University of Missouri System

Strategic Communications

Spectrum

Volume 33, Number 3, May 2006

University of Missouri briefs

Vision benefits program in development

UM Faculty and Staff Benefits has announced that it is developing a vision benefits program for UM faculty, staff and retirees, with a targeted effective date of Jan. 1, 2007. 

UM has requested proposals from vision benefits vendors and will select the vendor that offers the best overall program.

The plan will be offered on a fully-insured basis where employees and retirees will pay monthly premiums for the coverage provided. Employees and retirees will be able to enroll on a voluntary basis and will pay the full cost of the premiums.

While the final design and premiums are yet to be determined, features of the program will likely include: no deductible; comprehensive eye exam and contact lens fitting for a fixed copayment; frames and lenses for fixed copayments; contact lenses; and a network of qualified providers.

As the program is finalized, faculty, staff and retirees will be provided information on program details as well as the enrollment process.

Board approves doctor of physical therapy degree at UM-Columbia

The University of Missouri Board of Curators approved a proposal for a doctor of physical therapy degree at UM-Columbia.

The proposal requests a conversion of the current master’s in physical therapy to the doctor of physical therapy degree, which brings the program in line with professional standards in the field.

The proposed degree now goes to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education for approval.

Board approves firms for construction projects, master plans

At its May 5 board meeting in St. Louis, the board approved the selection of architects and engineers for various campus projects.

Mackey Mitchell Associates, St. Louis, Mo., was approved for design services for the Mid Campus Residence Hall and Defoe/Graham Halls renovation at UM-Columbia.
Final plans prepared by Peckham Guyton Albers & Viets, Inc., St. Louis, Mo., were approved for the Regional Biocontainment Laboratory at UM-Columbia.

The campus master plan for UM-St. Louis and the master plan for Discovery Ridge research park were approved by the board.

The board also approved naming the south area of the Bloch School of Business and Public Administration at UM-Kansas City the Marion H. Bloch Terrace and Park, in recognition of funding for the park donated by the Bloch family.

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