CSAC NEWS
October 2011
Editors: Anthony Walter/Cindy Marczak
Classified Staff Appreciation Week
The week of October 10-14, 2011 has been designated as Classified Staff Appreciation Week.
Several fun and informative programs have been scheduled for the week.
Monday - Friday
The name of one lucky classified employee will
be picked each day to be the “Exceptional person
for the day.” That person will receive a visit from a
CSAC member who will present them with a gift of
thanks for doing a great job for the UWSP
community.
All Classified staff can use the University Cardio
Center for free during Appreciation Week. Just
take your UWSP issued photo I.D. card (Point Card)
and check out all the fantastic equipment!
Tuesday, October 11
Rain location will be inside the DUC. All proceeds will
be donated to the CPS Excellence in Dietetics.
Thursday, October 13
Chi Gong/Yoga Introductory Class
On Thursday Oct. 13, get your chi flowing with a set
of Qigong (Chi Gong). Chi Gong is thought by the
Chinese as a way to promote health, longevity, and a
sense of well-being. Chi Gong comes from the
Chinese words "Qi" meaning "Energy" plus "Gong",
meaning "work" or "practice". It is a term that
describes a Chinese exercise system that focuses on
cultivating and attracting "Qi" or "life force"
energies. Chi Gong is a slow-paced collection of
enjoyable exercises. The class will run from 12:00 12:30 PM. Come dressed as you are! (Instructor: Joe
Metallo)
Suites @201 Hall Tours
Take the opportunity to tour the new, 6 story Suites
@201 Hall. This furnished 82 four bedroom suitestyle residence hall houses 328 residents. The
Residential Living staff will be giving tours of the
Suites@201 for classified staff on Tuesday, October
11th, beginning at noon. If you would like a tour
please e-mail Jackie Christianson at
jachrist@uwsp.edu or call her at 715-346-2481 to
reserve your spot by October 7.
From 12:30 – 1:00 PM, learn basic yoga movements
that are very useful to beginners who want to start
doing yoga but don't have any experience of yoga or
any other exercise. Basic Yoga Asanas, or postures
that are stable and pleasant will be introduced. No
experience with yoga is necessary. All postures will
be performed seated or standing. (Instructor: Sallie
Scovill)
Wednesday, October 12
The hour-long session will be held in the Legacy
Room of the Dreyfus University Center. There is no
need to RSVP for this event. See you there!
The CSAC Chili Sale is back by
popular demand! On Wednesday,
from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. come to
the Dreyfus University Center Pergola
to have lunch and support a good
cause. University Dining Services and the CPS Café
will be preparing traditional chili, white bean
chicken and vegetarian black bean chili. Cost is
$3.00 per bowl. Come and enjoy lunch with old
and new friends - rain or shine!!
Al Thompson, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs
Welcome from the Vice Chancellor for Students:
I want to take this opportunity to extend my appreciation for all the wonderful contributions that you make
within our campus community and surrounding area. In my short tenure at UWSP, I have been impressed with the
friendliness and warm greetings from a number of classified staff. I can only believe that this warmth is also
displayed to our students. I sincerely thank you for those interactions with our students because it makes our
community a special place for living and learning during their academic tenure.
Being a Wisconsin resident for over 20 years, I want you to know that I understand and appreciate the Wisconsin
Idea and how our classified staff is an invaluable resource with contributing to the outstanding reputation of
higher education in Wisconsin.
As I walk across campus, I enjoy the opportunity to strike up a conversation with folks on the sidewalks, at front
desks, and in dining areas. Your viewpoints assist me with understanding our campus community and facilitate
the strategies to serve our students. I hope to learn from you so I can serve UWSP in the best possible way.
As my wife, Telitha, and I get acclimated to Central Wisconsin, I look forward to getting to know more about the
area and more of you in the coming months.
