Members present: Jeff Bewsey, Cory Causby, Debie Connelly, Chris Dahlquist, Fred Hinson, Edward Johnson, Debbie Justice, Heather List, Karen Lunnen, Dianne Lynch, Dixie McGinty, Alvin Proffit, Keith Stiles, Kathy Wong.
Members Absent: Debbie Beck, Dennis Benson, Joab Cotton, Jamie Edwards, Gayle Miller, Wilma Nations, Jeanine Newman, Rachel Reilly, Judy Revere, Lauren Riggan, Kasie Setzer, Newton Smith, Austin Spencer, Robert Vartabedian.
The regularly scheduled meeting of the University Advisory Council was called to order on December 9, 2003, at 3:35 PM.
Training Needs Analysis
• Chris Dahlquist reported that the two surveys had been finalized and they were ready to implement Phase I of the analysis process. The Management survey will be the first to be distributed. It will be distributed to individuals from the Director level and up. The hope is that the instrument will provide management feedback for training topics to assist the committee in making decisions concerning the types of training to recommend. It is hoped that Phase II of the project, which will go out to all other employees, will be distributed late spring or this summer.
Publicity
• Keith distributed notes from the Governing Document Committee meeting and started discussion on “who we are and what do we do?”. Discussion moved to the question of whether the UAC has lost its focus/purpose and are we losing attendance at meetings because of this? The three main points that follow came out of the discussion and they all centered on the whole concept of improved/more communication both internally and externally.
o Communication needs to happen.
o We need to believe that we are being heard. What happens to issues after they are passed on to the Chancellor? There is a need for feedback from the Chancellor’s Office on issue recommendations that are presented.
o We need to let the University community know what we do or can do for them.
Several ideas were presented on methods of communication and include:
o Mass e-mail
o Newsletters
o Representatives from UAC need to report to their other constituencies what is going on in UAC meetings.
o Information in the Reporter and the Western Carolinian.
o General Faculty meeting time slot to present information.
o Administrative representation on UAC is an important piece that is missing.
Parking Permit Costs
• This issue concerning the rise in parking fees was sent to UAC by Staff Forum. The issue presented was the fact that parking fees are rising, but salaries are not which places a hardship on a number of lower salaried staff members who really cannot afford to pay the higher fees. The question raised was whether there could possibly be a sliding scale for parking fees based on salary. Another question was if parking fees could be based on a % of salary. The issue was referred to the Traffic & Security committee.
Motor Pool Check-out Procedures
• A concern was brought to Staff Forum that many employees are uncomfortable with going into the steam plant to check out vehicles and have requested a review to determine a more suitable location. This issue was also referred to the Traffic & Security committee.
Administrative Update, Diane Lynch representing Dr. Bardo
• Tuition & Fees were increased 6% for 2004-05.
• Parking fees will not increase in 2004-05.
• Board of Trustees approved placing a cell phone antenna pod on top of Scott Hall to enhance cell phone service area coverage.
• The UNC Board of Governors increased salaries for all Chancellors in the system. Dr. Bardo was upset by this action since other university employees have not experienced raises in some time. Dr. Bardo has decided to take his increase and place the $ in scholarships.
• Enrollment expectations for fall 2004 are 1,900 freshmen and a total head count of 8,260.
Faculty Senate Update, Newt Smith
• Intent to plan for Ed.D degree in Community College was approved.
• Intent to plan for Master’s of Social Work degree was approved.
• The Faculty Senate will be looking at departments who want to require a certain GPA level for graduation.
Student Government Update, Heather List
• The SGA will be kicking off Clean Campus and Recycling campaigns in the spring semester. They will also be working on a program called Western Lead which focuses on developing leadership among students.
• SGA is looking to partner with Staff Forum to move smoking areas well outside buildings away from outside doors through the use of strategically placed benches.
• Heather voiced a concern to UAC about a disabled student who has been writing parking tickets on campus. The student had complained to Gene McAbee about people parking and blocking handicapped access locations. Chief McAbee then gave her the authority to write tickets. She has taken the commission to heart and has become prolific in her ticket writing. It has been reported that she has also become combative with individuals who receive the tickets. Heather has voiced her concern that the student could be at risk of physical harm and also that she is not an employee of the University.
Staff Forum Update, Cory Causby for Dennis Benson
• Not a lot to report. The Staff Forum is currently working on plans for funding the newly established Staff Forum Scholarship.
Open Comments
• The UAC now has an official e-mail address. It is UAC@email.wcu.edu
The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 PM.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 14, 2004 at 3:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeff Bewsey
