembly will be represented at the HR benefits fair in April. We will provide information and services offered to employees here at Rutgers. Stay tuned for more information.

6) President McCormick is trying to encourage a sense of community here at Rutgers. HR along with the Administrative Assembly and other representatives are going to look into having picnics or other social gatherings at each campus for all staff.

7) We are also discussing with the Administration the idea of having recognition awards in job categories that are nominated from their peers. This is still being ironed out and we should have final news of this soon, so stay tuned.

8) Other issues that the Assembly is working on are possibly giving A/P/S employees time (an hour or two) each month to volunteer in various charitable organizations if you already belong to one such as your childs' school, Red Cross, etc.

We are also looking to enlist new members to the Assembly. As a large group we are terribly underrepresented. A lot of changes will be taking place over the next few years and your concerns should be addressed. If you would like to be a part of creating a better Rutgers. If you have an idea about something that would benefit other employees or Rutgers as a whole, please let us know. If you can’t make the meetings and you have some questions or concerns, I will be glad to present them on your behalf to the next meeting. Please check our web-site for further updates and current officer list.

http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~assembly/

Thank you,

Doug Reichert

President, Rutgers Administrative Assembly

E-mail - reichert@aesop.rutgers.edu