IUB Professional Council
Business Meeting Minutes
Kelley School of Business, Room 3055
August 17, 2011
Council Members in Attendance: Tracy Bee, Jeremy Bennett, Lisa Cooper, Rosanne Dye, Karen Garrett, Christina Lirot, Patricia Moser, Rich Nourie, Suzanne Ryan (UHRS Ex-officio), Katie Sewell, Grant Simpson, Patrick Smith, Kelly Thacker, Mark Trotter.
Proxies: Rosanne Dye for Jennifer Brooks, Jeremy Bennett for Cindy Curvin, Kelly Thacker for Tiana Iruoje, Grant Simpson for Maryanne McDonnell.
Meeting Minutes
A motion to approve the July, 2011 minutes as written was made, seconded and passed.
Old Business
Special Election
At last month’s meeting, it was agreed that Patrick would initiate proceedings to hold a special election to fill one vacant seat in Unit 1, two seats in Unit 2 and one seat in Unit 3. The Executive Committee learned last week that the electronic voting system used by BPC has become obsolete, rendering it unusable in its current state. At that time the Executive Committee discussed holding the special election using paper ballots. After some discussion, this option did not appear feasible, due to the time and cost restraints associated with this type of election.
At this time, the Executive Committee would like to invite all current BPC members to nominate individuals within the appropriate units to fill these vacant positions. Any BPC member who would like to nominate someone should forward the name to the BPC office (tspiegel@indiana.edu). Once names have been received, the full council will be asked for a vote of affirmation.
BPC Statement to the Bloomington HT Newspaper
On Wednesday, July 27, the BPC was asked for a response to the news of President McRobbie’s recent pay increase. After collaboration via email, the following statement was released:
“We respect the work that President McRobbie does for the betterment of the university but are disheartened to see that other staff members are being rewarded at a disproportionately lower rate, particularly at a time when we have to absorb more of the shared cost of health care benefits.”
This statement was printed in its entirety. After appearing in the HT, several professional staff members responded that they appreciated the respectful tone of the statement while remaining true to the sentiment of the professional staff community.
New Business
Confirmation of Ex-officio Members for 2011-2012
Pursuant to Section 7.G. of the BPC Bylaws, the Bloomington Faculty Council, the Indiana University Student Association, AFSCME, CWA and University Human Resource Services have been invited to provide non-voting ex-officio members to sit on the BPC for the upcoming year. At today’s meeting, the following individuals were affirmed to serve, after having been nominated by their respective organizations:
Formation of Ad-hoc Committee to Update Election/Auction Applications
Due to recent challenges the BPC has faced regarding support for our technical applications, the Executive Committee discussed forming an ad-hoc committee to update the election and auction applications. Grant has volunteered to serve as Chair for the committee. At today’s meeting, Karen also volunteered to serve. Grant will contact previous BPC members and volunteers, Mike Halla and Dan Ondrik to see if they would be willing to serve on the committee as well.
Perks Page Administration
The BPC office was recently notified by Thom Atkinson that he will no longer be administering the Perks Page, due to a change in his position. He has offered to pass permission to the BPC in order to continue making updates to the page. At today’s meeting, it was suggested that the BPC might enlist the support of the BFC, CWA and AFSCME, since the perks listed are available to all IU Bloomington employees, not just professional staff. It was also suggested that Legal Counsel be consulted to make sure the page is in compliance. The Professional Interests Committee will look into the matter.
Support for RIF’d Employees
A member of the Executive Committee has been asked to look at the formation of a support network to assist professional staff employees who have been affected by a reduction in force. Suzanne mentioned that UHRS does provide a packet of information regarding available resources within the community, and they work with departments to provide access to STEPS courses for rif’d employees. In addition, professional staff employees do receive preferential treatment for open positions, if they choose this option. It was suggested at today’s meeting that the BPC offer a “RIF” coach, someone who could help the displaced employee digest information, as well as offer assistance with a cover letter and resume.
Questions for Health Engagement Program Director, Patty Hollingsworth
Patty Hollingsworth will be our guest at the September BPC business meeting, September 21. All BPC members are urged to send their questions to Teresa at tspiegel@indiana.edu as soon as possible so that the questions can be forwarded to Patty prior to our meeting.
Standing Committee Reports
Executive Committee
The committee met on Tuesday, August 9. In attendance were: Jennifer Brooks, Grant Simpson, Patrick Smith, and Teresa Spiegel. The following items were discussed:
Special Election – Since it was discovered this past week that the electronic system is no longer working, and a paper ballot for three units is not feasible, the committee discussed going back to the method of appointment to fill current vacancies in Units 1, 2 and 3. This will be an agenda item at the August business meeting.
Perks Page Administration – the BPC office was informed that the person who has administered the Perks Page since the BPC began its sponsorship has moved to another position and will no longer be able to continue. The committee agreed that this is something the council will need to discuss at the August business meeting.
Future Speakers for BPC business meetings – In September Patty Hollingsworth, Health Engagement Director, will be our guest. Some ideas for future speakers included David Johnson, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management; Karen Hanson, Executive Vice President and Provost; Dan Rives, Associate Vice President, UHRS; and Brad Wheeler, Vice President Information Technology and Chief Information Officer.
Developed the agenda for the August business meeting.
Communications and Marketing Committee
A newsletter is in the works and should be ready within the next week or so.
Outreach and Advocacy Committee – Maryanne McDonnell
Know Your Campus Event – IMU had two tours: Tuesday, 8/9 at noon – 7 people attended and Wednesday, 8/10 at 4pm- 6 people attended. Thom Simmons gave the tour. A thank you email was sent to him on 8/11.
Photos from IMU tour will be sent to Communications & Marketing Committee.
Next scheduled Know Your Campus Event is at the Musical Arts Center (MAC) – Scheduled for September 29th & 30th, noon-1pm on both days.
Radio & TV services contacted me about setting up a tour as well and I’ve tentatively have them slated for October 4th from noon-1pm.
IMU Outdoor adventures located in Eigenmann – I talked with them in person last week and they are interested in having us do a tour, but not until October/November.
Bryan House contacted us this week and I hope to set up a garden tour in early part of September.
FYI---These events are getting recognized and so we are getting our name out there. YEAH!
Professional Interests Committee
The committee hopes to have a decision on the professional development grant applications by Friday. The committee will meet next week to discuss the next “No Print Day.”
Announcements
Our September business meeting will be held on September 21, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Poplars 181.
Meeting minutes respectfully submitted by Teresa Spiegel.