MINUTES

May 14, 2009
8:30 - 10:00 am

339 Fawcett Hall

IN ATTENDANCE

Jason Kohlhepp, Jerry Hensley, Barbara Bullock (arrived third), Patrick Kachurek, John Sheidler, Kary Brigger, Chris Wydman, Helen Kay Dean, Kevin Knapp, Curt Pederson, Adam Horseman, Denise Anderson, and Rob Boley.

The meeting was called to order by Chris Wydman, USAC Chair at 8:36 a.m.

A. Welcome by Chris Wydman

B. Approval of Minutes for April 9, 2009.

The minutes were approved as presented.

C. Committee Reports

1. Athletic Council - Mary Kenton, John Sheidler - President Hopkins and the Commissioner of the Horizon League attended the last council meeting, to provide an update on the league. Although budgets are increasingly more challenging, Bob Grant is adamant about not cutting any sports.

2. Diversity Advocacy Council - Helen Kay Dean - No report.

3. Parking Services - Adam Horseman - A new evening commuter pass will soon be available, to help alleviate the overcrowding in the parking lots. For next year, there's a tentative $10 increase coming for all passes. There have been some issues with the carpool/low-emission spots at the Diggs Building, which are required for the LEAD certification. As well, Parking Services is looking at adding more fuel-efficient, green parking spots around campus.

4. President's Award for Excellence - Kevin Knapp, Chris Wydman - About 40 nominations have been made this year for the awards, at least a couple for each category. The extended deadline is later today.

5. Sustainability - Jason Kohlhepp -  Notes attached.

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

7. Wellness and Recreation - Jason Kohlhepp - The Poker Walk is scheduled for May 20th, and the Retiree Picnic is scheduled for June 18th. Work has begun on a University Challenge Impact Survey. Additional notes attached.

8. WSU Bookstore - No report.

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 - This week's meeting was the first one held with HR staff representation, other than Allan Boggs. The new representatives from HR are Jamie Henne, Meltem Kokaly, Tony Linz, and Sharon Shaw. The HR website now has a FAQ page on the website. As well, a new point-of-service survey will be online soon. HR will likely be moving to the Medical Sciences Building in October. A subcommittee will soon be formed to define more clearly the role, membership, and structure of this committee.

D. Other Business

1. Separation Incentives - The University has hired a consulting firm to design, implement, and manage the separation incentive program, which is available for employees who have been here for 15 years. The information packets will be mailed to eligible employees' home addresses. The details of the plan are still being finalized.

2. Semesters Conversion - The first meeting for the transition was held last week. The first priority is the curriculum conversion. Chris Wydman will be USAC's representative for the Semesters Conversion Committee for the duration of the project (approximately three years).

3. USAC Elections - We received 31 unique nominations, and one was ineligible. So far, 9 have accepted, 4 have declined, and 17 have not responded. Nominees have until Thursday, May 21st to respond. The election will run from Tuesday, May 26 to Thursday, June 4th. The new USAC members will be invited to the June 11th meeting.

4. Staff Picnic - This event will be held on Thursday, June 18th (with a rain date of Friday, June 19th). Denise Anderson is coordinating the 50/50 Raffle (notes attached). Proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald House. The USAC water bottles will be sold at the event, as well.

5. Staff Development Day - The event will be on Thursday, July 16th. The sessions will be on a variety of topics, including semesters conversions, ethics, career path at WSU, diversity, multiple intelligences, and financial planning.

6. USAC/CSAC President Reception - This event will be held on Thursday, May 28th at Rockafield House, from 4:00 to 5:30. All USAC council and committee members are encouraged to attend.

E. Additional Items

1. Staff Pioneers Project - This event was held on Tuesday, April 21st, with about 100 attending.

F. Adjournment and Next Meeting

The meeting was adjourned by Chris Wydman, USAC Chair, at 9:52 a.m. The next meeting is in 339 Fawcett on Thursday, June 11, 2009 @ 8:30 a.m.