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Please submit agenda items for the August 9, 2006 meeting to Julie Skeen
by August 2, 2006. The meeting was called to order at 2:33 p.m.
SSAC members present were:
Members Excused: Karen Clark #13 Alternates Present: Sherry Mench #13 Members Absent: Michael DiMauro #1, Patti Hall #2, Diana Simmons #4, Paige Seppanen #7, Marylee Frederick #9 Others Present: Maxine Colm, Richie Holland, Thomas LaPenta, Julie Skeen Introductions Minutes Old Business Constituent Concerns
Another of Ms. Hadden’s constituents wished to know if the number of Tuition Exchange Program slots might be increased. Mr. LaPenta said the number of slots was increased from five to ten a few years ago and, considering the major expense incurred by the University for its participation in the program, he does not expect any further change to be made. Ms. Hadden also asked about the possibility of one employee “giving” their tuition fee waiver benefit to another employee. It was agreed that this would not be possible. Ms. Williams asked about the standard operating procedure regarding salaried staff time sheets, noting some variations among departments. Mr. LaPenta stated that salaried staff time sheets must be completed and vacation/sick leave logs must also be maintained by departments. It was noted that requests for leave may be submitted either by use of the Web form or by e-mail. Several questions regarding Dining Services’ pricing practices were raised, and it was agreed to invite Sue Bogan, Dining Services, to the August meeting to answer members’ questions. Ms. Hadden asked for affirmation that the merit pool average was at 4% this year. This was confirmed and Mr. Holland said letters regarding individual increases would be sent the last week in June. Ms. Hadden inquired if President Roselle would address SSAC this year. The President has subsequently been scheduled for the October 11 meeting. Several SSAC members participated in a focus group related to the current presidential search committee. Input and advice is being sought from many different UD constituencies. Members noted that the recent 90-minute meeting was very informative, allowing them to get a feel for what various facets of the UD community are seeking and to feel part of the group. For up-to-date information on activities of the search committee, visit www.udel.edu/presidentialsearch/. (An article on the committee published in UDaily subsequent to this SSAC meeting can be found at http://www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2006/jun/search062706.html.) Ms. Hadden asked when the Laird Campus pedestrian bridge will be completed.
In response to Mr. Holland’s inquiry, Robert Stozek, Facilities, replied, “Construction
is due to be substantially complete July 15 and the official open for use
date is July 31. If the site work around the base is completed early, the
bridge may open earlier.” Committee Reports/Matters
President’s Commission to Promote Racial & Cultural Diversity
Meetings were held monthly from February to June. Presenters included Dr. Tom Apple, Dean, College of Arts & Sciences, addressing recruitment programs and initiatives being utilized to diversify UD faculty and graduate students; Dr. Michael Middaugh, Institutional Research & Planning, and Heather Kelley describing and discussing the UD Employee Satisfaction Survey; various UD constituent representatives presenting for domestic partner benefits; Dr. David Roselle, UD President, reporting on UD’s retention and graduation rates of African-American students in national ranking, describing the various UD support groups for students of color, and emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity, and the ongoing need to recruit and to hire persons of color. The Commission also welcomed presentations from representatives of student organizations. The final meeting of the year focused on recommendations for the Commission's consideration, which included concerns such as benefits for domestic partners, a mentoring program for new faculty of color, and more space for the Office of Women’s Affairs and the LGBT Community Office. The Commission also discussed recommendations for enhancing the Black American Studies Program and Dr. Roselle’s letter stressing zero tolerance for hate for the new student orientation packet. The complete list of recommendations and changes will be provided in the
Commission’s Annual Report. Announcements The meeting adjourned at 3:07 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Thomas LaPenta Reviewed by Marge Hadden as authorized by SSAC. ................................................................................ |
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