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July 2007 A Monthly Update for Faculty and Staff @ Union Institute & University
@ the President’s Desk Presidential Leadership : What do you do? Recently, someone sitting next to me on a plane asked me what I did for a living. To my great surprise, when I responded that I serve as a president of a private university, her response was, “What exactly do you do?” Had that come from one of my colleagues at UI&U, I might have been a bit offended, but I realized that this person was quite serious. She did not have a clue as to what duties a university president might have. And, given the current issues facing higher education, I realized that we probably could do a better job of explaining our positions in higher education to the broader community. The American Council on Education (ACE) recently published a report titled The American College President, which provides a comprehensive summary of the College Presidency in 2006. For example, from the information provided by the presidents who responded to the survey, a few trends were noted:
In the four years that I have had the privilege of serving as the president of Union Institute & University, much of my time has been spent on academic issues relating to external agencies governing licensure and accreditation. As the ACE report notes, working with external agencies can indeed be a challenge, but I have enjoyed working on the revitalization of the doctoral programs with experts and academics, both within and beyond the university. All of us have a feeling of satisfaction derived from the acceptance of our newly designed doctoral programs. We give credit to those who saw the need to change our approaches, and we are grateful to those who reminded us of the strengths of our past. I am encouraged by the fact that the new programs contain new features blended with our original philosophy of interdisciplinary, learner-focused, creative, and solid scholarship. New common learning outcomes across our undergraduate programs, new online initiatives at both the undergraduate and masters levels, new library support services, and a revitalized emphasis on scholarship demonstrate the seriousness with which Union is approaching its accountability at a time when higher education is undergoing investigations and questioning from the general public and government entities. As a matter of fact, we may be ahead of the curve on many of the accountability issues, precisely because of the hard work that we have accomplished over the last five years. Prior to my work at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, I served as a faculty member and administrator in institutions of higher education. I have always enjoyed interacting with faculty and learners, and my experiences at Union have continued to provide the opportunity to build relationships internally with all facets of the UI&U community. We have recently proposed a reorganization of the Learner Council to shift it to a Learner Advisory Council, which will report to the Office of the President. We are making great progress with the organization of a National Alumni Association — the first unified board that we have had at Union! The regional alumni gatherings that we have been hosting, with the support of various local Union graduates, have been very successful and provide a rich promise for the future of UI&U in cultivating the support of our current learners, future graduates, and alumni members. I have been amazed at the remarkable stories of our graduates and the differences that they have made and are making in the lives of people around the U.S. and beyond. This university is a unique institution that has produced many unique individuals who have a passion to make a difference, and truly believe, as I do, that leadership is service. From Canada to Florida, from Boston to Denver and in between, we have been welcomed by Union graduates with warm embraces and enthusiasm to reconnect and remain connected to their university. Words do not do justice to the feelings of pride that Union garners from those who have been a part of the university for many, many years. I have also enjoyed working with a remarkable group of individuals who make up Union's Board of Trustees. They are committed to making the changes necessary to assure the future success of their university. They are risk-takers and enthusiastic in their service to Union, generous in their contributions to their university, and very thoughtful in their deliberations and commitment to effective governance. We are well-served by a very intelligent, dedicated group of folks who believe in our vision and mission and have enormous pride in what we are accomplishing. Again, this is something that I experience as the president, and – again – words do not adequately serve to communicate the commitment of our Board to the university. Overall, my days are filled with a variety of experiences, issues, challenges, goals, and occasionally even celebrations of our accomplishments. It is not often that I go home at night with an issue completely resolved, and I suspect that is the case with most presidents in higher education today. As we grow our academic programs, build our endowment, and secure the financial stability of the university, we will be able to construct healthy internal relationships based on personal and professional respect for one another. That is my ultimate goal as president — to make Union the university of choice to earn a