Members present: Debbie Beck, Dennis Benson, Cory Causby, Joab Cotton, Chris Dahlquist, Fred Hinson, Debbie Justice, Heather List, Karen Lunnen, Dianne Lynch , Gene McAbee, Gayle Miller, Alvin Proffit, Judy Revere, Newton Smith , Austin Spencer, Keith Stiles, Robert Vartabedian , Kathy Wong.
Members Absent: Jeff Bewsey, Debie Connelly, Jamie Edwards, Edward Johnson, Dixie McGinty, Wilma Nations, Jeanine Newman, Rachel Reilly, Lauren Riggan, Kasie Setzer.
Guest: Bob Orr.
The regularly scheduled meeting of the University Advisory Council was called to order on February 10, 2004 , at 3:30 PM .
Proposal for Finding Dedicated Training Space, Keith Stiles
Discussion on Collective Bargaining, Bob Orr
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Bob Orr gave a report on collective bargaining among North Carolina state workers. Currently state workers are prohibited from collective bargaining by a state statute. There is a North Carolina coalition organized to challenge this statute. Several interest groups belong to the coalition, including the State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC). The coalition is called Hear Our Public Employees (HOPE). The legality of the state statute prohibiting state workers from collective bargaining is being challenged at the federal level. Bob discussed possibilities if the state statute is successfully appealed. He reviewed benefits and drawbacks to state workers unionizing. Questions concerned the SEANC view of HOPE and what benefits would a union bring to state workers.
Election of New Vice Chair, Keith Stiles
• Keith announced that Dixie McGinty, while remaining on the UAC, has a time conflict and will not be able to attend meetings. She tendered her resignation as Vice Chair, and nominated Alvin Proffit to the position. After unanimous vote, he was elected to Vice Chair.
Parking Fine Proposal, Gene McAbee
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Gene presented the University Police and Traffic Services Parking Fine Proposal to the UAC and requested that UAC consider a resolution supporting either 1) the concept of increasing parking fines to encourage compliance with the parking regulations, or 2) a resolution supporting the plan as it is presented. He then reviewed the proposal which includes categorical increases and a rationale for the proposal. He added that parking permit costs would not increase. The proposal was forwarded to the Traffic committee for further review and will be discussed at next month's UAC meeting.
Administrative Update, Dianne Lynch
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The provost search has begun. There are 18 people on the Search Committee, representing the academic colleges, students, and administration.
Faculty Senate Update, Newt Smith
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Faculty Senate is continuing to work on clarification of intellectual property issues.
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Using plus/minus indicators in grading was reviewed and probably will not change.
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Academic honesty is a continuing problem.
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Faculty Senate is reviewing their By-laws and considering revisions.
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A request for professional clinical faculty status for certified professionals is under review.
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Faculty Senate is also reviewing a master of Construction management program as well as parking regulations.
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Newt is presenting a charge to a task force for technical needs.
Student Government Update, Heather List
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The SGA is planning several funding raising activities to support their Safety Fund. Activities include a Presidents' Auction, a Miss WCU pageant.
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Service North Carolina is scheduled in April, during which all 16 campuses do community service.
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Heather shared a new book produced by students in the UNC system about their stories of struggle to stay in college and the hardships of tuition increases.
Staff Forum Update, Dennis Benson
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Staff Forum is reviewing the winter holiday calendar and preparing a proposal to support holidays on Dec. 24, 27-29, and 31, making Dec. 30 an optional work or personal leave day. Staff Forum is also reviewing its By-laws and will be considering the University Police and Traffic Services Parking Fine Proposal at its next meeting, February 12.
Open Comments
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Austin Spencer suggested people look very closely at the actuarial rate of return on their retirement funds. States across the country are inflating those figures to make their retirement figures look better.
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Robert Vartabedian announced the opening night event of a Toga Competition for the "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" production, February 26. He distributed a flyer describing the event and invited all to participate.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:37 p.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at 3:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Revere for Jeff Bewsey