Sincerely,
Al
Concealed Carry Law effective November 1, 2011
On September 15, the Classified Staff Advisory Council unanimously voted on a resolution concerning the new
concealed carry legislation which becomes effective November 1, 2011. The new State of Wisconsin legislation
allows the concealed carry of firearms and weapons by licensed individuals. The resolution adopted by CSAC on
behalf of all classified employees stated that the classified staff of UWSP supports the campus in prohibiting the
carrying of firearms and weapons while in campus buildings (campuses are only allowed to prohibit firearms in
buildings, not on campus property as a whole). It also stated that the classified staff of UWSP supports the
campus in prohibiting employees from carrying weapons during the performance of their job duties, unless
required as a condition of employment.
CLASSified
AcCenT
The CLASSified AcCenT section features interviews
with classified employees selected at random.
If you will note, the capital letters in the title spell
CLASS ACT.
That is just what our employees are -- a class act!
Tina Kramer
Tina Kramer has been in the Facility Services
Department, Transportation Services as a Fleet
Manger since September 27, 2010. She is
responsible for the administration of 77 UWSP fleet
vehicles. Her favorite part of the job is working
alongside amazing and talented students. The
amazing and wonderful people are what Tina likes
best about working at UWSP. The biggest change
she has seen has been the remodel/renovation of
the M&M Building. The most memorable person she
has met is Lois Laux, “She is an amazing woman who
from the first day I met has been outstanding, honest
and a hard worker”. Before coming to UWSP, Tina
worked at St. Paul School in Mosinee, WI, as a Middle
School Teacher.
Tina was born in Mosinee, WI. After graduating from
Mosinee High School she went to UW-Marathon
County for 2 years and then Graduated from UWStevens Point in 2002. She is married for over 10
years to Albie Kramer and has a son, Allen (8) and a
daughter, Hallie (5). Tina enjoys staying active with
softball, basketball, running, biking, and spending
time with her family at the lake. Tina’s future plans
are to complete her Master’s degree.
Tina’s advice to the graduates entering the work
force is, “Honesty and hard work will get you
anywhere you want to go in life”.
Michelle Solinsky-Gaetz
Michelle Solinsky-Gaetz has been in the Facility
Services Department as the Business Manager since
April 2010. She is responsible for staff and functions
of three areas within the Facility Services; Office
Administration, Transportation, and Surplus
Property. She also manages the budget for Facility
Services. Her favorite part of the job is the diversity
that each day brings. The work/life balance is what
Michelle likes best about working at UWSP. The
biggest change she has seen has been the change in
benefits and collective bargaining rights. The most
memorable experience for her has been transitioning
from private sector industry to public sector. “The
two sectors have very different business models and
therefore focus.” Before coming to UWSP Michelle
worked at New Page Whiting Mill, as a Human
Resource Manager.
Michelle was born in Sheboygan Falls, WI and her
family moved to the Stevens Point area when she
was 7 to own and operate a dairy farm. After
graduating from (SPASH) Stevens Point Area Senior
High, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Business
Administration and Accounting from Lakeland
College. She is married for 24 years this October to
Jeff Gaetz, and they have a daughter, Natania (6).
Michelle enjoys traveling, riding bike, walking,
gardening, and continuously learning something
new.
Michelle’s advice to the graduates entering the work
force is, “Focus on the resume building activities that
can be translated into the needs of the workforce”
and “Have descriptive examples and the supporting
data ready to back up what you provide in your
resume.”
Heidi Wallner
Heidi Wallner has been in the Purchasing
Department as a Purchasing Associate since March
2011. Her main duties include assisting with the
creating of purchase orders, maintenance orders,
and blanket orders, ordering rubber stamps and
safety glasses, and help with ordering the
photocopiers. Her favorite part of the job is meeting
people from all over the campus, and seeing all the
different things that are needed to keep the
University running both academically and as a
business. The friendliness of everyone is what Heidi
likes best about working at UWSP. Before coming to
UWSP Heidi worked at Wood County Park and
Forestry and All American Cleaning and Restoration.
Heidi was born in Modesto, California. She grew up
out west in Twin Falls, Idaho and Orem, Utah. After
graduating high school she completed some college,
but quit to work full time. She has regretted it for
years, and she is now attending college at Mid-State
Technical College to complete her Associates Degree.
