Cabinet highlights: Sept. 22, 2014

President Rita Cheng opened her first NAU cabinet meeting with introductions and encouraging members to share information presented during these meetings across campus.

Sarah Bickel, vice president and chief of staff, explained that faculty and staff who wish to invite Dr. Cheng to events should use a new form on the president’s website. The form asks for details of the event and helps staff prepare and prioritize. Bickel also asked that the president’s office be notified when dignitaries, regents and elected officials accept invitations to come to campus.

Individuals who are enrolled with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Northern Arizona will see rate increases beginning in the new year, said Diane Verkest, associate vice president of Human Resources. It will be the first rate increase in two years, and the university remains below its peers for employee costs. Verkest said employees could offset some health costs by participating in the HealthyU wellness incentive program. Open enrollment is scheduled for Oct. 27.

Pat Haeuser, vice president for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, said the universities will make their budget requests at the Sept. 25-26 meeting of the Arizona Board of Regents. She added that the universities’ performance funding formula is still being worked upon. Laura Jones, associate vice president, presented the President’s Cabinet Report, which discussed Advancement data and grants and contracts, among other items.

Chief Information Officer Fred Estrella expressed concerns about Study Room, a note and study guide sharing service. Estrella reminded cabinet members that faculty, staff and students should not share their NAU account information. He also said ITS is updating its security training programs.

Construction for the International Pavilion south of Campus Heights and a small parking lot on north campus will begin in mid-October, said Jennus Burton, vice president of Finance and Administration.

Lisa Campos, vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics, said ticket sales are brisk for Saturday’s Lumberjack football game against Cal Poly. She encouraged faculty and staff to get their tickets soon because last year’s Family Weekend game was a sellout.