Becky Watts, chief of staff and special assistant to the president, said the senate would have the opportunity to meet privately with each of the finalists who will be brought to campus, most likely in April. The search committee also will consider the group's collective feedback before making its recommendation to President Roderick J. McDavis, she said.

Classified Senate lost its representation when the search committee was reduced from 30 members to 14.

Associate Vice President for Human Resources Luis Lewin updated the group on the latest business of the Benefits Advisory Committee. He said the committee has presented three scenarios to the Budget Planning Council for saving $1 million, $3 million or $5 million in health care costs. Each of the scenarios would result in changes to health benefits. He also told the group there were no immediate plans to conduct an early retirement incentive program this year, but noted that state law mandates an ERIP if 50 or more state-retirement eligible employees are laid off within a six-month period. 

Teri Combs, organizational and learning development consultant from University Human Resources, presented her latest draft of the Career Development Plan for classified employees. A pilot cohort would begin classes fall quarter if a funding source for the plan is identified.

The three-year plan involves participants taking academic courses at Ohio University and Hocking College and completing professional development projects. Graduates would receive a certificate of completion from the university and position themselves for advancement opportunities at the university.

Brian McCoy, administrative associate in the College of Education, and Rosemary Butcher, administrative coordinator in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, were honored as Classified Employees of the Month for December and January, respectively.

The next Classified Senate meeting is at 10 a.m. March 19 in Baker University Center 242.

-- George Mauzy