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Professional Advisory Council Minutes November 7, 2007 Agenda items for the January 9, 2008 meeting need to be
submitted to Gerald Hendricks The meeting convened at 2:32 p.m. by Paul Pusecker.
PAC members present were:
Minutes The September, 2007 minutes were approved with the following correction. Guest Speaker Michael Gilbert, Vice President for Student Life spoke with the members of PAC about the Strategic Planning Process. Michael Gilbert, solicited comments from members of PAC, beginning by asking “Where do we want UD to be in five years? What does excellence look like at UD? How do we want to be thought of?” Members of PAC shared ideas with Michael Gilbert and he in turn shared ideas that have been submitted to the committee. Michael Gilbert encouraged members to submit comments online at http://www.udel.edu/strategicplanning/. Old Business Ms. Windley, Director, Procurement Services spoke with PAC members regarding the amount of time it takes to process Business Expense Reports (BER’s). Ms. Windley agreed that processing time for BERs has increased this year. During calendar year 2006, BERs were processed in an average of 9 calendar days. In 2007, that time has increased to 13 calendar days. Approximately 16,000 of these forms are processed annually.If a form has any defects, incomplete or missing documentation, unclear business purpose, or unallowable expenses, the increase in time is certainly more than ever before. Due to volume, problematic forms take a low priority. Ms. Windley expects, the turn around time to improve during the fourth quarter of this year as the Procurement Office returns to full staff. In response to Mr. Dexter’s constituent concern regarding the paved walking path located near the parking lot at the Studio Arts Building, Mr. Shipman, Public Safety, reported that Public Safety has painted the pedestrian crosswalks in Lot 19. Mr. Shipman also noted that there are no posted signs but reminded everyone that pedestrians have the right of way. Constituent Concerns
Another constituent of Ms. Buccos’s expressed the concern about a “rumor” that the University’s retirement program will be changing. Dr. Colm stated that the age and service requirements for retirement of incoming faculty and professionals will be discussed during the upcoming collective bargaining process with the AAUP. Mr. LaPenta noted that the University follows the general parameters of the State of Delaware’s Retirement program. Dr. Barry Miller expressed a concern regarding the stop sign at the corner of Amstel and Orchard Lane. Currently you cannot make a right turn at the Amy DuPont building. Drivers are forced to go around to South College. Mr. Shipman of Public Safety noted that the community does not want a lot of traffic and the no right turn sign was installed by the City of Newark when construction began on the Roselle Center for the Arts. Mr. Shipman will follow up with the City of Newark. A constituent of Ms. Johnston’s expressed a concern regarding the lack of a short term disability program for professionals. Mr. LaPenta stated that the State of Delaware has a short term disability program for hourly and salaried staff employees. Professionals are not in the state system and cannot participate in the short term program. However, professionals can accrue up to 120 days (6 months) of sick leave to use for short term situations.
The Diversity Commission Meeting report for October 12, 2007 was presented The commission met on Monday, October 12th from 2 – 3:30. Dr. Patrick Harker, President, attended the meeting and addressed the group. He outlined the current efforts to improve diversity on campus and also provided some insight about the challenges and opportunities we have at Delaware. Dr. Maloba will arrange a meeting between the President’s Commission and the Strategic Planning Committee. Dr. Harker emphasized that his administration looks at diversity (in its broadest sense) as an inescapable necessity in today’s educational environment. Dr. Harker also noted that the pursuit of diversity should extend to the communities surrounding the University; they too, should aim to provide a welcoming environment to a diverse community. He stated that unless the University of Delaware becomes a leader (may even be a pace-setter) on diversity, it will find it very difficult to attain all of its academic goals. Dr. Harker agreed with many members of the Commission that campus ethnic and cultural groups need separate spaces but that there should also be a common area that facilitates inter-group interaction. Dr. Harker believes in expanded hiring of diverse faculty; an increase in the total number of faculty. The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 p.m. New Business Announcements Meeting adjourned at 4:08 p.m. Respectfully submitted by,
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