Rutgers
University
Administrative
Assembly

The Administrator

...the Assembly Newsletter & On-Line Home Page

The views and opinions expressed in The Administrator are those of the authors identified or of the Administrative Assembly and are not necessarily those of Rutgers University.

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EXTRA! Assembly President Maureen D''Arcy Resigns, Quits Assembly

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Ask not what the Assembly can do for you. Consider becoming an delegate.

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All delegates are prepared to share recent copies of Assembly minutes, to receive your comments or concerns and to answer questions about workforce issues. Locate and communicate with your closest elected campus representative, using the Delegate Directory on page 6 . If you prefer, email your written comments and recommendations using sawyer@rutadmin.rutgers.edu or fax them to Norma Sawyer, Assembly President at 445-5948. Letters to the Editor should be forwarded via Campus Mail to Edith Frankel, Editor Pro Tem. Include your name, address and telephone number. Your name will be withheld at your request. Unattributed materials or articles that might cause embarrassment to the Assembly will remain unpublished.

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What goes around, comes around...

If you have a vacant A/P/S position available, take steps to offer your colleagues facing layoff (22 as of August 8) the same kind of opportunity you would hope to receive under similar conditions. Don't casually dismiss affected staff who meet your position's minimal requirements. Instead, interview those applicants, especially individuals with an unblemished history of long-term Rutgers service. It may well be that one of those colleagues can be immediately useful and productive while on-the-job retooling tales place. In offering a position to someone scheduled for layoff, you stand to gain- --a seasoned, competent,and loyal staff member---valued Rutgers assets.

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The 'HEARTFELT EVENT' was HEARTWARMING.....by Edith Frankel

On June 1, early in the morning, twenty-three people from Rutgers (including administrators, staff, faculty,students,alumni) gathered at the check-in tables to check in for participation in the 'Beano Heart Ride". Most of the people had no idea as to what they were in for, since they were so trustingly relying on my word that they would 'have a good time'. Bicycles were parked everywhere,the sun could not have been brighter, the air couldn't have been drier, the temperature couldn't have been more ideal. After check-in was completed, we could avail ourselves of a free pre-ride massage, as many of us did, including myself. Well, after this massage, I felt ready to bike 50 miles...smile...but after serious consideration, decided to follow my original plan of twenty-five miles. Some chose to do the 10 mile ride, others chose to do the five mile ride, and a small number chose to ride fifty miles.

The ride itself was magnificently scenic. There were mansion-type homes with sprawling lawns; there were farms that smelled like fragrant herbs; there were horses and cows which had varying smells...smile...; there were beautiful streams, some converging, some with bridges; at one point a chipmunk crossed my path (and was almost run over); at another point a deer stared at us without blinking; then there was a rest stop (about 10 miles into the ride) where we were offered apples, water, juice, conversation for just a few minutes. Then we were off again.....to conquer more of those hills, and to get our reward when we coasted down the other side of a hill. Afteranother ten miles, another rest stop; and just before the home stretch, there was our last rest stop.

When I approached the finish line, I was chugging along very slowly, since that last 1/2 mile was uphill, and my old legs were getting a little tired. Almost everyone else was patiently waiting for me to return (since most of them had ridden only 10 miles), And as I chugged along, they cheered me on.

Then came the much needed after-ride massage (all of this was free, by the way). And then we would sit down and eat some hoagie sandwiches and listen for the drawn numbers to be read for door prizes (I didn't win, but some of us did). At 2:00 or 2:30 we were done, and leaving to go home with a lovely, warm, healthy feeling inside. Everyone was so enthusiastic before the ride, and more so afterwards, that I was delighted. Our parting words were "Sign me up for next year's ride".

Jo Ann Kulikowski, the Heart Association's director of the ride, and her lovely staff, were also delighted, since our 'Rutgers Team' raised over $1464.00! That, combined with our 'charming personalities' afforded everyone a wonderful time.

So, for those of you who could not join the ride this year, we will all be looking forward to another successful ride next year, which will, hopefully, include you.

We would love to increase our team riders and our monetary contribution. Look for announcements next year and be part of this delicious adventure.

