Minutes of the March 6, 2008 meeting

Members Present:  Rhoda Adam, Carol Darr, Pat Kennedy, Janine Kinel, Jorge Lugo, Kathy Mallinson, Susan Specht, Marcelino Velez, and Veronica Zuniga.

I.          Campus Safety

            Jorge reported that the Mather drive has now been cleared of parked cars. There will be cameras installed between Ferris and the athletic fields on the way to the Broad Street parking lot, as well as in the Gallows Hill courtyard area, depending on the AAC project.

II.         Committee Reports

Financial Affairs Committee: Carol Darr reported that she will continue to attend the Financial Affairs Committee meetings as the staff representative until a staff benefits committee is instituted by Human Resources.

Planning and Budget Council (PBC): Kathy Mallinson met with the committee and they are considering capital budgets. Sally Katz reported on the Jarvis and Seabury project. Students had recommended putting locknetics locks on all of the dormitory doors in Jarvis.

Staff Seminar Committee: The event is set to go on March 14. Forty staff members have responded so far. A Barnes and Noble gift certificate from the bookstore will be purchased to thank Dr. Ross for his lecture. Several non-exempt staff members requested permission to attend. They are welcome to attend the lecture but we don’t have sufficient budget to pay for their lunch. We’ll be sure to have extra chairs.

New Employee Welcoming Committee:  Margaret reported that she had to cancel the last luncheon for new employees because of a snow day. But the new staff members may attend the Staff Seminar.

President’s Advisory Council on Campus Climate: Janine reported that she attended one meeting. The issues involve social life of the students, encouraging diversity, making people feel welcome. The committee is trying to come up with new ideas. Opening up Vernon Street to theme housing is one idea.

Right Size Study Teams:

Academics Team: Rhoda attended 3 or 4 meetings.

Finance Team: Sue reported on behalf of Pat Godfrey, who represents staff on this committee.

Admissions and Financial Aid Team: Sue Specht is serving as staff representative on this committee. Larry Dow presented an overview of the incoming freshman class for Fall ’08. The class is large and well qualified academically. It was commented that all campus services are affected when more students are admitted.

The Student Experience Team: Jorge reported that a survey was sent to students who are living off-campus due to decreased numbers of dorm rooms. They predominantly enjoy living off-campus. Jorge attended a tour of a dormitory—Park Place on Allen Street. Two-bed room apartments. They are making the first floor a common area. Jorge commented that 40 students are still being housed this year at CCI and they are generally satisfied with this arrangement. The team is creating a wish list and a needs list.

III.        Nominations for IMPACT for next year:

Impact members suggested staff members who could be asked to serve next year. Jorge will write a letter and email it to the staff to solicit nominations of new members. Five new members are needed to replace Rhoda Adam, Pat Godfrey, Margaret Grasso, Pat Kennedy, and Janine Kinel. Some are serving for their second year and all will not be on Impact next year.