Faculty Senate and University Assembly
University of Missouri – St. Louis

R E S O L U T I O N

Whereas Dr. Matthew Keefer has held the office of University Assembly/Faculty Senate Chair since 2008 and Dr. Zuleyma Tang-Martinez has held the office of University Assembly/Faculty Senate Secretary since 2009;

Whereas, during Dr. Keefer’s term, he has dealt with many important issues including the severe budget crisis in Missouri and the retirement benefit problem among many others;

Whereas, he has handled his office with great confidence, skill, and poise, especially in such difficult and challenging circumstances; and

Whereas, during Dr. Tang-Martinez’ term, she served with dignity and was an important voice for the rights of students, staff, and faculty on our campus and in the University of Missouri System; and

Whereas, we, as students, staff, and faculty, know the personal and professional sacrifices that such service requires of individuals who take on these crucial leadership roles;

Therefore, be it resolved that the University Assembly/Faculty Senate thank both
Drs. Keefer and Tang-Martinez for their invaluable service to the University of Missouri – Saint Louis and for their central role in leading us during this critical time in our history.

Submitted by: Mark Pope, Counseling & Family Therapy
                          Joe Martinich, Logistics & Operations Management
                         Terry Jones, Political Science

 

R E S O L U T I O N
Senate Meeting on 11/10/2009

Whereas, employers compensate employees through more than just wages and salary by providing benefits such as health insurance and dental care, with the traditional benefits structure including an employee’s opposite-sex spouse and children;

Whereas, all of the University of Missouri System comparator universities have domestic partner benefits included as part of their employee benefits package, with the University of Missouri System being the only one that does not offer such benefits to its faculty and staff;

Whereas, as a result of this inequity, University of Missouri faculty and staff job applicants have declined job offers and employees have left their positions with the University and have taken positions with other employers that offer such domestic partner health insurance coverage for themselves and their families;

Therefore, be it resolved that the University Assembly and Faculty Senate of the University of Missouri - Saint Louis strongly recommends that same-sex spouses/partners of active University of Missouri - Saint Louis employees be allowed access to all of the same rights, privileges, and benefits to which opposite-sex spouses currently are entitled.

Also, that Chair Keefer communicate this resolution to University of Missouri System President Gary Forsee as well as to Vice-President for Human Resources Betsy Rodriguez.

Submitted by: Mark Pope, Counseling and Family Therapy
                           Zuleyma Tang-Martinez, Biology