Staff Senate
Full Senate Meeting
September 8, 2010
Senate Chambers
The meeting was called to order at 1:17 p.m. by President Lane. A quorum was present.
Roll Call
Guests: Doug Vinzant, Vice-President of Administration, Laura Alexander, Associate Vice
President of Human Resources, Montica Willmschen, Institutional Marketing Department
Senators Present: Aimee Appelhans, Amber Blough, Bonnie Botello, Christi Byers,
Cyndi Cowardin, Mark Davidson, Al Emmons, Cheri Frank, Tonya Gerharter, Farrell
Graf, Winter Hansen, Carolyn Herman, Stacy Lane, Jamie LeJambre, James Logue,
Rachel Martin, David McCoy, Christy Nordmann, Katie Ogden, Thyra Page, Heather
Patterson, Jauque Schuman, Tod Scott, Linda Waggener, Maureena Walker, Kathi
Zubrod
Senators Absent: Rebecca Ashley, Ginny Becker, Beverly Bell, Kelly McMicheal
Proxies: none
Approval of Minutes and Agenda
A motion to approve the August minutes was made and seconded by Senators Martin and
Logue. Motion passed. A motion was made by Senator Martin to move the marketing
presentation before Administration Reports. Seconded by Senator Logue. Motion passed.
Montica Willmshen, Institutional Marketing Department, presented on the new marketing plan.
(http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/StaffSenate/issues/Marketing.pdf). Montica asked the Senate,
what is a brand? Associate VP Alexander voices her view of a brand is what identifies an
organization. Montica then asked what UW’s brand may be, with a response of Steamboat and
cowboy. Then she asked to provide a snapshot of UW, where Senator Byers in a few key words
said activities, academic, and nice campus.
Senator Zubrod added since she is off campus she likes to make others aware of statewide
programs. Associate VP Alexander continued with outdoorsy, active, engaged, fresh, and family
oriented. Montica then illustrated how past students view UW, which included responses like
cowboys, small, cold, but did not ideas like research, etc. The public’s view was again cowboys.
In short she said people are trying to say many things, but don’t have a core idea.
UW only has a neutral image. Quality and a value education need to be promoted in a more
consistent manner. Montica illustrated that if UW was a vehicle, a Ford truck, then UW shouldn’t
try to be a Ferrari, but promote hidden assets while maintaining humility. The UW pride
campaign is to help spotlight academic and find balance when using the cowboy. UW’s brand
colors will have more texture and wood tones instead of brown and gold. The brand bar, on the
web pages, and large photos keep consistency in minimal elements. A sampled audience wants
simple and down to earth. UW’s key messages include price, recognition, outreach, and benefit
to local and regional communities.
President Buchanan fully supports this initiative as well as the Executive Counsel.
Training using the new marketing plan will be provided Wednesday and Fridays beginning
September 22, 2010. Training is free and requires registration by emailing cssitfrontdesk@uwyo.edu
College and departmental homepages layout will be consistent, but the content is not regulated.
The website launch for tier one will be October 11, 2010. WyoAlumni will also launch in October.
VP Vinzant inquired about how someone is to describe UW. Montica responded that President
Buchanan will likely choose 3-4 statements with specific key words that will be linked online
when searched.
Senator LeJambre questioned if someone has been trained, can they move the webpage over
now? Montica replied, yes and it is encouraged.
VP Vinzant remarked that Montica and team have done a great job allowing for a more
consistent and focused image, which will eventually lead to more interest.
Administrative Reports
Vice President of Administration, Doug Vinzant, reported that many things are going on.
Enrollment is at 13,000 students, up 2.8% on/off campus. Census is September 15, 2010.
Tuition revenue is part of the budget and when enrollment is strong tuition is strong.
He suggested taking advantage of touring the Wildcatter Suites. This is a first class operation
and help with recruiting and fundraising, is yet another way UW is making progress.
Ground breaking ceremony for Visual Arts facility was held and plans for the renovation of Fine
Arts continue. Senator Emmons observed that UW is building more buildings but not hiring. VP
Vinzant responded that more funds for the 4 new buildings have been allocated.
