University Times

The Staff Association Council (SAC) announced the first of a series of new community service projects at its March 15 meeting.

Lydia Howard, program and planning committee chair, said SAC will sponsor a "Baby Shower for Mothers" project through the Roselia Center, a nonprofit organization that assists single mothers during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Howard said SAC is seeking donations of new and "gently used" baby items. For more information, call 648-8270.

SAC president Rich Col-well, a member of the medical advisory committee that helped negotiate employee health care plan options, told SAC the advisory committee unanimously approved Pitt's three-year deal with UPMC Health Plan.

Colwell said the committee was reluctant to recommend a single vendor, but that Highmark, the only other health insurance provider bidding for Pitt's business, offered much less attractive options. (See related story on page 1.)

Elections committee chair Josephine Hatley reported that 29 nominations have been submitted for SAC membership. Elections will be held in June, with new SAC members beginning two-year terms in July. Human Resources is reviewing the nominees. Nominations are closed, Hatley said. Ballots are expected to go out to staff in May.

The second annual staff career and diversity job fair will be held 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. March 18 in the William Pitt Union, according to Ron Frisch, associate vice chancellor for Human Resources. For more information, call 624-8150.

SAC's spring assembly, tentatively scheduled for April 11, is expected to cover health care plan options. Announcement of the assembly time and place will be forthcoming, Colwell said.

–Peter Hart