Meeting Highlights

2009 - 2010 Meeting Dates

September 2009:

Tony Richards from the Systems Office reviewed the past changes in the Retiree Medical Program and discussed possible future changes. Current retirees will stay on the Advantage Account for 2010 and there will still be a $300 deductible per person. There will be a premium increase and possibly a co-payment as well. The Dental Plan will remain the same. More information will be available in the system mailing in late October or early November.

In the spring the council decided to create an annual report for the President and Provost. Possible items to include in this report are the Hikel Award, information available to retirees, impact of homecoming on retirees supporting the university, and the Student Services “Hello Maine Greeters”.

Suggested speakers for future meetings are Len Kaye from the Center for Aging at Dirigo Pines, and Eric Rolfson, Vice President for Development.

The Homecoming survey comments seemed to focus on the lunch. Dennis McConnell suggested we structure the survey questions differently to learn more about our retirees. He also suggested we have wheel chairs available at Wells for Homecoming.

May 2009:

Chair Brown distributed Maine Hello shirts for council members to wear at the Retiree Homecoming. We will ask EJ Roach if we could have 5 more shirts for door prizes.

Chair Brown shared a photo of the plaques for identifying the names of the individuals who are awarded the Outstanding Classified and Professional Achievements Awards. He has also requested that the plaque for faculty awards be moved to Wells Commons where the public can see them.

Retiree Homecoming:

Committee members are requested to arrive at 9:00 to get assignments and assist with greeting folks. Wayne Edgecomb recommended that we use the walkie-talkies to improve communications.

The Provost will present the Hikel recipient with the Hikel award clock. President Kennedy, who is unable to attend, will put his remarks on video. The video will be presented prior to Provost Susan Hunter updating retirees on University activities.

Catherine Pease recommended that we create an annual report that goes to the President. This report could highlight the activities of the committee.

April 2009:

Tony Richards from the Systems Office updated and addressed questions about UMS Health Care. He reviewed Smart Value Plan and how it was going and the NDC (National Drug Block). Tony reviewed the history of the creation of task force to review the health care system for current and retired employees. As a result of the review the UMS selected Medicare Advantage Plan for retirees. The provider sends one bill and receives both Medicare and Anthem payments.

Chair Brown invited Tony Richards to return September 4, 2009 to update the information on the plan. He also will be present at the Retiree Homecoming.

Cathy suggested that in the fall we review website to update.

Brownie reminded members that our assistance would be appreciated for “Hello Maine” for welcoming students back in the fall.

January 2009:

Sharon Oliver from Admissions presented information on the admission process and functions of the office:

Admission Key Functions (see handout): Marketing—outreach and recruitment. Tries to get targeted information in the hands of people who might be interested in UM. Tries to be personal and build relationships with students and how can UM meet their needs.
Operations Management: Office operations and processing of application materials
Outstanding Customer Service: This includes advising students, denial letters and a route back to UM.
Provides advisement to individual colleges on how to attract interested students

UM Marketing/Recruitment Messages: “At UMaine, you’re in a great place.”

- Stress the academic offerings. Academic offerings is the primary criteria identified in the research. Because of the uniqueness of departments, interested students are connected to the individual colleges.
- Opportunities and national travel is stressed.
- UMaine is an ideal size—best of both worlds – research university level with smaller classes.
- UMaine is made of small colleges and programs.
- First Year Residential Experience
- Natural Resources
- Always something to do on campus. This is especially important for attracting Southern Maine students

December 2008:

Comments from Derek Hardy and Matt Ciampa about the Traditions Trail:
The class of 2010 was adopted by the class of 1944. The 2010 class has selected as a class gift the creation of the Traditions Trail. The trail begins at the Buchanan House to the Memorial Union. It will be a brick walkway (230 square bricks-each 8 X 10) with a plaque placed on each brick. Each brick can be dedicated to the classes or individuals. The cost of each block will be $2000.00. The beginning of the trail will have an arch. There will be four breakout areas with benches and lights to highlight specific traditions. Current traditions being considered are Maine Hello, The Beanie, Maine Day, Ivy Day, Mascots, Stein Song, Sophomore Owls and Eagles, All Maine Women, and Senior Skulls. Each Breakout Area will be sold for $20,000 and will include two traditions. A foundation fund will be established to maintain the trail.