You have probably heard about the new Pok�mon Go, location-based, augmented reality game that has peaked in popularity since its release July 2016. Typically played on mobile phones, players use the device's GPS and camera to capture, battle, and train virtual creatures, called Pok�mon, who appear on the screen as if they were in the same real-world location as the player.

What you may not be aware of is the presence of multiple Pok�Stops and Pok�Gyms on campus, including within the Butrovich building, a stop near the overlook on the corner and gyms at the museum, GI and Botanical gardens. (There are many more at other campus locations too!)

Students, employees and community members in search of rare Pok�mon may be passing through the halls and parking lots in greater numbers. Please, be sure that you are looking out for visitors at all time, and be especially viligant for people who may be distracted by their phone screens.

Your Statewide Administration Assembly held a regular business meeting on Wednesday, July 20 (agenda). These are highlights from the meeting:

1. Update from VP White on the ongoing single accreditation review.

• It is too early to tell which way the university will go with respect to three or a single accreditation. The report from Dr. Thomas will likely be posted publicly in early August. Thomas is soliciting input from leaders around the country, including Terry MacTaggart.
• SAA plans to schedule a Coffee with the President to discuss with staff after the report is completed in August as there will be a substantial discussion on the topic at the September Board of Regents’ meeting in Juneau.
• Single accreditation would not preclude separate schools/colleges for the same subject (i.e. two Schools of Management).
• If single accreditation is found to be the best option, the process to switch could take three years or more years—it would be a complex and multi-layered process. Options could be to wrap two of the universities under the third university's accreditation, or apply for a new accreditation with all three schools.

2. Update from CHRO Hite McGee on the Human Resources Council and HR re-alignment.

As part of ongoing efforts to communicate about changes underway as a result of the Statewide Transformation review, charts with the final recommendations, RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) appointments and status updates have been posted to newly created pages on the Transformation Team website

On April 14, President Johnsen announced 113 recommendations including reductions in functions or positions, changes in the location of work being done, and changes in how Statewide collaborates with campuses. There were deadlines associated with each recommendation varying from done or no change to 30-, 60-, or 90- days.

Since April, there have been massive changes affecting Statewide and the UA system as a whole, including the State passing a budget with a $25 million �reduction, the launching of Strategic Pathways reviews, research into institutional accreditation and ongoing discussions on optimizing the university system. While many of the Statewide Transformation recommendations have been completed or are in progress, others have had the deadlines extended or have been incorporated into Strategic Pathways reviews.

The President has tasked his direct reports with providing status updates on the recommendations under their authority. Those ongoing reports will be used to periodically update the webpages.

Academic Affairs/University Relations
www.alaska.edu/swbir/transformation-team/aar-ur/

Administration
www.alaska.edu/swbir/transformation-team/adm/

Finance
www.alaska.edu/swbir/transformation-team/fin/

Human Resources
www.alaska.edu/swbir/transformation-team/hr/

Information Technology
www.alaska.edu/swbir/transformation-team/it/

You may have noticed an increase in parking decal enforcement around the Butrovich this past month, or been a recipient of a parking ticket (or two) yourself. Remember, while the Butrovich is a mixed guest and decal lot ALL employees are expected to purchase a parking decal.

The current decal will expire August 31. New decals will be available for purchase through the Burser's office beginning August 1.

Premera’s agreement on outpatient rehabilitation treatment benefits (chiropractic care, massage therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture, etc.) with the university have not changed. Premera did implement a new prior authorization process through a company called EviCore for its fully insured lines of business; however, it does not apply to University of Alaska’s plan.

In an effort to communicate the change to patients, your health care provider may be posting notices and having patients go through the preauthorization process. UA has asked Premera to follow up with providers to let them know it’s not applicable to all their patients and they should contact Premera to confirm the terms.

Looking for information on benefits, budget updates, employee news or past announcements? The "Search Articles" box in the left menu of Statewide Voice pages is an easy to use portal for accessing older publication content. Use the power of Google to instantly bring up past Statewide Voice publications by name, topic or other search term. After 110 issues you'd be amazed at all the information available for review!