Howard University Staff Organization (HUSO)

NEWSLETTERNovember 2014

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at-willThe new academic year at Howard has brought with it many changes including the official selection of Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick as our 17th President. We again congratulate Dr. Frederick and look forward to an engaging and productive working relationship throughout his tenure. Other changes include the opening of two new residence halls, a new research building is near completion, the bookstore has been outsourced to Barnes and Noble, and we recently learned that the University has signed an agreement with Paladin Health to manage the Howard University Hospital. The search for a new Provost is underway and we will have one representative on that University-wide committee.

Things have also changed for the Howard University Staff Organization (HUSO). After six long years of virtual inactivity, we have a new team of officers committed to serving you—our fellow staff members—with integrity and sincerity. Staff, like faculty and students, have a shared stake in the survival and success of this academic enterprise. It is therefore imperative that we all come together as strategic partners to ensure Howard’s future as a “World Class” institution.

Since taking office on July 1st, the officers have had two meetings with Dr. Frederick (in August and September) and we held our first quarterly general meeting of staff on September 17, 2014. If you were unable to attend the general meeting, a summary of the Q & A is included in this first issue of our new monthly newsletter (page 4). Also included in this issue are the latest results of our “Tell Us What You Think” on-going survey of staff.

As we approach the holiday season we want to remember those who are less fortunate and give back. We are supporting two donation drives to help the homeless in our area. Help us make a difference by committing to making a small purchase and/or donating a used item (coat, hat, gloves).

HUSO is the official organization that represents the non-union, “At-Will,” staff members of Howard University. Because we are “at-will,” we have borne the brunt of past budget cuts when the University has faced financial difficulty that required hard choices to be made. Over the past six years 600 employees have been separated from the University. This has caused both low morale and an atmosphere of anxiety. Nevertheless, every day bright and talented people continue to come to work and labor diligently for the University. We give 100% of our time and talent to provide the fundamental support necessary for Howard to realize its mission of “providing an educational experience of exceptional quality to students.” We do it because we choose to, because we want to and we do it because we believe in and support that mission. We also do it with Character, Courage and Commitment.

In this Issue:

Get Involved, HUSO Program Committee Meeting Announcement...........Pg. 2

Tell Us What You Think Survey Results..............Pg 3

September General Meeting: Summary of Q & A..........................Pg 4

Holiday Season Community Outreach Donation Drives........Pg 5-6

HUSO Call to Volunteer....................Pg. 7

HUSO OfficersContact Information...............Pg 7

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Thank You for Your Service!

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Although we are classified in the law as “At-Will,” every day when we arrive on Howard’s campus we bring with us our values, reflected in our Character, as we carry out our job responsibilities with dedication in spite of limited resources. Every day, we face with Courage work conditions that are less than optimal and we make great things happen. We see the task before us and we get the job done. Every day we demonstrate our Commitment to “O Howard” regardless of budget cuts that have scaled back our departments to the bare minimum, because we know that faculty and students are relying on us to come through. We respond to all these circumstances by staying late, taking work home, working through the weekend, and doing whatever it takes to make things happen and we do it At-Will. Our staff tradition is to work hard and our legacy is to do it well.

We, the non-union “At-Will” staff of Howard University also Live and Bleed Blue. Every time we pick up the slack because there is no one else to do it… we Live and Bleed Blue. Every time we hear there is no money for increases—merit or otherwise—and we carry on without missing a beat… we Live and Bleed Blue. In the past, when we have been furloughed, we endured that hardship and pressed forward because we Live and Bleed Blue. We man our posts daily in truth and service because we Live and Bleed Blue. The question is WHEN… will we—the “at-will” staff—be seen as we truly are? A people of Character and Courage, who are Committed to Howard University and who Live and Bleed Blue.

I believe our time has come. I believe we can come together and use the 3Cs we demonstrate every day to change the current culture from one that overlooks our dedication to one that appreciates hard work, encourages leadership and advancement, and applauds the efforts and accomplishments of all. Together we can make a difference that extends beyond our campus into the DC metropolitan area. Together we can advance Howard’s mission and show the world that our model is the one to follow as we continue to lead the way with Character, Courage and Commitment.

I am proud to serve as your President and I am proud of you, the Howard University Staff. Thank you for all that you do to undergird and support our University. Thank you for your labor of love, your unwavering dedication and your selfless sacrifice. Thank you for your excellent service to our beloved Howard University through your exceptional Character, Courage and Commitment.

with integrity and sincerity,

Leslie R. Harris President

HUSO Program Committee Meeting

Monday, November 17, 2014 @ 2:00 p.m.Graduate School Conference Room - 1st floor4th and College Streets, NWWashington, DC

Contact: Alveta Addison aladdison@howard.edu Ph: 202-806-9736

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HUSO’s on-going survey of Howard University staff has had 158 respondants to date. The results are as follows:

• 67% do not think they are valued by the Board of Trustees and the Administration

• 76% do not think staff have a voice at Howard

• 78% do not think staff are appreciated or treated with respect at Howard

• 68% rate the career opportunities available to staff as poor (44.2%) or very poor(23.7%)

• 70% rate the professional development opportunities available to staff as poor (42.9%)or very poor (27.5%)

• 66% say that their departments have seen reductions in staff at Howard

• 72% say that the staff reductions have directly impacted their jobs. When asked if their job responsibilities increased were they compensated 90% said no they did not receive any additional compensation.

