Trevor Riedmann, a member of the Professional and Scientific Council, said the university isn’t placing enough emphasis on conducting employee exit interviews. He addressed the council at Wednesday’s meeting and said these interviews should be conducted when an employee leaves the university.

“Most organizations our size have an exit interview program because it is important to know why people are leaving,” said Riedmann, co-chairman of the Compensation and Benefits Committee. He said these interviews are typically conducted by human resources services.

Kevin Kane, president of the Professional and Scientific Council, opened the topic for discussion, but the issue elicited little reaction from the council. The benefits committee decided to review the issue.

Carla Espinoza, assistant vice president of human resource services, addressed the committee about three vacant human resource services positions that have been filled recently. She said a significant improvement in employee relations is expected as a result of the new staff.

“It’s been two years since ISU has had an employee in labor relations management due to unsuccessful recruitment,” Espinoza said. “It’s very important for places as large and complex as ISU.”

Espinoza said the position of Labor Relations Manager has been filled by Tim Cook, formerly an employee in the Department of Administrative Services for the state of Iowa. Cook’s responsibilities will include managing grievances and appeals for university employees, Espinoza said.

The new benefits manager, Tim Ashley, will have a direct impact on students who are insured through the university, Espinoza said. Ashley’s responsibilities will include negotiating with insurance vendors and receiving student complaints about insurance.

Steven Moats has been hired as a worker’s compensation specialist. He will facilitate disabilities accommodations, Espinoza said. This position, formerly part of the risk management department, has come under the authority of Human Resources Services as the result of the department’s reorganization.

The council also briefly discussed the university’s strategic plan. The first draft is available on the university’s Web site.