University of Washington Tacoma Staff Association
Minutes from the July 20, 2006 General Meeting

Introduction of new employees:

• Mark Dodson - Student Life Coordinator, Student Life
• Kathi Gibbons - Program Advisor/K-12 Coordinator, Institute of Technology
• Kelly Kledzik - Office Assistant 3, Milgard School of Business
• Scott Pinkston - Alumni Relations/Fund Manager, Advancement
• Alina Urbanec - Program Administrator, Institute of Technology
• Jim Posey – Institutional Research
• Nathan Ketnzer – Enrollment Services

Brian announced that Charlotte has taken over as Co-Chair of the Board.  Welcome, Charlotte!  She will serve until the end of this year.

Secretary and Upcoming Election

Jessica Richardson, UWTSA Secretary, is leaving UWT, and the Board needs a replacement for the remainder of her service period (December 2007).  A new special election will be held in the next week couple weeks.  Jill will send out an e-mail soon.

Release Time for Staff

Kim Davenport informed the group about an informal conversation she had with Jan Rutledge regarding release time for staff to attend classes.  Jan is proposing to create a campus-wide policy regarding the issue, and Kim wanted the Staff Association’s input.  Listed are staff comments/ideas:

• Currently release time is up to the discretion of the department head which gives each program the choice as to how much time to give (or not give)
• There are numerous concerns over the inequity across campus regarding what is allowable for release time and what is not
• There is an understanding that there needs to be more clarity in the current policy, but some managers/supervisors would like to continue to have a say in what is best for the department (flexibility w/in the guideline based on department need)
• Creating guidelines may help eliminate favoritism – professional and classified staff could be treated equally
• Perhaps a minimum number of hours each week could be established without hindering programs who would like to give employees more release time, if they would like
• Perhaps release employees for half the number of hours they are attending classes
• Definitely an overall understanding that equity needs to be created across campus.  Some departments allow much more time than others, and this is an issue worth looking into.

The Board will bring these concerns to Jan, and report back with any further information.

Strategic Planning

There will be a retreat in August to discuss UWT’s strategic plan.  As co-chairs of the Board, Brian and Charlotte will attend this retreat and wanted to get staff input.  The Strategic Planning will focus on our core values and our priorities for the next five years.  Listed are the staff comments:

• There should be more student involvement with everything on campus
• We need to concentrate on staff development and retention
  • Retention
    • Who on campus is leaving?  From which departments?  Why?
    • Are there trends?  Who is keeping track of this information?
    • Someone needs to address this issue and identify ways to keep staff here, perhaps better professional development opportunities, or managerial training is needed
      • Involve people in the planning process who truly have a vision for UWT and who value the strategic planning process
      • Define our relationship with the Seattle campus to create a more clear vision of ourselves
      • Be sure to involve faculty, staff and students during the planning

Staff Box Talks

Julie Buffington gave an update on the upcoming staff box talks (schedule attached).

Summer BBQ

The BBQ is in 2 weeks!  Buy advance tickets now.  This year will be Mexican themed with guacamole burgers and margarita punch.  The Chancellor will be attending again, and everything seems to be in place for a great time.  Staff complimented Brian’s work on the outstanding posters.

Hunger Walk

The Staff Association will participate in the Hunger Walk again this year.  It will take place on October 1 at 1:00 p.m.  Tee shirts will be available for purchase as well.  More information will come soon.

Budget Committee Discussion

Kim Davenport is the staff representative on the Budget Committee.  The Staff Association still believes that we need one additional staff person and at least one student representative on the committee as well.  There is concern over the “mysteriousness” of the committee’s work, and the Staff Association would like to see more transparency.

Meeting adjourned.