degree; the university of choice at which to work; and the university most deserving of donations and contributions. We can accomplish that goal, and it will take the efforts of all of us to make it happen! I am not sure that I have answered the question of “What exactly do you do each day?” What remains clear is that this job is about ensuring quality, accountability, and of looking toward the future. Mostly, however, it is about people and relationships. One could not ask for more in any professional position, and I continue to look forward to arriving at my office each morning – appreciative of the privilege to serve. It might be an interesting exercise for each of you to answer the question – What do you do? I think you’ll find that our work is about service to our learners and to each other, embedded in the philosophy, vision, and mission of this university, founded to make a difference. It is noble work, and we each play our part. I thank each of you for your continuing encouragement and support. It means a great deal to me and to our university. Warm regards, Roger H. Sublett
What’s your favorite “Tom-ism?” As we reported earlier, the Union community lost a close and valued friend and supporter this month. Tom Ost, who served as registrar, assistant to the president, secretary to the Board, and unofficial resident historian, passed away at the age of 70 after a short illness. If you have a favorite “Tom-ism,” please pass it along to ckrause@tui.edu for compilation. We’ll share on the Web site and with his family. Alumna Excels on National Counselor Exam Nick Young, Ph.D, shared an update from alumna Tracy Gillette, who graduated from the Department of Graduate Psychology & Counseling with a Master of Arts with a concentration in cognitive psychology. “I just wanted to let you know that one of your program graduates (me) passed the National Counselor Exam for licensure on the first attempt,” Tracy writes. “My scores on 11 out of 13 test areas were above the mean scores; they were especially high on Helping Relationships, and Fundamentals of Counseling. Again, I want to say thank you for a great counseling program at UI&U.” Thanks, Nick— you and each staff and faculty member who goes above and beyond to support and encourage our learners really make a difference! NOTE: Do you know of a coworker or colleague at UI&U who really “makes a difference” in the lives of others, either at work or out in the community? Someone who does the little things with great skill everyday, someone who devotes time to a cause or to others without fanfare, someone who practices what President Sublett calls “leading from the heart?” Please send your words of kudos to @UI&U so we can shine a light on these not-so-random acts of kindness by our colleagues who make a difference @ the Heart of It.
@ the Water Cooler Update on Medical Plan Utilization While it is hard to believe, 2007 is already half over. And because our medical plan is based on the calendar year, it is also at its mid-way point. Our medical plan carriers, Anthem and MVP, will be reviewing our utilization of the plan in order to prepare a quote for our renewal. Your premium, and the premium paid by the university on your behalf will be based on this upcoming quote. While we have not yet received information from MVP, we do have initial data from Anthem, the plan that covers most UI&U employees.
As you can see from the chart Anthem has provided (above), our use of healthcare dollars is higher than the premiums we pay. That means that Anthem is paying out more claims dollars than they are collecting in our premiums. Essentially, Anthem is losing money on our account. They will use this deficit to determine the needed increase in our premiums for 2008. It is a double-edged sword that we are wielding here. On one side, we want the coverage to be there for use as needed by ourselves and our families. On the other side, the more we use it, the higher our premiums climb. So what can we do about this dichotomy? Here are a few simple ways we can be both better informed and keep our premiums at a reasonable level. First, we can become better consumers of healthcare. Just as you would shop around for the best price on a piece of furniture or a vehicle, we need to do so with our healthcare expenditures. For example, did you know that an MRI or a CT scan performed at a free-standing MRI center tends to be significantly less expensive (by thousands of dollars) than one conducted in a hospital setting? Second, it helps us all to work collaboratively with our physicians to determine if a less expensive route may result in the same outcome and also help reduce costs for the consumer and the provider. For example, I once needed a blood thinner, and my physician prescribed a series of injections. I discovered that the injections cost nearly $1000 for the series while the same end result could be achieved through an oral medication – saving about $850 for the same outcome. Third, using the doctor’s office for non-emergency issues and not the hospital emergency department also saves significant dollars. A doctor’s office visit usually costs the plan carrier $50 to $100. The same treatment in an ER can be in the thousands. Becoming wise stewards of our healthcare plan can help us keep premiums down while still enjoying the same excellent coverage and receiving quality care. I will be sure to keep you all informed of the progress we make concerning our medical plan coverage as we progress through the rest of the year.
