10-06-2011

Staff Assembly Executive Council (SAEC)
Road to Bali in Crosby
Thursday, 10/6/2011 11-12am
Meeting Minutes

Attended: Molly Ayers; Jeff Geldien; Connie Hickman; Carol Huston; Norm Leatha; Rudy Mondragon; Angela Ruff; Allison Sather; Wendy Thompson: Daniel Bubb; Toni Boggan, Beth Gordon, Rodolfo Pagsanjan

Guests: Frank Case, SJ, Jane Hession, Chris Wheatley, Georgia Dunham

Mission Discussion – Fr. Case

The connection between Society and Jesuit universities has been a concern in varying degrees since the 1960s, and schools have always formed agreement statements. Gonzaga’s statement of affirmation is the most complete and comprehensive to be crafted, and is a product of Fr. Case working closely with President McCulloh and the Mission Advisory Group.

The Jesuits have a special charism with the Catholic Church. Values listed are especially important in guiding future programs regarding mission. Agnostics and atheists will find common humanistic values and are welcome at GU, although they are likely to be challenged by the faith dimension of the community. The changes with Vatican II regarding the mentality and the image of the Catholic Church led to an ecumenical commitment with interfaith dialogue that supports people in their faith, whatever form it takes. It was suggested that clarifying what faith means to Gonzaga would be a good addition to the affirmation statement.

The university’s mission is not changing, but the statement will be revised this year. An educational pamphlet will be created to provide clarity to students, new hires, and employees. Fr. Case believes staff is the easiest group to work with on mission, likely due to the majority of staff being here due to the mission. Staff value of application and the ability to enact and believe people are living out the mission.

Discussion opportunities coming up include Soup and Substance programs will begin soon, probably at Jesuit House over lunch. Attendees will be invited in staff and faculty groups, and in mixed groups. Suggestions provided to Fr. Case include: offering opportunities for staff and faculty to relate commonly about the workplace. Reading groups may be a good way to educate and create community. Fr. Case suggested James Martin’s A Jesuit Guide to Almost Everything as a good source. The author will be on campus Feb 6 at 7pm for a student activity.

Fr. Case will be going to each of the Vice Presidents to be invited to employee group discussions, and encourages Staff Assembly to help in promoting participation.

Committee and Representative Updates

  • University Security Advisory Council (Chris) - Wireless and library internet availability on campus has apparently drawn low-income and socially challenged people from the community and was discussed as possible security risk such that the public access should be shut down. The 24-hour study lounge is limited to students only. Chris suggested that stopping public access because different people are on campus is the wrong reason.
  • SA Compensation Committee (Georgia) – Shift Differential proposal. Retirement committee meets three or four times a year, Georgia is the staff representative.
  • University Mission Advisory Group (Jane) - Renamed Mission Advisory Council. Accomplishments include establishing the Mission office with dedicated staff support, hiring the VP for Mission, and creating a community support entity like the Council for long-term assistance. The trustees will soon confer to formally adopt the Council as an organizational body, with representatives from each school, the Staff Assembly, ....(ask Jane), to start official duties in the Spring semester. Fr. Case has designated Jesuit liaisons for each academic school.
  • SA Community Service Committee (Molly) – A new brochure is being created for use at New Employee Orientation that promotes the Cares Initiative and the Service Hour benefit. Committee is working on a gift wrapping service opportunity for the holidays, and exploring whether Rebuilding Together will be a Regent and Trustee activity in the Spring. Attempting to get a link on the Thoughts and Prayers messages to the Cares Initiative. Nothing new from the United Way campaign effort.
  • University Budget Committee – Robin Guevara reported via email that meetings will begin at the end of October
  • University Advisory Council on Stewardship and Sustainability – Ann-Scott reported via email the council will begin meeting 10/25.

Regent Position Update
A couple of applications have been received. Reminder announcements will be going out to encourage applicants.

Action Items
- Rodolfo send a reminder announcement about the Regent representative opening.
- Carol send Fr. Case information from her summer class on Heroic Leadership, based on the Chris Lowney book of the same title.
- Council be prepared to recruit a representative to the Mission Advisory Council.
- Angela sharing March minutes and summer retreat info with compensation committee.
- Rodolfo ask Mike Herzog for adding a link to Thoughts and Prayers messages to promote the Cares Initiative.

As of 10/6/11