CSAC General Council Minutes
11/12/2015
Meeting called to order at 1:00PM by President Tammy Jones
Members Present:
Austin, Gary
Carlson, Kelli
Carr, Michael
Chief-Yazzie, Sharon
Deaver, Alyssa
Gallegos, Mark
Goodfellow, Jessie
Jones, Tammy
Lauer, Susan
Ortega, Bobbi
Paddock, Charlotte
Rice, Shannon
Shepard, Debbie
Theiss, Dee Dee
Watson, Daniella
Members Absent:
Beckworth, Mary
Approval of Minutes:
 The last meeting’s minutes were not discussed.
Guest Speaker – Suzanne Botello, counselor at Employee Assistance and Wellness (EAW)
I. EAW background
a. The EAW has been around since 1992, offering free counseling for people on the
NAU Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance plan. They provide individual and
couples counseling for a variety of personal and professional problems: life
coaching, problem-solving, substance abuse counseling, issues at work, etc.
They can also do consultations with supervisors when necessary. The EAW does
not report who comes to visit or what they come except where required to by
law; they do report general statistics about the types of problems people are
bringing and amount of people visiting in a given amount of time. The
counselors are all licensed professionals, and can also refer people to outside
local professionals when needed/desired.
b. There seem to be many people on campus stressed with the many changes
happening. Stress is a normal part of life, but it does tend to wear on most
people. EAW is here to help people learn to relieve stress. In addition to
counseling, the EAW organizes workshops to help people take care of
themselves (see also attached pamphlet). If you have any ideas for different
kinds of programming, feel free to email askEAW@nau.edu. They are always
looking for new ways to collaborate with campus and off-campus constituents.
Guest Speakers – Michael Watkins & Aaron Kaminski, Contracting, Insurance & Claims
I. Michael is a contracts administrator in the Purchasing Department. Most of the
pertinent information can be found on the attached handout. He emphasized that their
goal is to ensure contracts are processed efficiently, align with the university’s mission,
and protect both contract parties in accordance with the law. Important points to note
are that only authorized signers should enter into contracts otherwise individuals may
be liable for issues that could arise; and ITS is now procuring all computing equipment
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for the university, rather than departments. When asked about turnaround time,
Michael said that it varies with the complexity of each contract (e.g. if additional
insurance is needed), and the rapidity with which both parties can return the
signed/countersigned contract.
II. Aaron is also a contracts administrator within purchasing, and he discussed NAU’s
insurance and claims unit. Please see the attached handout for detailed information.
Important to note is that the Report of Injury (ROI) for third-party incidents or injuries is
now being done electronically.
Guest Speaker – Paul Gazda on Herbicide-Free Campus Lawns
I. Paul gave a presentation asking for CSAC’s support on a letter to the administration
requesting that NAU fully implement the pilot project to eliminate the use of herbicides
on campus lawns. Several campus groups including the Faculty Senate and ASNAU have
signed their support and SPAC is also reviewing the proposal which would create
greener lawns and cut back on the water and air pollutants currently released in lawn
care. See the attached handouts for more information. Tammy has encouraged the
council to review the letter and confer with people in your area before we vote at the
next meeting on whether or not to support the initiative.
Guest Speaker – Diane Verkest, Human Resources
I. Reminder: open enrollment ends this week.
II. There are many new training opportunities—career growth and supervisory tranisings—
opening up that are available to all employees; keep an eye out for the reminder emails
or visit nau.edu/human-resources
CSAC Business
I. Warm Clothing Drive – Mike Carr
a. The drive is concluding in one week. Please email Mike if you are available to help
sort clothes next Wednesday or Thursday, Cline Library Room 246, 8am-2:30pm.
The more help, the faster the sorting goes.
II. Cookie Exchange
a. The next CSAC meeting will be the annual cookie exchange. Anyone is welcome to
bring a batch of cookies to share and put together a plate from the other goodies to
take home. Wear your best Christmas sweater and be entered into the Christmas
sweater contest!
III. Secretary Vacancy
a. Kinsey Cook has been promoted to a service professional so we are currently
seeking a new Secretary. In addition to clerical duties, you will be a part of the
Executive Board that plans agendas and makes planning decisions that don’t require
a full vote of the council. You must have been in CSAC for at least one year. Please
send nominations to Tammy.Jones@nau.edu before the next meeting if you or
someone you know is interested in taking on this role.
IV. CSAC Annual Mixer
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a. At the December meeting we will sign up for mixer committees. Think about how
you would like to participate.
V. CSAC Recruitment Committee
a. Member numbers are dwindling. The committee needs support and asks that
members think about ideas for how to increase the council membership. Send ideas
to Tammy or any member of the executive board.
Meeting adjourned at 3:00 by President Tammy Jones
Minutes prepared by Alyssa Deaver, CSAC Member
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