June, July, August 2005 Edition Page 1

Vice President Updates

Legislative Update

There is not much to report on the Legislative Session. A joint committee of the House and Senate have been formed and are working on a consensus appropriations bill for the next two years. We probable will not know until mid to late May now much we will be allocated from the State.

We are hopeful that the Legislature will authorize a pay raise to state employees, including higher education.

UHV has a bill filed by Representative Morrison, which would modify the language of our statute. Basically, we are asking that the current language in the statute referring to "masters" programs be changes to "graduate" programs to give us flexibility in the future. An example would be the ability to offer doctoral programs.

UHV has also asked the legislature to fund 3 building projects and the new nursing program, the new Center for Mexican-American Studies, and increase funding for the Regional Outreach Center. At this stage of the legislative session, these projects are on hold in the appropriations bill, pending additional funding being identified by the Legislature.

So what does all this do for UHV's budget and planning for next year?  It delays the Budget Committee's ability to notify departments of their budget requests and to make any determination on merit, reclassifications or equity.

Telephone Quick Tips

Tired of receiving those non-stop phone calls while in a meeting?

Use the  Forwarding  function on your Optiset Telephone to eliminate the problem. All phone calls  can automatically be directed to your phonemail.

To Activate the   Forwarding  function press #    91 and then  Dial ext 676 (phonemail). To Deactivate the  Forwarding  function press ##  91.

An extra tip:  Afraid that you will forget to deactivate the forward?  Just write a sticky note saying “forward” and put it on your phone – you’ll remember to deactivate as soon as you return to your office.

* Need to speak to someone as soon as they get off the phone? Instead of calling their extension over and over hoping to catch them, make use of the Camp On feature.

This feature allows you to camp on to their line and once they are finished with their call your phone will ring. Once you pick up your phone their phone will ring instantly.

{Once you hear the user's phonemail message you will be able to activate this feature.}

To Activate the Camp On Feature function Press # 1.

To Deactivate the Camp On Feature function Press ## 1.

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