Staff Council
Meeting Minutes
January 19, 2006

I.	Special Presentation
Chris Anderson, Executive Director of Educational Opportunity and Special
Assistant to the President for Diversity provided an informative presentation
about diversity initiatives at Michigan Tech and preliminary results of the
recent climate survey.  Highlights included:

- The College of Engineering, faculty, Graduate School and Student
Affairs all have had diversity-related activities recently.

- Because of the National Science Foundation's emphasis on diversity,
faculty members are including new outreach components in many federally-funded
awards.

- Educational Opportunity's Outreach and MultiEthnic program
coordinators are being used as resources across campus.

- Chris noted a need for staff diversity workshops.  This will be the
next step after the climate survey.

- University wide diversity activities included the formation and
recommendations of the holiday committee, formation of a group to consider the
needs of gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered, the childcare committee, and the
TERR (Tech Educating for Responsible Relationships) committee.

- The climate survey is being analyzed.  There was a good response from
all groups-hourly staff, students, faculty, and professional staff.  Over 50%
of eligible people responded.  After data is reviewed, focus groups will be
formed to discuss issues of particular interest.  Ideally, focus groups will
continue as needs and issues are addressed to annually monitor progress.
Chris noted that plans for diversity will be included in the upcoming
revisions to the University's strategic plan.  

Some comments about the climate survey:
- Over 70% of respondents believe the university needs to be more
inclusive and diverse.
- There is a concern among respondents that diversity means lowered
quality standards.
- Staff members indicated concern with working conditions and lack of
professional development opportunities.

II.	Call to order
Chair Becky Christianson called to order the regular meeting of Staff Council
at 12:40 pm.
III.	Members Present
Members present:  Peggy Gorton, Becky Christianson, Bev Auel, Karen Salo, Judy
Chapman, Diane Garrow, Kathy Goulettte, JoAnne Stimac, Ramona Backman, and
Peter Larsen.  Guests included: Mary Leone, Melissa Roberts, Amy Hughes and
Chris Anderson. 
IV.	Approval of minutes from last meeting
Due to recent reorganization, the minutes from the last meeting were
unavailable.

V.	New business

a) Becky Christianson reported that the Student Affairs Professional
Development Day will be held May 18.  The Student Affairs professional
development committee has approached Staff Council for support.  The day will
include a full day of sessions including activities like computer training,
resume writing, how to supervise students, etc.  After brief discussion of how
we could support Ramona Backman moved that we offer $500 to support.  Seconded
by JoAnne Stimac.  Peggy Gorton asked about our financial situation and Becky
assured that we should have some undesignated funds because there were no BOB
awards this year.  The motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.

b) Becky Christianson presented the updated by-laws for an approval vote.
There was brief discussion about the revised date on the bylaws which should
be updated.  Becky mentioned that she and Peter Larsen met with President
Glenn Mroz and he was supportive of the changes.  Peter mentioned that one of
Glenn's comments was the need for more opportunities for staff professional
development so it is good we are supporting the Student Affairs plans.  Judy
Chapman motioned to accept the by-laws as presented with the change in revised
date.  Bev Auel seconded. The motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.

c) Becky Christianson provided an update on plans for the replacement of
the Employee Excellence Award.  The committee has met and hopes to have
recommendations for the next Staff Council meeting.

d) Becky also noted that the next Presidential Open Forum will be held
Tuesday, February 7 at 2:00 pm.  Staff Council representatives are needed to
assist passing out question cards and microphones.

VI.	Old business
e) Spring Semester Meeting Dates
February 16	Ingrid Cheney, Benefits
March 16	Saleha Suleman, International Programs
April 20	John Lehman, Enrollment
May 18		Bill Blumhardt, Facilities Planning

f) We were reminded that Family Fun Day will be held March 4 from 10:00
am until 3:00 pm.  Ramona has met with Rita Smith for ideas and will soon be
meeting with the MUB and SDC to plan the event.  She will be sending a "save
the date" note to be placed in Tech Today.

g) Becky noted that the Staff Recognition luncheon is usually held in
June.  Volunteers will be needed, contact Becky if you are interested.

VII.	Finance Committee Report
Financial Custodian Bev Auel reported that our budget for the year is $9500.
So far we have spent $447.95 for a balance of $9052.05.  It was noted that
most of our expenses will still be occurring this year with the upcoming
Family Fun Day and Service Awards luncheon.

VIII.	Adjournment
JoAnne Stimac motioned to adjourn, seconded by Kathy Goulette.  Meeting
adjourned at 12:55 pm.
Minutes submitted by:  Peter Larsen, Secretary