The meeting was called to order at 3:37 p.m.
Members Present: Nancy Dillard, Tori Ellison, Lex Davis, Roger Turk, Fred Hinson, Bob Orr, Debbie Beck, Jeff Hughes, Jeanine Newman, Bob Vartabedian, Dixie McGinty, Janet Dickinson, Phyllis Bolick, Kathy Wong, Debie Connelly, Courtney Sandler, and Chris Hall, Secretary
Nancy Dillard welcomed members to the meeting.
There was one amendment to the minutes from November 12. Ms. Dickinson’s name was in attendance, and her name has been added to the list of members present.
Ms. Beck discussed HIPAA with the members of the Council. HIPAA stands for "Health Information Portability and Accountability Act" of 1996. It is essentially an amendment to the Social Security Act. Western is a covered entity under HIPAA. HIPAA standards may require higher standards of confidentiality than FERPA in some areas throughout the University. Western must be in compliance by April 13, 2002. The University must conduct training required by HIPAA and provide documentation as proof that training was completed. Areas that may be effected included athletics, counseling, housing, judicial affairs, and admissions, among others; essentially, any area that collects, stores, or maintains health related information. The purpose is to ensure that health records remain private and secure. Health related information cannot be sent via e-mail between any person and a health care provider. Students may opt to sign a release to have health information provided to someone, such as a faculty member, but the release must be very specific and include such information as the designation of a particular illness or injury on a particular day.
In current business, Ms. Dillard announced she sent a letter to Chancellor Bardo regarding the UAC’s recommendation for the implementation of an alternate identification number. Dr. Bardo’s response was read to the Council, and the letter stated that Mr. Tom Franke, Chief Information Officer, has been selected to consider the matter and then report his findings to the Chancellor.
Also in current business, Ms. Dillard announced that the Social Security Task Force is currently without a chair. In the near future, Ms. Dillard will contact an individual who may be interested in serving in that capacity.
In new business, Ms. Dillard read the resignation letter of Mr. Hall as Secretary of the Council. Mr. Hall will be student teaching during the spring semester and has a time conflict that would not allow his timely presence at UAC meetings. Ms. Dillard announced that Mr. Hall asked Mr. David Whitaker to replace him as secretary for the Spring 2003 semester. Mr. Whitaker has agreed, and Mr. Davis has concurred with the appointment on behalf of the Student Government Association. Ms. Dillard and the Council thanked Mr. Hall for his service and wished him the best.
Administrative Update, Chancellor Bardo
Dr. Bardo was not present to provide an Administrative Council update.
Faculty Senate Update, Newt Smith
Dr. Smith was not present to provide a Faculty Senate update. Dr. Hinson was present at the last Faculty Senate meeting and reported that the main item on the agenda was restructuring of the Faculty Senate. The item was tabled.
Student Government Update, Lex Davis
Mr. Davis was present but did not have a report.
Staff Forum Update, Keith Stiles
Mr. Stiles was not present to provide a Staff Forum update.
Communications Committee Report, Kathy Wong
Ms. Wong presented a report from the Leadership Committee.
Leadership Committee Report, Debie Connelly
Ms. Connelly was present but did not have a report.
During open comments, Mr. Turk stated that it would be a good idea for the Council to contact all four constituencies and remind them that the UAC is available for comments, questions, and concerns and has a web site available for providing comments. It was determined that a simple campus-wide e-mail would serve as the best medium for easily distributing that information to all constituencies.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Chris Hall, Secretary
Next Meetings
Executive Committee, January 7th at 3:30 p.m. in 401 HFR
Full Council, January 14th at 3:30 p.m. in the Catamount Room
