2-6-13

ATTENDEES: Jeff Geldien, Allison Lynn, Sue Butterfield, Carol Huston, Beth Gordon, Carol Osenga, Connie Caddis, Steve Allen, Jamie Kelp, Jill Royston, Autumn Vargas, Dave Rovick, Dr. Thayne McCulloh, Dr. Mike Herzog,    

Absent: Jennifer Klein

Meeting called to order at 11:05am

1.     Jeff stated that Marty will be at the May 22^nd open meeting, AVP Killen is considering the date.

2.     Jeff mentioned that there will be an addition to the Bylaws – how we elect the President.  Jeff will add and then resend out to everyone.  The bylaws have been approved by the council members. 

3.     Staff Assembly storage will be in the Huetter Mansion.  Blankets are in and will be put in the storage area.  An inventory will be taken upon the move.

4.     Spirit Day will be near the end of July again.  Jill reported that Riverfront Park wants us to come back again and they have a new menu.  Possibly next year we will look at a venue change.  Faculty senate representative Rosemary will be working to have more faculty attendance this year.

5.     Jeff thanked Dr. McCulloh for coming to the meeting and then turned the meeting over to him after introductions.

a.            Jeff gave an update to Thayne on the bylaws, these will be submitted to Mike Herzog and then on to him for approval. 

b.             Day Care – faculty senate is interested in this as they have a younger aged faculty; Jeff stated that staff assembly and faculty senate will have a proposal to Thayne and Mike by end of semester.  Thayne mentioned resource exchanges, very expensive; many have gone out of business due to heavy regulation; finding qualified care givers; many rules about health, safety, environment; Thayne stated “what is it that we are not going to do?” Decision would be weighed against cost and price point people want to pay.  Cannot be benefits but choices.  Thayne wants to be on the “good place to work” list.  He has had talks with an off campus entity, they have interest if they have the room.  Thayne also mentioned we need to broker a great relationship with the parish.  If day care is not on campus, can we develop something close?  Jeff stated that the subcommittee is looking for a partnership with the other universities in the University District as well.

c.            Sick Leave – buy back proposal, subcommittee has been formed;  Thayne suggested staff assembly members need to reach out to him, not let him rely only on his staff as many of the members have been here for many years and know issues from the past and present.

d.            Joint Staff/faculty meeting – Thayne stated this has been looked at but not a real means to make it happen. 

e.            Compensation – move up and grow within our job duty – how do we retain good employees?  Thayne has been involved with this subject for quite a while.  Wants to create a community that values people, doing the work in an environment of trust and good will; he feels Kirk Wood-Gaines will be working on this project;  looking at long-term modes; looking down the road to the future,

f.              Cross training question was raised – how do we do this so that we don’t lose valuable knowledge and intellectual property of the University?  More reporting, more documentation is being done. 

g.            All Hands meeting across campus.  Thoughts are that these can be very helpful, can be motivational; 

h.            University Center – the center will hold various campus offices once opened, most of these will be student oriented and high volume student services. The planning committee for the project is currently discussing service options and will have an announcement at a later time.l

i.              Thayne stated he genuinely appreciates the time he has had with us and he feels staff assembly is very important.  The Council’s work is greatly appreciated.  We are, at Gonzaga, a place that values people.