University Senate to review
changes in insurance
costs
By Laura Pelner
Campus
Editor
Purdue faculty and staff will receive an update
on the University's health insurance costs at the first University Senate
meeting of the semester, this afternoon.
The meeting will be at 2:30 p.m. today in Stewart
Center, Room 302.
James Almond, assistant treasurer and vice president
of business services, will tell the senate about Purdue's new medical
plans and costs, which will be presented to the board of trustees Sept.
21.
"Each year we review the medical plan," Almond
said. "This is an update."
This year's changes are primarily in premium costs,
though there are also some changes in coverage plans, said Almond.
He said University officials worked with a health
plan advisory group on the changes. The group has representation from
staff members who are administrative and professional and faculty who
are clerical and service-oriented.
"The health plan advisory group has reviewed the
changes," Almond said. "They understand the need to make them."
Terry Stewart, professor of animal sciences and
chair of the University Senate Policy Committee, said he thought the
health insurance portion of the agenda would get the most attention
and create the most discussion during the meeting.
Also on the Senate's agenda are two items regarding
student nominees to various committees — the Educational Policy
Committee, Student Affairs Committee, Resources Policy Committee, University
Grade Appeals Committee and the University Censure and Dismissal Procedures
Committee.
Doug Sprenkle, professor of child development and
family studies and chair of the Senate's nominating committee, said
student involvement is important.
"The whole idea behind this is, the University
Senate strongly believes in student involvement and participation,"
he said. "This is a way to help make this possible."
Student names were given to the Senate by Purdue
Student Government and checked by the Office of the Dean of Students
to make sure everyone was in good standing.
"The whole idea is to take student input seriously
in the governing of this University," Sprenkle said. "I hope that's
the message we're sending."
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