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UHPA News

Fringe Benefits

Ruth Horie Appointed to NEA Resolutions Committee

NEA President Dennis Van Roekel has appointed Ruth Horie, former UHPA Director and Librarian at Hamilton Library, UH-Manoa, to the NEA Resolutions Committee. Ruth will represent higher education and serves a one-year term (2008-2009).

Political

Aloha United Way "Labor Cares" Event

In an effort to bring Unions together, establish camaraderie and work together for a very good cause, a core committee from various unions has been established to organize "The Island's Best Garage Sale". All proceeds from this event will be donated to Aloha United Way.

System Policy

UHPA Recommends a No Vote on Con Con

The UHPA Board of Directors has taken a position to oppose the convening of a Constitutional Convention.

Fringe Benefits

Exclusive Website for Contract Negotiations

UHPA has established a new website exclusively devoted to contract negotiations. This website is for UHPA members only.

Campus-Specific

UHPA Bargaining Information Meetings

A series of UHPA meetings to brief faculty members on collective bargaining have been scheduled since September 22nd. Look for the scheduled meetings on your campus. The remaining meeting dates, times, and locations are listed in bold print.

Fringe Benefits

AIG Hawaii at No Risk of Failure

AIG Hawaii auto and homeowners’ insurance will not go out of business. AIG offers UHPA members the best rates in town and your auto insurance premium payments can be payroll deducted.

Academic

NEA Member Benefits Communication Update

We are pleased to provide the following communication pieces from the National Education Association (NEA) Member Benefits (MB) for the month of September 2008.

UHPA Organizational

August 2008 Board Notes

A summary of the August 23, 2008 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.

System Policy

Primary Election Underway

Voting has begun for walk-in and mail absentee voters. Poll voters can cast their ballot on September 20th. A large number of legislative races will be decided in the primary due to weak or no opposition candidates.

Academic

Deadline for Waiver of Minimum Qualifications for Faculty Promotion and/or Tenure

For the 2008-2009 cycle of faculty promotion and tenure, all waivers of Minimum Qualifications at Manoa must reach the Office of the Interim Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs by August 29, 2008.

Fringe Benefits

The Pulse on UH Faculty Health Benefits…

State Court rules that retirees have a constitutional right to continuing health benefits.

Final Salary Increase in the 2003-2009 Agreement between UHPA and the UH-BOR

The final salary increase of 11% in the 2003-2009 Agreement was made on July 1, 2008 (reflected on the July 15th payroll) for faculty members on 11-month appointments. Faculty on 9-month appointments will receive their 11% increase in salary on August 1, 2008 (to be reflected on the August 14th payroll).

Fringe Benefits

SB2263 Is Law With an Override of the Governor's Veto

After two legislative sessions UHPA's bill is now law. The Board of Regents is required to disclose exempt administrator salaries previous to approval.

Political

NEA Member Benefits Communication Update

We are pleased to provide the following communication pieces from the National Education Association (NEA) Member Benefits for the month of July 2008.

AAUP Tax Alert: "UH Payroll Delay or Deferred Compensation?"

UH nine-month appointed faculty are not receiving deferred compensation because their salaries are paid over 12 months.

UHPA Organizational

June 2008 Board Notes

A summary of the June 7, 2008 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.

Fringe Benefits

NEA Member Benefits (NEA MB) Communication Update

We are pleased to provide the following communication pieces from the National Education Association (NEA) Member Benefits for the month of June 2008.

Political

Negotiations Update

Attached is a summary of the first bargaining session that took place between UHPA negotiators, UH administrators, and the representatives from the State Office of Collective Bargaining. The session was held on May 23rd at the offices of UHPA.

Academic

"Ask a Working Woman" Survey

UHPA Director Ruth Horie (UHM-Hamilton Library) sent us this survey from the AAUW. We're passing it on to all those working women who read our News so their opinions can be added.

UHPA Organizational

May 2008 Board Notes

A summary of the May 10, 2008 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.

Campus-Specific

Adminstrative Salary Update

The Board of Regents did not approve a "Waiver of Return Service Obligation" for UH Hilo Chancellor Tseng as part of an employment separation package. On May 29 the Board of Regents refused to allow the Chancellor to take a sabbatical leave that did not require a return to UH Hilo for additional service.

