June 2003

Notre Dame Room, La Fortune Center

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

 

Present: Martha Sue Abbott, Don Anglin, Eugene Basker, Julann Bauer, Lisa Dahlin, Becky DeBruyn, Maryellen Fetherolf, Jim Gloster, Debby Herczeg, Paula Horne, Sharon Konapka, Roberta McMahon, Angela Miller McGraw, Jane Nielson, Terry Oxender, Marv Pruett, Barbara Robinson, Joy Schosker, Jimi Sholty, Fred Sonneborn, Irene Stines, Terrell Ward-Thomas and Melodie Wise.

 

Absent: Amy Dorn, Stephanie Maenhout, Susan McGonigal, JoAnn Norris and Holly Webb.

 

HR Liaisons: Sarah Misener, Cindy Ewing and Sue Prister.

 

Guests: Sherry Veith, Organizational Consultant, Office of Human Resources.

 

Melodie Wise, Chair, called the meeting to order at 1:04 p.m. 

 

I. Approval of the May 8, 2003 Council Meeting Minutes

Bobbi McMahon made a motion to accept the minutes; the motion was seconded by Martha Sue Abbott and passed. 

 

 

II. Sarah shared with the Council that her last day in Human Resources would be July 15. She went on to introduce Cindy Ewing, Manager of Professional Development and Learning from the Office of Human Resources who would serve as the interim Human Resources Staff Advisory Council liaison until a replacement for Sarah has been named. Sarah shared with the Council that Cindy has been with the University for six years and has a good background of University policies and extensive knowledge of the University. Cindy replied by saying that she was looking forward to working with the Council.

 

III. Committee Reports

 

 

Promotions

Melodie Wise shared with the Council that the first meeting is July 1. The committee is booking meetings through the year.

 

Parking Appeals

No report at this time.

 

Ad-Hoc Committee on Women’s Issues

Paula Horn informed the Council that Mary Carole Nagle is a new member on the committee. She went on to share the upcoming lunch-time programs:

Gardening Tips

Presented by Greg Leyes of Ginger Valley Farmland Landscape and Design

Thursday, June 19

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Ballroom, LaFortune Student Center

About 100 staff employees are expected for this program.

 

 

 

"One More Sunset"

Author, Jim Connelly

Thursday, July 17

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Ballroom, LaFortune Student Center

SAC Web Page

Mel received a report from Joanne Norris saying that the web page is in the process of being updated. The difficulty in finding the Staff Advisory Council’s web site was discussed. Sarah Misener said she would explore adding a link to the Staff Advisory Council’s page from the front page of the Human Resources web site. Sarah went on to say that she would work at having this change implemented by the next meeting.

 

IV. Discussion of Vacation Carry-Over

Nothing to report at this time. 

 

 

V. Open Discussion

Sarah Misener updated the Council on the activity within a few departments. 

-Sarah told the Council that the work being done by the Notre Dame employees in the Cashier’s Office will be assumed by the Notre Dame Federal Credit Union. There are four people affected. One of the four has accepted a position elsewhere on campus and the other three have been guaranteed positions at the Notre Dame Federal Credit Union. Many things are being done to cushion the employees if they choose to go to the Credit Union. The decision to make the change was based on the fact that the Credit Union will be able to offer a broader array of services to Cashier clientele.

-Sarah went on to share with the Council the change in the University Licensing function. Sarah said that an outside concern will assume our licensing activity. This change is based on the desire of the University to be in a position to capitalize on the Notre Dame brand. A University employee will coordinate the activity between the University and the outside concern. 

-Sarah shared with the Council the RFP activity in the Office of Human Resources. Regarding the RFP for the Employee Assistance Program, Sarah stated that a vendor will be identified in early August. The Benefits group is working on an RFP to replace Partners Health Insurance. This process is also on target. Information will be shared with the Council at the appropriate time in the future.

-Sarah informed the Council that Salary Notification Statements will be delivered to departments the week of June 16 for the July 1 increases.

-Sarah gave an update on the Awards of Excellence Program which will be held on August 13 in the Joyce Center Fieldhouse. The nominations committee has made recommendations on award winners to Bob Foldesi, Associate Vice- President for Human Resources. Recipients, supervisors and nominators will be notified by letter in July. There will be more information to come.

-Sarah concluded the update by personally inviting Council members to the Human Resources Open House on June 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and encouraged them to invite their constituents. Sarah said that the purpose of the Open House was to introduce the campus community to the technical and cosmetic changes in Human Resources and to give the campus the opportunity to meet the Human Resources staff. Sarah described the event as an informal gathering where staff could see demonstrations, meet Human Resources staff, and enjoy refreshments.

 

Melodie Wise asked Sarah Misener if someone could come to a Council meeting and talk about the changes in the Cashier’s area. There was also a suggestion to have Scott Malpass give a presentation regarding the University’s endowment fund at an upcoming meeting. Sarah said she would look into these possibilities. 

 

 

VI. Sarah Misener introduced Sherry Veith, Organizational Consultant with the Office of Human Resources. Sherry shared with the Council an update on the Human Resources Policy Manual Project. She made reference to the updated web based policies being online in early July. She went on to say that this online tool does not replace the Staff Employee Guidebook. Sherry familiarized the Council members with the web site by navigating through a few of the online policies. She also told Council members to watch for announcements regarding the web site going live and information sessions designed to acquaint employees with the policy collection.

 

At the conclusion of Sherry Veith’s presentation a question was raised regarding compensation for staff traveling on weekends. Sarah Misener said she would review the policy and get back to the Council.

 

 

VII. Set the Agenda for the July 10, 2003 Council Meeting

 

 

I. Approval of the June 12, 2003 Council Minutes

 

II. Committee Reports

- Promotions Committee

- Parking Appeals Committee

- Ad-Hoc Committee on Women’s Issues

- Web Page Article

- Vacation Carry-Over

 

III. RFP Information – EAP and Health Insurance

 

IV. Transportation Presentation

 

V. Workers’ Compensation (Not yet confirmed)

 

VI. Open Discussion

 

VII. Set Agenda for August 14, 2003 Council Meeting

 

At 2:20 a motion was made by Lisa Dahlin to adjourn the Council meeting, Jimi Sholty seconded it; the motion was passed.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Staff Advisory Council