Attending: Kim Allen, Adrianne Andrews, Adrian Beaulieu, Suzanne Beaumier, Joseph Bialek, Nancy Brady, Janice Cole, Terrilyn Calloway, Marti Hobbes, Kate Kilpatrick, Patty Kimura, Linda LaFlam, Merrilyn Lewis, Laura Matta, Linda Rainville, Patricia Rist, Sam Rush, Bill Sheehan, Xinh Spangler, Tara Zidonik
Excused: Chris Carr Hill, Karen Hebert, Karen LeHouiller, Jinny Mason, Steve Montiero, Mike Washut
Guests: none
(overseen by Nominations and Elections)
As planned at our previous meeting, the Council began the process of reviewing and revising our charter. This will be accomplished by focusing on particular sections of the charter during our monthly meetings. The Council also agreed today that we would discuss the Charter over time but approve the whole document at the end of these discussions. This meeting we reviewed and discussed the Mission Statement and Articles I and II.
Sam Rush questioned whether the phrase Òfocused and directÓ in the first line of the mission statement was necessary. He wasnÕt sure what it meant exactly. Several people pointed out that the following paragraph goes on to clarify the way in which the involvement is Òfocused and directÓ; i.e., by ensuring participation in policy-making process, etc. It was agreed to let the statement remain as it was previously written.
There was a lot of discussion about this, particularly regarding what was meant by the term "College" (item 4) and whether we should be more specific, e.g. the President, President and senior staff, etc. It was pointed out that to define ÒcollegeÓ as president and senior administrators might be confusing since senior administrators are staff as well. Also, the need to have both item 3 and 4 was discussed. It was determined that this decision should be referred back to the Nominations and Elections committee for further discussion. They will bring a recommendation back to the Council for later approval.
Linda LaFlam reported on the success of the July movie night which they intend to hold again next year. She also spoke about upcoming activities such as the Botanic Garden tour on Sept. 29th, Susan G. Komen Denim Day on Oct. 8th, the Lunafest Film Festival on Oct 29th, a Foxwoods trip on Nov 6th, a wreath-making workshop on Nov. 13th, and the NYC bus trip on Dec. 4th.
Merrilyn made the suggestion that Staff Council host a "Mountain Day surprise" for staff since they donÕt get Mountain Day "off" (unlike students and faculty). The Council enthusiastically supported this and Activities said they would coordinate it. Ice cream sundaes were the suggested treat with a back up of cider and apples if ice cream proved too difficult to do.
The Council Chronicle came out on Sept. 10th. It included publicity for the forum on Sept. 22nd. The Council was reminded that speakers at the forum would include Rick Myers, Carol Christ, Lianne Sullivan-Crowley and Merrilyn Lewis. Merrilyn will introduce all Staff Council members and include announcements of upcoming Council-sponsored activities. Naomi Miller, new director of Institutional Diversity, will be introduced as well. The committee plans to hand out their new Staff Council brochure at the forum as well.
The next meeting will be on Sept. 23rd and Lianne Sullivan-Crowley will attend.
Laura Matta reported that Steve Monteiro had met with Dawn Mays-Floyd regarding the Cultural Heritage celebration. The plan is for former UMass chancellor Randolph Bromery to speak at 4:30 on Oct. 13th in the Campus Center, rooms 103 & 104, as the beginning of our Cultural Heritage celebration. They also discussed the Campus Center space which will house the exhibition which is part of the celebration which will be displayed from Oct. 25th -Nov. 18th. The committee will be requesting submissions from staff, faculty and students for the Cultural Heritage exhibition by early October.
Convocation report - Merrilyn reported that convocation was quite an event with lots of boisterous enthusiasm by students. However, she felt they were responsive to her greetings. She also mentioned that some staff who attended had expressed appreciation for her moving remarks. It was agreed that the text of Merrilyn's remarks would be sent to all staff via the liaison listserv as most staff do not attend convocation.
Naomi Miller, new director of Institutional Diversity, will be attending our next meeting which will be held on October 7th in the Mary Maples Dunn Room.