PRESENT: Linda Bucher (presiding), Leon Campbell, Gerald Turkel, Danilo Yanich, Steve Dentel, Pat Barber, Sheldon Pollack, and Kevin Kerrane (secretary). David Smith arrived at 9:30.

Minutes from the August 29 th Executive Council meetings were approved with one correction: Steve Finner had been misidentified as “Steve Dentel.”

Regular Meeting:

Office Update: L. Bucher noted that the chapter web site will be updated with names of newly elected Steering Committee members.

Treasurer’s Report: S. Pollack announced that minor discrepancies in the AAUP checking account had been cleared up during the summer, and that the first installment ($5,000) of the chapter’s pledge to the National had been sent out. He also stated that an audit of the chapter’s books would be conducted in the fall by Judith Scarborough.

The AAUP Voice:

According to G. Turkel, the October issue will include news on retiree benefits, information about grievance procedures, and an announcement about the “Scholars at Risk” luncheon with the Provost (scheduled for October 25). He also observed that production of the newsletter is being facilitated by a streamlined electronic process that ensures quick turnarounds.

Old Business:

Chapter history project: G. Turkel reported that Steve Finner has completed three chapters, and now wants a formal contract—which might be negotiated within the next few weeks.

Committee on Health Care for Retired Faculty: L. Bucher summarized the July 13 report of the committee—a “proposal” that would maintain current benefits, subject to the so-called “Modified Rule of 75.” Council discussed various applications of that rule: for example, S. Dentel noted that, under the new proposal, a 49-year-old employee with six years at UD would lose out by taking early retirement. But L. Bucher pointed out the proposal had been endorsed by all members of the Committee on Health Care, and that the new plan compared very favorably with changes being proposed at other universities.

S. Dentel suggested that the October issue of The AAUP Voice include examples of such comparisons, with a statement expressing the Executive Council’s endorsement of the proposal as reasonable. P. Barber made a motion, seconded by S. Dentel, that the President send a letter to Maxine Colm emphasizing that we find the proposal “reasonable.” The motion carried unanimously.

L. Bucher reminded the Council of the Joint Fall Luncheon Program with the Provost, scheduled for October 25, which will focus on “Scholars at Risk.”

L. Bucher reported that 29 faculty attended the spring Steering Committee Luncheon on 5/17/06.

New Business:

L. Bucher announced that the faculty would be invited to suggest topics for the Joint Spring Luncheon Program, and also mentioned that she would be attending the New Faculty Orientation on October 3.

David Colton notified the President that he has decided not to serve as the Chief Negotiator for the next CBA. Council will need to decide on a replacement.

Several members of the Council expressed the hope that the AAUP will have some involvement in the selection process of the next President of the University.

National AAUP: L. Bucher noted the training of new collective-bargaining leaders being conducted by the National Office in Washington on October 13, 14, 2006.

Council then went into Executive Session for reports from the Grievance Officer, D. Smith, and the Contract Maintenance Office, L. Campbell.

Respectfully submitted,
Kevin Kerrane