Williams College Office of Human Resources > Staff Advisory Council

Staff Council Meeting Minutes

Dec. 17, 2008, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Paresky 220

In attendance: Martha Tetrault and Danielle Gonzalez, both ex officio
Colleen Bethoney, David J. Boyer, Gail Burda, Dawn Dellea, Maggie Driscoll, Mark Kimball, Kristan Renish, Lynn Taft, Teresa Waryjasz

Absent: Erwin Bernhart, Lisa Briggs, Gisela Demant, Madeleine DeMarsico, Jenny Dewar

Agenda

1. Williams Reads
2. Staff Council website

Business

• Williams Reads 2009: Martha and Danielle distributed The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian to council members. This book will be distributed to the campus community and discussed during the Williams Reads 2009 events being held throughout January. Council members are invited to participate in the programs.

• President Schapiro: There was a discussion of President Schapiro's announcement to leave Williams and join Northwestern University as its 16th president. Members will miss his enthusiasm and leadership. Many initiatives were started during his tenure. With the Williams campaign coming to a close, members understood the timing for President Schapiro's departure. It was noted that Swathmore and Dartmouth are looking for new leadership.

• Website for Staff Council information: Martha announced that Heather Clemow, will "put up" the Staff Council webpage which will be linked to HR's website. Martha noted that once the webpage is up and official, she will make an announcement in the Daily Messages. The website will include a brief description of the council, names of council members and their membership terms, minutes of the meetings, and FAQs.

• College Winter Break: There was a very positive response to the Senior Staff's decision to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and attendant costs by extending the holiday break. All were hopeful that this experiment would be successful and perhaps become an annual event.

Next meeting

Date & Location:

• Wednesday, January 21, 2009 - Paresky, Room 220

Agenda:

1. Presidential search - David Pilachowski to attend
2. All-staff meeting
3. Telecommuting policy update
4. Frequently asked questions
5. Bereavement policy

New items to be discussed should be sent to Martha.

Reported by L. Taft