Early Bird

Faculty Senate update

Medical, dental, vision plans stay the same; committee members requested.

By Cory Phare

October 21, 2019

Metropolitan State University of Denver Faculty Senate Vice President Liz Goodnick (Philosophy) filled in for President Katia Campbell (Communication Studies) at Wednesday’s truncated meeting.

Amanda Berry, benefits manager with Human Resources, stopped by to announce there will be no premium increases or design changes to insurance-plan options for the upcoming year; this is across the board for medical, dental and vision plans.

Though current plan selections will be rolled over if no changes are made, flexible spending accounts must elected actively during Open Enrollment running from Nov. 1-22. Those who lost vision coverage in the past year will also need to elect their preferred coverage.

Additionally, the University will introduce Sun Life as a provider to take over as the provider for optional life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment coverage, Berry said.

Representatives from the Auraria Sustainable Campus Program also stopped by to discuss the initiative and solicit participation for the faculty and staff coalition; the group will catalog elements of all sustainability-related activities on campus to help promote and advertise. More information will be forthcoming via email; those interested should also visit the above website.

Other items of business included:

• Vince Piturro (English) announced the screening of the acclaimed Peter Jackson documentary “They Shall Not Grow Old,” a colorized account of World War I soldiers taking place Nov. 11 in the King Center Concert Hall.
• Gretta Mincer from Student Activities stopped by to discuss the work of the American Democracy Project and encourage voter engagement; the Tivoli voting center will also open Oct. 28.
• Mike Monsour (Communication Studies) volunteered as faculty representative for the Digital Measures committee.
• Several committees still have open seats and are looking for representatives; these include Budget (one opening), General Studies (two), Instructional Resources (one), Rules (three, plus a chair) and Student Affairs (three, plus a chair). Those interested should contact the Executive Committee or respective chairs.
• Andrea Maestrejuan (History) provided a brief report from the Curriculum Committee; main highlights were the reclassification of hospitality courses (to reflect the school’s reorganization) and the announcement of the second reading of proposed changes to the curriculum manual (to take place Oct. 30).