Ohio University creates provisions for UOMC staff

By Jennifer Kirksey Smith

Ohio University President Robert Glidden has approved the creation of an extended employment group and a soft hiring freeze following the decision by the board of directors of The Ohio University Osteopathic Medicine Center, Inc. (MCI) to privatize the University Osteopathic Medical Clinic (UOMC).

Below is key information about both initiatives. Exceptions to these conditions will be handled by the University on a case-by-case basis. Adjustments to the plans may be made to assist in making it more effective.

If there are any questions regarding employee benefits as it relates to the UOMC privatization, please call (740) 593-1636.

Extended Employment Group (EEG)

Who is eligible for EEG?

The conditions apply only to current classified and administrative UOMC staff. They will maintain their present (Dec. 31, 2002) terms and conditions of employment until June 30, 2004, (or until they separate employment from UOMC). This includes salary/wage, benefits, title and classification.

What is the timeline for the EEG?

The 12-month extended employment group will begin July 1, 2003 and end June 30, 2004.

Will I continue to have educational benefits?

The current level of University Educational Benefits (policy 40.015 and 40.016), including the University's agreement with Hocking College, will be extended to UOMC University employees who accept positions with the new corporation or its affiliates, e.g., Limited Liability Corporations. These benefits will remain in effect as long as the person remains employed full-time with the "new corporation."

• The employee must be actively employed by the new corporation to be eligible for the benefit and to qualify his or her family members for eligibility; subsequent employment change disqualifies eligibility.
• Family members must be eligible as of Sept. 30, 2003, to qualify for educational benefits in the future.
• Any child born prior to Sept. 30, 2003, and any new spouse added prior to the same date, will be eligible for educational benefits.
• Any future modifications to the educational benefits policies would apply to these employees as well.
• Clinic employees will not be eligible for educational benefits as retirees since the definition of a retiree at Ohio University will be different than at the clinic.

What will be the process of notice at the end of the Extended Employment Group?

Classified employees in EEG will be given layoff notices and will exercise displacement rights according to ORC and University policy 15 days prior to June 30, 2004. Administrative employees will be given notice of separation prior to April 1, 2004.

As an employee what can I expect of the University?

The University will provide the following to affected employees:

• Time and opportunity for career search.
• Outplacement skills training, such as interviewing skills, job search techniques, resume preparation and online job searches.
• An explanation of employee rights, opportunities and responsibilities at the outset, during and at the elimination of the Extended Employment Group.

What does the University expect of me as an employee during this time?

As an employee, it would be helpful for you to provide assessment of workplace skills and potential career placement goals and to actively seek other employment, first within the University.

Soft Hiring Freeze

The soft hiring freeze, which applies to the Athens campus only, will be incorporated in three phases over the 18-month life of the Extended Employment Group. Skills building opportunities will be offered to EEG employees throughout the 18-month period and all temp agencies will not be permitted to fill University vacancies without the expressed permission of University Human Resources. The phases are as follows:

Phase I: January 1, 2003 through June 30, 2003

• Skills inventory developed for employees in the EEG.
• Inventory provided to each Planning Unit Head to hiring departments as job postings/advertisements are received in University Human Resources.
• University community is thoroughly informed of the UOMC situation and the availability and capability of the UOMC staff.
• Preference will be given to the EEG employee.
• All current temp agency work with the University will be closely monitored and individual placements will be reviewed prior to a temporary employee placement.

Phase II: July 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003

• The University, in cooperation with the Administrative and Classified senates, will establish an Employment Committee, which will oversee the treatment given to the UOMC staff throughout the employment process.
• Each UOMC administrative staff member will be guaranteed placement on the short-list of any University opening for which he or she is interested and qualified.
• Each UOMC classified staff member, who is interested in and qualified for a classified position, will be guaranteed an interview for the position.
• Rationale for not hiring an internal-to-Ohio University-employee must be presented to the Employment Committee prior to extending an offer to the candidate. If a concern is acknowledged by the committee, it will be referred to the Planning Unit Head for appropriate resolution.

Phase III: Jan. 1, 2004 through June 30, 2004

• The University, in cooperation with the Administrative and Classified senates, will establish a Position Review Process that applies to all classified and administrative vacancies during this time period. This process will be managed by the Employment Committee.
• University Human Resources will initiate a new first step to the classified hiring process -- the first level of posting will occur to the EEG employees only (including administrative EEG employees). All qualified EEG employees will be referred to the hiring department. The rule-of-three will be in effect for this internal opportunity.
• If a placement does not occur at this initial step, then the second, third and fourth steps to occur in the hiring process would be the University's customary and current first, second and third steps of the hiring process.
• Temporary placement at the University will not be permitted during this time period without the consent and approval of the Employment Committee.

Jennifer Kirksey Smith is a writer with University Communications and Marketing.