She is married for over 15 years to Patrick Wallner,
and they have 2 kids, Anastasia and Sam. She loves
to read, go fishing and biking often with her family.
Her family’s favorite destination is Door County.
Heidi also has her sights on visiting family in
California in the next year.
Heidi’s advice to the graduates entering the work
force is, “Every position is worth having. Even if the
job you first take is not the job you plan on keeping
for life, you can learn from it and build onto your
experiences.”
Kim Goodwin
I would like to welcome one of my new employees in
General Ledger, Kimber Goodwin. Kimber comes to
us from McDonald Title Co., Inc. She has her
undergraduate degree in General Resource
Management from UW – Stevens Point and is
pursuing her graduate degree in Communication
Studies from Minnesota State University –
Mankato. Kimber brings a wealth of knowledge and
experience to her new position as our Grant
Assistant. We are excited to have her as a member
of our team and look forward to working with her.
Thanks!
Robyn Woytasik
Good News
Network
Danielle Beschta has graduated with her
M.S. Ed in Student Affairs Administration
from UW-La Crosse in May 2011.
Denise Heimstead was accepted into
Graduate School for Library and
Information Studies at UW-Milwaukee.
Nicole Kraft is celebrating her 15th
wedding anniversary with her husband
Tim on October 26th.
Darrel and Pam Sampson’s daughter,
Rachelle Sampson, was married to Eric
Price on August 6, 2011 in the Hoover
Chapel in Eau Claire, WI.
Congratulations!
Health and Wellness
By: Sallie Scovill
S.P.E.C.I.E.S
Finding a balance between the seven dimensions of wellness can sometimes seem to be a tedious task. However, rarely do healthy
behaviors occur alone. Healthy changes typically occur in pairs, whether or not that was the intent. This principle was the reason for the
development of the seven dimensions, which the Stevens Point University advocates. Rather than focusing on one healthy behavior in one
specific area, the seven dimensions is a holistic approach to have a balance of healthy behaviors in every aspect of a person’s life. The
seven dimensions of wellness are:
Social wellness embraces relationships at work, home, friendships, and your relationships with all people and with future generations.
Wellness within this dimension consists of creating and maintaining healthy relationships through every choice made. This dimension
encourages contribution to the welfare of your community through human and physical environments.
Resources on Campus:
Equity and Affirmative Action
UWSP Arts and Culture outreach classes
Physical wellness is a process of making choices to create flexible, cardiovascularly fit, energetic, and strong bodies. The choices you make
relate to exercise, nutrition, rest and sleep, intentional and responsible sexual choices, stress management, management of injury and
illness, and the responsible use of alcohol and other drugs. The biggest barriers people associate with not achieving physical wellness are
lack of time, money, and not seeing the long-term benefits. It is important to remember that change needs to occur immediately rather
than waiting for tomorrow which may turn into days, weeks, or even years.
Resources on Campus:
Cardio Center (fitness memberships, personal training, Much Needed Massage, group fitness classes, Holistic Health)
HEC (aquatics, climbing wall, strength center, gyms)
Employee Wellness (group fitness classes, Stairway to Better Health)
HPHD Adventure Tours
Emotional wellness encourages you to unlock your intellect through the process of creating and maintaining a positive and realistic selfconcept and enthusiasm about life. Wellness in this area includes embracing creativity and mental stimulation, sharing new ideas,
responding to challenges and opportunities to grow emotionally, thinking independently, and participating in scholastic, cultural, and
community activities.
Resources:
Employee Assistance Program
Career wellness encourages making and maintaining choices related to work, which include choosing a job for which you are well suited,
well trained, and from which you gain satisfaction. Wellness within this area means staying current in your chosen field of work and helping
to create a healthy organizational environment which contributes to your own and others’ wellbeing.
