Cabinet Highlights: Jan. 27, 2014

Planning and Institutional Research is strengthening its data collection regarding veteran enrollment, retention and graduation. The latest President’s Cabinet Report, presented by Laura Jones, associate vice president for PAIR, contains information on veterans, though Jones cautioned that cohort headcounts remain small, which could dramatically affect percentage changes.

President John Haeger said there is no new information on the Arizona Board of Regents’ search for the NAU presidency. He expects updates at the next ABOR meeting, Feb. 6 and 7 in Tempe. The terms of two current regents, Anne Mariucci and Dennis DeConcini, have ended, but they will remain on the board until Gov. Jan Brewer appoints two members and the Arizona Senate confirms them. Haeger said the regents also will discuss the governor’s proposed FY15 budget.

Diane Verkest, associate vice president for Human Resources, said communications will soon begin regarding a new wellness plan for NAU employees with Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage. Volunteers will be recruited to participate in the BCBSAZ My BluePrint Health Risk Assessment by entering their blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and other information in a database. By participating in the program, employees can earn a $10 per pay period discount on their health insurance cost.

Verkest also announced that HR is converting more administrative forms to electronic formats. The forms, including ROAs, should be available by the fall.

The NAU Faculty Senate is awaiting word on the makeup of the search committee for the NAU presidency, said professor Astrid Klocke, senate president. Klocke wants to ensure faculty participation in the selection process. She also said the senate is discussing a proposal to create an Extended Campuses Faculty Senate.