CODRE

Minutes 09-12-08

Page One

Present:  Michael Anthony, Rhonda Buchanan, Brian Buford, Vaquita Doss Bunton, James, Brown, Valerie Browning, Joy Carew, Joan D’Antoni, Nannette Dix, Pamela Feldhoff, Demetrius Gray, Robin Harris, Vicki Hines-Martin, Erica Holloman, Sharon LaRue, Ron Lile, Linda Lewis, OJ Oleka, Weiling Liu, David Owen, John Ralston, Prafula Sheth, Mary Ann Stenger, Mordean Taylor-Archer, Diane Whitlock, Andrew Williams, Linda L. Wilson, and Georgette Moore,

Guest(s):  Anshu Anand,

Absent:  Harvey Johnson, Irving Joshua, Kathy Pendleton, Charles Sharp, Wei Bin Zeng

Call to Order and Welcome:  Dr. Hines-Martin called the meeting to order at about 12:10.  Commissioners were reminded to respond to notices sent out regarding lunch meetings. 

Minutes: Joy Carew moved that the minutes from the August meeting be approved.  The motion was seconded by Linda Wilson and passed after vote.

Provost Willihnganz attended the meeting and addressed the following questions:

·        Because this has been a part of the news, do you believe that there is a perception of a hostile environment at UofL and if so, what strategies do you plan to implement to promote a more positive environment?  I would like the Provost to address the issues of campus climate ~ with 33 complaints in the School of Education and the retaliation against faculty, many P/A and staff feel highly vulnerable to this type of abusive behavior thereby creating a hostile environment. 

·        Secondly, there is a perception on the campus that one is more likely to be RIF if you are over the age of 45 years, how do we create a more humane and equitable means taking this type of reorganization/RIF, etc.?

·        One of the biggest issues for staff is the inconsistency in how policies are interpreted across units.  Staff Senate is not addressing this issue, in part because many staff senators are P&A staff supervisors and are often the biggest offenders.  What steps is administration willing to take to make sure that all staff are treated fairly and policies are applied consistently? 

·        Has funding been discussed or identified for building a new facility for a cultural center?

·        Can you give us an update on the utilization of Shelby Campus, and will there be some initiative to ensure hiring of a diverse workforce?

CODRE Bylaws:  A motion to approve the Bylaws was made by Michael Anthony.  The motion was seconded by James Brown and approved after vote.

CODRE Vice Chair:  It was announced that Linda Wilson received most votes in the Vice Chair Election.

Executive Committee:  Brian Buford will serve as at-large commissioner on the Executive Committee.

Health Insurance:   John Ralston announced there will be no increase in health insurance.  Also discussed:

·        Co-pay waiver for primary care ob/gyn (annual visit).

·        Open enrollment will begin the last two weeks in October.  Dana Hummel will be getting website up.

Announcements

·         Rhonda Buchanan announced the 7^th Annual LALS (Latin American Latino Studies) Heritage Lecture: “Fair Trade: Transforming Globalization in Latin America” Presented by Dr. Laura Raynolds, Co-Director, Center for Fair & Alternative Trade Studies and Professor of Sociology at Colorado State University; Wednesday, October 1, 2008; 4:30-5:30; Elaine Chao Auditorium of Ekstrom Library; Co-sponsored by the Anthropology Department, the College of Business, LALS, and the Sociology Department.

 ·        Diane Whitlock announced BFSA Fall Reception on September 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the University Club.

 ·        Sharon Larue reported that 2008 Take Back the Night will take place on next Tuesday, Sept 23rd, 5:30-730, Red Barn. Music starts at 500 pm.  The theme for the 2008 TBTN will be “Mission Possible”. Our mission to end violence is possible.   September 13, 2008, marks the landmark passage of the Violence Against Women Act.  This Act provided funds for the creation of The PEACC Program at the University of Louisville in 1999.   Local musician Leigh Ann Yost and girls from the School of Rock will perform.  Keynote speaker will be Dr. Dorothy Edwards, with Green Dot KY, a statewide violence prevention campaign.

         Task Force Update:  Focus group sessions for female faculty were completed [in July].  Questions are also being developed for focus group sessions for female staff.  Target dates for female staff focus groups is in the Fall.

 ·        Linda Wilson announced a NETWORK Luncheon that will be on Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 12:00 pm at the University Club.  The interdisciplinary panel will consist of Dr. Clarence Talley, UofL Sociology department; Dr. David Owen, UofL Philosophy department; and Dr. Sherri Wallace, UofL Political Science department.

 ·        Joy Carew announced an International Tea that will occur on September  18th from noon until 1 p.m. at the International Center.  Students have invited                   the Provost to lunch with them.

·        Center for Health Equity Speaker series September 23, 2008, “Why African Americans Live Sicker and Die Younger”; Speaker Dr. Thomas LaVeist, PhD, Time: reception at 5-5:30 (with light refreshments) Speaker at 5:30 pm with discussion following. Location: Muhammad Ali Center, 144 N. 6th St.

Adjourned.