Legislative

Disclosure of UH Admin Salaries Sought

The legislature approved again this year a bill, SB 2263, that would require the disclosure of UH Executive Administrative Salaries. The bill is pending signature or veto by the Governor. However, the Regents were considering another special salary adjustment without disclosing the amount of the request prior to approval in executive session.

Fringe Benefits

NEA Member Benefits (NEA MB) Communication Updates

Information on NEA MB products and services provided for UHPA members only. You must log in to view the related articles on hot deals & discounts, retirement planning, etc.

Political

Negotiations Resumed on May 23rd

A summary of the contract proposals submitted to the State and UH Administration.

UHPA Organizational

April 2008 Board Notes

A summary of the April 12, 2008 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.

Fringe Benefits

KapCC Faculty Member Selected for NEA Leadership Program

Jeff Zuckernick to be part of the Emerging Leaders Academy

Academic

Great Opportunity for Lecturers

Once again, the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA), your union, wants to support professional development for lecturers. Toward this end funds are being allocated for a limited number of grants to cover the tuition and select transportation costs for this summer's Hawaii Great Teachers (HGT) Seminar to be held at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Academic

Futures of Higher Education Course at UH-Manoa

A "Futures of Higher Education" course will be offered this fall semester at UH-Manoa by Professors James Dator and Ray Yeh.

Political

Workers Need Help Picketing the Pacific Beach Hotel

UHPA is asking for our members to assist with picketing the PBH on Saturday afternoon, May 3rd and Tuesday afternoon, May 6th.

Financial

Legislative Update - UH Maintenance and Repair Money

Supplemental Budget HB2500 HD1SD1 passes the Senate.

Fringe Benefits

Aloha Petroleum Gas Card Program

Aloha Petroleum offers gas savings for UHPA members. Join the UHPA Gas Card Program and save 4 cents per gallon and the registration fee will be waived.

Financial

Special Service: TIAA-CREF Personal Financial Counseling

It's never too early to plan nor too late to re-access your retirement strategies. Protect and invest your 9% and upcoming 11% pay raises. Schedule an appointment to attend a personal financial counseling session conducted by TIAA-CREF.

UHPA Organizational

March 2008 Board Notes

A summary of the March 8, 2008 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.

UHPA Organizational

NEA MEMBER BENEFITS - News You Can Use

This is one of a series about programs and services offered by NEA Member Benefits. In this April 7, 2008 edition, you will read about: *A Free $15,000 Life Insurance Benefit for New Members *Save on Brand Name Merchandise with NEA Click & Save *Toolkit Helps Leaders & Members Understand New 403(b) Regulations Effective January 2009 *New Members: Welcome to the Association!

System Policy

Action Needed

You will receive a letter by mail requesting updated contact information to ensure that UHPA can communicate on issues critical to the economic and professional well being of faculty. Please take a few minutes to fill out the information and mail it in the return envelope.

System Policy

Update Your Contact Email Address

If you currently receive email from us at your hawaii.edu address, UHPA urges you to change your email address that is recorded on our web site. A non-hawaii.edu address will ensure more reliable communication.

Political

Pride at Work Hawaii

Announcement of their Spring Membership Meeting & Pa'ina on Friday, April 18th, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Tapa's Restaurant and Lanai Bar.

Legislative

Attention UHPA Members

Have you returned your proxy form or repeal ballot? It's not too late. The deadline is April 23, 2008. The UHPA Board of Directors have approved a restated Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws for our organization to respond to the significant changes in the Hawaii Non-Profit law over the last three decades. UHPA needs to bring our governance documents into compliance with the current law.

Financial

UHPA Sponsors Financial Planning Seminar

It's never too early or too late to learn about planning for retirement. Protect and invest your 9% and upcoming 11% pay raises. Attend a Financial Education Seminar conducted by TIAA-CREF on Wednesday, March 12th, in Campus Center Room 310 on the UH Manoa campus. Reserve your space at one of the three sessions: (1) 9:00 am - 10:00 am; (2) 11:30 am - 12:30 pm; (3) 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Sign-up today by calling Amber Tapia at (800)842-2007 extension 3663.

