MINUTES

September 10, 2009
8:30 - 10:00 am

339 Fawcett Hall

IN ATTENDANCE

Wendy Feerer, Kiel Rottgen, Lindy Lauterbach, Jacqui Neal, Kary Brigger, Craig This, David Bringhurst, John Holm, Nancy Pestian, Jerry Hensley, Mary Healea, Curt Pederson, Mary Kenton, Melissa Vanzant, Chris Wydman, Erin Brigham, and Rob Boley.

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

A. Welcome by Curt Pederson and Introductions

Curt welcomed new members and reviewed USAC's mission: to represent its members to the university by: promoting their general welfare; advocating for unclassified staff through active participation in university governance structure; reviewing, initiating and making recommendation on relevant university policies and procedures; encouraging and facilitating communication among members; and encouraging professional development opportunities. 

B. Approval of Minutes for June 11, 2009.

The minutes were approved as presented.

C. Committee Reports

1. Athletic Council - Mary Kenton, Vivian Mitchell - In the coming year, Athletics will be adjusting to a restricted budget and developing a new five-year plan. The men's track team will be disbanded.

2. Diversity Advocacy Council - Erin Brigham - No report.

3. Parking Services - John Holm - The committee has not met yet; however, the parking spaces in Lot 15 by the Diggs Lab have been redistributed.

4. President's Award for Excellence - Kevin Knapp, Chris Wydman - The awards will be presented on Monday, October 5th at 1:00 p.m. in the Apollo Room. This coming year, the awards committee will have a new structure, falling under Staff Council.

5. Semester Conversion Committee - Chris Wydman - This committee has been very active. Under the new system, WSU will have two 14-week semesters; the calendar has not yet been finalized. Mostly likely, the first semester will start the third or fourth week of august, ending in December. The second semester will start the second week of January going through April, with final exams in May. The academic day will likely start at 8:30 a.m. If anyone has any input or questions for the committee, please forward them to Chris Wydman.

6. Sustainability - Karen Strider-Iiames - No report.

7. University Dining Services - Melissa Vanzant - No report.

8. Wellness and Recreation - Craig This, Lindy Lauterbach - No report.

9. WSU Bookstore - Mary Healea - No report.

10. WSU Staff Council - Jacqueline Neal, Mary Healea, Rob Boley, Curt Pederson, Chris Wydman - The main topic of discussion at August's special meeting was the separation incentive program. There were 111 employees who participated in the program. Of that number, 46 participants had extensions approved. Healthcare premiums will be going up; the amount of increase is unknown. Human Resources will be making available soon a point-of-service survey accessible via their website or via cards in their office. Staff Council now has a representative from Lake Campus. Mary Healea offered to stay on Staff Council this year to represent Unclassified Hourly Staff on Staff Council and USAC.

11. WSU Human Resources Committee - Jacqueline Neal, Mary Healea, Rob Boley, Curt Pederson, Chris Wydman - The next meeting will be in October. Nancy Pestian suggested a topic of discussion: adding vacation/sick leave requests as an online service via WINGS Express.

D. Other Business

1. WSU Budget - So long as enrollment remains up 5%, the budget should remain stabile for this year. Next year will likely be a greater challenge, since rainy day funds and stimulus funds won't be available.

2. Early Separation Numbers - see above.

3. Community Service - Curt suggested a community service effort for unclassified staff, such as maintaining a portion of a local bike trail. We'll follow up at the next meeting.

4. Job Swap - This would be a program that would allow staff members to swap jobs for one year. Curt will look into this idea and report back at the next meeting.

5. Meeting Time Change - The council approved a motion to change the start time for meetings for the remainder of the year to 9:00 a.m.

6. Ideas for This Year - To be discussed next meeting.

7. Pictures Courtesy of Marty Gooden - To be rescheduled.

E. Adjournment and Next Meeting

The meeting was adjourned by Curt Pederson, USAC Chair, at 10:00 a.m. The next meeting is in 339 Fawcett on Thursday, October 8th @ 9:00 a.m. Rob Boley may not be able to attend, so Jacqui Neal has offered to take minutes in his absence.