After 15 months in his position VP Vinzant feels he has a pretty good handle on processes.
Associate Vice President of Human Resources, Laura Alexander, reported HR is continuing to
work on E-recruiting so applicants apply online, search committees access the applications
online, and even signatures will be electronic. The launch is scheduled for November 1, 2010.
Two consultants from an outside firm are helping with the processes; and it will be a bolt onto
PeopleSoft.
Background checks with HireRight will soon be effective. This will affect new hires and
promotion. Lateral transfers will not require a check.
Performance management system feedback closed on September 1, 2010. The committee will
consolidate the feedback and decide what to incorporate and write a paper to show where the
feedback was considered. The new system will be in effect January 2011.
Senator Frank requested Associate VP Alexander expand on the email sent of how positions
are advertised. She stated that departments with a vacancy may know who they want to put in a
position so they would just complete a departmental search with only 1-3 applicants. However, if
a search is going to be completed there needs to be steps to make sure there is a broad and
diverse applicant pool. Therefore the search will at least be campus wide, then advertised.
A department shall either promote the qualified candidate or complete a full search. To promote
a candidate the department must prove to HR that the employee is qualified. This process is not
black and white, and when in doubt a search will be completed.
Senator LeJambre expressed concern with performance evaluations of when a goal that was
unexpected during the year takes up the majority of time that would have otherwise been
allocated to a previous goal affecting the year’s evaluation. Associate VP Alexander suggested
that the employee, along with a conversation of the supervisor, change and modify the
evaluation. Supervisors should be looking at evaluations throughout the year and having a
conversation more than once per year. When the system is web-based it will be even easier.
Senator Herman posed the question if the PDQ has changed, but not enough for an audit who
should update the PDQ to match the job description? Associate VP Alexander replied that the
employee can request the PDQ from HR, and then take it to the supervisor to request a change,
the supervisor would then sign off on the change. She also encouraged updating PDQ’s as
soon as possible because it will be needed for the updated Performance Management System.
Officer reports
President: President Lane received the Board of Trustees agenda for meetings and events she
will attend. These events will be on the Senate calendar so anyone can attend.
Ideas for President Lane’s speech during the UW President’s Convocation are welcomed.
Present ideas include what Staff Senate is doing, planning to do, events, and what Staff Senate
is. Please show good support, sit together, and wear the Staff Senate nametag, at the UW
President’s Convocation in the Union Ballroom, Thursday September 16, 2010, at 3pm.
Performance Management questions were turned in to HR. A dismount sign has been put in by
Geological Survey. President Lane attended the ASUW meeting to say hello and invite them to
attend Staff Senate. She had a new nametag printed with Staff Senate and her department and
is willing to order new name tags for those interested.
Senator Nordmann inquired where the Board of Trustees’ meeting were to be held. President
Lane, responded they will mostly be in Coe Library but to check the Staff Senate calendar. The
Staff Senate report will be Saturday, September 18, 2010, from 11am to noon.
Vice President: Senator Frank enthusiastically reported that it is time to start thinking about the
homecoming float for the parade on October 16, 2010. Volunteers will be needed to design and
decorate the float. Theme: UW Pride is Poke Pride, vintage cowboy. See Senator Frank if
interested.
Senator Emmons questioned if we have a trailer and driver. President Lane confirmed yes, we
have a trailer, but if anyone has an old truck or tractor to pull it, please let Senator Frank know.
Senator Emmons suggested decorating in the paint shop or warehouse and will email Senator
Frank.
In addition to Senator Frank’s report, Senator Appelhans hasn’t received many emails of where
the Box Top boxes are located.
Old business
Senator LeJambre went over the process of legislation.
1st reading: everyone in attendance has at least heard the bill once. There is then one
month to ask questions or offer suggestions.
2nd reading: first time in this body where there can be a vote (can skip first reading if
there is a 2/3 vote to change procedure). Read again. Motion to pass, seconded,
discussion (speaking list), make amendments, and ask questions.
