Purdue University Calumet
Department Heads Meeting
Monday, October 1, 2001, 8:00 a.m., Alumni Hall 

Minutes 

I.          Call to Order.  Chancellor Cohen called the meeting to order and welcomed staff to the newly configured setup.

 II.            Introductions.  Chancellor Cohen welcomed and introduced September 24, 2001 appointments Dolores Steuer-Wagner, Interim Vice Chancellor for Advancement, and J. Allen Johnson, Esq. as Executive Assistant to the Chancellor.

 III.       2001 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSEE) Report.  Diane Bartko presented the report on the study of the impact of college education experience on students.  The report is supported by a grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts, co-sponsored by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and The Pew Forum on Undergraduate Learning.  The study was given to students at four-year public and private colleges/universities and obtained nationwide data and comparative results among our peer institutions.  The report presentation is attached.

 IV.            Aftermath of September 11, 2001.  Chancellor Cohen requested our review of where we are and where we’ve come from since September 11, to think particularly of how we responded, the things we did well, the changes we may anticipate, using the appreciative inquiry approach, to carry forward the best of what we did and to value differences.  Each table of staff responded following their discussions.  Overall, the inquiry resulted in the following points.

             -  The Chancellor’s immediate and subsequent messages kept effective focus.

            -  The Wednesday Forum extended discussions and understanding of terrorism and provided perspective, reflection.  The experience of attack was a first for many students and promoted the learning of the these situations.

            -  Information and communication was well circulated about blood drives, places for contributions, etc.

            -  The candlelight vigil, sales of ribbons, messages to students via the Chronicle, the presence of student leadership around campus, the student and community response, were well coordinated.  With general direction people felt they were quite free to take initiative on what to do rather than be driven by committees, staff.

            -  The availability of Founders Study as a place of reflection and the time set aside without the need to make up work or lose pay was sensitive to needs of campus.

            -  Availability of televisions around campus provided up to date information.

            -  Availability of counseling needs was present.

            -  Faculty had opportunity to suspend class activities and reflect on the day’s events.

            -  Those in the campus community that were out of town still felt connected to the campus with our present technology in communications.

 Some recommendations:

            -  There is no precedent for this type of situation.  Suggestions were made for establishing a new determination, not allowing the situation to control our environment.

            -  A statement on campus security.

            -  Follow-up forums, presenters.

            -  Emphasis on diversity and sensitivity to those whose race, religion, ethnicity, color, etc., is difference from our own.

            -  Alternative available for those needing to be with their families or dependents during this time; many phone calls were received from concerned parents, students.

            -  Plans for future communications, alternative power sources.

            -  Improve communication with students off campus; web page and links to Help sites.

            - Plan for crisis situation due to engagement that will ultimately occur.

 V.            Announcements / Q & A.  M. Rincon said an announcement is planned to all staffs of the upcoming employee assistance workshops. Also planned are financial workshops on TIAA/CREF scheduled for October 12.  M. Rincon also announced the A.M. and P.M. workshops for supervisors scheduled on October 17 by Vice President for Human Relations, Alysa Rollock, on Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity, complaints, anti-harassment policy, and our responsibilities related to these subjects.  She also announced plans of a presentation on October 30 by John Beelke, of PWL Personnel Services, of an explanation and highlights of the medical plan for 2002.  M. Rincon said a questionnaire survey from APSAC and CSSAC would soon be e-mailed to determine interest in a holiday party.

 W. Lukoshus announced the Lake Area United Way kickoff scheduled on October 20. Together with co-chair Dee Huffman of this year’s campaign, he said the state of economy and recent challenges should bring a renewed spirit of giving.

 L. Baer announced that the ID Card Committee representing all staffs will meet to discuss how best the cards would be utilized.

 Peggy Kienzle announced the visit of President Jischke in a reception for all staffs to be held 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. on October 10 at The Center.  Invitations are in the mail from the Office of the President, West Lafayette.

 Rick Riddering announced a charity concert to benefit relief efforts in New York and Washington  to be held Friday, October 5 in Alumni Hall.  He also announced the Job Fair to be held on Friday, October 5 in Alumni Hall.

 Doug Sharp announced the migration to Groupwise at 70% with completion by November 3 and encouraged staff who have not completed the process to arrange to do so.

 Chancellor Cohen announced the receipt of a memo from President Jischke regarding general fund budget requests and guidelines, plans for a strategic hiring and travel freeze with approval of only high-priority requests; this implementation is at the request of Governor O’Bannon.  Chancellor Cohen said we may anticipate fund reductions and to prepare to develop some clarity for implementation of the President’s request.

 Attachment (Link to Attachment)

 Distribution E