Members present: Bob Orr, David Whitaker, Debie Connelly, Litta Adams, Linda Beja, Janet Dickinson, Nancy Dillard, Bill Haggard, Chris Hall, Jane Hall, Fred Hinson, Casey Hurley, Jeanine Knowles, Dianne Lynch, Jesse Lyons, Jermaine Perry, John Ritchie, Saretta Tatum, Roger Turk, Kathleen Wright and Tori Ellison, recorder
The meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m.
The Council was briefed on the activities of other university governance groups.
- Faculty Senate, Casey Hurley
General Faculty Meetings, October 15th and 16th
Senate Restructuring
- Student Government, Jesse Lyons
Homecoming Court Elections, October 17th-24th
Catamount Discount Cards
Joint Meeting between Sylva City Leaders and Campus Leaders
Red Cross Fund Drive – Goal = $1 per student
- Staff Forum, John Ritchie
Job Enrichment Initiatives – Shadowing, Mentoring
Parking Fee
July 4th Holiday
Recycling
Health Insurance Benefits
Roger Turk suggested the UAC host an information gathering session about health insurance. Dan Robinson and Phil Haire could be invited, as well as representatives from the Office of the President. While this meeting may not change the situation, employees could learn more about what is going on and have their concerns heard. Roger checked with Rich Kucharski to make sure state employees are allowed to organize such an event. This will not be a problem as long as Chancellor Bardo issues the invitations to Dan Robinson and Phil Haire. Bob Orr will make this request of the Chancellor on behalf of the UAC.
It was also mentioned that other employee-related issues such as retirement and changes in SPA status be addressed during this session.
Retention
David Whitaker introduced a discussion on retention.
Each Council member was given a copy of The 2001 Report of the Task Force on Academic Issues Related to Retention.
The Chancellor informed the Council that the Pappas Consulting Group, Inc. is back on campus and will be returning throughout this semester. Currently they are working with the Administration and Finance Division. Retention will be the next area of focus. Special attention will be paid to housing and security.
Disaster Plan
The Chancellor notified the Council that the university is updating its disaster plan. The current plan deals primarily with what to do in the event of a flood. With the current world situation, Western needs to be prepared to serve/help a possible influx of people from Atlanta, GA, Knoxville, TN, Oakridge, TN, Charlotte, NC or the upstate of South Carolina.
Health Services
The Council was asked to look into issues/concerns relating to the new Health Services plan.
After discussing the issue and reviewing the Health Services memo dated June 20, 2001, the Council concluded that equal services are available to all employees. These services are reviewed on an annual basis by the Health Services Advisory Board. In addition, John Ritchie confirmed that the Staff Forum approved the current Health Services plan. A follow-up letter will be sent to the individual who brought forth this concern.
July 4th Holiday
Fred Hinson reported there will be no classes on July 4th or 5th 2002. The Calendar Committee recommends employees give up one Christmas holiday, so the University can be closed on July 4th. Employees may use a personal leave day to make up for the holiday moved from Christmas break. Bob Orr will request staff feedback from John Ritchie and the Staff Forum.
Saretta Tatum made a special announcement about the annual Stompfest, which will be held October 27th at 7:00 p.m. in the Ramsey Regional Activity Center.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
The next UAC meeting will be November 13th at 3:30 p.m. in the Catamount Room.
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