Photo of Thomas Hall.
MANHATTAN.EDU / COURTESY
Emmanouel Sofillas, Managing Editor
Manhattan University’s Senate held their final meeting in April, where they addressed challenges with employee healthcare, hybrid work policy renewals, Residence Life staffing, and the need for improved communication across departments. The meeting, attended by administrators, faculty, staff and students, featured updates from Robyn Salvo, vice president of Human Resources, Provost Kenneth Sumner, Ph.D., and faculty member Mehnaz Afridi, Ph.D.
Salvo opened the meeting with an update on the university’s health insurance. She mentioned how MU’s claims history has prevented it from joining insurance consortiums or securing lower premiums, despite efforts to explore alternative options.
“We’ve looked into consortiums and coalitions, but because our experience is poor, most groups won’t take us on.” Salvo said.
The university will maintain current insurance plans for another six months while issuing a request for proposals to bring in a new benefits consultant. Salvo noted the goal is to find a firm with creative ideas to reduce costs.
Salvo also confirmed that Summer Fridays will continue, with employees not required to make up hours during the week. However, she reminded staff of the importance of summer orientation dates—June 10, 14 and 17—and said participation may be required.
Regarding paid time off, employees may carry up to five unused vacation days past the June 30 deadline with supervisor and vice president approval.
A major policy update will require all employees with remote or hybrid work arrangements to reapply for approval by July 1. Salvo emphasized that all previous approvals will expire.
“If your position isn’t approved, you’ll need to return to campus within two weeks, we need to be present to support our students and each other,” Salvo said.
In terms of academic affairs, there were several updates, including progress on revising the core curriculum and changes to the biology degree programs. Sumner stressed the importance of using the Senate as a primary forum for cross-departmental communication.
“This is the one place where faculty, staff, administrators and students are all in the room together, we need to use it to celebrate accomplishments, raise concerns and stay informed,” Sumner said.
He also acknowledged the complexity of academic scheduling and the need for reforms.
“When too many classes are scheduled off-grid, it causes problems with room availability and student access,” Sumner said.
Afridi, the director of the Holocaust, Genocide and Interfaith Education Center, also weighed in during the meeting, echoing the need for open communication and representation.
“As senators, we need to reach out to our constituencies,” Afridi said. “It’s not just about reporting back—it’s also about listening. What do people need? What’s working? That’s how we make this space more effective.”
From the Campus Life Committee, it was announced that Christina MacNair has joined the MU community as assistant director of Residence Life. Two area coordinator roles are also in the final stages of hiring, with housing applications for fall 2025 currently open.
The Center for Career Development also welcomed two new team members: Gregory Skelly, assistant director of employer relations, and Olivia Crowley, career counselor. The fall career fair is set for September and will host more than 150 employers.
Senators were reminded that elections for next year’s Senate speaker and deputy speaker will take place at the next meeting.
“This space should be our most rigorous platform for collaboration, let’s make sure we’re using it that way,” Afridi said.