Governance Retreat Planning Committee Meeting

31 March, 2009 2-4:15 p.m. Blackbird

 

Present:                        Culpa-Bondal, Digiovanni, Farr, Kleine, Prock, Turner    

Regrets:            Christenson, Davis-Bray           

 

GREAT Meeting with really productive discussion around philosophical as well as logistical/structural issues!!!  Thank you, members, for taking this work so seriously and sharing your insights with us.  I have no doubt this will be an exceptional retreat.

 

The meeting consisted of coming to agreement that the topics/components selected for the retreat were the most valuable and would be given a proper format during the proceedings in order to make the event a worthwhile use of individuals’ time and energy.  It was determined that the day’s events will be scheduled from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. for 12 August, 2009.

 

Committee and Senate Orientation: (90 mins.)

Each standing committee will interact with chairs of this year’s committees (excepting ECUS) in a rotating fashion for about 10-15 minutes to learn of and ask/respond to questions about the work of that S.C., especially as to how it intersects with the particular S.C.  Chairs (or their designee) will rotate from committee to committee.  One additional “chair” role will be filled by Craig Turner who will provide the Senate overview and orientation.  Then all will come together to hear from ECUS to learn of its work and how items are steered to particular committees. (Perhaps some mock “steering” scenarios). Note: Need to 1) double check space at WC to ensure is adequate; 2) Chairs come & are informed of responsibility (or appoint designee)

—do this at final Senate meeting of the year.  Also take a survey of any special dietary needs of veteran senators on 20 April; incoming senators at 24 April organizational meetings

 

Robert’s Rules: (45 mins.)

Introduction of usefulness of Robert’s Rules by long-time parliamentarian, Ken Farr.

In newly re-mixed clusters of new and veteran senators, small groups of 6-7 people will be asked to review and discuss the Robert’s Rules “Cheat Sheet”, determine 3-4 items whose use would really benefit a “sticky” meeting, and draft a Robert’s Rules “Cheat Sheet”—Cliff Notes version. (20 mins.) These will be presented to the large group with an agreement on which will be followed in the 2009-10 University Senate meetings. (25 mins.)

 

Break: (15 min.)

 

Nature of Senate Meetings Guided Discussion:

Not fleshed out entirely—to be done in small groups (no more than 5) perhaps with “aha” moments shared by veteran senators.  May be blended with work on being intentional about Senate work supporting university mission. (60-90 mins.)

 

Social and Lunch:  (75 min.)

Food, games, diversions, get-to-know-you, supporting collegiality activities

 

Mentoring Leadership and Senate PR/Outreach/Senate work supporting university mission (if not already addressed): (60 mins.)

 

Lessons Learned: (30 mins.)

NEXT MEETING: 3 P.M. on 30 APRIL!

ALSO SUB-COMMITTEE--PLEASE PENCIL 10 & 11 AUGUST FOR WORK ONTO CALENDARS!