January 10, 2024 Employee Forum Minutes
Delegates Attending: L.E. Alexander, David Barnette, Vanessa Blake, Randall Borror, Sharron Bouquin, David Bragg, Bonita Brown, Renata Buchanan, Shavon Carey-Hicks, Denise Carter, Tiffany Carver, Elizabeth Dubose, Jay Eubank, Shayla Evans-Hollingsworth, Adrianne Gibilisco, Leslie Heal Ray, Leah Hefner, Jessi Hill, Shayna Hill, Keith Hines, Jonah Hodge, James Holman, Linda Holst, Rebecca Howell, Jacob Hurst, Brigitte Ironside, Stacy Keast, Brett Kenney, Haydée Marchese, Amber Meads, Arlene Medder, Vanessa Mitchell, Katie Musgrove, Natiaya Neal, Katherine Neer, Joseph Ormond, Lisa Petersen, Sara Pettaway, Laura Pratt, Charlissa Rice, Jackie Schwamberger, Kelly Scurlock-Cross, Audrey Shore, Theresa Silsby, Janice Singletary, Heather Skinner, Sarah Smith, Jake Stallard, James Stamey, Mathew Steadman, Annetta Streater, Matthew Teal, Ally Wardell, June Weston, Tracy Wetherby Williams, Tyrone Williams, Jacob Womack
Excused Absences: Renata Buchanan, Gabriela de la Cruz, Julie Theriault
Chair Katie Musgrove called the meeting to order at 9:15 a.m. She asked for a motion to go into closed session pursuant to North Carolina General Statute Section 143-318.11-A-2. Laura Pratt made this motion, seconded by Arlene Medder. The motion was approved by acclamation.
The Forum then emerged from closed session at 9:40 a.m. The Chair noted that this was the first day of classes for undergraduate students and that Law School started classes Monday morning. She then welcomed delegates to share thanks and kudos. David Bragg praised all who helped with the Blood Drive as it had been extremely successful. Keith Hines thanked Charlissa (Charlie) Rice for her work on the Chancellors’ Golf Cup proposal for UNC-Chapel Hill. The Chair praised Shayna Hill for her ongoing work as UNC System Staff Assembly Chair.
The Chair then recognized outgoing Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz, stating that the Forum wished to honor and recognize his service to the university. She shared her screen which depicted Resolution 24-01 Honoring Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz, approved by the Employee Forum that morning during closed session. She noted that the resolution was unanimous in favor of passage. She read the resolution which conferred lifelong honorary delegate status upon Guskiewicz. The Forum gave a round of applause.
Guskiewicz thanked the Forum for its recognition. He thanked the Forum leadership, particularly current Forum Chair Katie Musgrove, as well as Forum Chair Emerita Shayna Hill for their leadership in a critical role on campus. He thanked the Forum for challenging him during his tenure as Chancellor, a process that had improved him in large part because of the constructive feedback provided. He was grateful for this partnership.
Guskiewicz said that it had been an incredible honor being Chancellor of this university and that for 28 years now he had loved being a Tar Heel and that he would always love Carolina. He praised the range of staff employees’ work as the backbone of the university and whose efforts drive our success. He added that UNC-Chapel Hill would not be the number four ranked public institution in the country and the number 22 ranked overall university in the nation if not for the staff and the many hours required on a daily basis to help the university shine. He said that while he was going to a new school, he would always be a Tar Heel. He appreciated all that the Forum has done for him personally and for this great institution.
Guskiewicz added that he had appreciated meetings with Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts over the past few weeks on the coming transition. He believed that the university was in good hands, and he knew that the Forum would continue to work alongside him and his leadership team to support and challenge when needed. He was proud that the Forum had included the importance of transparency in its resolution. Guskiewicz said that it was with very mixed emotions that he was moving on. Still, he was very excited about the opportunity to help another passionate public institution in Michigan State University. He hoped and believed that Michigan State has employees as dedicated as UNC-Chapel Hill’s to help him improve in his role as University President. Once again, he thanked the Forum with a final “Go Heels.”
The Chair offered the Forum a final opportunity to present questions to Chancellor Guskiewicz. David Bragg asked who Guskiewicz would root for if Michigan State and UNC-Chapel Hill met at the Final Four, and whether this answer would change in April. Guskiewicz joked that the Zoom reception for Bragg’s question had broken up. Several passionate alumni had reminded him that the Tar Heels and Spartans will play in the same Maui Classic tournament on Thanksgiving. He said that both schools have incredible basketball programs and long, rich traditions. He said any confrontation would be a lot of fun.
