[September 13, 2000]

Employees working in "casual" appointments play an increasingly vital role in meeting the workforce needs of the University of California. In recognition of their importance, the University has developed a set of proposals to expand benefits eligibility and employment privileges for some employees in these positions.

First, a proposal is being prepared for the Regents' consideration to expand eligibility for the University's basic pension plan (UCRP). Currently, employees who are appointed for less than a year are not eligible for UCRP membership. UC proposes to implement policy changes effective January 1, 2001, to provide eligibility for UCRP membership to certain staff and academic employees after they have worked 1,000 hours during a rolling 12-month period. UCRP membership would be effective the first of the month after they reach the 1,000 hour threshold. When these employees enter UCRP, they will be eligible to enroll in all health and welfare benefits. After initial eligibility is reached, continued eligibility for health and welfare benefits is based on average hours worked. The proposal to change the retirement plan will be presented in concept as an information item at the September meeting of the Regents, and as an action item at their November meeting.

The University is also developing a proposal to allow individuals who are employed as of January 1, 2001, to request a review of past time worked to see if that time meets the new criteria for retirement plan service credit. This proposal is also subject to Regental approval.

Finally, the University is considering changes to staff personnel policies which, if enacted, would redefine career appointment criteria effective January 1, 2001. Under the proposal, an employee in a casual appointment would move into a career appointment after working 1,000 hours within a rolling 12-month period without a significant break in service. UC also proposes to replace the term "casual" with "limited appointment." These changes to staff personnel policy are subject to review and comment by employees and employee organizations, and to collective bargaining obligations with exclusively represented groups as required under the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act.

More information about these proposed policy changes will be provided as details become available.

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