Staff Advisory Council Meeting
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Time: 11:00 A.M. to12:00P.M.
Location: Paresky – Rm220

In Attendance: Danielle Gonzalez, ex officio
David J. Boyer, Lisa Briggs, Dawn Dellea, Gisela Demant, Madeleine Demarsico, Maggie Driscoll, Sheila Mason, Kristan Renish, Derrick Roberston, Roberta Sweet, Lynn Taft, Kim Trembley, Teresa Waryjasz

Absent:    Martha Tetrault, ex officio Erwin Bernhart, Jenny Dewar, Mark Kimball

Agenda:
1. Dog policy
2. Distribution of advice slips

Minutes:

•    Dog policy: There was a lengthy discussion concerning the existing policy and the current issues on campus with dogs. Concerns ranged from allergies, fear, cleanliness, and bite incidents to distractions leading to a loss of productivity.  It was noted that the Employee Safety Committee addressed this same issue in 2005 after a series of incidents on campus. At that time the Employee Safety Committee drafted a policy and submitted it to the Faculty Steering Committee. While sympathetic to the affect pets can have on students who are having difficulties; the Council felt the inherent risks out way the possible reward. The Council would recommend that stronger, more specific language be added to the existing policy to prohibit pets that are not service dogs or certified therapy dogs.

•    Payroll advice: There was a discussion regarding the cost savings of not mailing payroll advices but instead viewing them online. The savings can be recognized in both the postage and paper cost, since the majority of staff uses direct deposit. The Council felt an email notification on payday would be an incentive to opt out of home mailing.

Agenda for next meeting:
New items to be discussed should be sent to Martha.
Next scheduled meeting:
December 17, 2009 – Paresky, Room 220
Reported by L. Taft