UHPA Organizational

February 2008 Board Notes

A summary of the February 9, 2008 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.

Political

Results of sUHPA Tuesday are in!

Thanks to all that participated.

System Policy

EVoting Is Coming To UHPA!

Board of Director Elections and "sUHPA Tuesday"

UHPA Organizational

January 2008 Board Notes

A summary of the January 12, 2008 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly Board of Director's meeting.

Fringe Benefits

Hawaii Blues Festival

The University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) is the core sponsor of the Hawaii Blues Festival – The Riff that Ripples Across Oceania. The Hawaii Blues Festival is a ten day, January 17–26, musical experience combining engaging presentations from elementary classrooms to university centers capped with blues concerts in lounges and nightclubs across Hawaii.

Political

Senate Majority Leader Gary Hooser Speaks at UH-Manoa

The UHPA Legislative Committee has arranged to have Senate Majority Leader Gary Hooser speak to UHPA members on January 15, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Campus Center 310. He will give a 20 minute presentation entitled, "Public Efficacy 101," and this will be followed by an open discussion.

Political

2008 Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade & Celebration

Wear a UHPA shirt and meet at Magic Island, 7:30 am Monday, January 21, 2008.

UHPA Organizational

December 2007 Board Notes

A summary of the December 8, 2007 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly Board of Director's meeting.

Academic

NCHE E Letter - December 2007

Topics Highlighted in this Issue: • Decline of the Tenure Track • College Access • Non-Profit to For-Profit? • Emerging Leaders Academy • NEA/AFT Higher Education Conference • Thought and Action Review Panel • NCSCBHEP Conference at Hunter College • Regional Leadership Conference Agendas • 2008 Dates to Remember

Financial

Justice at the Beach Requests Contributions

A "free store" is established for fired employees of the Pacific Beach Hotel.

UHPA Organizational

November 2007 Board Notes

A summary of the November 10, 2007 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly Board of Director's meeting.

Fringe Benefits

NEA MEMBER BENEFITS - News You Can Use

This is one of a series of electronic briefing messages — called News You Can Use — about programs and services offered by NEA Member Benefits. In this December 6, 2007 edition, you will read about a series of new services and discount products offered to Association members in 2007:

System Policy

Instant Tenure

President McClain proposes that the Regents delegate to his office the authority to grant immediate tenure to administrators and faculty members.

Academic

Proposed Change in the CC Classification Document

Vice President Morton will ask the Regents to accept changes to the CC Classification Plan at the November BOR meeting on Maui.

UHPA Organizational

October 2007 Board Notes

A summary of the October 6, 2007 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly Board of Director's meeting.

Academic

NCHE E Letter - October 2007

Topics Highlighted in this Issue: • College Cost Reduction Act of 2007 • Part-Time Student Graduation Rates • Academic Freedom • Global Measure of Student Learning • HE Conference • Regional Leadership Conferences • 2008 Dates to Remember

Campus-Specific

Big Island Press Club Response to UH Board of Regents

The Board of Directors of the Big Island Press Club supports UHPA's objection to the secrecy created at Regents' meetings.

UHPA Organizational

September 2007 Board Notes

A summary of the September 15, 2007 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.

System Policy

Proposed Revision to BOR Policy 9-1a(3) & (4) and Proposed New Executive Policy (E9.113)

UHPA has formally consulted with Vice President for Academic Planning & Policy Linda Johnsrud on Friday, October 5th, on the proposed revision to Board of Regents Policy 9-1a (3) and (4) related to department chairs and a proposed new Executive Policy (E9.113) for department/division chairs.

Academic

NCHE E Letter - September 2007

Topics Highlighted in this Issue: • Contingent Academic Workers • Reauthorization of Higher Education Act • Academic Freedom • University of Phoenix Fraud Case • College Access for the Working Poor • 2008 Higher Ed Conference • NCHE Appointment

UHPA Organizational

August 2007 Board Notes

A summary of the August 11, 2007 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.

Legislative

Survey Results

Mahalo for your participation in the Collective Bargaining Committee's surveys. We have completed six surveys and are scheduling future surveys.

