Staff Advisory Council
College of Food, Agricultural,
and Environmental Sciences
Minutes

September 15, 1999 - Columbus

Present: Betty Aylsworth, Rita Bowers, Mark Erbaugh, Cindy Crawford, Marjorie Dellinger, Carol Bunn, Becky Hooper, Jim Karcher, Mabel Kirchner, Barb LaMoreaux, Christine Nielsen, Pat Patterson, Susan Sommer, Regina Vann, Thad Welch, Shelly Whitworth, Cathy Zirkle, Janice Dicarolis, Deb Gallagher, Ann Lighthiser, Kathy Mohler, Carol Sowers

Absent: Anne Groves Ted Gastier Sherri DeCant

The regular meeting of the Staff Advisory Council was held at the Buckeye Hall of Fame Cafe in Columbus from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., followed by the annual recognition luncheon and installation of officers. Individual and group pictures to be used in the staff directory were taken during the break between the meeting and lunch.

Thad reported the executive team met recently (Becky via conference call) to develop today's program and finalize details. Thad reviewed the day's agenda and the program that follows lunch.

Minutes from the past meeting were reviewed. No changes were noted. Barb LaMoreaux made a motion to approve; seconded by Kathy Mohler. Motion passed.

TASK FORCE REPORTS

enVision Article - Cathy Zirkle

Cathy distributed a copy of the article to run in the next edition of enVision. Cathy wrote the article using notes from meeting minutes. A picture of Dr. Newcomb, taken at the July meeting, will also be featured. Cathy reported articles will be submitted every other month, and the next deadline is early November for the December issue. She will ask for a volunteer to write this article, and it was suggested this article could focus on the up-coming survey that will be sent to staff.

List Serve - Ann Lighthiser

Ann reported she continues to work on updating the staff e-mail list. She estimates there are approximately 1,100 staff names but 10-20 percent do not have an e-mail account. An issue to be addressed is how to correspond with staff who do not have e-mail accounts. It was agreed at this point we'll probably not reach 100 percent coverage, and our goal will be to make as many staff as possible aware of SAC and the ability to communicate via e-mail. Ann will be ready to send a test message in a couple weeks. Cathy Zirkle will compose a message to send. This test will provide an opportunity for incorrect e-mail addresses to be kicked-back, and corrections can be made.

Web Page - Susan Sommer

Susan distributed a handout listing the progress of this task force. Deb Gallagher will be the webmaster, and technical assistance will come from Jim Lemon in C& T. The goal is to present accurate and complete information and keep the web page as professional as possible, including periodic review and posting a date on all material.

Mary Hoffelt from C& T has developed several preliminary logo designs. Susan passed out the samples for review. Arrows were used to imply communication both ways and sharing of information. Much discussion centered on whether the acronym SAC should be used or if the words should to be spelled out. Another consideration was whether "The College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Science" should be included in smaller print. Color was discussed--the designer recommends not using scarlet and gray. A vote was taken on the preferred logo, but discussion continued and was then leaning toward another logo design. The consensus was that the task force will work with Mary to finalize the logo. The task force members agreed to November 1 as the target date to have the web page ready.

Membership Directory- Janice Dicarolis

The directory is near completion with a few minor changes yet to be made. C& T will do the printing for ease of updating; Dr. Newcomb has approved funds for the printing. The new logo will be used on the cover. The target date for completion is November 1. Questions raised--would the directory be mailed out, and if so, where could the labels be obtained? It was agreed the task force will be responsible for distribution. Copies will also be sent to cabinet members.

Promotional Display - Becky Hooper

The task force members have a meeting with Millie Scheid in C& T the end of September. Millie will assist in the layout and getting the display made. The primary purpose of the display is for internal use with college activities to promote and make staff aware of SAC. Coordinating efforts with other task forces and staff in C& T, the display will incorporate the logo, membership directory, group pictures, etc. It was suggested that group pictures (Extension, ATI, OARDC) could be interchangeable when the display is used with a specific college group--hopefully staff will more easily recognize people they know and work with often. A picture of the full council will be used all the times. November 1 is the target date for completion of the display.

