24 October 2007
Staff Advisory Council
Meeting Minutes for October 24, 2007
Attendance:
Cathy Pescatore, Lynn Grady, Lois Falzone, Mimi Geiss, Chuck Breischaft, Mary Marissen, Anna Headley, Brady Gonsalves, Tami Gura, Brad Rumsey, Michelle Hartel, Karen Henry.
Human Resources:
Melanie Young
Equal Opportunity Officer:
Sharmaine LaMar
Announcement:
SAC talked with Public Safety to inquire as to why *all* thefts/incidents, regardless of how petty or substantial, aren't reported to faculty and staff. We found that to report very minor problems are a complicated matter. Public Safety's intention is to routinely report (in F/S Digest) all thefts that are forcible in nature, and/or that exhibit a pattern (defined as more than one (1) similar occurrences), and/or where a viable suspect is identified and a meaningful physical description is provided.
Public Safety reminds us that they DO follow the Department. of Education requirements in reporting more serious crimes - our policy follows:
In the event that a serious crime occurs on or near campus, that, in the judgment of the Deans Office and the Department of Public Safety, presents an ongoing or continuing threat to the college community, a timely warning notice will be issued by the Public Safety Department using the college e-mail system and will be posted in flyer form in prominent campus locations. The decision to issue a warning to the community will be made on a case by case basis in light of all the facts surrounding the crime, including factors such as the nature of the crime, the continuing danger to the community, the possible risk to compromising law enforcement efforts and the personal safety of any individual or group.
Equal Opportunity Advisory Council:
The EOAC has a vacancy that needs to be filled. The vacancy is for a non exempt employee who is willing and available to serve a three year term. There have been some volunteers and SAC will make a nomination at the next meeting on Wednesday, November 14th. We will then take our recommendation to Al Bloom who will approve and confirm the appointment.
Human Resources:
Melanie Young asked SAC to identify a few non-exempt employees to help in the final round of interviewing for the ITS Director Search, to replace Judy Downing who will retire at the end of 2007. SAC recommended employees who will meet with two final candidates as part of a six person group.
"Fringe" Benefits:
A question to SAC about how best to communicate to staff all the "fringe" benefits. For instance, employee discounts for computers, heating oil, cell phone plans, insurance, etc. The campus resources are listed in the Staff Handbook but there is no listing for the other resources. Melanie will check with the Human Resources Staff to see the HR wants that information or if SAC should post it on the SAC web page.
Printer/Copiers on campus:
It has been reported that there are folks on campus who are unhappy about the printers/copiers that were installed this summer. It was also suggested that Administrative Assistants be included when discussions are made about changing copiers. The complaints were that the customer service department at RICOH was not good listeners, parts were not installed originally and when the new parts arrived they were not correct and that the machines were slower. Lois Falzone will follow up with ITS.
Issues within Scott Circle:
There is a concern about the safety around McCabe and all over campus. Locks have been replaced and the alarm has been fixed at McCabe.
Fire Safety:
A few employees would like regular fire drills to be instituted. Melanie will put it on the agenda for the Emergency Preparedness Committee.
Parking:
It was brought up to a SAC member about the parking spaces in Bond being too narrow and that construction workers and students are parking there. Public Safety is aware of the parking problems and they have been ticketing.
It was also pointed out that there is a parking lot behind the science center and ALL are welcome to park there.
Service Awards:
Melanie will ask a member of the Staff Appreciation Committee to come to a SAC meeting to talk about changes to the service awards.
Chalking:
If an employee is offended by the chalking for Coming Out Week they should contact Raphael Zapata at the Intercultural Center.
First Fridays:
SAC will continue hosting First Fridays at the Map House from 9:30 - 11:00. The schedule is November 2, December 7, February 1, March 7 and May 2.
SAC Meetings:
November 14, December 12, January 23, February 13, March 19, April 16, May 14.
Submitted by,
Lynn Grady
SAC Secretary
