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President Robert Shelton
Shelton
Addresses Staff Members at Annual Town Hall
Giving employees more options when it comes to parking might help alleviate the perennial problem, University of Arizona President Robert N. Shelton suggested yesterday at the annual town hall held by the Staff Advisory Council.
Concerns about the cost and
availability of parking was one of the hottest topics
discussed at the meeting, followed closely by the budget and
the direction the UA will take in coming years.
Shelton fielded the questions while nibbling on a cookie that he called a "late lunch." About 30 people attended the town hall, held in the Student Union Memorial Center. A handful of others joined via teleconference from UA South and the Phoenix campus (the UA College of Medicine in Phoenix in partnership with Arizona State University). Shelton took notes throughout the meeting and told the audience that he enjoys maintaining a dialogue with the staff and that he's always willing to listen to thoughts and concerns. "You are representatives of the most numerous and, by certain arguments, the most important part of this University," Shelton said, thanking them for getting the semester off to a smooth start.
A good part of yesterday's
dialogue dealt with parking. Employees proposed more
park-and-ride opportunities and discounted permits for
employees.
Shelton suggested employees
maintain an active role in the Parking and Transportation
Advisory Board and let their input be heard.
After an employee suggested a
sliding price scale for permits based on salary levels,
Shelton responded, "My recommendation is we spend enough
time to make sure we have a lot of options." Calling the
proposal complex, Shelton said giving employees more choices
would spare the University from implementing controversial
fixes.
Shelton also addressed questions
about the UA budget, saying that while he feels good about
the budget for fiscal year 2009, he realizes that budgetary
changes often come at a cost.
"We have, in one year,
eliminated a $25 million differential that we had between
our recurring income and our recurring commitments," he
said. "That's good news, but I know it happened with a lot
of pain."
Shelton added that he wants the
UA to have a budget process that's "open and transparent,"
allowing supervisors to anticipate cuts and soften the
impact on staff members.
Shelton also discussed his
vision for the UA in the coming years, previewing his State
of the University Address, scheduled for Nov. 6.
"I think this University has to
continue to be the highest quality research-oriented
university in the state," Shelton said. "This University
should be committed to improving the human condition."
As a land-grant institution, the
UA has a history of serving the state, and the University
should continue to provide "visible and tactile value to the
people of Arizona and the Southwest," he said.
Our question form has been removed to ensure that all questions posed will be asked. If you would like to pose a question in person you are more than welcome to attend today! Items below have already been submitted:
* * * * * Concern: The big buzz words on campuses today is "sustainability", "green buildings", "environmental issues". I know you have shown an interest in these items by signing the President's Climate Commitment and organizing a group to create a sustainability website but what is your action plan and support for this on our campus? Recycling also plays an important role in this arena, and a great deal of effort has gone on at this campus to build recycling programs (Facilities Management, Residence Life, Student Union) from the bottom up. In the past, top down support has been less than minimal with a "not under my house - go play somewhere else" attitude. While the environmental benefits are great, the University appears to also be missing an important marketing strategy -- especially if they are looking to increase enrollment. Is this university ready to start walking the walk or do we remain just a lot of talk? * * * * * I would like to follow-up on the parking fees issue. This is the first year that I can remember that there was no notification that parking rates would increase. Instead we just received our bill for the 2007-08 year where garage rates went up $44. Who decides these off the wall number increases anyway? Parking & Transportation needs to communicate with campus in better ways and needs to explain and justify the increase. They also need to be creative in terms of the fees. Why can't the parking fees be in relation to our salary, such as a sliding fee?
* * * * * Information is not being passed on to staff in a timely manner. The new benefits information was not available until August 6 which was one week before open enrollment began. Phone calls to the Benefits Office in July and August indicated that they did not have any information. It is hard to believe that no one in the UA offices had any idea of what was happening or when. Why aren't we a major player when the state is making these decisions? Is there a way that communication can be improved in areas that impact our lives. * * * * * If someone calls the "Hotline" with an issue, can they remain anonymous if they fear retaliation? Also, if the upper level administrator is already aware of the issue and has failed to address it, can it be referred to someone else? * * * * * Would the University consider more offsite Park & Ride opportunities at a lower cost with extended CatTran service to these lots. Especially since there are more employees working alternate work schedules (i.e. 4-10s)because of the I-10 construction * * * * * I am concerned that the university still does not offer equality in employment. The universities still do not offer domestic partner benefits (medical, dental, vision, etc) for gay employees and those those still unable to lawfully marry. Is this a priority for your administration and what is being done to pressure the legislature for change? Can we expect DP benefits soon? * * * * * I would also like to get an explanation for the parking increase. I think that some kind of discount for employees who have to go to the University for their jobs would be greatly appreciated.
For more
information contact
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