Update: Academic Assembly Resolutions

Dear Colleagues,

I hope this email finds you well.

After hearing from the Academic Assembly on their recent decisions related, in part, to the review of the University Human Resources (HR) division, I am writing to confirm that the University will engage a qualified Human Resources consulting firm to perform a policy and procedure review on applicable institutional policies related to employee complaints and investigations. The consulting firm will provide a written report reflecting their findings and recommendations, which will be made available to all employees. The University has selected the Ad Hoc HR Advisory Group as the appropriate body to provide feedback and input on selecting a qualified consulting firm for this policy and procedure review.

The Ad Hoc HR Advisory Group, led by Dr. Mary Lopez, Dean of the College of Graduate Nursing, was formed in July 2022 to identify innovative, productive and effective solutions to the current HR challenges. The group includes robust representation from the Academic Senate, Directors of Operations, Staff Council, Deans Council, University Executive Operations Team, Human Resources, Budget, and the Office of the Provost. Given the group’s charge and its comprehensive membership, the Ad hoc HR Advisory Group’s involvement is both appropriate and prudent. As a result of the current Title IX rulemaking process underway by the U.S. Department of Education, the University will not be including our policies and procedures related to Title IX in this policy and procedure review (i.e. the University’s Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment, Interpersonal Violence and Other Sexual Misconduct (SIM) Policy and Procedure).

In addition to the HR policy and procedure review, the Academic Assembly also issued a resolution requesting faculty salary data. I am happy to report that, in compliance with the January 1, 2023 effective date of the California Senate Bill (SB) 1162, the University is preparing pay ranges based on current salary data and records. SB 1162, in pertinent part, requires an employer, upon request, to provide an employee with the pay scale for the position in which the requesting employee is currently employed. Accordingly, upon our return from Winter Break, the University will be prepared to address requests from current employees for their applicable pay scale. Please anticipate further information from the Office of Human Resources on how to submit an individual pay scale requests under SB 1162.

This work is integral and essential to WesternU’s ethos. If you should have any questions, please let me know.

My very kindest regards.
Robin