@ First Glance Susan C.M. Baker, Ed.D., Core Faculty and Licensure Coordinator, M.Ed. Program, 6/18/2007 Chris Lovell, Ph.D., Faculty, Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies, 5/07/2007 Bradley Potts, B.S., Web Developer, Computer Services, 6/25/2007 Charles Storrow, Vermont Facilities Operations, 6/04/2007 Jordan Vitagliano, Vermont Facilities Operations, 6/11/2007
@ Close Up This Month: ... Computer Services
As the saying goes, “Who ya gonna call?” When your computer won’t start, when you experience difficulties with Microsoft Outlook, or when your phone just won’t cooperate, you call the Helpdesk or one of the members of the Computer Services Department, and more likely than not, you’ll be all set in just minutes. The UI&U Computer Services Department provides Helpdesk support, training, application development services, network infrastructure support, and services for faculty and staff at all six UI&U centers. It is the staff’s primary goal to provide a high-quality and well-maintained technology infrastructure that supports and enhances learning. And, in keeping with one of our long-range strategic goals, it is also the department’s goal to develop a more unified community by striving to meet the technological needs of our faculty, staff, learners, and alums. We do this by solving daily computer problems, keeping our computer equipment running efficiently and virus-free, managing and monitoring security to all university computer systems, enhancing the Student Information System, disseminating emails, and producing a wide variety of reports. Meet your Computer Services colleagues:
Bill Lipps has worked at Union for three years and has been the interim director of computer services for more than one year. He enjoys the added responsibilities that the directorship brings. Bill received a technical degree in computer data processing in 1980 from Cincinnati Technical College. He has put it to good use for 25 years, making his way through the ranks from co-op to programmer, from systems analyst to network administrator, honing his skills with each promotion. He holds Microsoft Certified Professional certificates in both Exchange 2000 and Windows 2000 Server. Bill enjoys working with computers, having built many of his own and repairing more than he can remember. Some of his pastimes are golf, fishing, hiking, and camping. Bill has been married to his wife Debbie for 25 years. They have two sons. His oldest, Tom, is married and manages a local pizzeria. His youngest works for the Air Force in Dayton and is engaged to be married in the middle of September.
Mark joined UI&U’s Computer Services Department in May 2006 as a programmer/analyst. He is responsible for maintaining, fixing, enhancing, and adding new functions to the Student Information System. Mark and his wife Deb, an adjunct faculty member at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, moved back to the Cincinnati area full time in July of 2005 after spending eight years in Mississippi, Georgia, and South Carolina. They reside in Deb’s childhood home in Grant’s Lick, Kentucky, with two cats, two dogs, and – depending on the time of the year—some combination of their two 17-year old sons (Ross and Derrick) and their 20-year old daughter Whitney. Besides their work and “attempting” to keep Ross and Derrick fed, Mark and Deb enjoy reading , attempting to beat the boys at Wii video games, quiet time at home (not too much of that!!), and dreaming of their retirement on Tybee Island, Georgia. They also work one-on-one with the homeless in downtown Cincinnati and some day, hope to open a group/transitional home.
Lorand D’Caltan has been working at Union for more than three years at the Montpelier center. Lorand has been the sole member of the Montpelier Computer Services team and is charged with direct support of the two Vermont-based UI&U centers. Lorand recently graduated from UI&U’s Virtual Vermont program with a B.A. in sociology and communications. Prior to his move to Vermont, Lorand lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he worked for a technical training company known as TechSkills. Lorand holds many computer certifications, including the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator certificate, and a bevy of Comp Tia Plus series software and hardware certificates. Lorand has been building and repairing computers since he was 12 years old and brings a wealth of knowledge to his work life. Some of his pastimes include video games, reading, sightseeing, and modifications to home electronics to give them that extra little lighting touch. Lorand was recently married to his fiancé of three years, Kathy, and is enjoying married life.
Gary began working at UI&U in March 2006. His previous experience working for an Internet service provider has been valuable in resolving issues related to the delivery of email and Web content. Last autumn, Gary’s involvement was integral to the implementation of the current anti-spam server, which blocks as many as 27,000 unwanted emails in a day. While he’s a technical jack-of-all-trades, as network analyst, Gary’s focus is monitoring the usage of Internet resources and providing input to the director of the Computer Services Department on network-related needs. Gary also works with other members of the department in responding to questions and requests sent to the Helpdesk. When he’s not dazzling the technically uninitiated with advanced levels of technobabble, Gary enjoys physical activities such as playing “Ultimate Frisbee” with friends, walking at Lunken Airport, or going to the gym. He’s also a football fan, aerospace enthusiast, and general science geek. Currently, Gary and his wife Gretchen are preparing for their most exciting challenge, parenthood.
