The fifth regularly scheduled meeting of the AY 2017-18 Faculty Senate was called to order at 3:11 pm on Monday, October 30, 2017, Hathaway Hall 123. The agenda was approved with no amendments and minutes of the October 16, 2017 Faculty Senate meeting were approved with no amendments. (Minutes presented for approval was corrected version of what was sent out with meeting notice, per President Hampton and Secretary Rye corrections)

Secretary Rye requested guests print names for accurate attendance roster.

President Hampton raised the question of how to determine if Senator absences are registered as “excused”, per inquiry of Secretary Rye. Discussion ensued and it was the consensus that notification of inability to attend should be accepted as “excused” until such time as excessive absences hinder the Senator’s ability to represent her/his respective unit. At which time Senate leadership will contact the unit and inquire if faculty deem adequate representation.

Mary Henson has been employed to replace Jennifer Miles and oversee Blackboard.

EXCOM and BASC members met with President Brown and his Counsel as suggested at the last Faculty Senate meeting. Information listed under BASC Chair's report.

Faculty are encouraged to attend the SACS workshops this week with consultant Silver, of which we were informed this morning.

Debi Newman, Director Benefits KTRS, presented an overview of the legislation under consideration related to Kentucky Teachers' Retirement System. She said that her staff is receiving information via the press, just as we are, but provided an information handout of the 505 page proposed bill. An attorney in her office is going through the bill to identify all significant changes to the current system. As written, on July 1, 2018 all employees either 60 years of age or with 27 years of service will be transferred to the new system. For those individuals, they will have two plans on retirement. The old system will be honored before July 1 and the new system after. However, there is a lot they still do not know per details. The KTRS staff has found no reference to date regarding reciprocity. She suggested we all contact our representatives to inquire of their knowledge of details. She emphasized that all the information she provided us is subject to change. This is only a proposal and a lot is yet to be determined.

The new system is a defined contribution plan. An additional 3% of salary is proposed to go to health insurance benefits, but rerouted into the retirement fund, resulting in a total of 5.775% into health benefits. Everyone will pay the extra 3% into health insurance even if not receiving it (Medicare or spouse's plan for example). Rate will go from current 2.775% to 5.577%.

A total of 13.4% is proposed to go to retirement for higher education teachers and 15.85% for K-12 teachers.

An employee who is 60 with 27 years of service can choose to go into the new fund, but with no disability benefits and no life insurance benefit plan.

If employee is 60 years of age and cannot get to 27 years of service he/she will be kicked out. The legislation says it is portable. However, if you haven't worked within 24 months in this system (i.e. have gone into a private system with another employer) you cannot get the health insurance.