University Benefits Committee

NOTE: On August  29, 2023 the Board of Regents approved a new committee structure. This committee was identified as approved but requiring future consultation before significant updates can occur. This comittee is to function under the existing Terms of Reference in the interm.

The Board of Regents shall appoint a University Benefits Committee which reports through the Human Resources and Audit and Finance Committees* in accordance with the following terms:

 COMPOSITION

The Committee shall comprise:

  1.  One (1) member from the Board of Regents, who shall be appointed by the Chair of the Board to be Chair of the Committee.
  2. At least 33 1/3% of the number of positions on the Committee to be represented by the Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty Association (MUNFA).
  3. Two (2) representatives of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 1615, who are members of the University Bargaining Unit and recommended by that Unit.
  4. One (1) representative of the Newfoundland Association of Public Employees, Local 7405 (Marine Institute Instructors), who is a member of the University Bargaining Unit and recommended by that Unit.
  5. One (1) representative of the Newfoundland Association of Public Employees, Local 7801 (Maintenance), who is a member of the University Bargaining Unit and recommended by that Unit.
  6. One (1) representative of the Newfoundland Association of Public Employees, representing Campus Enforcement (combined locals 7803 and 1804) who is a member of the University Bargaining Unit and jointly recommended by that Unit.
  7. One (1) representative of the Newfoundland Association of Public Employees, Local 7850 (Marine Institute Support Staff), who is a member of the University Bargaining Unit and recommended by that Unit.
  8. One (1) representative of the Newfoundland Association of Public Employees, representing Custodial Personnel, (combined locals 7804 and 1809) who is a member of the University Bargaining Unit and jointly recommended by that Unit.
  9. One (1) representative of the Non-Bargaining Unit Employees, other than as specified in 10 below.
  10. One (1) representative of the Management, Professional and Executive Group of Employees.
  11. One (1) representative of the Memorial University Pensioners’ Association.
  12. In addition, there shall be six (6) ex-officio members as follows:

                    (a) The Chair of the Board of Regents

                    (b) The President and Vice-Chancellor

                    (c) The Vice-President (Administration and Finance)

                    (d) The Director of Human Resources

                    (e) The Manager of Benefits and Pensions (non-voting)

                    (f) The Secretary of the Board of Regents (non-voting)

13. The Committee shall have the power to appoint its own Secretary.

14. A quorum of the Committee shall consist of five (7) members, including at least one (1) member from each of groups A.1, A.2 and A.3. and at least four (4) members from the combined groups specified in A.4., A.5., A.6., A.7., A.8., A.9., A.10., and A.11.

15.In the case of groups A.3. to A.11, an alternate may be appointed to attend meetings and vote in the absence of the representative. The alternate may attend meetings of the Committee, together with the regular member, as a non-voting observer.

OBJECTIVES and RESPONSIBILITIES

The University Benefits Committee shall review the operation of the various employee group insurance benefit plans with the exception of the Pension Plan with the following objectives:

  1. To offer advice and information to the Board so that the Board may be able to provide, within its financial limitations, adequate benefit plans for its employees and pensioners.
  2. To monitor the experience of the benefit plans and make recommendations to the Board for their improved administration.
  3. To advise and make recommendations to the Board in respect of proposed new benefit plans or in respect of proposed revisions to existing plans.
  4. To issue periodic reports to employees on the status of the benefit plans.                                                         

*Amended to reflect name change from Human Relations Committee to Human Resources Committee and from Finance Committee to Audit and Finance Committee effective September 1, 2023.