Resources on Campus:
Classified Staff Advisory Council, Academic Staff Council
UW-System Employee Benefits
Campus Child Care Services
Grant Support Services
Intellectual wellness challenges you to use the mind to create a greater understating and appreciation of the universe and yourself.
Wellness within this area does not depend on intelligence, but rather on your ability to make connections, appreciate natural connections,
examine your opinions and judgments, and the ability to question authority.
Resources on Campus:
Learning Resource Center
UWSP Arts and Culture Outreach Classes
UWSP Continuing Education
Environmental wellness is a process of making choices that contribute to sustaining and/or improving the quality of life in the universe.
Wellness within this area takes into account responsible choices regarding the use of air, water, land, and energy so that future
generations may thrive. To achieve environmental wellness, a recognition of interdependence of humans and other animals, plants, and
nature as a whole is needed.
Resources:
Environmental Health and Safety Department
Recycling containers
CPS Café
CNR Outreach and Extension Programs
Schmeeckle Programs
Spiritual wellness is a process that challenges one to discover their meaning and purpose in life and demonstrates their values through
their behaviors. Wellness in this area is the conceptual acceptance of wholeness, unity, diversity, individual uniqueness, and the need for
personal responsibility to one’s self and their community.
Resources:
UWSP Continuing Education classes
Wisconsin Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies
Achieving wellness within all seven dimensions is a challenging yet rewarding task. Through challenges and other learning opportunities in
life, a person will continue to change their behaviors and thereby always be creating new ways to improve their wellness and balance
within all seven dimensions. To assess how you are doing in each dimension of wellness, visit the employee wellness website at:
http://www.uwsp.edu/hphd/empWell/wellnessDimensions/wellquiz/
Personnel on the Move
Since 5/6/2011
New Classified Employees (Permanent and Project)
Todd Reiss, Custodian, Academic Custodial
Kay Hackett, Academic Department Associate,
Psychology
Russell Reeves, University Dining Manager,
University Dining
Mark Wanta, Custodian, Academic Custodial
Thia Yang, Police Officer, Protective Services
Sharon Courtney, University Services Program
Associate, Grant Support Services
Christian Russo, Custodian Services Supervisor,
Academic Custodial
Shelley Auer, Academic Department Associate,
Sociology
Michael Wolf, Securities Officer 3, Parking Services
Susanne Zblewski, Accountant, Controller
Susan Pederson, LPN, Health Services
Kimberly Goodwin, Financial Specialist 3, General
Ledger
Tammy Larson, Building & Grounds Supervisor,
Facility Services
Rhonda Schellin, Cook 2, University Dining Services
Mark Giese, Cook 2, University Dining Services
Eugene Patoka, Custodian, Academic Custodial
David Leitner, Carpenter, Facility Services
Nicholas Ignatowski, Plumber, Facility Services
Julie Sittler, Graphic Design, Art and Design
Elizabeth Parrish, University Services Associate 2,
Admissions
Jeffrey Adams, Custodian, University Centers
Custodial
Mark Glatfelter, IS Technical Services Senior,
Information Technology
Transfers
Laurie Scheunemann, from Academic Department
Associate in Sociology to Academic Department
Associate in School of Business and Economics.
Debra Getzloff, from University Services Associate 2
in Student Support Services to University Services
Associate 2 in Admissions
Don Grusecki, from Facility Repair Worker-Adv in
Facility Services to Facility Repair Worker-Adv in
University Centers Administration.
Julie Thiele, from University Services Associate 2 in
Admissions to University Services Associate 2 in
Student Academic Advising Center
Beverley Wenzel, from Student Status Examiner in
Admissions to Program Assistant Supervisor in
Admissions.
Harley Martin, from Custodian in UC Custodial to
Custodian in Residential Living Custodial
Angela Linjer, from University Services Associate 2
position in Admissions to another University Services
Associate 2 position in Admissions.
