HR Update; September 17, 2010

In this Edition

Web Town Hall about UC Benefits

UC leaders will host an online town hall meeting Sept. 24 to talk with faculty, staff and retirees about post-employment benefits, health care costs, UC’s budget and other university issues.

The live, interactive webcast will be held Friday, September 24 from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Faculty, staff and retirees from across the UC organization will be able to view the webcast by going to: http://www.ustream.tv/ucevents.

To submit questions and comments, participants must create a UStream account. This is a simple process that takes about a minute. Sign up for an account here: http://www.ustream.tv/login-signup.

Faculty, staff and retirees who are unable to participate will be able to view an archived copy of the webcast at http://www.ustream.tv/ucevents. A transcript of the proceedings will also be made available.

The Web Town Hall – a first in UC history – is intended to give faculty, staff and retirees an opportunity to ask questions about UC benefits and to share any concerns they have. The event will be moderated by Penelope Herbert, staff advisor-designate to the Regents. Panelists will include Nathan Brostrom, executive vice president for business operations; Peter Taylor, chief financial officer, Dwaine Duckett, vice president for human resources; and Provost Lawrence Pitts, executive vice president for academic affairs of the UC system.

Due to the importance of this topic, managers and supervisors are strongly encouraged to allow employees whose schedule allows it to view this webcast live or, as operationally feasible, to view the archived version during work time. Employees may view the webcast at their desks (for employees who have computer access) or, as operationally feasible, managers may choose to set-up conference rooms for employees without direct computer access.

A FAQ regarding Post Employment Benefits recommendations is available at this link: Post Employment Benefits FAQ.

UC Task Force Recommends Changes to Retirement Benefits

After more than a year of study, consultation and discussion, the Post-Employment Benefits Task Force presented its recommendations for pension and retiree health benefit changes to UC President Mark Yudof.

On September 16, 2010 the UC Board of Regents voted unanimously to accept one of the recommendations, increasing employer and employee contributions to the UC Retirement Plan (UCRP). Beginning in July 2011, active UCRP members will be contributing 3.5% of salary into the plan; UC will contribute 7%. The amount will increase again in July 2012, with employees paying 5% and UC paying 10%.

The new contribution levels are subject to collective bargaining for represented employees.

Along with this approved change, the task force recommended that UC:

Add a new UCRP pension tier for employees who join UC after July 2013.
Several options are proposed, but all raise the minimum retirement age from 50 to 55 and require faculty and staff to work longer to receive the maximum pension benefit.
Change eligibility rules for retiree health benefits.
Reduce, over time, UC contributions to retiree health insurance premiums to 70 percent of the cost.

None of the proposed changes will alter the vested pension benefits that faculty and staff have already accrued. Those benefits are guaranteed under state law. In addition, most other proposed changes would be subject to collective bargaining for union-represented employees.

To read the entire UCSF Today story, visit: UC Task Force Recommends Changes to Post-Employment Benefits.

To read about the Regent’s September 16, 2010 vote, visit: The Future of UC Retirement Benefits.

The Extension of Dependent Coverage to Age 26

Q: When can I re-enroll my dependent child who previously ‘aged out’ of UC-sponsored medical coverage?

Q: Why is my dependent who is turning age 23, still being canceled from my UC medical plan?

A: The dependent coverage extension to age 26, which is part of Health Care Reform, takes effect on September 23, 2010.

However, the law stipulates that the extension is effective for ‘NEW’ plan years beginning on or after this date.

Because the UC-sponsored ‘new plan year’ is effective January 1, 2011, the implementation of the provision will coincide with this later date.

Employees will have an opportunity during Open Enrollment to add eligible dependents up to age 26 with a coverage effective date of January 1, 2011.

This implementation date is fully in compliance with the new law.

UC employees whose children will “age out” between now and the effective date of the law will continue to have COBRA coverage available. Parents or the individual losing coverage can request COBRA by submitting a UBEN 109 form to the Benefits office.

For additional information on COBRA go to: At Your Service: COBRA
For additional information on Health Care Reform go to: At Your Service: UC Healthcare Changes

Coming Soon! New Guidelines and Form for Online Learning Courses

Learning and Development is creating new e-learning standards for on-line courses to improve user experience and promote quality instruction.

Why are we implementing these new tools?

Functionality—Sometimes learners cannot access courses or did not receive credit for a course they completed. Our objective is to ensure that courses are “built” correctly to increase efficiency for our learners.
Quality —Promote effective learning by adhering to training quality guidelines which include:

Identifying objectives
Using sound instructional design, mindful of learner engagement
Employing effective media design throughout course navigation and visual presentation
Allowing for re-usability, maintenance, and accessibility

Our ultimate goal is to engage our learners and maintain their interest by having the appropriate amount of content and corresponding time frame. We encourage you to use these upcoming guidelines and to consult with the Learning and Development Group to assure that your target audience achieves your intended learning outcomes.

Career Planning Workshops for HR Professionals

Learn and share your expertise with colleagues. For the greatest benefit, attend all four workshops:

Module 1: Managing Change / Self Assessment - Sept 24 & Oct 13
Module 2: Development Plan / Resume Writing - Sept 28 & Oct 20
Module 3: Networking / Interviewing – Oct 5 & Oct 27
Module 4: Resume Critique / Interview Practice (Prerequisite: Modules 1, 2 & 3) – Oct 12 & Nov 3

To enroll, go to the UC Learning Center at http://learningcenter.ucsf.edu and search for Career Planning.

Questions? Contact Katy Liddell at 476-0420 or .

Free UC Retirement Readiness Education Programs for Faculty & Staff

Are you ready for retirement? Start to plan now - it’s never too early. Check the Retirement Readiness Workshop Schedules for new listings today!

Did You Know? You may attend a workshop at any UC campus. Just check the schedule for your preferred location and sign up online.

UC Retirement Plan (UCRP): UC’s Defined Benefit Plan

Schedule “The Features of UCRP” workshop for your department - click here
Read about The Future of UCRP

The UC Retirement Savings Programs: 403(b), 457(b) & Defined Contribution (DCP Plans)

Attend a Workshop at a location near you and make your reservation online - click here for the schedule
Arrange to have these workshops at a meeting in your department – click here
Focus on Your Future - Resources

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