Butler University Staff Assembly Minutes

Butler University Staff Assembly Minutes

July 27, 2004 Pharmacy Bldg. 106

Patti Colip, as new president of the organization introduced our first speaker for the meeting;

Elise Kushigian, Executive Director, Clowes Memorial Hall.

CNH is going thru some redecorating with new paint colors and carpeting in the foyer as well as the staircases and landing areas throughout the hall. The items are being paid for thru a fee of 1.50 added to the patron ticket. A new stage curtain was also hung. This is the first phase of three phases over the next few years as money is raised for improvements to the facility. Phase two will include seating areas in the 6 terraces of the building. New chairs and carpet in the theater will be phase three.

Season Update: Faculty and staff receive a 50% discount on season tickets for Clowes Performing Arts Series 04/05. That is the same price as a single ticket for staff and faculty with discount. The benefits are that you do receive reserved seating at the same location for the full season and tickets go on sale earlier for season ticket purchases. The Arts Series is linked to the academic curriculum at Butler University and several of the performers are involved in master classes, clinics, music groups and lecture series for the University, along with the performance for the public. The tickets are also complimentary for the students if their professor requires their attendance. This is underwritten thru several grants received throughout the year. Elise encouraged the staff to become part of the volunteer usher program. There are training sessions at the beginning of the season. Community members are needed, especially during those periods during the year where students are not available. See the website for information regarding the schedule this season at Clowes and sign up for the usher programs.

John Servizzi, Telecommunications Arts and convener for the Communications subcommittee introduced our next speakers:

David Clark – Director, Student Involvement and Leadership Programs.

David told the staff about the welcome week opportunities for students and how staff can become involved in the activities. Move in is planned for the weekend of August 21-22. Parents are encouraged to spend the night of August 21 and attend activities on campus on August 22 including the President’s Convocation with their student. All activities are on the web site and staff is encouraged to participate.

Caroline Huck – Director, Volunteer Services and Service Based Learning.

Caroline gave us a calendar of events in August for students and many for staff to become involved. Ambassadors of Change includes many returning students and new students. This is a program that focuses on Service and Leadership. Bulldogs into the Streets involves around 300 freshman going to 23 service sites across the county to volunteer for the day. There will be a Volunteer Opportunity Fair on campus on Sept. 22 for all to attend. This is a fair that offers several not for profit organizations an opportunity to meet and engage the Butler faculty, staff and students in their programs. Fall Alternative Break and monthly service projects are all experiences open to staff for involvement. Back Pack Attack currently is going on; the purpose is to collect school supplies for IPS students. Drop off boxes for collection are across the campus.

Patti suggested that all new staff be introduced by their individual department representatives.

Patti called for sub committee reports:

John Servizzi – Communications: updates the web site for staff assembly (butler.edu/staff_assembly.com); will continue to make contacts within the University for speakers at monthly meetings. Has two new members to committee.

Dan Landwerlen – Nominations and Elections: Committee needs more members

Faculty Relations – No representative present: Committee will be working with Patti and Faculty Assembly Chair to set up some meetings with chairs of both organizations to establish some dialogue between faculty and staff.

Staff Development – Has two new members to committee. Continues to sponsor Blues Buddies.

Barbara Lee – Employment Affairs: updating Staff Handbook with Elaine Johnson of OD. Working on establishing Supervisor Training with Doug Simpkins of OD. Top Dawg awards will be announced at the faculty/staff picnic on August 20.

Jo Wagoner – Activities and Socials; Completed the Softball season; may have a tournament organized. Garden Club continues but does need new representative to sub-committee. Libby Holms, a new employee with Registration and Records interested in starting a Quilt Club with staff and faculty. The Open House for the fall will begin to be planned. Butler HUB idea, a trade and announcement networking opportunity for employees of BU is on the drawing board at this time.

Patti announced the Boise Office Supply Show will be in the Reilly Room on August 13. Watch for announcement in the digest. Enterprise Rent-a-Car will be having an orientation program on campus for all who are involved in renting automobiles for the University.

Patti encouraged staff to become involved in the various sub-committees as a way to meet more staff on campus and be aware of the various departments on campus.

Dan Landwerlen introduced the Affiliate Group Status proposed amendment for Article IX for the Bylaws. The announcement of the proposal is made at this meeting and again in August for the staff to review. Voting on the amendment will take place at the September meeting.

Meeting adjourned. Next meeting: August 19 at 1pm in the Tent on the Mall: Ice Cream Social!!!!

Respectfully submitted: Jane Clarke, Secretary