He believes another issue of common interests is health benefits. They are concerned that new faculty hires made in August must wait until October to receive health benefits. Paychecks have the same issue. He is hoping for flexibility in utilizing the twenty days and will look at comparisons to other universities. Salary gaps are an issue and how to close those gaps.
Spring break is an issue for employees who have families.
Our spring break does not coincide with spring breaks from local schools and other colleges, which creates a reduction in family time and the opportunity to make any plans. We have forty-four new faculty on campus. Housing cost gap is another issue they will look at. It is especially difficult for new faculty locating to the area. At the President's convocation, it was mentioned that this would not happen due to lack of funding.