Employee Advisory Committee Minutes

Employee Advisory Committee Minutes Thursday, March 23, 2000, 1:00 p.m. Library Conference Room

Present: Christina Updike, chair, Ralph Alberico, Hugh Brown, Donna Burch, Norma Burkholder, Alfred Francfort, Robert Hanson, Irma Housden, Ted Pelikan, Carole Paulett, Brooke Ross, Kathy Shuler, Camilla Washington, and Milla Sue Wisecarver. Absent: Jacqueline Ciccone, Lisa Knicely, Shelli Short, Janet Smith, and Sandra Terry.

I. Approval of minutes from February 17, 2000, meeting: The minutes were approved with no changes or corrections. Welcome New Member: Cassie Henry has removed herself from the committee, because of new job assignments that keep her from attending our meetings. Brooke Ross, also from University Development, Office of Annual Giving, MSC 5717, x3863, e-mail [email protected] will be completing Cassie’s 1999-2000 membership.

II. President’s Address Follow-up Report: Tina reported that attendance was good for the president’s address. She has sent a thank you letter to Dr. Rose. Last year we published the text of the President’s address on our website, however this year’s transcript was not available to post. We have received some requests, so we will advise the President’s Office on this for next year. Tina’s introductory remarks highlighted Employee Appreciation Day and the staff nomination form for University commissions and committees. Thirty-six forms have been returned; Camilla volunteered to help tabulate the information from these forms.

III. Proportional Growth of Classified Employees Subcommittee Report: Ted distributed information compiled from SCHEV Higher Education Statistical Indices. The charts showed that although the number of full-time and part-time classified staff has not kept pace with the growth of student enrollment, it is about the same as faculty growth for the same period (‘94-’99). Ted thanked those who contributed to this study: Donna, Cassie and Sandra. This information will be included in the EAC annual report.

IV. Office of Affirmative Action Request for Assistance: Last week, James Wadley faxed more information on the Diversity Conference along with a request asking the EAC to assign subcommittees to help work on the conference. Tina stated that her understanding from James’ presentation at our 2/17 meeting, was that he needed ideas regarding conference topics and help in spreading the word about the conference. The committee reviewed the new material and concurred that the Diversity Conference is a worthwhile campus activity for faculty and staff, and had no further recommendations to his already thoughtful advanced planning. Camilla questioned how involved the EAC should get in assisting with conference planning given our already full committee responsibilities. This would be an overwhelming precedence to set. Al stated that the conference does not require our endorsement, but we could help spread the word. Milla Sue felt that the EAC has completed its role in providing feedback. She suggested that members who want to be personally involved should contact James individually. Bob stated that we could actively support the conference to the campus community by having a link on our web page to the web site that is to be established for the conference. The committee agreed to these actions.

V. Employee Appreciation Day Report: Committee members gave feedback on their experiences with the web-based registration. The committee felt that having to obtain a password through e-mail to access the EAD registration site was unduly cumbersome for many employees and not necessary; Employee Appreciation Day should not require such a high level of security. The password was confusing with upper and lowercase letters mixed with numbers. The requirement of the password also made it much too difficult and time-consuming for those helping employees in dining services and facilities management to register. Even employees who are skilled computer users had problems with this year’s web registration process. The committee suggested using the JMUAccess card and the PeopleSoft number as a password next year.

VI. VPAA Search Committee: Tina reported that the interview dates for the four VPAA candidates have been set. The committee decided that instead of having an individual session with each candidate, we would have at least one representative present at the open forum to ask several questions. After the vitas have been posted on the website, Tina will ask for questions to be submitted to her. Al pointed out that the open forum during the last interview session (April 20 and 21) should be scheduled on April 20 to avoid the “Good Friday” religious holiday.

VII. EAC Web Page Subcommittee Report: The web page looks good; Carole thanked Camilla for picking up on all the work on this while she was sick.

VIII. Other Business:

Benefits Fair April 12: Camilla reported that Carole obtained bags for us to distribute. Milla Sue came up with the idea of bookmarks highlighting the EAC web site address, and Camilla displayed sample bookmarks to be given out during the fair. At our table, there will be a laptop computer with our web page up and running, and a display of Employee Appreciation Day items and photos. Camilla will e-mail a volunteer sheet for members to sign-up to be at the table during the day.

Tabled Agenda Items for our next meeting: Recognition of staff at James Madison Day convocation and concern about traffic safety on campus.

IX. Adjournment and next meeting date: The meeting adjourned at 2:10 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 27, at 1:00 p.m. in the Library Conference Room. Glenda Rooney will be our guest.

Respectfully submitted, Christina Updike Chair, EAC