The dispute over Penn State’s controversial Take Care of Your Health Initiative isn’t over yet.
Last week, Penn State announced it would not impose a $100 monthly fee on employees who refused to participate in a wellness screening. However, the university says spouses and domestic partners of university faculty will still have to pay the fee.
At a special meeting held Tuesday, the Penn State Faculty Senate voted to ask the administration to suspend the surcharge for everyone — including spouses and domestic partners.
The senate also voted to ask the university to work with faculty and staff when considering benefit changes that may impact their health and pocketbooks.
The group also wants to include Penn State policy experts in the search for cost-cutting measures that effect health care costs.
Penn State’s administration is not required to comply with measures approved by the senate.
Senate member Victor Brunsden of Penn State Altoona, says he thought it was important to suspend the new health initiative until everyone had time to put their heads together.
“We understand it is a problem,” Brunsden said. “Various components should all go on hold at least until something more broadly agreeable can be hammered out.”
Senate Chair Brent Yarnal says he deeply appreciates Penn State’s administration’s efforts to address the faculty’s concerns.
“This is a significant moment in shared governance between the faculty and administration,” Yarnal said. “The administration has taken decisive steps in resolving some of these concerns.”
Penn State’s Executive Vice President and Provost Nicholas Jones say the administration is still in the process of forming a joint task force to address the concerns of the faculty. The task force will include representatives from the Penn State faculty, staff and administration.
“We consider it a victory for shared governance,” Jones said. “We can and will do better.”
