OSU EMERITI ASSOCIATION COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
October 31, 2016
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Anne Matoy, Tana Rutan, Ron Elliott, Russ Wright, Dennis Bertholf
COMMITTEE/CHAIRS/REPRESENTATIVES: Sharon Nivens, Sharon Brown, Jim Criswell, Clem Ward, Althea Wright, Zane Quible, Kay Keys, Judy Lewis, Kent Olson, Bob Wettemann
Agenda: Anne sent Agenda out in email prior to the Council Meeting. Agenda was approved.
Council Minutes: Stand approved as circulated.
Treasurer's Report: Ron reported at close of September the bill for September catering has been paid and will show in October’s report. The cash balance in the General Fund is available to us. The tax exempt status is now updated and the organization is back in good graces. We must remember to file the Post Card every year in order to avoid a reapplication cost of $275.00. We will continue to pay the Library $100.00 to cover the facilities used during “Making the Most of Retirement” classes. Clem reported the October Monday night meal came in a $1,192.00 without the Alumni Center billing showing. The Alumni Center billing comes in later. Total Spendable Assets = $34,976.25. Clem made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s report, Dennis seconded and passed.
Reports and Updates
President’s Update
Anne Matoy
Retirees must re-enroll in new Vision and Dental Insurance coverage. Only those retirees retiring prior to 1999 can keep the State Health Choice related plans. H.R. is asking that we sign up on Banner Self Service. Your OKEY account will need to be up to date in order to make your enrollment on line. The letters sent out recently had a form for enrolling as well. The dead line for enrolling is from 11/01/16 to 11/18/2016. Any questions call 405-744-5449 or email osubenefits@okstate.edu. These coverages will start up January 1, 2017. Billing will be handled by Chard Snyder a third party biller. Watch for billing information from this company in December. Also you may have received letters re: your Blue Cross Medical/Rx Coverage. Make sure you follow the directions. This coverage will also be billed by Chard Snyder later next Spring so watch for a letter from them in 2017. The OTR $100.00 credit will continue to be credited to you.
Dinner Meetings
Clem Ward, Russ Wright
November 7th we will have an Italian dinner by Celebrations Catering. The program will be presented by Mike Burchert. Topic “New Construction on Campus.” December meeting will be at Meditations with the Stillwater High School Singers. Meditations will have a cash bar for the December dinner meeting. Russ made a motion to pay High School Singers $100.00, Kent seconded and motion passed. Clem mentioned we might consider having a dinner meeting and tour at Taylor’s next year. Judy Lewis has been taking care of the “Meet and Greet” for a long time and would like to give up the job to someone new. We hope we can find volunteers to step up and take this position.
Update
Anne Matoy
The following items will be entered in the Update: Benefit enrollment dates, Zac with school picture, dinner meetings coming up, “Making the Most of Retirement” sessions, reminder of payment of dues $25.00 for a single and $35.00 for a couple and mention if you have paid a Lifetime Membership, you don’t owe dues. A short article about the need for new Ambassadors. Also mention the December meeting is at Meditations.
Membership
Sharon Nivens
Reported one couple joined (Michael Smith and wife) paid a lifetime membership. Also Darcie Rankin joined.
Emeriti Banner
Judy Lewis
Judy reported that Natalie has had sickness in the family and the Banner will progress along as soon as it possible considering the circumstances.
Ambassadors
Sharon Brown
Sharon gave a great “thank you” for allowing her to work in the Ambassador program. She told us they will be moving soon and they are looking for someone new to take over this position. She and her husband have enjoyed it but it is time to have someone new to carry on. She will continue through December and January graduation only. She mentioned the Alumni Association has changed and does not use the Ambassadors as much as in previous years. Russ will review the Alumni contract and visit with Chris about this situation. It was suggested that Chris get a copy of our Newsletter on a regular basis so he can see the involvement we have on campus. Clem suggested we invite him to the Christmas Dinner. Sharon Brown suggested we tell our members about the Ambassador program. Also Russ talked about checking with the Student Union director Mitch Kilcrease to see if we might get involved there in some way. Ron mentioned we will need a tour to be of any help at the Union. Russ will ask Mitch to host a meeting and a tour.
Interest Groups and Travel
Dennis Bertholf, Jack Stout, Zane Quible
November 16 Arm Chair Travel – Stan and Barbara Grogg: “Circumnavigating the Eastern Half of the U.S., The Great Loop”. The Branson trip did not make. Twenty Stillwater people have signed up for the Plano trip and others from different areas as well.
Upcoming Election
Russ Wright
Russ is having trouble getting any volunteers. Althea has agreed to stay on again. We need 2 new council members since Jim Criswell and Vickie Sturgeon will be going off the end of this year. We need a president and a president elect as well…..Names were suggested and ways to reach out to possible volunteers were discussed. This election and the need for people to step up will be announced at the November 7 Dinner Meeting. While at the dinner meeting we need to find some candidates and send their names to Russ.
University/ Faculty Standing Committee Reports
Faculty Council Report
Anne Matoy
Faculty Council met Tuesday, October 11, 2016. Senior Vice President Gary Clark reported for the President with an update on buildings. Provost Sandefur reported that the tuition waiver for dependents would be implemented for the fall of 2017. Results of a faculty survey indicated that improvements could be made in the areas of personal and family policies. Senior Vice President Weaver reported a continuing decline in revenue from the state and Vice President Bird indicated a recent safety on campus review had a positive report.
The Academic Standards and Policies Committee submitted a recommendation for grade submissions changes for the eight week short courses and then tabled the motion in order to better understand implications in the Banner System. Faculty Committee provided some clarifications to be added to the previously approved action regarding titles.
Anne Matoy, SPHR
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Bob Wettemann mentioned the criteria for a child to get the Tuition Waiver (the employee parent would need to be an OSU employee for two years).
Adjournment
Kent made a motion the meeting be adjourned and Althea seconded and meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Tana Rutan