MINUTES

April 9, 2009
8:30 - 10:00 am

339 Fawcett Hall

IN ATTENDANCE

Jackie Neal, Jerry Hensley, Denise Anderson, Kary Brigger, Kiel Rottgen, Helen Kay Dean, Kevin Knapp, Jackie Neal, John Sheidler, Mary Kenton, Mary Healea, Chris Wydman, and Rob Boley.

The meeting was called to order by Chris Wydman, USAC Chair at 8:33 a.m.

A. Welcome by Chris Wydman

B. Approval of Minutes for March 12, 2009.

The minutes were approved as presented.

C. Committee Reports

1. Athletic Council - Mary Kenton, John Sheidler - Notes Attached.

2. Diversity Advocacy Council - Helen Kay Dean - Notes Attached.

3. Parking Services - Adam Horseman - No report.

4. President's Award for Excellence - Kevin Knapp, Chris Wydman - The awards website is up and running, and nominations are being actively solicited. This year, there's a new award: the Spirit of Innovation Award. Nominations are due on Friday, April 24th. Also new this year, all of the nominees will all be invited to a reception in mid-June.

5. Sustainability - Jason Kohlhepp - No report.

6. University Dining Services - Lisa Bleeke - Notes attached.

7. Wellness and Recreation - Jason Kohlhepp - No report.

8. WSU Bookstore - Mary Healea - During Book Buyback, they paid out over $250,000 to students. The clearance sale will be extended until the end of April. Bookstore staff is currently looking at how the switch to semesters will affect the bookstore.

9. WSU Staff Council - Barb Bullock, Mary Healea, Rob Boley, Curt Pederson, Chris Wydman - No report.

10. WSU Human Resources Committee - Barb Bullock, Mary Healea, Rob Boley, Curt Pederson, John Sheidler, Chris Wydman - No report. In the near future, the committee will likely be reorganized to have more equal representation of HR staff and Staff Council members.

D. Other Business

1. Budget Update - There's no update at this time, as the details of the retirement incentive program are still being finalized. The incentives program should be finalized in 4-6 weeks. Since much of the budget details will likely be announced over the summer, the USAC board will consider meeting over the summer to stay on top of the situation.

2. Vacation Truncation - Only staff who were over the designated limit of vacation hours have been notified by HR. HR will continue on a monthly basis to notify those staff members who are over 352 hours that they will lose excess hours on Aug. 31. The group discussed the flaws in the vacation tracking/requesting system, as well as the need for an automated system. We'll put this on the agenda for the next Staff Council and Human Resources Committee meetings.

3. Telecommuting/Flex Hours Policy - Chris discussed with Al Boggs the status of the draft Family Friendly Work Policy. Some of the delays had to do with tax/insurance issues. USAC will follow up with HR, perhaps discussing this at the next Staff Council or Human Resources Committee meeting.

4. Staff Pioneers Project - The unveiling of the recognition plaque will be held on April 21st at 2:00 p.m. in the Pathfinder Lounge.

5. USAC Elections - The schedule for USAC Elections is online. Everyone is encouraged to consider officer positions for next year.

6. WSU Leadership Academy - Albert Bondurant has drafted a plan for the WSU Leadership Academy, which will be a multi-tiered program to provide supervisor training. The program will hopefully launch in the fall.

E. Additional Items

1. Quest for Community - This event wiill be held on April 17th.

2. USAC/CSAC President's Reception - The president's reception will be held on May 28th at Rockafield House at 4 p.m.

3. The Semesters Transition Team is currently being formed. The Chairs of USAC and CSAC will serve on the committee.

4. For the June staff picnic, Denise Anderson volunteered to help organize the 50/50 raffle.

F. Adjournment and Next Meeting

The meeting was adjourned by Chris Wydman, USAC Chair, at 9:59 a.m. The next meeting is in 339 Fawcett on Thursday, May 14, 2009 @ 8:30 a.m.