Speaking list: Parliamentarian will keep a list consisting of those who would like to
speak. There can also be a vote to end discussion.
Senate Bill 37 (Attachment 1) second reading by Senator Hansen. Moved and second by
Senators Emmons and Nordmann.
Senator Applehans moved to amend line 2 to remove “reflected in Addendum A” (Attachment
2). Second by Senator McCoy. Sponsors approved amendment. Motion passed.
Discussion of original motion.
Senator Logue recommended that Addendum A needs semicolons.
Past President Scott observed that Addendum A is a very long run-on sentence.
Senator Applelhans moved to amend Addendum A to read as the statement she passed out
(Attachment 3). Senator Logue seconded.
Senator Davidson recommended to remove the final comma and un-capitalize “The” in the last
sentence.
Motion passed.
Senator Appelhans would like clarification of what “decision making processes” means. Senator
LeJambre replied that it depends on the President, example of white papers, which is why it is
vague.
Senator Gerharter moved to remove “the” and change “processes” in the second sentence of
the Proposed Amendment (Attachment 3). Seconded by Senator Logue. Motion passed.
Senator McCoy called the question. Senator Ogden moved to approve Bill 37 as amended.
Seconded by Senator Martin. Motion passed.
New business
Confirm seat 6. Lori Dockter, A&S, received an email from Senator LeJambre informing about
an open seat. She is alumni, staff for 11 years, and wants to give back to UW and see how the
processes work. Senator LeJambre moved to confirm seat 6 with Lori Dockter. Seconded by
Senator McCoy. Motion passed.
Liaison reports
ASUW Representative: Senator LeJambre reported she will not be attending every
week. She attempts to go when it is most appropriate, but others are welcomed to share
the duties. ASUW was excited to have President Lane attend. Their meeting are a very
good example of Robert’s Rules.
Senator Zubrod expressed concern of Staff Senators attending their meeting, but them
not attending Staff Senate meetings. President Lane has had previous discussion
concerning that topic. Senator LeJambre believes there may be a time conflict.
Faculty Senate: President Lane will attend the September 27th meeting.
Committee Reports
Communications Committee: Senator Appelhans reported that the committee met on the
17th. One item of consideration is to send updates to be included in the weekly press
release. Look for Points to Ponder from the minutes, the committee will pull out brief
ideas to be considered then people will be directed to view the full minutes. FaceBook
contests to get more fans will begin, then there will be a drawing every few months. The
committee is attempting to get on signage around campus. The next meeting will be
September 21, 2010. View full report: Attachment 4.
Compensation Committee: Senator Byers reported they are looking into how to deal with
compensation time with the idea to reallocate compensation time or vacation instead of
losing one or the other. She welcomed Senator Ogden to the committee. Senator Byers
updated everyone that personal leave is not a possibility due to the retirement
stipulations, this will not be pursued further. View full report: Attachment 5.
Credentials and Elections Committee: Senator Nordmann was impressed with the
attendance today and will meet with President Lane this week.
Finances Committee: President Lane has the authority to appoint a Finances Committee
Chair. There is concern about not having a Chair with the Holiday Market approaching,
December 2-3, 2010. Last year $1300 was raised. Donations were provided by First
Interstate, UniWyo, and individuals around campus. Senator Zubrod, a committee
member, questioned when there will be a meeting. President Lane responded she would
first like to have a Chair.
Recognition Committee: Senator McMicheal is absent. Senator Martin mentioned
Employee of the Quarter deadline is next Friday, September 17, 2010.
Open Forum
A brief open forum followed the regular business of the Senate.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:02 p.m. by President Lane.
Respectfully submitted by Winter Hansen, Staff Senate Secretary, and Lou Ann Chakmakian
Attachment 1
Return to Minutes
Attachment
2
Return to Minutes
Attachment 3
Return to Minutes
Attachment
4
Return to Minutes
Attachment 4 continued
Return to Minutes
Attachment 5
Return to Minutes