Karen Phillips joined the UI&U community in 1996 as the business system analyst for the Systems Service Department. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the Student Information System, including database, screen design, and ad-hoc reporting in the development lifecycle. She also works closely with different departments/offices to coordinate enhancements to our existing software and Campus Web, utilizing our skilled programmers. She also provides backup support for Helpdesk calls when needed. She spends most of her spare time at the soccer field with her 12-year old daughter, Rachel, but enjoys traveling to warm, tropical places with her family whenever possible.
Brad Potts just joined us last month as the new Web developer at Union. Prior to his current position, Brad worked as a programmer for GE Aviation’s aircraft engine test facility. He holds degrees from both University of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky University. Brad enjoys just about anything related to computers and technology. He has lived in Cincinnati for the past 15 years and has a five-year old son whose current passion is Spiderman.
Micheal provides computer and network support to learners, faculty, and staff via phone, email, personal visits, and desktop PC remote control. He also troubleshoots hardware and software issues and questions across the university; manages hardware assets and software licensing, including upgrades, creates and maintains user network accounts; and provides software training to staff and faculty across all campuses.
@ Attention Sister Chicas by Ann Cardinal Wins Marisopa Award Many of you may not know that UI&U National Marketing Director Ann Hagman Cardinal is also a published author, essayist, and contributor to many ezines and blogs. Her novel Sister Chicas (NAL 2006) recently won second place in the Mariposa Awards for Best First Book in English. The award was announced on May 31, 2007, at the BookExpo America in New York City as part of the 9th Annual International Latino Book Awards. Sister Chicas is not your typical novel, and we would expect no less from someone like Ann, who could hardly be called typical. She co-authored Sister Chicas with Jane Alberdeston Coralin, a former undergraduate learner, and Lisa Alvarado, an undergraduate alumna, whom she got to know during their undergraduate experiences in the ADP program. A coming-of-age novel told through the interwoven stories of three Latina women, Sister Chicas explores the complexities of teenage life and the intricacies – and importance – of understanding one’s rich cultural heritage at a young age. The novel’s characters partly mirror each author’s individual adolescent experience; Ann’s character, Leni, is of mixed heritage and, upon losing her father at a young age, struggles with her cultural identity. Ann notes, “As a Puerto Rican-Swede, I always felt like I was torn between two worlds, never entirely at home in either…it seems many readers identify with [that].” She continues, “My Puerto Rican family has had a strong oral tradition—I want to continue the tradition of the cuentitista or the storyteller in my family.” Ann honors the tradition of storytelling throughout not only her creative writing but her work as UI&U’s national marketing director. “If you think about it,” she explains, “good marketing is about finding a hook, a raison d’etre that is conveyed in the piece, be it an ad, brochure, or novel. Our most successful ads here at UI&U focus on different learners and their stories. Everyone loves a story.” Ann’s stories have also earned her a number of awards, including the 2004 University Continuing Education Association Gold Award in Print Advertising for her institutional work at Union, and a very recent grant from the John Anson Kittredge Foundation, which will allow her to focus on her fiction writing. In the aftermath of Sister Chicas’ success, and as a new graduate of the UI&U MFAW program, Ann is working on several fresh projects, including a horror novel titled El Cuco. She also authors a regular blog, Café Con Lupe, which is featured in Vermont Woman. Read more about Sister Chicas in USA Today.
@ Union this Month 07/13/07 – 07/21/07 07/14/07 – 07/25/07 07/18/07 07/24/07 07/27/07 – 08/05/07 07/28/07 – 08/01/07
@ Our Best Congratulations to Robin Reed-White and her recent promotion to financial aid counselor within the UI&U Office of Federal Compliance and Financial Aid!
Gary Mueller was a shoo-in for “Best Hat” at the Cincinnati center’s 4th of July BBQ celebration. Thanks, Gary, for your enthusiasm and creativity! Other prize winners for the hat decorating contest included James Foster, university webmaster, for “Most Patriotic” hat.
@ Your Service Deadline for submissions for the August issue: |
07/13/07 – 07/21/07 07/14/07 – 07/25/07 07/18/07 07/24/07 07/27/07 – 08/05/07 07/28/07 – 08/01/07
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Straight talk and timely information from President Roger Sublett
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