Fringe Benefits

Mahalo to Danny Carvalho, Jon Osorio, and Randy Borden for help with PBS Sponsorship

UHPA continues its support of PBS Hawaii with the underwriting of "The Lehrer NewsHour," "Bill Moyers Journal," "Charlie Rose," and Ken Burn's new seven-part series "The War."

Legal-Judicial

UHPA To Challenge “ERS” Pension Calculation

UHPA will be petitioning the ERS and are seeking faculty members who are willing to be a named participant in the petition.

Academic

NEA Position Statement on Performance Pay

The National Education Association (NEA) has issued the following statement to the Congress with respect to performance pay initiatives in the K-12 public schools.

Fringe Benefits

EUTF New Prescription Drug Plan for PPO & Supplemental Plan Subscribers

It has come to our attention that many of you are having difficulty contacting the Employer Union Health Benefit Trust Fund (EUTF). UHPA has also tried on several occasions to contact them since July 1st. We have expressed our concerns to the EUTF’s Administrator and to EUTF's Trustee, John Radcliffe. Based on our understanding, many of the questions/problems are on the new prescription drug plan.

Campus-Specific

NEA Annual Mtg & Representative Assembly

Delegates to the National Education Association’s (NEA) Annual Meeting & Representative Assembly (RA) gathered on June 30 through July 5 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the Association's 145th Annual Meeting and 86th Representative Assembly.

Notice to Bargaining Unit 07 Members

EUTF OPEN ENROLLMENT EXTENDED FOR BU07 MEMBERS. The deadline for submitting an enrollment change is July 25, 2007.

Political

Opening for ERS Retirant Seat

An election to fill a retirant seat on the Board of Trustees of the Employees' Retirement System (ERS) will be conducted in the latter part of this year.

System Policy

Response Letter from US Senator Inouye & US Representative Abercrombie

Senator Inouye & Representative Abercrombie responds to UHPA's call for help in opposing the DOE's push for accreditation changes.

Health Insurance Premiums Revised for BU 07 Members

The State has agreed to pay for bargaining unit 07 members the highest employer contribution amount per month that is being paid to any other bargaining unit for comparable health insurance coverage.

UHPA Organizational

June 2007 Board Notes

A summary of the June 16, 2007 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.

Political

The Chronicle of Higher Education Reports No Strike at PSU

No strike in Pennsylvania as professors and system reach tentative agreement. Faculty accept general salary increases of 3% & 4%.

Fringe Benefits

Panda Travel Online Discount

Book your travel online in minutes using the UHPA-endorsed online travel program with Panda Travel. Panda Travel books more than 50,000 trips every year. Discounted rates are available to UHPA members on 9 different airlines and at over 180 hotels. Panda Travel is here to help you with all your travel needs.

UHPA Organizational

May 2007 Board Notes

A summary of the May 12th University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.

Political

DOE's Possible Implementation of New Federal Standards

New federal standards by the Department of Education (DOE) would undermine the historic role of higher education in the United States. Therefore, Executive Director J. N. Musto seeks support from the Hawaii Congressional Delegates to prevent this from being implemented.

Financial

Health Insurance Open Enrollment Premium Rates

The faculty members in bargaining unit 7 receive the highest State Employer contributions for EUTF benefit plans. The Open Enrollment period is scheduled to end on May 18th. (click on title to read more)

Fringe Benefits

Ride the Bus and Get a Tax Break

The open enrollment period for the pre-tax bus pass program is from May 1, 2007 to June 15, 2007.....

UHPA Organizational

April 2007 Board Notes

A summary of the April 14th University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.

Legislative

UHPA Successful in Lobbying

The Senate/House Conference Committee has supported two UHPA bills.

Fringe Benefits

EUTF Open Enrollment

The deadline for making changes to your health benefits is May 18, 2007.

Political

Retirement Reception Honoring John H. Radcliffe

After 17 years of service at UHPA, Associate Executive Director John H. Radcliffe retired on January 31, 2007.

System Policy

SUNY Faculty Senate Administrator Evaluation

The State University of New York (SUNY) faculty senate has established an extensive evaluation instrument to be used with the various campus administrations.

