UHPA News
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).
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.
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.
Exclusive Website for Contract Negotiations
UHPA has established a new website exclusively devoted to contract negotiations. This website is for UHPA members only.
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.
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.
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.
August 2008 Board Notes
A summary of the August 23, 2008 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
June 2008 Board Notes
A summary of the June 7, 2008 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.
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.
UHPA Members Invited! TIAA-CREF Personal Financial Counseling Sessions
RESERVE A TIME FOR JULY 16TH OR JULY 17TH
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.
"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.
May 2008 Board Notes
A summary of the May 10, 2008 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.
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.
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.
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.
Negotiations Resumed on May 23rd
A summary of the contract proposals submitted to the State and UH Administration.
April 2008 Board Notes
A summary of the April 12, 2008 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.
KapCC Faculty Member Selected for NEA Leadership Program
Jeff Zuckernick to be part of the Emerging Leaders Academy
UHPA Update Notice for Kapiolani Community College Faculty Members
Regarding Summer Session Teaching Load
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.
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.
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.
Legislative Update - UH Maintenance and Repair Money
Supplemental Budget HB2500 HD1SD1 passes the Senate.
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.
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.
March 2008 Board Notes
A summary of the March 8, 2008 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
February 2008 Board Notes
A summary of the February 9, 2008 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.
January 2008 Board Notes
A summary of the January 12, 2008 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly Board of Director's meeting.
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.
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.
2008 Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade & Celebration
Wear a UHPA shirt and meet at Magic Island, 7:30 am Monday, January 21, 2008.
December 2007 Board Notes
A summary of the December 8, 2007 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly Board of Director's meeting.
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
Justice at the Beach Requests Contributions
A "free store" is established for fired employees of the Pacific Beach Hotel.
November 2007 Board Notes
A summary of the November 10, 2007 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly Board of Director's meeting.
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:
Instant Tenure
President McClain proposes that the Regents delegate to his office the authority to grant immediate tenure to administrators and faculty members.
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.
October 2007 Board Notes
A summary of the October 6, 2007 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly Board of Director's meeting.
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
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.
September 2007 Board Notes
A summary of the September 15, 2007 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.
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.
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
August 2007 Board Notes
A summary of the August 11, 2007 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.
Survey Results
Mahalo for your participation in the Collective Bargaining Committee's surveys. We have completed six surveys and are scheduling future surveys.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
June 2007 Board Notes
A summary of the June 16, 2007 University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.
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%.
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.
May 2007 Board Notes
A summary of the May 12th University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.
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.
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)
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.....
April 2007 Board Notes
A summary of the April 14th University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.
Retirement Reception Honoring John H. Radcliffe
After 17 years of service at UHPA, Associate Executive Director John H. Radcliffe retired on January 31, 2007.
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.
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.
March 2007 Board Notes
A summary of the March 17th University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.
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.
February 2007 Board Notes
A summary of the February 24th University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.
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.
33rd Annual Membership Meeting
The University of Hawaii Professional Assembly will be holding its Thirty-third Annual Membership Meeting.
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.
We Need Information-For Contract Negotiations
Be on the lookout for a series of survey questions related to specific issues.
January 2007 Board Notes
A summary of the January 20th University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.
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.
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.
December 2006 Board Notes
A summary of the December 9th University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) Board of Directors' meeting.
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.
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.
Multi-tier Premium Rates for Health Insurance
The EUTF is considering more premium rates beyond self or full family.
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.
Last Chance to Register to Vote
The deadline to register to vote in the General Election is Monday, October 9, 2006.
November 2006 Board Notes
Board Notes are summaries of the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly Board of Directors' meetings.
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.
National Council of Higher Education (NCHE)
November 2006 Issues: Pennsylvania Legislative Battle, Spellings Commission Roll-Out, Higher Education Pay, NCHE Dates & Deadlines