Notes of the

Campus Welfare Committee Meeting

March 18, 2004

 

Members in attendance:  Barbara Brogan, Rachel Huff, Willeen McQuitta, Lee Richter, Leslie Sunell, Linda Tursi, Christina Valentino and Stanley Williamson

 


Campus Climate

 

CWC discussed reports of anxiety across campus.  Barbara Brogan noted that anxiety is due to the uncertainty of the state’s current financial picture combined with the departure of both top campus administrators in a relatively short period.  Barbara feels that open communication with the campus is imperative during this turbulent time.

Christina Valentino added that there are feelings of uncertainty at the mid-management level, as well.  If they have no clear direction it becomes difficult to communicate to staff.  

Stanley Williamson described his own office’s feeling of loss after CAO Karleen Meaker’s recent retirement after 12 years on campus.  He stated that the uncertainty rippling through the campus and the entire state of California makes Chancellor Greenwood’s presence at the Office of the President a good idea.  She now has the opportunity to be a positive influence over the UC system, and will be able to implement some needed changes.

 

Christina Valentino added that, as stated in our campus’s Principles of Community, we must all be tolerant of each other, and understand that the state’s and campus’s economic situation will mean that we must do business differently.  Attempting to maintain the same level of service with less people and resources will have a detrimental effect.  For instance, there could be an increase in job related injuries, etc.

 

Rachel Huff added to this the issue of an aging workforce.

 

In her unit, Willeen McQuitta has implemented regularly scheduled Communication Meetings every Tuesday for 30 minutes.  The goal of these meetings is simply to share information, and it seems to be helping her staff’s morale.  This meeting arose from a study of Human Resources last year.  Willeen also recommended a consultant named Kate Powers, who has given several Change Management courses.  Her courses have received very good reviews on campus.

 

The question went around the table:  If CWC were to give a message of advice to the Interim/Acting Chancellor and Campus Provost, what would it be?

 

  • Keep on going – follow through with projects & ideas begun by Chancellor Greenwood
  • Show Appreciation – make sure to acknowledge those dedicated employees
  • Support – let the Acting Chancellor & Campus Provost know that we support their efforts.

 

 

 

Child Care Advisory Committee Update

 

Rachel Huff announced that there would soon be some new additions to membership.

Helen Mayer, Fiscal Assistant in Student Business Services, has agreed to membership, and Wilma is going to ask Ruth Britney, Supervisor of the School Age program at CCS, to join the committee.

 

Access policy discussions have generated many new questions regarding eligibility.  These discussions have been in-depth, and therefore are time-consuming.  The committee has only covered eligibility of students and community members.  They will reconvene in April to continue the discussions regarding faculty and staff.

 

Funding Development sub-committee is working on grant requirements versus fee for service programs.

 

Communications Committee is building a website with the idea that they will post Legislative news telling the community what developments are coming up that may impact child care.

 

Faculty Survey results showed overwhelming support for child care on campus.

On-line survey of staff and graduate students will be coming in the next few months.

*Linda Tursi will send Faculty Survey results to members electronically.

 

Chair Leslie Sunell requested a CCAC progress report/summary by the end of the academic year.

 

Other issues

 

An issue to be discussed at a future CWC meeting will be the campus smoking policy.

 

 

The next meeting of the Campus Welfare Committee will be on Thursday, April 15th, from 1:00 – 3:00 PM in room 481 McHenry Library