Just for your information and 'recognition', this year's Rutgers 'Beano Heart Riders' were...Edith Frankel, Marie Diaz-Torres, Pablo Torres, Marcy Rosas-Straley, John Straley, Gary Roth, Kathy Brunet, Catherine Cieciuch, Kareem Arnold, Tracy Cherry, Madeline Loperena, Patty O'Toole, Ida Angelone, Robyn Barton, Alicia Hagey, Alec Hagey, Miguel Estremera, Michele Payne, Amy Cerino, Kerry Grogan, Joe Lopez, Bob Sokol, and Bob Carter.

The Webmaster thanks John Hurley of Administrative Computing Services for his assistance in preparing the photographs in this article for on-line display.

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Use mass transit? Businesspass, a new program introduced by NJ Transit may interest you.

It lets employers give their employees the option of purchasing their monthly bus and/or rail commutation tickets via payroll deduction. It would also serve Rutgers Trip Reduction effort. Like the Long-Term Disability Plan for PERS employees, at Rutgers the only overhead would be the actual payroll deductions and their conveyance to NJ Transit. If you are interested in having the Assembly look into this program with a view to recommending it to the University, e-mail chepitch@andromeda for the Chair, Salary, Compensation, & Benefits Committee.

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Those Rutgers Nights

by

Peter Crisitello

...Having worked off hours as long as I have, people have come to believe that I have a somewhat warped perception of life. I constantly hear that since I am relegated out to left field, my view is somewhat distorted, and cannot be considered right under normal conditions. Does this sound familiar to all of you off hours workers?!

On the contrary, not having to run with the crowd, working the off hours shift often gives one a better overall view. However, it isthe perception of one's job and what affects it that gives these two differing views from opposite standpoints.Day shift people get to do their jobs with everyone else around them. Any information they need is at their fingertips. However, on many off hours shifts when we run into a problem, it is often a judgement call ...who to call and (often) wake up in the middle of the night.

email responses to
T442163@Rutadmin.Rutgers.edu
or
CRISITEL@Stratego.Rutgers.edu

For more on the subject, check out The Night Shift Initiative

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KUDOS TO...(Your Name Here), the Grand Prize Winner in The Administrator Masthead Contest!

If you submit the winning masthead design by October 25, as the Grand Prize Winner you will receive a $100 Rutgers Bookstore Gift Certificate.

Masthead Contest Rules

1. The masthead design must somehow relate to the Assembly, The Administrator, or to Rutgers, or all three.
2. All entries must be received by October 25, 1996. Send your entry to olszewsk@rci.rutgers.edu or hand deliver it to Charles Olszewski, Computer Services, Room 101, Administrative Services Building, Busch Campus.
3. The design can be drawn by hand, generated by a PC, or if you have a great idea but you are not an artist, then just describe the masthead in detail.
4. Please keep in mind that the masthead will also be used on the Administrator's web site, therefore it should not take a long time for a browser to download it.
5. All entries will be reviewed by the Communication Committee. The top entries will then be published in the Administrator and A/P/S staff will be asked to vote for their favorite design.
6. This contest is void where prohibited, winner is responsible for all taxes, and this contest is not open to members of the Communication Committee or immediate family.
7. Well, what are you waiting for?

Get creative. Send us your ideas so we can announce that (Your Name Here) is the Grand Prize Winner! Don't delay. Read the rules for The Administrator Masthead Contest, above.

Enter today!

Just imagine how winning this prize will change your life! All of your dreams can come true.

If you have any questions please call Carl A. Lahetta at 445-3513, or Thomas William Norville at 445-6301.

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DID YOU KNOW THAT...

This newsletter exists to keep you informed on Assembly actions, activities, and issues. We publish to promote communication between and among administrators with intent to inspire your action should the need arise. Your input is highly valued. The larger print and absence of nitty-gritty detail in this issue are responses to your feedback. Edith Frankel is Editor Pro Tem. Charles Olszewski is Webmaster for the Assembly's WWW Page (available via Info, under Newsgroups .) Together, they will implement other planned changes with the able assistance of the Assembly Communications & Public Relations Committee (Carl Lahetta, Crystal Bembry, Beverly Christensen, Peter Crisitello, William Norville, Barbara Pleva, Paulette Ritter, and Robert Toth) You can look forward to future issues of that include more human interest pieces, interviews, and guest editorials.

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Health Care

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Prescription Drug Coverage

by Paulette Ritter, RNNPC, MSN

What if a Rutgers' staff retiree had a wish fulfilled for a prescription drug card upon retirement? If this was a benefit, health maintenance would be enhanced. If we maintained our health, of course, we could enjoy the use of the golf course, the recreational facilities and other benefits available to staff retirees determined by law, contract and University policy. However, if less than optimal management and care for chronic illness is available, we will have lessened opportunity to reap the benefits of retirement andbecome an active Silver Knight.