• 73% think the are valued as a staff person by their departments.

Tell Us What You Think - Staff Survey Results

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Mr. Michael McFadden, Interim Vice President for Human Resources

Outsourcing: The University is in negotiations with Thompson Hospitality to outsource all of Physical Facilities Management (PFM). Target date: January 1, 2014. All PFM employees of Howard will be working for Thompson at Howard University. Now accepting proposals for outsourcing the ETS department. Graphics (Print shop) and Post Office have been outsourced. Book Store has been outsourced to Barnes and Noble

CIGNA Premiums: Update: By now all those who completed the health and wellness assessment by the deadline should have seen a reversal of the 10.5% increase to their premium. All those who did not complete the assessment will continue to pay the higher rate.

Performance Evaluation Process: Meetings between evaluator and employee should be occurring throughout the year regarding where you are with meeting objectives. There should not be any surprises in July when evaluating whether or not goals and objectives have been met. The value in the process is that you know where your performance is and how you are contributing to the well being of your department and the University.

Update: At the meeting Mr. McFadden asserted that employees had received at least one merit increase in the past 4 years. Most of us in the audience did not think this was accurate and objected. However, after going back and reviewing my own compensation history in PeopleSoft, it turns out that Mr. McFadden was right. There was a merit increase in July 2011. I want to take this opportunity to issue a public apology to Mr. McFadden. We were wrong about NOT receiving merit increases in the past 4 years. He was right that we DID receive merit in the past four years.

Hiring Freeze: There is no hiring freeze in effect at presentSalary Increase: “There is nothing on the books.” No staff increases this year July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015.

Tuition Remission: Q. There are staff who already hold one or more advanced degrees. The current structure of the benefit program does not allow those individuals to take advantage of the resources of the University to enhance skills that are job related. Can the benefit program be reviewed, particularly concerning professional development allowing employees with advanced degrees to take courses without requiring enroll-ment in a degree program? A. YES.

Howard University Workforce: Q. Some staff have taken on additional responsibilities that were not a part of original job description. Will there be a re-assessment so that employees get paid at the rate they should with the assignments they now have due to reductions in the workforce? A. We are in the process of doing that with our department directors. Some positions have been re-evaluated and upgraded accordingly to recog-nize the additional work that is being performed...

Dr. Wayne A.I. Frederick, President, Howard University

President committed to salary increases for staff in Ay July 2015 – June 2016. “We built a 3% increase into the budget this year for staff and a 6% for faculty. We have distributed the increases to faculty. We are not in a finan-cial circumstance to fulfill the 3% to staff but I will commit to doing that next year.”

Q. The University will be closed for winter and spring break, will there be forced use of annual leave for these or other periods during the year? A. Will try to do what we did last year. We will limit the number of days and suspend it for one of the periods…

Q. Are there any plans to establish professional development opportunities for staff on and or off campus? A. Absolutely, this is something that we must do. There is a cost involved in doing it but there is a return on investment that we have to underscore. Will commit to making sure that it happens.

Q. Will there be staff reductions imposed on the University staff this year? A. The short answer is No. If in January we are on track to lose (for example) 75 million dollars… I will have to do the fiscally responsible thing… and take some other action.

Q. What plans does leadership have to make staff feel more valued, recognized and engaged in University activities? A. First suggestion is for you all participate in University activities. Encourage you to do that and not miss an opportunity to come together as a group and participate in the length and breadth of what this university does. Second, the Staff Organization has a plan for a retreat. What I have committed to is a half day retreat and the second part of the day to have an appreciation day and have a picnic (cookout) on the yard. HUSO also has a plan for staff awards and I will support that. I would like to see awards that speak to the exceptional things that occur beyond the campus. Many of you volunteer in your community those are the things I would love to recognize. I would love to see an award for staff instituted at Charter Day this year… The dignity and respect that you need to be afforded is exemplified right here. I have to come before you and answer to you. My commitment to you is that I will lead in a transparent fashion, and I will present myself to you on any occasion that you want to answer your questions, so that you are clear about what is going on and about the direction we plan to take the University.

