The attendance at the Staff Senate Open Forum on September 30^th certainly demonstrated the staff’s interest in the campus’s well being, and their need for information that will affect their jobs and their families. The Senate was able to present leadership from the various areas on campus to speak to important issues such as Open Enrollment, the University Budget, MHealthy Initiatives and Emergency Preparedness.  The Senate would like to thank all those staff members who attended and for their valuable input.

Provost Davy reported that two search committees have been formed – one for the dean of SOE, and one for the dean of CASL. She also noted that Academic Affairs is planning an event for the 50^th Anniversary that will include all faculty and will focus on Urban Framing. Since Michelle Obama is interested in this issue, Chancellor Little has invited her to participate.

Bob Gassel spoke on the status of the University budget. He noted that the State is still working on their budget for the coming year. The University has being taking steps over the past few years to build up reserves to address State budget cuts. Thus far, the University has been successful in meeting all reductions with reserves and with tuition increases. Fall enrollment was up, and even though summer enrollment was down, the University budget is currently in a strong position. However, the next several years will be a challenge.

Jeff Evans noted that the Open Enrollment begins October 26^th and ends November 6^th. Booklets have been mailed to all University employees with the benefits information, chart breakdowns, and other proposed changes for the coming year. This information can also be viewed on line at http://benefits.umich.edu, where there is also a rate calculator for various plans. Nothing has changed in the number of programs being provided. The most notable changes will be the increase in co-pays for doctor’s visits from $15 to $20, and emergency room visits from $50 to $75. If employees have questions about the salary bans and rate calculator, please call HR at 313-591-5190. If you do not wish to change any of your elections, then nothing has to be done. However, if you wish to utilize a Flexible Spending account, that election has to be done every year. Ataul Usman and Ledina Imama are always available to answer benefits questions. Jeff also noted that a dependent benefit eligibility audit is currently being conducted. The amnesty period is now through December 18, 2009. If you have any questions on who qualifies as a dependent, call HR.

Ginny Zarras spoke regarding Ergonomics, Physical Activities, flu shots (available 10-21-09 with an appointment – contact HR), nutrition, and mental and emotional health. For extensive information on Ergo Focus Area to go http://www.Mhealthy.umich.edu for tutorials, videos, Ergo Tips to Print and Design Guidelines. She noted that the Active U Tracker is still available for physical activity, and that the Wellness Center has expanded is schedule. She also addressed the Ergonomics Awareness Grants and Awards Program.  For all the guidelines for apply for a grant, go to http://hr.umich.edu/mhealthy/programs/ergonomics/grants_awards.html.

Ray Metz who Co-chairs the All Hazards committee with Bob Behrens brought the campus up-to-date on emergency preparedness planning that has been on-going for the campus. He noted that Laura Drabczyk is now the Director of Environmental Health, Safety, and Emergency Management and has a dual reporting role with the Chancellor’s office and Business Affairs. Laura stated that there are three priorities for the All Hazards committee for the coming year: 1) Communications planning, 2) Developing an Operations Plan, and, 3) Education and training for building coordinators, leadership and the campus as a whole. She also noted that several initiatives are already in place: Emergency announces via phone, cell phone, email and sirens with voice announcements have been placed on campus. The committee is working aggressively to address faculty, staff and student safety.

The Staff Senate undertook the project of proposing a tuition assistance program for employee dependents back in 1997. Surveys of staff were taken, results compiled, and meetings with key personnel took place, in order to develop the formal request that was forwarded to the Chancellor in 2002. As a result, as of March 2006, all faculty and staff dependents are eligible for the "Dependent Tuition Scholarship." All questions regarding this program should be sent to the Director of Admissions.

As the table below demonstrates, since it's inception in Fall, 2006, many Dearborn faculty and staff have taken advantage of this scholarship:

Fall 2006	18
Winter 2007	1
Summer 2007	0
Fall 2007	14
Winter 2008	1
Summer 2008	0
Fall 2008	10