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July 27, 2007
More details re: Conversation with a Provost:
Note: Since it is very difficult for me to abandon thinking about this terrific meeting from last week, I am taking the liberty of including the official meeting minutes in this blog:
VOICES OF THE STAFF
Core Team Meeting
July 17, 2007
10th FL conference room, 9:00-10:45
Present: Michelle Barnes, Barbara Bassett, Claudette Brower, Pat Cooke, Altorian Derrick, Anita Greca, Linda Hart, Stephen Hipkiss, Pat Hodges, Greg Lambert, Doritta McDaniel, Denise Moore, Byron Myer, JoAnn Peraino, Marlene Pruitt, Kevin Reynard, Ann Ross, Anna Schnitzer, Katherine Roth Van Deventer, Laurita Thomas, Jarrod Van Kirk, Ramona Ward, Lynette Wright, Cathy Zawacki
Guest: Provost Terry Sullivan
Welcome & Introductions:
The meeting was opened with a welcome by Laurita Thomas and roundtable introductions by each member of the Core Team.
Conversations with Provost Sullivan
Provost Sullivan spoke about several objectives and goals she plans to work on over the next several months. Several items discussed were:
• Differences in culture between faculty and staff - the Provost plans to initiate a University-wide training program for department chairs on performance management, and generate discussion to raise awareness of faculty and staff cultural differences.
• Expand a program practiced in LSA and Engineering which is to promote younger faculty members to full professorship. The Provost would like to overcome the practice of newer faculty members often receiving only harsh criticism from seasoned faculty members. In order to retain young talented faculty members, it’s important to overturn such negative customs.
• Remove roadblocks – the academia is very decentralized which creates various barriers across units and between faculty and staff. There is a great deal of innovation and creativity that can be captured by eliminating unconstructive behavior, and encouraging excellence in service and performance.
• Improve space utilization – many work areas throughout the University are underutilized, and can be used for research and projects.
Debrief – various comments from the members:
• The group was thrilled to learn that one of the Provost’s objectives is to start a training program for department chairs. They hope both department chairs and department managers receive the same type of training.
• “It was insightful to hear and talk with the Provost. She was very approachable.”
• “The fact that she took the time to attend our Core Team meeting was very encouraging.”
• “She’s a living bridge between the academic side and the staff side.”
• The team felt hopeful after hearing there is a legitimate concern for bridging the gap between academia and staff.
• The group was pleased to hear about her dedication and passion for balancing work and home life.
Human Capital Report
Laurita encouraged the members to use the Human Capital Report as a resource for their teams’ projects and research, and for their own departments.
Miscellaneous
At the next Core Team meeting, members will be asked to give team reports.
Next meeting: TBD
Meeting adjourned
Posted by schnitzr at July 27, 2007 05:44 PM