Survey - Cindy Crawford

Cindy commented the task force referred to SAC's April minutes to insure that questions on the survey will answer the questions asked at that meeting. Cindy also announced that Dr. Dale Safrit (Human and Community Resource Development) will be the contact for technical assistance. A discussion was held on whether "qualifiers" (staff position, location, etc) would be pertinent information that should be included in the survey. Cindy indicated she will check with Dr. Safrit for his advice. Dr. Rubin Nieto (Program and Evaluation Support Office) will assist with data analysis. The task force will meet following today's meeting to finalize their input on the survey, a final review will be held at the November SAC meeting, and the survey will be sent to staff by the first of the year. Cindy will arrange to get a cover letter to go with the survey from Dr. Moser, Dr. Newcomb and the Directors of Extension, ATI and OARDC.

Staff Development - Shelly Whitworth

Shelly reiterated comments from the August SAC meeting--this area is so broad, the TF would like to have more members join. Also, this TF maybe cannot fully function until the survey results have been tabulated, and based on the results, the TF will identify areas to work on.

Recognition and Rewards - Regina Vann

Regina reported that like the Staff Development TF, this task force is also waiting for the results of the survey. In the meantime, TF members will begin researching what currently is available to staff. She also suggested that once the information is compiled it will be listed on the web page.

OTHER BUSINESS

Discussion with Dr. Newcomb

Thad reported he and Dr. Newcomb met recently to review SAC activities. Dr. Newcomb emphasized the role of SAC--serving in a advisory capacity to Dr. Moser. SAC is to operate as a "think tank" and bring issues of concern or interest from staff members in the college to the attention of Dr. Moser and his cabinet. That does not necessarily imply that SAC is responsible for carrying out or seeing that all these issues are implemented or completed. Dr. Moser will delegate responsibility for carrying out particular projects, and in fact at that time it may come back to SAC to continue on a project. Thad reminded everyone of our advisory role and cautioned us not to be overwhelmed with the concept that we are responsible for seeing that everything gets accomplished.

BioOhio

Shelly reported BioOhio will not be held this year but will be held alternating years between the Columbus campus and Wooster: 2001-Columbus, 2002-Wooster, 2003-Columbus, etc.

Fall Faculty Meeting

Thad reminded everyone to respond to Cathy Forte on whether they plan to attend the October 7 meeting in Columbus.

Farm Science Review

Thad asked for a show of hands on how many plan to attend the VP's luncheon at FSR--approximately half the members plan to attend. Those interested in car pooling from Columbus campus are to respond to Pat Patterson.

2000 Meeting Dates/Locations

Thad commented that the officers will be setting the 2000 meeting dates soon. Anyone wishing to host a meeting is to let Thad know. Monthly meetings will be scheduled with the option to cancel if it is not necessary to meet.

Thad reminded everyone the November meeting will be hosted by Carol Sowers in Washington, C.H. (representing Extension's South District) on November 17. Directions will be sent closer to time. At this meeting, we will determine whether to meet in December.

USAC Collaboration

Thad reported he received additional information from Linda Bryant regarding USAC asking that SAC host listening sessions at various locations for FAES staff to provide feedback on issues to be addressed by USAC this year pertaining to staff compensation and benefits. This information is ultimately shared with President Kirwan and other university officials. USAC will provide a facilitator for each listening session, SAC would host the approximate one-hour sessions. Thad noted that sessions have been scheduled in October for the Columbus campus, in November with Extension support staff at their annual meeting, and a session will be scheduled in Wooster.

Thad also commented that USAC's chair, Jamie Mead, will be attending today's luncheon and will share comments during the program.

Becky Hooper
Secretary/Treasurer