Here is the summary of our Summer/Fall SAC meetings as of 10/5/06.

During the summer the attendance is usually lower due to vacations and 9 month employees not attending, so needless to say not much happened during the summer months. Last month we were visited by CLAP, which is student group that is working on fair wages for employees.  They explained what they would like to accomplish, what road blocks they have run into so far and then asked for our input. They are looking into the possibility of a task force which would include people from the South Bend community. The task force would help them do comparisons, how to find the funds for the wages with out effecting tuition and benefits. This was just a brief outline of what they would like work on and where they need to go from here. This issue is still a work in progress and I will keep you updated  when we hear any information from CLAP.
This month we will see our benefits packages for 2007. There are some changes, some of which I hope a lot of people will be happy about. One of those changes is there are rates for - single- single +1 and family , so they have added that middle tier to help cut cost for those families where there are only 2 participants in the program. Prescription and Medical Insurance cards will now be combined into one card. Everyone will get new cards in January so be sure to keep these as these will replace your current medical and prescription cards.
With our United Way Contribution cards there should have been a paper telling you about the new program for ND employees. When you give to United Way you can choose to have 3 or 5 % of your donation go to the ND program which will be used to help ND employees in case of tragedy/hardship such as unexpected funeral cost, fire, sickness. There will be a committee set up to handle each case. The maximum amount that an employee would be able to receive is $1500.00. At the end of the year if there is money left in the account that will roll over to the next year and either they would be able to offer more money to each family or increase the number of families they could help, they haven't decided how that will work yet. This is a pilot program for ND, so with only 4 other university/companies in the US using this program they hope it is a big success. You must give to United Way and then the amount you choose ,3 or 5 % is taken from that amount. If you already have turned your card in and didn't check the box for the ND program you can send in another contribution form, but please attach a note to the card stating that you have already sent one in, but would like to make this change.
Something to keep in mind. If you are interested in being on the SAC committee the election for this district is in January! If you have any questions about the responsibilities and time commitment let me know and I can give you the information. If you have questions regarding any of the information above let me know and I can try to answer them or direct you to the person who can give you the answer.
Our next meeting is November 8th, if you have questions or concerns call
or email me and I will take them to the meeting.

Thank you!!!
Joy