The purpose of WARF is to advocate for the health care and other benefits of Western Michigan University faculty retirees that are negotiated or may be negotiated as part of the WMU-AAUP Agreement. In addition, the organization shall provide information related to retirement to retired faculty and their surviving spouses/partners and associate members.
Membership in WARF is open to those University retirees who meet the qualifications to retire as “faculty” as described in Article 35: Retirement of the current WMU-AAUP contract for their date of hire. These qualifications include the required full-time service in a Board-appointed, ranked faculty position and holding tenure in an academic department at the University prior to the effective date of retirement. Associate Membership in WARF is open to surviving Spouses/Partners of WARF members and others invited by the Steering Committee. Associate members have all benefits of membership except voting and serving as board members.
Steering Committee Meetings are open to any member who wishes to attend.
Steering Committee Members serving staggered three-year terms:
Barbara Speas Havira, Chair
Philip Micklin, Vice-Chair
Pam Rooney, Secretary and Information Officer
Charles Spaniolo, Treasurer
Lynwood Bartley
Richard Cooper
Peter Krawutschke
Emily Hoffman
⦾ Responding to member concerns regarding healthcare and other benefits.
⦾ Attending AAUP Chapter, Association Council, and Executive Committee Meeting.
⦾ Sponsorship of “Navigating Retirement” sessions focusing on issues of interest to retirees and their families.
#1 19 April 2013. Managing the Healthcare System: Dennis Simpson, presenter, Jan Hahn, moderator, Warren Hills, Melissa Bosak, and Drew Voytal.
#2 20 September 2013. Diet, Exercise, and Healthy Living for Seniors. Led by Gretchen Kauth [Coordinator of Nutrition Services, Sindecuse], Jen Bailey [Assistant Director of Fitness and Employee Wellness at Rec Center] and Brian Helsel, graduate student in fitness education.
#3 15 November 2013. Rehabilitation Services, WMU Unified Clinics and Insurance Coverage. Dr. Jan Hahn, Dr. Carol Sundberg, Melissa Bosak of Blue Cross Blue Shield.
#4 4 April 2014. Implications of the Affordable Care Act for WMU and WMU Retirees. Presenters: WMU Human Resources: Warren Hills and Leon McGee; AARP Associate State Director, Community Outreach: Andrew Farmer; and BCBS Representative: Bradley Whittle.
#5 31 October 2014. Myth Busters: Five Things Every Retiree Should Know about Elder Law. Kelly Quardokus, Q-Elder Law, PLC.
#6 8 May 2015. Comparing Medicare Supplement Policies. Lisa Fuller, Regional Coordinator for Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program, Senior Services of Southwest Michigan.
#7 24 July 2015. Wise Use of Medication. Jim Middleton, Director, Western Michigan University, Sindecuse Pharmacy.
#8 16 October 2015. Elder Law II: Estate Plan Check-up. Kelly Quardokus, Q Elder Law, PLC.
#9 9 April 2016. WMU Retiree Benefits. Warren Hills, Associate Vice-President Human Resources; Sue Rodia, Benefits Manager; Dr. Lisa Marshall, Benefits, and Joe VanDerBos, Marketing Manager Sindecuse Health Center; Dr. Carol Sundberg, Director WMU Unified Clinics; Angie Penny, Coordinator Membership/Marketing and Kara Niehuis Membership/Sales, West Hills Athletic Club.
#10 13 May 2016. Using the BCBS Website. Melissa Bosak, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.