Posted: January 12, 2009

1. Mandatory retirement
2. “Use or lose’ vacation policy
3. Installing duplex printers campus wide
4. Conserving mailing cost for University publications
5. Retaining Springboard first-year program

1. 1. One writer asked about the possibility of enforcing mandatory retirement for those employees who have met the service and age requirements. She added that such a policy would not have to be permanent, saying it could coincide with the hiring freeze.
      
      With the exception of safety forces, however, the U.S. Supreme Court has deemed mandatory retirement illegal.
      
      
   2. It was suggested that he University adopt a “use it of lose it” policy for vacation days, to both reduce unfunded liability for the University and promote a better work-life balance.
      
      The idea will be forwarded to Administrative and Classified Staff councils for consideration and evaluation.
      
             
   3. An employee suggested that installing duplex (two-sided) printers in all campus areas would save significantly on paper costs.
      
      ITS responded that it does install duplex printers whenever printers are replaced. Further, a new University “request for proposals” policy will consolidate all hardware devices, which will significantly reduce departmental costs.
      
      
   4. Two writes proposed ideas for saving money on sending BGSU publications and the president’s Christmas card to employees, suggesting they be sent by email for the most part.
      
      In some publications, such as the annual report, it is important to donors to see their names and donations in print. However, when, as the writer said, multiple copies are sent to the same person, it is a good idea to notify the sender and ask that duplicate addresses be removed. As to the president’s Christmas card, the decision was made this year to send it only by campus mail. The card was designed by Marketing and Communications at no cost to the University, and printing costs were minimal. It is also important to remember that not all employees have regular access to computers and sometimes a hard copy is necessary.
      
      
   5. Two writers expressed concern about the discontinuation of the Springboard first-year program.

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