Jake Pipp, from University Services Associate 2 in
Admissions to University Services Associate 2 in CLUE
in the CNR
Mark Kinney, from Custodian in Academic Custodial
to Custodian in Residential Living Custodial
Nicole Kraft, from Academic Department Associate
in Foreign Language to Secretary Confidential in the
Chancellor’s Office
Colleen Sentkowski, from Financial Specialist 3 in
University Dining to Budget & Policy Analyst Division
in Budget/Personnel
Retired
Mikel Skeels, retired from UC Administration
Amy Boyd, retired from Health Services
Karen Danczyk retired from Student Academic
Advising Center
Kate Congdon, retired from Academic Custodial
Gail Allen, retired from Library
Colleen Angel, retired from Library
Jerome Herek, retired from Facility Services
Neal Lewitzke, retired from Residential Living
Catherine Ladd, retired from Information Technology
Eleanor Ligman, retired from Department of English
Bonita Maher, retired from Tutoring Learning Center
Karen Sannes, retired from Dean’s Office
Richard Stephens, retired from Environmental Task
Force
Bob Newby, retired from CLUE in the CNR
Linda Rice, retired from Continuing Education
Rose Ligman, retired from Health Services
Richard Bartosh, retired from Safety and Loss
Benefits Fair
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Alumni Room
Benefit Enrollment and Change Period Begins October 3
There are important changes to your benefits for 2012 that may require you to take action during the Benefit
Enrollment & Change Period that begins on October 3, 2011 and ends on October 28, 2011 for all participating
plans. This is typically the only time during the year when you are eligible to make benefit plan changes unless
you have a life event (marriage, birth, divorce...) that allows you to add or change benefits.
Detailed benefit information will be available in late September online at http://uwservice.wisc.edu/2012. Please
also watch your email for details.
You may take the following actions during the benefit enrollment and change period:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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NEW: Enroll for health insurance if you are not currently enrolled
NEW: Increase your Individual and Family Life Insurance coverage level (if enrolled as of October 1st)
Change health insurance plans
Change from single to family health insurance or add additional family members to family health
insurance
Add or remove eligible dependent children age 19-25 or a domestic partner to or from health insurance,
VSP, Dental Wisconsin, Anthem DentalBlue and EPIC Benefits+
Enroll in plans that have an open or special enrollment (VSP, Dental Wisconsin, EPIC Benefits+, UW
Employees, Inc. Life Insurance)
Add or remove the optional vision insurance offered under EPIC Benefits+ (this option will be limited in
the future)
If already enrolled in Anthem DentalBlue or Dental Wisconsin, change coverage level or plan
If already enrolled in VSP or Benefits+, change coverage level
Enroll in UW Employees, Inc. Life Insurance (if not currently enrolled)
Enroll in the Employee Reimbursement Account (ERA) program (medical expense and dependent care).
You must re-enroll each year.
Cancel coverage under any plan for the 2012 plan year – must submit application on or before December
1, 2011.
All benefit enrollments and changes made during this period will be effective January 1, 2012.
UPDC Grants
The Classified Staff Personnel Development Subcommittee strongly encourages Classified Staff to submit grant
requests for training and development projects. The awards from the University Personnel Development
Committee (UPDC) may be granted to individuals for career development and for some group projects.
Development grants support Classified Staff development and training. Examples of projects that have been
funded include: attending annual conferences directly related to your position on campus, sending a maintenance
person to a seminar for training, sending clerical employees to a course on developing lead worker skills, and
bringing a speaker to campus to conduct seminars. One copy of your proposal should be submitted to Grant
Support Services, Room 204, Old Main, no later than noon on September 16, 2011, January 27, 2012, or March 2,
2012.
Classified Staff may apply for small grants at any time during the academic year until May 1. Activities eligible for
this category must cost $500 or less, and they require at least a $100 match from the applicant's unit. Requests
for more than that amount should be submitted at one of the three regularly scheduled deadlines. One (1) copy
of your proposal should be submitted a minimum of three weeks prior to the activity, to Grant Support Services,
Room 204, Old Main.
