The Retirees' Newsletter

The Retirees's Association ( Faculty, Librarian, Administrator), University of Windsor, Windsor, Canada

Vol X I, No. 2, June 2001

ii) D7 Committee Report: Stan supplemented his President's report by stating that the D7 Committee has completed its report, signed and forwarded it to WUFA and the University of Windsor. This was the first time that this committee met on a regular basis and prepared a report.

(iii) Health benefits: As part of the D7 report, a revised Health Plan structure was presented by the University and Green Shield, which now has a third category for Couples only,( as requested by several retirees). The monthly premium is less than the family premium. There was some discussion on the revised rates from Green Shield, for health benefits. The membership still sought many clarifications and were not pleased with a narrow window of six months to opt in or out. Secondly, there was a lot of concern on the drug plan being limited to $ 2000 maximum per family after paying such high premiums.

It was agreed that we seek many clarifications and definitions from Green Shield about several items in their proposal.

B: Bursary Fund Criteria - Wilf Innerd, Chair, Bursary Fund Committee suggested three criteria a) Eligibility, b) Criteria and c) Application Form. He recommended that the eligibility be restricted to undergraduates only, since graduate students have other sources of funds available to them. With respect to criteria - a delicate issue - he suggested not to look at only grade point average (GPA), but to look at need, special circumstances, course load etc ( presently, a 3-course load qualifies them, but it is recommended that it be increased to 5). It was agreed that the minimum GPA would be 10.00 to qualify for consideration of an award. Finally, the application needs to be revised in consultation with the Awards Office.

On the motion of Wilf Innerd, and seconded by Bill Phillips, it was resolved that the above criteria be approved. Carried.

9. Other Business: John Meyer commented on WUFA Committee work and Pension performance. He said that Vigilance and presence at the various committee meetings of the Faculty Association has been most effective in order to initiate and promote action on issues of pension and benefits. For either the first time or in many years the D7 committee has been active as has WUFA honored the requests of the retirees to monitor the pension and to have some influence on the contract proposals.

His last review of the fourth quarter pension fund reports ending Dec.31 indicates that the fund's performance was on average in a negative position of -1.4%. The performance of the first quarter of 2001 will not be known until late April or May but indications are that it may be worse as the market has been extremely volatile. In any case, Ed Henry (retired from Business School) continues to respond to his inquiries and keeps us advised on pension matters.

He further stated that he has arranged through WUFA for an information meeting with the representatives of the Administration/Board of Governors to be held in early to mid May. IF YOU HAVE ANY REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION OR SUGGESTIONS PLEASE SEND THEM TO JOHN BY E-MAIL OR MAIL IT TO HIM AT: 427 Matthew Brady Blvd., Windsor, N8S 3J5.

Finally, John is seeking retired candidates to serve on retirement and benefit committee which has only one member, namely himself, for the past several years. Datta and Stan have generously assisted on many occasions and do sit on other related committees but that is an extension of their other responsibilities. One emerging area of concern is the health plan. As you now realize there is another approximately 12% increase by Green Shield. We really need to explore all the alternatives and review the documentation that I have about other Ontario universities plans and carriers. Due to our small numbers we are at some disadvantage.

10. Adjournment - The meeting adjourned at 3.30 p.m on the Motion of Al Metcalfe seconded by Wilf Innerd.

Minutes of a Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Retirees' Association held on Thursday, March 8th, 2001 at 2.00 in the Biology Building Room 225.

Present: Stan Cunningham (Chair), Kumar Chatterjee, Gino Fracas, Wilf Innerd, Jerry Malone, Alan Metcalfe, John Meyer, Phyllis Nolan and Datta Pillay ( Secretary)

Absent with Regrets:, Don Briggs,

1. Minutes of the meeting of February 8th, 2001 - On the motion of Wilf Innerd and seconded by Jerry Malone, it was resolved that the minutes of the Executive Committee meeting of February 8th, 2001 be approved.

2. Business arising from the minutes - Criteria for Bursary Fund - Innerd to discuss under item 5.

3. Announcements - a) Father of Don Briggs ( Executive Committee member) Passed away last week in New Brunswick. The Secretary has sent a sympathy card on behalf of the Committee.

b)Ms Idalia Rappe's (former Executive member) husband recently passed away. The Secretary has sent a sympathy card to the family on behalf of the Executive Committee.

c) An email will be sent to all retirees regarding the Annual Dinner on April 6, 2001 at St. Clair College.

d) On the motion of John Meyer, seconded by Al Metcalfe it was agreed that Stan Cunningham and Phyllis Nolan attend the University Faculty & Staff Retirees dinner as WURA representatives on April 10, 2001.

e) It was reported that Helen Moore's request for University email access was denied because of a university policy.

4. Correspondence - a) The University of Alberta Association of Professors Emeriti sent us questionnaire requesting WURA activities. A response was sent to Alberta by the Secretary.There was a general discussion how professors emeriti and other retirees are treated on campus, compared to other institutions. It was observed, that three Civil & Environmental Engineering professor emeriti, who are still

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