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Human Resources

December 2006

HR Advisory Group - Meeting Minutes


Attended:     Barbara Lay, Edwin Best, Belinda Carr, Lynn McIlyer, Laurie McKenzie-Crane, Linda Payne, Sheryl Pustay, Sally Scheiderer

Absent:        Security Representative and Building Services Rep-Housekeeping

Scribe:         Sally Scheiderer

Date:            December 9, 2006

Subject:        HR Advisory Group Meeting Minutes - December, 2006

CC:              Seth Patton, Jim Ables

New Items

1.       Flexible Spending Accounts - One representative asked where the money from a flexible spending account goes if it is not used, and why the unused money can not be carried over to the next year.  Barbara stated that the money goes back to the university for administrative purposes, specifically for this program (this is an IRS rule).  Every program carries associated costs.  The money is pre-taxed so it has to be used in that year and can not be carried over to the next year.   The individual is receiving a tax break for the program in that particular year only.  The sign-up period for flexible spending was over at the end of November.  New employees can sign up at the time they are hired, but other employees can only make adjustments to their programs once a year. 

2.       Pretax Dollars and Social Security - The question was asked whether the use of pretax dollars lowered a person's social security benefits.  Barbara responded that it does decrease in social security, but it's a small amount compared to the immediate tax savings.  Pre-taxed dollars help to benefit the person immediately.  Social Security is used for the long run. 

3.       Leave Donations - The committee discussed the leave donation policy.  The question arose as to why leave donation recipients could not be made public if an employee signed a release.  Some felt that more people would give time if they knew who they were giving to, or at least knew what department they worked.  Barbara stated that there are privacy issues involved.  Denison's present policy is not to release those names, and the FLMA policy, and the laws that govern that policy, is designed to protect the individual.   The group had a discussion on the pros and cons of releasing this information. 

Some felt that Denison employees, in general, are sympathetic to the situations of others and are willing to donate their time without any question.  It is also known that there are employees that abuse the system and use their sick/vacation time unwisely.  Some felt that leave donations should be given out of the kindness of the heart, with no strings attached, and with the trust that the recipient will not abuse the time.  Some felt that the win-win situation would be to release the information if employees agree, so they would get time, and the person would know who they are giving to.  Barbara, will look into the option of a release form and bring the issue back to HRAG.

4.       Sick Leave Benefit - The question was asked if there is special benefit given to an employee who has only used a couple of sick leave days during many years of employment at Denison.  While sick leave is to be used for illness, medical conditions, doctor appointments, etc., the benefit does not belong to the individual; the university has provided this benefit to the employee for such use.  Employees who have unused sick leave upon retirement are able to receive payment for 50% of their unused time up to a maximum of 75 days for 12-month employees and 60 days for 9 and 10 month employees.  Some felt that an acknowledgement of attendance could be given, possibly at the Awards Banquet.  Others felt that this type of incentive, that might help morale, should be provided by the supervisor or department.  Others felt that an individual shouldn't be rewarded for just doing their job - if you come to work, you get paid.  Some areas within the university have their own attendance policies, and the policies and incentives for those areas should be determined by the management in conjunction with Human Resources.  The morale of the physical plant was discussed, in general.  Issues involving the physical plant consistently and continually come before the HRAG committee.  The consensus of HRAG members was that someone needs to step up, meet with the managers and supervisors, and research the issues that are causing these concerns and the low morale at the physical plant.  Barbara will take this issue back to Human Resources.

5.       Temporary Job Replacement - One representative presented an issue of an employee that is temporarily filling in for a position that is classified higher than his regular position until a new employee is hired, but is being paid at his regular rate of pay.  The individual bringing forth the concern felt that this person should be paid at the higher rate of pay while he was assuming new responsibilities.  The thought of HRAG was that this person willingly entered into this position and knew that he would be taking on additional responsibilities.  The new job could serve as training and experience and would look good on his job resume if he would later apply for the higher ranked position.  If the individual feels that they should be compensated differently, they could go to Human Resources and raise their concern personally.  They should also talk to the supervisor and ask that a note be placed in their file stating that they willingly took on responsibilities beyond the call of duty.

Updates

1.       Barbara indicated that plans are moving forward for the SOS Annual Banquet.  Invitation should be sent out soon.

2.       Sharon O'Reilly has agreed to serve as the Residence Hall representative to HRAG.  She is replacing Betty Rusch.   A security representative is still needed.  These are three year positions, and there is no limit on the number of times a person can participate.

3.       The committee briefly discussed the "Thanks a Million" policy.  It appears that some people have been recognized, but they have not received the notice from Human Resources.  The note goes to the supervisor in that employee's department and it is their responsibility to pass it on to the employee.  Each nomination goes into a drawing for a gift.  The Human Resource office has the form. One member suggested that the form be placed on-line for easier access.

4.       HRAG members have asked Human Resources to give each committee member the names or emails of individuals they represent.

5.       Ed Best was thanked for bringing a delicious pumpkin roll that was made by his daughter.

Next Meeting

          The next meeting is scheduled for January 3, 2007 at 9 AM.