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The meeting was called to order at 3:35 p.m. Members Present: Fred Hinson, Nancy Dillard, Tori Ellison, Roger Turk, Jacob Babb, Bob Orr, Debbie Beck, Keith Stiles, Jeff Hughes, Karen Lunnen, Jeanine Newman, Bob Vartabedian, Janet Dickinson, Phyllis Bolick, Newt Smith, Kathy Wong, Debie Connelly, Chancellor Bardo, and Chris Hall, Secretary
Guest Present: Dr. Tom Franke
Nancy Dillard welcomed members and Dr. Franke to the meeting.
There were no additions or corrections to the minutes.
Dr. Franke, Chief Information Officer, announced and explained the proposal to create a Division of Information Technology. Dr. Franke provided a handout which provided a brief excerpt of the entire proposal. The mission statement of IT and diagrams showing the hierarchy of the division and advisory councils were displayed. Dr. Franke said that Western’s bandwidth tripled beginning this fall. The help desk has been changed to maximize timely, useful answers for people seeking assistance. Dr. Franke concluded his presentation by answering several questions from Council members.
Regarding the academic calendar, Dr. Hinson announced that the calendar has been approved by the Chancellor. Dr. Hinson and Dr. Bardo were thanked for their work, and the Council agreed that the process was smooth and had involved input from all constituencies.
Mr. Orr announced that Vice Chancellor Metcalf met with State Treasurer Richard Moore to discuss relevant issues and hear employees’ concerns. There are several concerns about retirement and other state benefits. Chancellor Bardo stressed the importance of helping calm people’s fears and making sure everyone clearly understands the details. Refer to the handout given by Ms. Wong for assistance. Ms. Wong provided several positive comments regarding employees and benefits.
Ms. Dillard discussed the Social Security Number issue and stated that the Council should forward a recommendation either for or against implementation of the alternate identification number to Chancellor Bardo. The BANNER system will use an alternate ID number as the primary key. Chancellor Bardo does not see anyone resisting the proposed change. In conclusion, the Council unanimously agreed to forward a recommendation to the Chancellor once it has been decided.
Ms. Dillard addressed the proposed Town Hall Meeting on Respect and sought suggestions on how it should be organized. There was general agreement that the idea behind the meeting is definitely worthwhile. The proposed date for the meeting is in January. Ms. Dillard continuously welcomes suggestions until the date and plans are finalized.
Administrative Update, Chancellor Bardo
Dr. Bardo announced that the Board of Governors met last week. As a result of taking July 4 as a holiday, University offices must be open on December 30 and someone must answer the telephone. The BOG approved the Teacher Education Program. The ERC is making progress toward bringing urban connectivity rates into western North Carolina. Parking fees will likely increase next year, and a new transportation fee will be implemented to establish a shuttle service that will better serve the entire campus. There is discussion at the state level regarding the possible use of Zero Based Budgeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
Next Meetings
Executive Committee, December 3rd at 3:30 p.m. in 401 HFR
Full Council, December 10th at 3:30 p.m. in the Catamount Room |