2011-12 Classified Staff Advisory Council
Danielle Beschta
Jackie Christianson
Jackie Durigan
Denise Heimstead
Erin Hintz
Nicole Kraft
Marshall Lee
Cindy Marczak
Susan Mory
Tracy Raatz
Jean Scherer
Anthony Walter
Robyn Woytasik
Conference and Reservations
Student Affairs
College of Professional Studies
Library
Budget Office
Chancellors Office
University Dining Service
Business Affairs
Library
Information Technology
Chancellor’s Office
Personnel
General Ledger
4974
2481
4608
4428
2644
2123
4374
2641
3338
3773
3963
4419
4691
Sargis
Co-Chair 2/Campus Committees
Elections/Secretary
Mentor Program/Sargis
Co-Chair 1/Chancellor’s Cabinet
Online Surveys/Web Site
Years of Service
Classified Staff Awards/Newsletter
Years of Service
Environmental, Health & Safety/Treasurer
Classified Staff Awards
Newsletter
Sargis
University Committee Appointments
Budget Review and Advisory – Robyn Woytasik
Environmental Health and Safety – Tracy Raatz
Equity and Affirmative Action Committee – Linda Mirr, Angie Linger
Facility Naming – Marshall Lee
Parking Appeals – Tina Rajski
University Affairs – Susan Mory
University Personnel Development Committee – Nicole Kraft
University Technology – Brian Kelly
THANK YOU to all the individuals who accepted appointments on various ad hoc and search and screen
committees. Your time and talent in representing Classified Staff is very much appreciated.
CSAC Fall Report
We wrapped up last year by celebrating the Spring Classified Staff Appreciation week and the awards ceremony.
During the ceremony, we introduced this year’s council:
Danielle Beschta – Conference & Reservations
Jackie Christianson – Student Affairs
Jackie Durigan – College of Professional Studies
Erin Hintz – Budget Office
Tracy Raatz – Information Technology
Jean Scherer – Chancellor’s Office
Nicole Kraft – Chancellor’s Office
Denise Heimstead – Library
Cindy Marczak – Business Affairs
Susan Mory – Library
Robyn Woytasik – General Ledger
Anthony Walter – Personnel
We presented Years of Service pins; Outstanding Work Performance awards to Sheila Bannister-Gross, Dick
Bartosh, Jackie Engum, Charlotte Harvath, and Denise Heimstead; and Carol Scipior introduced the Sargis award
winner – Charlotte Harvath.
We generated $124 dollars from our 2nd annual fall chili sale, and donated all of the proceeds; half to Empty Bowls
and half to the CPS Scholarship fund for Dietetic students. We also generated $52, donated to the Stevens Point
Police Department’s Safety Cadet Program, from our walking taco sale. This event was held during UWSP’s Safety
and Wellness fair.
For the second year, we held a food drive before the holidays. We collected four large boxes and four grocery
bags full of non-perishable items from across campus. These donations went to Operation Bootstrap.
We also surveyed the Classified Staff regarding the tobacco-free campus initiative. Although there was some
concern expressed about the details of the proposal, the Classified Staff responded overwhelmingly in favor of
UWSP becoming tobacco-free. The survey results were forwarded to the Environmental Health and Safety
Committee for their review.
We held a number of brown bag events and tours this past year, which were all well-attended. Brown bags
included presentations by Oakview Veterinary Clinic, WPS’ Watt’s Up program, and a Technology Sampler Platter
by the Tutoring Center. A tour of the new Waste Education Facility was extremely popular with staff.
We have begun our meetings for this year. Our first meeting was in August, and we have many good ideas for the
year that we are excited about. Our first task was to plan the Fall Classified Staff Appreciation Week being held
October 10-14. A lot of effort went into planning the week’s activities, so we hope you all enjoy them!
We’re looking forward to a lot of events this year, including the following:
• Tour of the new Suites @ 201 Residence Hall
• Collecting non-perishable items for local food pantries
• Brown bag events covering topics such as sleep deprivation, depression, personal budgeting, and holiday
stress
• Possible bus tour of the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station
Erin Hintz, Co-Chair
Jackie Christianson, Co-Chair