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

September 25, 1998, 12:00 - 3:00
219 Ag Engineering Building, Columbus

Present: Betty Aylsworth, Cindy Crawford, Marjorie Dellinger, Janice Dicarolis, Mark Erbaugh, Debra Gallagher, Ted Gastier, Rebecca Hooper, Jim Karcher, Mabel Kirchner, Ann Lighthiser, Kathy Mohler, Christine Nielsen, Patricia Patterson, Ed Poling, Suzanne Steel, Susan Sommer, Carol Sowers, Regina Vann, Thad Welch, Shelley Whitworth, Cathy Zirkle, Marilyn Trefz, Cathy Forte, Jack Miner (USAC), Bob Moser
Absent: Carol Bunn, Barb LaMoreaux

The first meeting of the Staff Advisory Council for the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences began with the introduction of members and a discussion of the difference those present would like to see this council make. Some themes that emerged were communication, team work, developing an orientation system, and working on issues that are important to the staff as a whole.

Jack Miner, former chair of the University Staff Advisory Council, gave a brief history of the development and purpose of USAC, its operating structure, current focus, sponsored events, and efforts to increase communication with staff around the state (and country). Members of USAC will be traveling to regional campuses to meet with staff there. Jack noted that USAC is hoping that college advisory councils develop into sources of new membership for USAC and that ideas generated by college advisory councils will be forwarded to USAC for university-wide application. He urged the council to "think big" as it develops an internal structure and that time is allowed to develop this properly. Then the council will be able to devote 100% of its time to issues and advocacy. It is also important that the council keep a long-range vision that allows for regular change. USAC includes staff at every level, including part time. It does not include students, graduate students, volunteers, and post doc researchers. Members of USAC commit about 20 hours per month and effective membership relies very much on the support of the members' supervisors and departments.

Bob Moser addressed the group and thanked them for their willingness to serve. He noted that council members will work to represent staff at large, not just their individual department/area and urged them to take a broad perspective that will work for the common good. His hope is that the Staff Advisory Council will work to increase the effectiveness of communication and provide a means for communication to originate from multiple sources/levels. He also hopes that the work of the council will make it "more in the culture to recognize those who work behind the scenes" and urged the council to remember the college motto ("Challenging what is - achieving what could be") as it approaches its task. The five current challenges being addressed by the college were outlined: 1) becoming a learning organization (experimentation, new ideas, constant renewal); 2) creating a flexible structure; 3) developing a team approach; 4) ecological paradigm (4-sided pyramid of production efficiency, economic viability, environmental compatibility, social acceptability); and 5) globalization of the college. In summation, Dr. Moser charged the council to help him "create an environment that is a compelling place to work and a compelling place to learn."

Discussion was held on developing a statement of purpose. A draft will be developed by Marilyn Trefz, Cathy Forte, Ed Poling, Cathy Zirkle, and Regina Vann and e-mailed to council members by October 9. The following points were identified to be included:

1. Team building 2. Climate of mutual respect 3. Fisher College of Business points 4. Being a voice to the Dean 5. Providing a forum/liaison between staff and Dean 6. Being a compelling place to work and learn 7. Leave it broad enough for "wiggle room" 8. Creating new ideas; trying new avenues (college slogan) 9. Working as a blended team of all units - (define college once as academic, Extension, OARDC, ATI and then refer to it only as the college) 10. Communicating staff interests and needs among and beyond staff 11. Communication as a two-way link 12. Empowerment of staff through the council to have an influence and make a contribution

Members will e-mail comments back by October 16 and a second draft will be developed and communicated either by e-mail or at the next meeting. It is noted that this is a draft very much open to comment and revision.

It was decided that:

1. Communication to and between staff council members will be by e-mail in between meetings. Comments will be shared with all. 2. The next meeting will be held sometime during the week of October 19 - an e-mail will be sent to determine the best date for members (October 20, 21, or 22). The next meeting in Columbus; subsequent meetings will be at other locations to be determined. 3. Staff will provide information to the council members on college administrative structure. 4. It is important that the council be a safe place for members to make comments; disagreements will be handled with respect.

Cathy Forte