Next Meeting: June 14, 2005 - 9:30 am - 11:00 am - Bldg. 31, Conf Rm. 6C10

Attendees	Substitutes
Abbott, Corrine, NIDCD
Adams, Linda, NHGRI
Affeldt, Mary, NIDA
Barrett, Sheila, NIBIB
Bortner, Donald, NIA	Cole, Candice
Bullman, Laurie, ORS
Burrell, Evelyn, NICHD
Childers, Olive, OD/OIR
Ferreira, Ana, NINR
Fitzgerald, Pamela, NIMH
Harrelson, Susan, NIDDK
Hennings, Marsha, NIAMS
Ng, Cathy, NCI/CCR	Hill, Kristie
Perry, Katy, NIAID	Scullion, Trish
Sandler, Brenda, NIAAA
Siegle, Donna, NCI/DCEG
Simmonds-Barnes, Denise, NCCAM	Klevins, Robin
Strickland, Marlyn, CIT
Tosten, Tim, NIMH
Vacant, NINDS	Dease, Deborah & Le, Truc

Minutes: Prepared by Diane French, NIDA

Closed Session (1:00 - 3:00)

1) Discussion about AO Support to the Scientists - Susan Harrelson & Mary Affeldt

Prompted by the NAPA exercise, Mary proposed the idea of a survey to ask scientists how administration is servicing them and help them understand our overwhelming workload dilemma. Susan added the desire to know what our customers think, how we're doing and where improvements are needed.

Dr. Joan Schwartz added she conducts a course for tenure track investigators, giving them all kinds of advice, including how to develop relationships with their AOs. According to Dr. Schwartz, some investigators have indicated administrative problems. She has stressed to these individuals that AOs are doing more than ever, trying to work with and educate each other to get their work done more efficiently.

Dr. Schwartz's suggestion of the use of focus groups instead of a survey to get this information from the scientists gained the most support from the AOs. She recommended having a focus group facilitator, varied attendees representing the scientific community, and supplying an advanced list of specific issues for the group to consider before they meet. With this plan the AOs could expect a three-fold outcome: providing information to the scientists; learning more about their needs; and how we're all affected by the HR consolidation in connection with the NAPA survey.
Dr. Schwartz will be setting up the focus groups and report outcome to the AOs.


2) Working with the Office of Intramural Training and Education with student programs - Susan Harrelson

Susan discussed problems faced by AOs when they are not notified in advance of appointees by the Office of Intramural Training and Education. Dr. Schwartz stated AOs should be receiving email to accept applicants who apply through the on-line process. Discussion among the AOs indicated not all have been receiving this notification or were aware postdoctoral positions need to be advertised via the Office of Intramural Training and Education website. Similar problems were discussed regarding advanced notification for students under the Clinical Electives Program, especially in the circumstances involving patients.

Dr. Schwartz will plan to give a presentation to the IAOs re the fellowship program, in general.


3) NIH/University of Maryland Senior Leadership Program - Susan Harrelson

Susan distributed a handout on the program and highly recommended this important educational opportunity and suggested everyone consider participating.


4) Discussion on the Title 42(f) changes to pay increases, conversion, etc. - Chris Steyer, Acting Director, Office of Human Resources

Chris provided handouts and gave a presentation on NIH's implementation of the new HHS Title 42 (f) policy. NIH's intent was to preserve current flexibilities to the extent possible within the framework of the HHS Title 42 policy. The implementation was considered by an NIH committee with representatives from the NIH intramural, extramural and senior administrative communities, reviewed by the Management and Budget Workgroup, modified and recommended by the NIH Steering Committee, and approved the Director, NIH.. The attached handouts were distributed.