1-25-2006

STAFF ASSEMBLY EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING Minutes

January 25, 2006

Members present:  Shelly Daugherty, Rick Smith, Connie Hickman, Marcia Bertholf, Krystal Burns, Brady Nielsen, Chrystal Roberg, Angela Ruff

I.                    Strategic Planning Steering Committee: 

As a part of the University wide strategic planning, departmental meetings and facilitated discussions are to be held during the month of February where all employees of the university will be able to give their input on the strengths & weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis) of the university.  The format of the meetings will be designed so that all will feel free to give their input.  In March committee members will analyze the information from these meetings and look for common themes.  Staff members should anticipate an opportunity to participate in one of these meetings in their department.

II.                 Shelly Daugherty’s  meeting with Thayne McCulloh

Shelly Daughtery, President of Staff Assembly, met recently with Thayne McCulloh, VP for Administration and Planning.  Thayne suggested that the Staff Assembly define more clearly who we are, what we want to accomplish and what his (Thayne McCulloh’s) involvement is in that. It was also noted that Staff Assembly does not have “legitimate power” to effect needed change.  For instance Policy and Procedures Manual – how can we make a real impact and not be just “proofreaders”?

III.               Employee Advocacy Program

Much time was spent discussing Employee Advocacy.  Does it fall under the auspices of Human Resources or Staff Assembly – where should it be housed?  There are lots of issues such as liability and education that need to be considered. Thayne McCulloh does not want HR to come between the employee and his/her supervisor but the question then becomes who does?  It was noted that the Employee Advocacy program needed to have autonomy from Human Resources but that HR, for liability purposes, might need to be involved in training and housing paperwork. 

A motion was made and passed that the Employee Advocacy program be under the auspices of Fr. Pat Lee, Vice President for Mission.  Marcia Bertholf is meeting with Thayne McCulloh on Thursday, 1/26, on the Advocate Program and she will inform him of the motion.

IV.              Bulletin Board update

Minutes are posted on the Staff Assembly bulletin board.  Pictures are being made but several that Connie took over break have serious “red-eye” issues.  We’ll retake those if necessary.

Submitted by Connie Hickman 1/27/06