Financial

Long-Term Care & Retirement Planning Seminars

Financial Consultants from Pacific Wealth Management will be available on UH System campuses in April and May to give educational seminars on long-term care and retirement planning. Please REGISTER by contacting Serry Shao, CFP or Robert Borek, CFP on Oahu at 533-1928 or toll-free from the neighbor islands at 1-800-235-3221.

UHPA Organizational

March 2007 Board Notes

A summary of the March 17th University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.

Legal-Judicial

Testimony Concerning Proposed UH System Reorganization Plan

Executive Director J. N. Musto submitted testimony concerning the proposed UH System Reorganization Plan at the UH Board of Regents' meeting on March 15, 2007. Although specific suggestions and issues were raised, the UH Board of Regents acted to approve the UH System Reorganization Plan without modification.

UHPA Organizational

February 2007 Board Notes

A summary of the February 24th University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.

Political

UHPA Remembers G. Nelson Armitage

One of the union’s first professional staff members passed away in October 2006. Chuck, as he was known to his friends, came to higher education advocacy from the West Coast and the Hawaii Teamsters Union where he negotiated and enforced many contracts.

Campus-Specific

33rd Annual Membership Meeting

The University of Hawaii Professional Assembly will be holding its Thirty-third Annual Membership Meeting.

Legislative

EUTF Approves Multiple Health Premium Tiers and More Choices of Coverage

The Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF) Trustees have established separate premiums rates for a single person, two-party, and full family coverage for medical insurance. In addition, more choices of coverage are available.

IRS Educator Expense Tax Deduction

NEA Higher Education Director Sally Pestana (UHPA KapCC Director) is working with Senator Akaka’s office on the possibility of extending the IRS Educator Expense Tax Deduction to higher ed faculty (currently only K-12 teachers are eligible). His office has requested data on the amount higher ed faculty spent out of pocket for teaching supplies.

System Policy

We Need Information-For Contract Negotiations

Be on the lookout for a series of survey questions related to specific issues.

UHPA Organizational

January 2007 Board Notes

A summary of the January 20th University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.

Fringe Benefits

Universal Studios Discount Coupon

Special offer for UHPA members -- Discover the ultimate Hollywood movie experience and enjoy the many Savings at Universal Studios Hollywood!

"Lost Paychecks" for Hawaii CC Faculty

Executive Director J. N. Musto delivers checks to Hawaii Community College faculty in time for Christmas. UHPA provided checks (net amount due) to those faculty who had not received their payroll checks on December 15th.

Fringe Benefits

Discover the AIG Advantage Today

Great rates, free benefits – for UHPA members only! Call AIG Hawaii at 533-2444 or toll-free from the Neighbor Islands at 1-877-533-2444.

UHPA Organizational

December 2006 Board Notes

A summary of the December 9th University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.

Legislative

UHPA Supports Mass Transit Connecting Campuses

UHPA Associate Executive Director John Radcliffe has been busy lobbying for a mass transit system that will link the Leeward side University campuses from Kapolei to UH Manoa.

System Policy

How will you vote on proposed Con Amendments?

Information from the League of Women Voters and `Olelo on the pros and cons of the Constitutional Amendments.

Payroll Lag

Hawaii Supreme Court rules on the payroll lag passed by the Legislature.

Multi-tier Premium Rates for Health Insurance

The EUTF is considering more premium rates beyond self or full family.

Legislative

UHPA Political Candidate Endorsements

This includes endorsements for Governor, Hawaii State House and Senate races and also endorsements for the US Senate, US House, 1st and 2nd US Congressional districts. The general election will be held on November 7, 2006.

System Policy

Last Chance to Register to Vote

The deadline to register to vote in the General Election is Monday, October 9, 2006.

UHPA Organizational

November 2006 Board Notes

Board Notes are summaries of the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly Board of Directors' meetings.

UHPA Organizational

UHPA Does Well in Elections

No other interest group endorsed across party lines as extensively as did we. We did as well or better than any other entity in Hawaii. Sixty of our endorsed candidates won; five lost.

Campus-Specific

National Council of Higher Education (NCHE)

November 2006 Issues: Pennsylvania Legislative Battle, Spellings Commission Roll-Out, Higher Education Pay, NCHE Dates & Deadlines

Fringe Benefits

NEA Member Benefits

News You Can Use from NEA Member Benefits