8 reasons to enroll in Supplemental Disability
This plan has not has been open for enrollment in nearly 15 years and is not likely to be open again. In November, you can enroll in the plan or reduce your waiting period without having to submit a statement of health. Here are reasons to enroll:
More >>

UC faculty and staff salary programs for 2005-2006
As previously announced, efforts this past year by President Dynes, members of the Board of Regents, and many others throughout the UC community have resulted in the adoption by state leaders of a new state budget that reflects the critical importance of continued state funding for UC salaries.
More >>

Staff advisor pilot program
Online information about the staff advisor pilot program announced in the May 2005 issue of this newsletter is now available. Implemented in July, the pilot program helps facilitate staff input into the Regents' deliberations and decisions with the attendance of two non-voting UC staff advisors at selected Regental committees. The selection process for next year's staff advisors is being developed and will be posted on the website later this year, after Regental review and approval.

Sexual harassment prevention
Online training complies with new law
A new online sexual harassment prevention training program will be available in October to UC supervisors and faculty at all locations.
More >>

Randolph Scott new policy and program design leader
Randolph R. Scott notes that increased funding for UC salaries and benefit costs this year signals "a clear affirmation that we need to continue to improve faculty and staff total compensation."

Scott assumed the position of executive director for systemwide human resources and benefits policy and program design on July 25, following the retirement of Michele French from that position.
More >>

UC Merced opened
UC Merced, the University's tenth campus and newest since 1965, opened its doors officially on September 5 in a gala grand opening. With 58 faculty members, 15 lecturers, and a staff of 380, the campus offers nine undergraduate and graduate majors to its inaugural class of 1,000 students. More >>

• The UC Berkeley Breastfeeding Support Program
• The UC Davis Breastfeeding Support Program
• The California Breastfeeding Coalition

Each UC campus and laboratory has a health care facilitator (HCF). The HCFs, who work out of the Benefits Offices, are knowledgeable counselors who provide employees, retirees, survivors, and their family members with free, confidential.

UC medical plan focus:
PacifiCare® HealthCredits
PacifiCare® provides an online program for its members through pacificare.com which offers rewards for making healthy lifestyle changes. In the program, members earn reward credits for taking advantage of PacifiCare® health programs.
More >>

Savings Bond program delay
An article in the July issue noted a September start of a new U.S. Savings Bond program for UC employees who wish to enroll and purchase I-Bonds and Series EE Bonds via payroll deduction. The program has been delayed and details will be announced in the November issue. Payroll deductions for employees who currently purchase bonds will continue without interruption, but employees will need to enroll in the new program when it begins. These employees will receive a mailing with information and instructions.

UC ratings of medical care
Survey of member satisfaction
Earlier this year, the independent research firm DSS Research conducted a member satisfaction survey of the UC-sponsored medical plans. The survey measured random UC member satisfaction with the medical plans (non-Medicare) during calendar year 2004.

Survey results are based on responses from plan members.
More >>

Liberty Mutual satisfaction report
In 2004, Liberty Mutual processed approximately 5,085 claims for the University of California. As can be seen from the results below, Liberty Mutual is receiving high marks overall in meeting the needs of our employees who have taken a disability leave.

• Overall handling of claims in 2004: 93% satisfied 
• Case manager courtesy in 2004: 91% satisfied

Medicare Part D information
If you are nearing retirement, you can read the latest UC update about Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage in the September retiree newsletter, New Dimensions.

New HCRA grace period
The October Open Enrollment mailing will contain details about a new Health Care Reimbursement Account grace period, which extends the period for incurring eligible expenses for the 2005 plan year.

Academic personnel policy update
Summary of Academic Personnel Manual (APM) policies issued:

• New policy for Health Science Clinical Professor series and Clinical Professor (volunteer series) and related policy revisions effective July 1, 2005 (APM-278, 279).
• Academic Personnel Manual sections and proposals under formal review: Proposed Revised Family Friendly Policies, APM-760, 133-17, 210-1, and 220