Q. If we want to speak up about something (i.e. another employee not doing his or her job, etc.) who do we say something to without fear of retaliation or concern for our jobs? A. In terms of registering complaints or concerns you should feel free to take that up with your supervisor, although I have no qualms about receiving them. Some of you have done that and you have seen action taken. If someone is not responsive to you in the chain of command, you can send it directly to me at hupresident@howard.edu

Q. Can we raise money for the Howard University Hospital? A. People have to have a good experience if you want them to give back. Fund raising will be difficult right now because of the way we interact is not appropriate (gave examples of bad experiences of some patients at HUH). Every opportunity you have whether on the phone of in person is an opportunity to impress people with the job you are doing. We have to be cognizant of that.

Summary of Q & A: HUSO September General Meeting

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HUSO is hosting two donation drives this Holiday season to support those less fortunate in homeless shelters

in the area. We are asking the Howard University community to help make a difference by voluntarily participating in

one of the following community outreach efforts:

1. N Street Village Shelter for Women - Top Ten List of in-kind donations needed.2. Restore Together organization’s annual winter coat drive for the homeless (pg 6).

N Street Village serves nearly 1,400 homeless and low-income women each year. They are the largest provider of women only services for D.C.’s homeless population. In FY2013 (July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013): N Street Village provid-ed:

• 55,262 meals were served in day center.• We provide safe shelter or housing on-site to 179 women during the year.• 97% of our residents with mental illness maintained their mental health stability• 96% of our residents who had a recovery goal maintained their sobriety• 81% of our residents were connected to primary care physicians and health insurance• 51 units of affordable housing offered to low- and moderate-income families and individuals

Top Ten List

1. Sweat pants (sizes medium-4X)2. Sweat shirts (sizes medium-4X)3. Warm, twin sized blankets and comforters

(66x90in)4. Pajamas (sizes medium-4X)5. Feminine hygiene products 6. Travel size lotions7. Hand warmers8. New cold medicines

(see N Street Village Wish List for complete list)9. Sugar free cough drops

10. Disinfecting wipes

HUSO

HUSO will be accepting donations of any of the items on the Top Ten List between now and December 12, 2014. Give your purchased donation to one of HUSO’s officers or drop it off at the office listed below: Please bring donations to:

CB Powell Building525 Bryant Street, NWRoom C-119Washington, DC 20059Ph: 202-806-7596

Thank you for your support!

HUSO Winter Coat Drive for the Homeless

HUSO

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For additional informaiton on Restore Together go to: https://www.restoretogether.com/

Restore Together, 9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 301, Largo Maryland 20774

(301) 358-6875

HUSO has partnered with Restore Together on a Winter Coat Drive for the Homeless now through December 12, 2014.

We are collecting gently used coats for men, women and children. If you have glovesand hats, those items will also be accepted.

The coats collected will be distributed to the homeless through various shelters in the area and some will be given directly to the homeless in the D.C.

Coats and other items (hats, gloves) can be dropped off at the Faculty Senate office located in the CB Powell building at:

525 Bryant Street, NWRoom C-119Washington, DC 20059Ph: 202-806-7596

Give the gift of warmth this holiday season - donate a coat today!

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HUSO is seeking volunteers who want to make a contribution to our organization. If you would like to become more engaged, connect with other staff members, please consider investing your time, knowledge and creativity in any of the following ways:

Join a HUSO Committee for AY2014-15: We are looking for volunteers to work on the • Bylaws Committee.• Program Committee

contact: Alveta Addison, aladdison@howard.edu Work on Monthly Newsletter. Help expand our new publication by volunteering as a contributor, an editor, etc.

New HUSO Website: we are in the process of setting uo the new website. If you would like to assist let us know.

Volunteer to serve on a University-wide Committee: when representation is requested by the administration. HUSO currently has volunteers serving on the Provost Search Committee and the Health Care Steering Committee.

If you have an interest in serving HUSO in any of the above areas, contact us by:

1. email: contactHUSO@gmail.com2. Phone: 202-806-75963. Reach out to one of the HUSO officers

HUSO Call To Volunteer

Thank You!

Lincoln Brown, Jr., Chaplain Phone: 202-806-7355 l_g_brown@howard.edu School of Communications Academic Counselor

Leslie R. Harris, PresidentPhone: 202-806-7596 lrharris@howard.edu Office of the Faculty Senate Administrator

Maya Shih, Vice PresidentPhone: 202-806-6205maya.shih@howard.edu Office of Research Development Director

Hesam Khalilzadeh, Treasurer Phone: 202-806-5645hesam.khalilzadeh@howard.edu Office of Research DevelopmentAssociate Director

Rosemary Pearson, Financial SecretaryPhone: 202-806-6057rpearson@howard.edu College of Arts and SciencesBudget and FA Manager

Terry Morris, Sargeant-At-ArmsPhone: 202-806-6205tsconion@howard.edu College of Pharmacy Records Technician

Alma Kemp, Recording SecretaryPhone: 202-806-6700akemp@howard.edu College of Arts and SciencesAdministrative Manager

HUSO Officers 2014 - 2016

Howard University Staff Organization c/o 525 Bryant Street, NWRoom C-119Washington, DC 20059

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