January 2002
Staff Advisory Council
Thursday, January 10, 2002
Notre Dame Room, LaFortune Student Center
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Present: Kimberly Ault, Debra Bennett, Tricia Ford, Deb Fox, Norma Frost, Rita Grontkowski, Karen Kirkpatrick, Bobbi McMahon, Dee Milzarek, Nancy Mitchell, Marv Pruett, Samantha Qualls, John Saylor, Valerie Schroeder, Fred Sonneborn, Kathy Stopczynski, Leona Strickland, Cyndi Sykes, Holly Webb, Maria Wilk and Melodie Wise.
Absent: Kay Herrity, Pam Jobin, Rick Kane, Fred Kraus, Stephanie Maenhout and Jane Nielson.
HR Liaisons: Sarah Misener and Sue Prister.
Melodie Wise, Chair began the meeting at 1:07 p.m. Melodie welcomed the guests invited to attend by council members. She went on to explain the purpose of the Staff Advisory Council. Melodie explained that the council is sometimes a sounding board for Human Resources initiatives and asked that discussions occurring during the meeting be held in confidence. A brief introduction of the guests followed.
I. Approval of the Thursday, December 13, 2001 Council Minutes
A change was made to the minutes, which should state that the December council minutes would be in the January StaffNews. Tricia Ford made a motion to accept the Thursday, December 13, 2001 Council minutes with the change. Valerie Schroeder seconded this motion. A vote was taken and all present Council members were in favor of this motion.
II. Committee Reports
-Promotion Committee
Tricia Ford shared with the council that this committee was planning to meet in January. They are waiting for the redistricting report before this committee proceeds.
-Parking Committee
Nothing to report at this time.
-Parking Appeals Committee
Nothing to report at this time.
-Elections Committee
Nothing to report at this time.
-Ad-Hoc Committee on Women's Issues
Bobbi McMahon gave the Council an update on events:
December, 2002 - Stress Management and Relaxation ("Lunch & Learn"), was very well attended.
January 9, 2002 - St. Joseph Emergency Planning ("Lunch & Learn"), turnout was also good.
February 2002 (date to be determined) - Ava Preacher Presenter (Lecture Series).
March 13, 2002 - the Spring Women's Fair will be held in LaFortune Center during the week of spring break.
April 2002 (date to be determined) - Spring Planting ("Lunch & Learn")
-Ad-Hoc Committee on Drug Testing
Deb Bennett shared with the council the highlights of the recommendations that, upon approval, will go to Fr. Malloy.
To give some background regarding this committee and its purpose Sarah Misener shared that Fr. Malloy appointed the committee after questions were raised from the Faculty Senate regarding the current Pre-Employment Drug Testing Policy. This committee consisted of eight staff members both exempt and nonexempt. This committee was asked to formulate recommendations for policy revision to Fr. Malloy. Deb Bennett and Rita Grontkowski shared further proposed recommendations with the council members. Melodie stated that this topic would be discussed more in-depth at the next council meeting. Sarah shared with the council that there are a few revisions that need to be made to the proposal before it is taken to Fr. Malloy. She went on to say that the final proposal would be provided Fr. Malloy and ultimately to the Officers of the University. Sarah stated the committee wanted the Staff Advisory Council to look at the draft proposal and provide thoughts before the final recommendation is sent to Fr. Malloy. Staff Advisory Council members will receive a copy of the full draft proposal for their review prior to the February meeting.
-Ad-Hoc Redistricting Committee
Melodie Wise explained that the new redistricting plan is based on geographic location enhancing communication between the reps and their constituents. Council members went on to discuss various changes to the draft proposal, which had been provided to the council members. Rita Grontkowski made a motion to accept the proposal with the changes noted and Deb Bennett seconded the motion. All present council members voted in favor of this motion. Melodie asked the promotions committee to draft a letter to all nonexempt employees informing them of the redistricting plans. Elections will take place after the letter has gone out. Deb Fox reviewed the election process with the council. Even districts and District 21 will be up for reelection. The election process takes about 3 weeks
-Web Page Update
Samantha Qualls shared with the council members that there had been 48 hits to the Staff Advisory Council Web site in December and 17 hits so far in January. She also shared that the Staff Advisory Council Web Page can now be accessed from the Human Resources Web page.
-StaffNews Article
Kathy Stopczynski stated that Council minutes would be in the next issue of the StaffNews.
III. Shuttle Bus Discussion
Sarah Misener shared that this committee would be meeting with Doug Marsh and the site planning consultants on January 22.
IV. Miscellaneous Discussion
Sarah Misener stated that Human Resources is looking at the Nonexempt Employee Complaint Procedure to make slight revisions. Sarah went on to explain the current complaint procedure and discussed the revisions being considered, asking the council members for feedback.
Sarah also shared with the council information regarding the restructuring of the Office of Human Resources. After requests from the council Sarah stated that she would look into Bob Foldesi's availability to speak at the February council meeting regarding the Human Resources Organizational Structure as it pertains to campus.
Sarah also shared with the council Fr. Tim Scully's communication plan. This is a series of open forums in which Fr. Scully has a chance to update staff on current events and changes in the University and get feedback.
V. Set the Agenda for the February 7, 2002 Council Meeting
I. Approval of the Thursday, January 10, 2002 Council Minutes
II. Bob Foldesi, Associate Vice President for Human Resources
III. Committee Reports (including the Elections Committee)
IV. Shuttle and Parking Update
V. Drug Testing Proposal Discussion
VI. Set the agenda for the March 14, 2002 Council Meeting
Melodie Wise made a motion to adjourn the Council meeting at 2:50 p.m. Deb Bennett seconded this motion. A vote was taken and all present Council members were in favor of this motion.
Sincerely,
Promotion Committee