Minutes of the Benefits Committee

May 11, 2001

Present:  Margaret Cianfarini, Paula Ebbitt (minutes), Emily Moss, Mallory Stark, Enith Vardaman

Absent:  Jeff Cronin, Malcolm Hamilton, Michael Hopper, Kathy Hunter-Rutter

1. Post mortem on May 10th program, Overview of 2001 Staff Retirement Plan.

As usual, Paul Zizzo did an excellent presentation.  Forty-eight librarians attended the program which ran from 12 noon until about 1:15 p.m.  Then Paul stayed until 2:00 p.m.  to answer more personal questions for individuals.  Particularly helpful were Paul’s demonstrations of the Financial Campus and the Interactive “Comparastatement” in which he showed us how to navigate the system and how to use the information in planning for retirement.  He logged on as himself, and played around with different retirement scenarios, encouraging us to do the same. Handouts of the presentation were provided, including a sheet detailing Harvard’s Retirement Plans Investment Fund Performance Update for Period Ending 03/31/01.

2. Committee business

We will need two new members for the next academic year to replace Suz-Ann Olofson who left in the fall and Emily Moss whose term is up.  In addition, we’ll need a new chair (or chairs) from the current membership, preferably a volunteer (or volunteers).  Members in attendance thought a final meeting in June for breakfast at the Faculty Club would be a pleasant way to end the year.  Since the second Friday in June falls on the day after commencement, we thought mid-June would be a good time to meet.  Co-chairs Paula and Enith will contact members by e-mail to settle on the best date for all.