UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, began the April all-campus forum thanking faculty, students, staff, alumni and supporters for participation in the recent UNMC /Nebraska Medicine Giving Day, as more than 1,500 individuals participated to send a clear message of support for the med center.
During the forum, Anne Barnes, vice chancellor for business, finance and business development, highlighted WeeCare, a new resource being offered to benefits-eligible UNMC employees. The service – think “eharmony for child care,” Dr. Gold said – connects families with flexible, affordable quality and licensed in-home child care providers, babysitters, nannies and backup care.
The newly available child care service addresses feedback that emerged from a recent campus survey. The service is not currently available to students, Barnes said, but may be explored pending interest. The company also is exploring options for elder care, she said, although it is not currently an option.
Employees are invited to an April 10 webinar to learn more about the resources offered by WeeCare.
Members of the UNMC community can view the webinar about WeeCare at this link.
Dr. Gold also was joined by Chris Kratochvil, MD, interim vice chancellor for external relations, who outlined several university-related pieces of legislation, including NU’s budget proposal and an extension of the timeline for Project NExT to kick off state matching funding from December 2023 to December 2025. University leaders are waiting to see what the Unicameral will do from an appropriations standpoint; once that is known, the NU Board of Regents, in June, will define tuition rates moving forward. Dr. Gold noted that UNMC’s differential program-specific tuition changes have been approved by the Office of the President and that UNMC’s existing students will not see a difference based upon the differential tuition agreements.
Members of the medical center community can view the forum.
Worksite policy was the basis of several questions directed to Barnes. She responded that UNMC is focused on the goal of the University of Nebraska System’s alternate worksite policy, which is to advocate for the return of individuals to campus while also providing flexible work options.
“We’re following the intent behind the policy that the majority of people spend the majority of their time on campus; again, trying to build that collegiality back after such a disruptive period with the pandemic,” Barnes said.
During much of the pandemic, UNMC allowed individuals to work from home, as their job permitted. In December, NU announced a new alternative worksite policy that required staff seeking remote or hybrid work arrangements for more than 50% of their time to obtain approval from their campus vice chancellor for business and finance.
Some employee requests have been denied, Barnes said; however, she is meeting with college business officers and institute leaders this week to provide more information and discuss the guidelines developed with the UNMC deans and directors.
Dr. Gold and Barnes shared an update on the NU and UNMC budget process, with much depending upon the state appropriations and subsequently the tuition decisions to be made by the Board of Regents. Dr. Gold indicated UNMC budget reallocations may be necessary but will be done in full transparency. “We want to focus on the key six-letter word, which is G-R-O-W-T-H,” he said. “It is growth in enrollment, research grants, contracts and clinical care delivery that ultimately will provide the fuel that will continue to power our success.”
Dr. Gold also mentioned:
- April 3 was the first day that masks were optional at Nebraska Medicine and several other Omaha health care delivery systems. “This is a significant shift in policy and follows a national trend,” he said, noting masks will be required in specific clinical spaces.
- Plans are underway for the return of food services to campus (watch UNMC Today for details), and discussions continue on finding a coffee vendor to fill the currently vacant site in Wittson Hall.
- The status of several leadership searches, including the search for the next director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, which is underway. “We’re looking for leadership,” he said, specifically individuals who possess “the knowledge, skills and experiences that inspire others to do great things.”
- Information technology work groups have submitted their recommendations regarding research and education IT challenges and opportunities. Once lists are prioritized, likely by month’s end, the info will be shared with the groups that originally met on the issue.
- The Annual Faculty Meeting, planned for April 18, will recognize UNMC faculty and include a presentation by Dr. Gold.
- Survey results are being compiled to assess the housing needs of students and residents; analysis will follow as UNMC plans for campus housing development.
“I am humbled and inspired every day by our campus,” Dr. Gold said. “For those of you celebrating a holiday this month, from my family to yours, very best wishes for a joyful and safe holiday season. Remember, just take care of yourself, take care of those that you love and love you and take care of our profession, as well.”