Members Present:

Kathy Olsen, Tony Bredahl, Sarah Egerstrom, Mark Kinders, Gretchen Link, Steve Luebke, Mike Stifter, Larry Testa and Sue Walton

Call to Order

Meeting called to order at 3:01 PM

Chair’s Report

• It was anticipated that Doyle would freeze all hiring. As of today, the Wheeler report did not indicate that any such action was planned.
• There are going to be budget cuts, we’re just not sure to what areas.
• Doyle wants more time to submit the state’s budget (until February 18, 2003)
• Up to nine new Regents may be appointed. There is a push for more Regents from western Wisconsin.
• Harsdorf and Rhodes were appointed to the Joint Finance Committee, which makes this region well represented.
• The Long Range Planning Committee is examining mission and vision statements for our campus. What makes us unique? The current motto: “Where the Free Spirit Prevails” has come under question. The motto has too many interpretations. Tony noted that we have been using the motto “Building on Tradition” since the 125th Anniversary.

Representative’s Report

• Bargaining Agreement Update: Classified staff contracts have still not been settled. The unions and the state will return to the bargaining table for an agreement for the upcoming legislative session.
• Human Resource Reforms: President Lyall has endorsed a number of reforms in the HR Department that would allow the UW system more efficient hiring practices. Among the proposed ideas: move non-represented professional employees to academic staff; allow UW system to go directly to JCOER with pay plan and eliminating the need to go through the DEF; and to install our own search and screen procedures for classified staff.
• Tony will be participating in the teleconference on January 16, 2003. Anyone is welcome to listen in or join the discussion.

New Business

At the December meeting Larry suggested that we meet right after Tony attends his meetings, not three weeks later. The council approved new meeting dates for the remainder of the year:
February 26 at 3:00 PM
March 26 at 3:00 PM
April 30 at 3:00 PM
May 21 at 3:00 PM

Old Business

The committee would like to note that Larry did not bring a cake to the meeting. We’ll give him a chance to redeem himself on February 26.

Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 3:37 PM