University of Washington Tacoma Staff Association
Minutes from the July 19, 2007 General Meeting

We opened the meeting with going around the table and introducing ourselves and welcomed new staff member: Travis Tremblay, Copy Center; Michael Pedee, Campus Safety Officer; Susan Wagshul-Golden, Campus Safety Director; Heather Hucks, IAS Adviser; Breana Crist, Admissions Office Assistant; Tanya Ulsted, Global Honors Administrator; Cedric Howard, Assoc. VC for Student Affairs (not all were in attendance).

The board introduced Lorna Fernandez as our new Mentoring person filling in for Crystal Perrine while she is on Maternity leave.  Lorna handed out a ‘Mentor Questionnaire’, gave an explanation about mentoring and asked for anyone interested in participating to contact her.  Welcome Lorna!

Carole Svensson, SA Treasurer, gave an update about the Summer BBQ which is scheduled to take place July 25th from 11:30 – 2:00.  Pre-sale tickets are now available and all are encouraged all to attend.  New staff will receive a special invitation and will also receive a free meal ticket. 

Julie Buffington spoke about the ‘1st Classified Staff Retreat’ in UWT’s history.  She said it seemed to be very successful with a lot of good feed back.  She hopes that it will be an annual event but is unsure if this can happen due to funding.  There were 61 participants out of 85 classified staff and she thanked everyone involved who contributed to making it such a great success.   She also mentioned the annual PDTF Game Day which will take place this year on August 1st, 2007 from 12-1:30 p.m. in the MAT building.

Naarah McDonald gave an update on the Strategic Planning informing everyone one that basically the committee has wrapped things up as of spring but are having feedback sessions.  The steering committee group will meet in September and Naarah is hopeful that a report should be out sometime in October.  She encouraged staff to get involved if asked to do surveys as it’s our time to be heard.  She explained that the last survey was mostly faculty who responded.  The report will help shape the campus into what it will be over the next 5-years.  Sandra Sarr and Naarah McDonald are the two staff members currently on the Strategic Planning committee. 

Brian Anderson lead the discussion regarding ‘Schools & Colleges’ letting everyone know that basically there are no new updates but referred everyone to the website to read the report given to Pat Spakes on June 30th.

Naarah McDonald talked about the LCVI survey that was done letting everyone know the report of comments will be out in September.  Early results are on the Staff Association web site if anyone is interested in learning more.  We will plan to discuss the final report at our next SA General Meeting in October.  If staff has concerns, they are welcome to contact anyone on the SA.

Carole Svenssson talked about the Library event that will occur on August 23rd (Libraries Inforum).  About 150 staff members from the 3-different campus libraries will be meeting to discuss all 3- libraries.  All are welcome to attend.

Brian Anderson mentioned the forum being held today for staff and faculty to hear about the Autumn New Student Orientation that will take place September 19th & 20th.  He explained that the website is up and live but a link has not been put on the front page yet and will be once invitations are sent out to the new students.  Deana gave an update about the taste of UW Tacoma and the events that have been planned for that day. 

Brian Anderson discussed the next general meeting which will take place on October 19, 2007.  We will plan to make it a potluck and encouraged all to put it on their calendars and plan to attend. 

Other items discussed were:

• Milt Tremblay, Facilities, invited staff to attend the open public bidding that will take place in MAT 352 on July 26th @ 3pm.  This is a bid from contractors wanting to build our new hall. .  Ground breaking on the new hall is scheduled for August 28th but activity will probably not occur till sometime in September.  Staff asked if construction will occur during the night.  Milt informed us that that will be a contractor call. He also explained that they are working on several things such as a short term study on space @ UWT, reviewing ‘access’ for all students coming to UWT (wheelchairs capabilities, etc.), discussing the master plan review, and discussion on the Phase 3 plan that includes renovation the Joy building.  He invited all to get involved especially if staff is asked to participate in the design, etc.
• Sharon Parker wanted everyone to know that programs on diversity are in the works and she will be sending out updates on the uwtline. 

Meeting adjourned.