As the aging process ensues, the incidence of chronic illnessincreases. Genetics and life style may decrease or augment chronicillness. Consider hypertension, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis,coronary artery disease, glaucoma or arthritis, only to name afew chronic illnesses affecting the population.

Contributing to the medical management of these health problemsrequires the need for medication use. We know that the cost ofmedication is outrageous for an individual on a fixed income.

As an example, in Type I (insulin dependent) diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce insulin which enables the body to use glucose for energy. This type of diabetes is often diagnosed in childhoodor adolescence. In non insulin dependent or Type II diabetes,the pancreas produces some insulin, but not enough to meet the body's entire need for it. As a result, frequently elevated levelsof glucose go undetected until the disease's long term complications develop. The goal of treatment is to prevent irreversible damageby keeping the blood sugar as close to normal as possible.

Non insulin dependent diabetes is diagnosed in more than 600,000 people in the United States each year. Type II or non insulindependent diabetes is more likely to develop in individuals whoare over age 40, sedentary, obese, or who have a family history of diabetes. Diabetes increases the risk for stroke, heart dosease, kidney disease, loss of vision or perpheral nerve damage.

Management of non insulin or Type II diabetes includes diet, exercise,blood glucose testing, use of oral hypoglycemic agents and managementby a health care provider. Depending upon the generation or type of medication prescribed, selection of a brand or generic drug,selected pharmacy, a month's supply of medication can range from$10 to over $40.

This is only a small piece in the overall cost of medicationsneeded for health maintenance as we age. Would it not be a golden benefit to have a prescription drug card upon retirement from Rutgers,the State University of New Jersey, for use in our golden years?
This is second in a series of articles addressing health care agenda. Paulette is a Nurse Practitioner with Rutgers Student Health Services, Camden.

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The President's Office Representative Reports for May, June, July and August:

Steve Otzenberger has reminded the Assembly that the State Health Benefits Commission, not Rutgers, had set the rules to deduct premiums for non-aligned employeeseffective July 1, 1996. He has also advised that besides increments those normally entitled, a $250 bonus would be forthcoming to all APS personnel, in their first December,1996 payroll check.

Following the recent round of layoffs, the Assembly requested information about support provided by the University to those Assembly-eligible staff who are notified their position is being eliminated. We were pleased to discover that the Division of Personnel Services does provide a full range of services and support to those so affected . For example, during the recent closing of a whole unit, Personnel Services had a staff member available on-site when the employees were informed of their layoff to help them understand the available services and to link them up with the counselor who would be assisting them through the process. These counselors also had follow-up sessions with several of the individuals to help them with their resumes.

Personnel reports that, in all cases, their services include helping the employees understand their options, helping them identify positions for which they might be qualified, working with them on identifying their career goals, guiding them in preparing more effective application materials, helping them understand how to present a positive image during job interviews, and linking them up with other services available, such as those provided through Job Service. Personnel Services also facilitates the employees filing for unemployment compensation without having to go to the local unemployment office.

The goal of these services is to help the employees through what is naturally a very difficult time and to assist them in identifying and pursuing viable options. Personnel Services asks that any supervisor faced with the possibility of laying off an employee consult with their office before taking the action, so that the process can be conducted in the most constructive manner possible under the circumstances.

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Recently Passed Assembly Motions...

To question the boundless powers of the Health Benefits Commission, The Administrative Assembly President should write a letter to Governor Whitman, with copies to legislators, asking for a review of the composition of the State Health Benefits Commission, and requesting changes in the law to facilitate oversight and thefair representation of active State public sector employees and vested Rutgers retirees on the Commission, itself, or something similar to a Board of Trustees.

So that A/P/S staff are not disadvantaged regarding traditional health plan benefit payments...The University should temporarily use FY96-97 merit award funds to pay the costs for A/P/S employees until negotiated settlements become effective with all other University unions. Funds would be reimbursed until negotiated settlements become effective with all University unions through retroactive collection of copayments at such time as they begin.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO...

• 1996 Merit Award Recipients! Your names will appear in the next issue.
• Sunny Hamberg, upon her retirement from the Assembly and the University workforce.
• Annette Winters,who has resigned her Rutgers post to return home to Tennessee.
• The Rutgers ' BEANO HEARTRIDE' Team for raising over $1464.00.
• Edith Frankel for organizing The Rutgers ' BEANO HEARTRIDE' Team.

