Update on Partner benefits at WKU!

The following is a note from Dr. Patti Minter about partner benefits at WKU"

I wanted to update you on the issue of extending benefits to domestic partners, both same-sex and opposite sex. This item finally made it
onto the agenda at yesterday's Benefits Committee meeting (meetings haverun very long this spring), and I'm happy to say that the committeeseems favorable. Tony Glisson and Maribeth McBride, as HRprofessionals, let everyone know that this is major trend in HR. Theyare going to a conference next week where several universitiesrepresented have same-sex partner benefits. They will bring us a reporton utilization, cost, and certification procedures. The issue is backon the agenda for June. The down side is that there is at least one major opponent (Warren Irons, university internal auditor), who raised questions about the timing of the e-mails Tony and I received (and yes, the "agenda" word was used).

Over the course of this month, it would be helpful for some new voices to weigh in on behalf of this cause. Please ask anyone willing to write to Tony Glisson (tony.glisson@wku.edu) and to copy me (patricia.minter@wku.edu). Please also keep your ears open to any attempt to organize opposition.

So to summarize, I'm encouraged and I will of course keep you posted.
Remember that this will require Administrative Council approval, and
possibly BOR action.

Patti