Accepted Student Days—Thank You!

When the concept for “Accepted Student Days” was shared with us last semester by the admission consultant, we had reason to believe it was worth the effort because many other private colleges and universities have found such events to be successful. We didn’t know how many students and families would attend, but we knew success would require all hands on deck. The two days, Feb. 20 and April 2, attracted over 200 prospective students plus their families. The quantitative metrics for success will be evident in the weeks ahead as we watch tuition deposits, STAR registrations, and melt. The qualitative experiences of our guests certainly validate the success of Viterbo’s first venture into Accepted Student Days.

Further, it is clear the campus community was “all in.” The thank you list is too long for this space and I wish to personalize the many messages of gratitude that will be forthcoming. I do wish to make one public acknowledgment and thank Caryn Witt, visit and event coordinator, for her outstanding efforts.

The cabinet, deans, and the admission team join me in this salute to all the volunteers— faculty, staff, administration, and students who extended Franciscan hospitality and extraordinary service to our guests.

Read the full article for news on faculty accomplishments and health insurance rates.

Faculty Congratulations

The following faculty will retire this May. Having met the eligibility requirements for Professor Emeritus status and having been so recommended to me by their dean and vice president for academic affairs, they will receive this distinguished title and Emeritus Medallion at the Rose Awards Ceremony Thursday, April 28 and will be recognized on stage at commencement:

• Judy Anderson, nursing
• Carl Bargabos, nursing
• Jan Janiszewski, business
• Jean Saladino, music
• Michael Smuksta, history

The following faculty recently received notice of promotion in rank, following recommendations to me from the Promotion and Tenure Committee and from the vice president for academic affairs:

• To Professor: David Gardiner, theatre, Nancy Allen, music, and Jason Howard, philosophy.
• To Associate Professor: Matthew Bersagel-Braley, servant leadership, Susie Hughes, education, and Vickie Holtz-Wodzak, English.

Health Insurance Rates in Context

At the end of March, Todd Ericson communicated to employees the rate increases for Viterbo’s health insurance premiums for the plan year beginning May 1. Three of the prior four years there were no rate increases. Such rate stability was uncommon nationally and fortunate, because at the same time our board of trustees mandated a shift in premium share from 85/15 to 80/20 over five years.

Here are 2015 comparative data published by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation which annually conducts an employer-sponsored health benefits survey. Viterbo data is for the plan year beginning May 1, 2015. While premiums are similar, please note the substantial value of Viterbo’s PPO plans in regard to deductibles.

                                                                 National                                 Viterbo

Total Ave. Premium – PPO single       $548/mo       $  6,575/yr         $630/mo      $  7,560 yr

Total Ave. Premium – PPO family       $1,539/mo    $18,469/yr          $1,532 mo   $18,384/yr

Ave. employee share – single              18%                                         19%

Ave. employee share – family              29%                                         19%

Ave. deductible – single                      $958                                        $250

Ave. deductible – family                      $2,012                                     $500

Ave. employee co-payment

Hospital/outpatient                              19%                                         15%

Rick Artman

President