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ISSUES & ANSWERS...Unfinished Assembly Business:

1. University Health Care Contributions: Contributions cost and premium-sharing has been enacted. The State Health Benefits Commission has sole discretion to modify the health benefits cost-or premium-sharing arrangements implemented for non-aligned State personnel.
2. Retirees' benefits: Maintain medical benefits and establish prescription benefits for retirees.
3. Deferred Compensation: Actively employed APS staff with 25 years of service by July 1, 1997, have been grandfathered for retirement purposes, only. While employed, they are required to cost-share if enrolled in the Traditional Plan.
4. Employment protection--just cause: Our past disciplinary policy was prefaced with a statement that employees could not be terminated without just cause. It has been removed.
5. Staff training and career development: A systematic program for skill and job development is appropriate for A/P/S employees.
6. Equitable hiring and reclassification across units and campuses.
7. Binding arbitration for Step 4 grievances: The University is not obligated to accept decisions reached by a fact finder for Step 4 grievance hearings concerning APS staff.
8. Participation in University governance: APS staff members are not generally represented on University committees dealing with APS issues.
9. A new approach to the merit program: Rutgers has recently implemented a modified Merit Award Program for APS Personnel.
10. Step 9 : Sixty percent of the A/P/S staff has been atStep 8 and not received increments for many years.
    

By the way, although faced with several bread and butter issues, there is some interest, but no overwhelming demand for anotherBread & Butter Forum at this time.

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STUDENT JUDICIAL AFFAIRS NEEDS YOU!! by Sheila Fleishman

As Director of Student Judicial Affairs, it is my responsibility to administer the University Code of Student Conduct (UCSC) which was placed into effect by a resolution of the Board of Governors on January 1, 1995. The UCSC defines those kinds of behaviors (separable offenses) which violate the standards of the Rutgers University community, and also provides the mechanism for addressing alleged violations. In doing so, the Code protects the rights of those students accused of offenses (respondents) by providing due process, while also protecting victims of those offenses and the University community as a whole.

To accomplish these goals, my office works with the various deans and judicial officers at the colleges on our three campuses to review complaints which any member of the University community may bring against a student. If warranted, my office schedules University level hearings to consider charges which may result in a student’s suspension or expulsion from the University.

In order to assist respondents and complainants, the UCSC specifies that my office will recruit and maintain a list of qualified individuals who currently are eligible to serve as Campus Advisors. Campus Advisors play a significant role in the University’s hearing process. They provide support to either respondents or complainants by offering advice to the individual with whom they are working before, during and after a hearing. During the pre-hearing phase, the advisor may assist a respondent or complainant with the preparation for the case. During a hearing, the advisor may:

• Speak for the respondent or complainant if requested to do so,
• Make procedural objections,
• Question witnesses, and
• Make opening or closing statements.

After the hearing concludes, the advisor may assist the respondent or complainant with the appeal process. In my opinion, the Campus Advisor’s role is critical to the effective functioning of the UCSC due to the complex and sensitive nature of the advisor/advisee relationship.

I am aware that some administrative staff members have expressed an interest in becoming involved in the Student Judicial Affairs area. At present, the UCSC restricts the participation of administrative staff members to the Campus Advisor’s position. By definition, only faculty members and students may serve as Hearing Board members. This past Spring, I raised this issue with the Committee on Student Conduct (CSC) which functions under the UCSC both as an appeals body and as the Code policy review committee. Since this was a major issue for students in the development of the UCSC, and since the Code has only been operational for a short time, the CSC was reluctant to pursue this policy change at this time. It certainly can be reviewed as a future CSC agenda item if administrative interest persists.

If you would be interested in serving as a Campus Advisor and learning more about the UCSC, you must participate in a training workshop which I will conduct. Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions or concerns about the Campus Advisor’s role. I may be reached in my office at 301 Van Nest Hall or by campus phone at 932-9414, by fax at 932-1989 or by e-mail: fleish@oldqueens.rutgers.edu. Becoming a Campus Advisor can present a challenging opportunity to serve the University community.

Interested A/P/S staff should complete and detach this form. Insert form into a campus mail envelope and address it to: Sheila Fleishman, 301 Van Nest Hall, CAC.