| Members present: Debie Connelly, Jan Gilbert, Jesse Lyons, Bob Orr, Roger Turk, David Whitacker, Tori Ellison, recorder
The meeting started with a welcome from the chairman and a special announcement about the Town Meeting on September 10th at 3:00 p.m. in Hoey Auditorium. Dr. Bardo will be the guest.
Housekeeping Items
The meeting schedules for the University Advisory Council and the Executive Committee were set.
Jan Gilbert and Debie Connelly were unanimously appointed to the UAC and the Executive Committee based on their professional expertise and their prior work with the Leadership and Communications Committees respectively.
The Executive Committee will continue to serve as a clearinghouse for the full council. Gathering issue-related information and creating a "work in progress" agenda for each UAC meeting.
Discussion of Member Surveys
Three Key Areas of Focus
1) Visibility
2) Health Insurance
3) Elections Process
Visibility
- Communication is imperative – must promote the work/accomplishments of the UAC. The WCU Leadership Institute is a prime example.
- Promote Web Page and Newsletter
Publish Newsletter Quarterly
- Bob introduced the idea of a shared newsletter with other university governance organizations – SGA, Staff Forum and Faculty Senate.
Health Insurance
- Roger suggested the UAC host an information gathering session about health insurance. Invite Dan Robinson and/or Phil Haire to attend. While this meeting may not change the situation, employees would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about what is going on and have their concerns heard. Roger will check with Rich Kucharski to make sure state employees are allowed to sponsor such an event.
Elections Process
The Executive Committee recommends election procedures be in writing. This can be as simple as outlining the process in the minutes, which allows future councils a clear understanding of past procedures.
In addition, to help elections run more smoothly, the committee makes the following recommendations.
1) A member must be in attendance to vote.
2) Voting should take place by ballot – not by a show of hands.
Additional Items
As in the past, both sides of an issue brought before the council will be explored. Bob will communicate both points of view to the Chancellor. It would be helpful, however, to gain a majority and minority opinion. It is suggested this be accomplished through ballot and only results, not individual votes, be discussed.
A short report by each governance organization will be made during UAC meetings. These representatives will in turn update their constituencies on the activities of the UAC.
Parking will continue to be an issue due to increased campus construction. The UAC has been asked to explore and support the idea of a campus shuttle service as Western continues to become a pedestrian campus.
The UAC will request a progress report on the availability of electronic communications for all WCU employees.
|