Keith Hines commented that the only things worth doing are those things done with one’s whole heart. He honestly believed that Guskiewicz had done that for his five years as Chancellor, even when others did not agree with his actions. Hines hoped that he would leave knowing the appreciation of others and the quality of the work done. He said that the work Guskiewicz had done still matters to all of us here at the university. He hoped that Guskiewicz and his family would continue to do their work with their whole hearts, with love. Guskiewicz thanked Hines and said that he will continue to work with his whole heart.
Haydée Marchese said that staff will miss Guskiewicz as he gave a voice to those who do not have a voice. She was proud to work with him on the STAAC committee and other collaborations around the university.
David Barnette commented that when deciding between two schools, one should go with one’s friends, so that when your friends win you win also. Guskiewicz appreciated this advice.
Shayna Hill observed that as the Forum made Guskiewicz a better Chancellor, he had made her a better Chair also. She recalled that the university faced the biggest global pandemic in 100 years during his tenure, an incredibly tough time. She recalled the resurgence of violence across the country and the Confederate statue finally coming down. She thanked Guskiewicz for inviting her to spaces in which she could grow and develop as a human being. She recalled being challenged to lead with love and she said that this had been extremely easy under Guskiewicz’ leadership. Hill appreciated the opportunity to work with Guskiewicz and she said that she would miss him.
Guskiewicz replied that Hill has been an incredible leader who had worked with him through a lot these past five years together. He thought that the two of them made each other better in serving UNC-Chapel Hill. He thanked Hill and urged her to take good care of the university’s employees, in particular those serving in his old department, where Shayna also serves.
The Chair echoed all that Hill said regarding Guskiewicz’ support of the role of the Forum Chair. She appreciated this support and said that it had been so, so important. Charlissa Rice thanked Guskiewicz for all he had done, recalling that when she met him it was like meeting a celebrity. She noted his down-to-earth qualities and thanked him for everything, wishing him well going forward. Guskiewicz thanked Rice for all that she does and would continue to do for Carolina. He recalled greatly enjoying his first conversation with Rice.
Rebecca Howell recalled pushing Chancellor Guskiewicz pretty hard on an issue. She encouraged him to let Interim Chancellor Roberts know the importance of the Forum and to embrace the wisdom of this group. She thought that Guskiewicz’ embrace of the Forum had really made a difference on campus and she hoped that would continue. Guskiewicz said that he had already communicated this fact to Roberts, stating that he was confident that he would embrace the Forum and its leadership.
Arlene Medder asked if Guskiewicz would return for the Chancellors’ Cup golf tournament. Guskiewicz hoped to work on his golf game and hoped to return to the late September event. He praised the renovation at Finley Golf Course which had been accomplished recently.
James Holman thanked Guskiewicz for all of the support he had given the Housekeeping Department through his tenure here. He said that he would never forget him and his work. Guskiewicz said that Holman has been a problem solver in his estimation and thought that many people here at the university should feel indebted to him for the way that he has advocated for his people. He thanked Holman for challenging him as well and he thought that Holman would make the next Chancellor a better one if he continues to do that.
The Chair once again voiced her appreciation for Chancellor Guskiewicz’ leadership. She said that delegates would miss him, and that Interim Chancellor Roberts has big shoes to fill. She noted the open invitation to participate in future discussions of the Forum and wished him and his family well in East Lansing.
The Chair then moved to the Forum’s customary Human Resources updates with Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources Linc Butler. Butler noted that Vice Chancellor Becci Menghini was on vacation, and so was unable to be present that morning.
Butler said that everything is still on target for the SHRA range updates to go before the State Personnel Commission this month. He recalled that there were a few additional questions from the Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) over the last few weeks that the university and other campuses responded to per the UNC System Office’s request. Butler said that the State Personnel Commission meeting will take place January 18th and he hoped that all of these updates will receive approval as submitted.
Shortly following this meeting, the university will receive implementation guidance, assuming everything is approved from the UNC System Office. The university intends to roll out these updates as quickly as possible, doing appropriate communication along with loading salary ranges into Connect Carolina for immediate use. Butler said that technical work must accompany these changes, but the OHR (UNC-Chapel Hill’s Office of Human Resources) team is prepped and ready to implement these improvements.
Butler thanked the Forum as well as the UNC System Staff Assembly for their collective advocacy to make this change a high priority, as these ranges are sorely out of date. He hoped that all would go well in the upcoming meetings and said that OHR would keep the Forum updated as it can.
Butler was excited to note that Kathleen Guerra will be the new senior director of Organization and Professional Development. Theresa Silsby asked if senior leadership planned to advocate for increased staff salaries to go along with the revised salary ranges that are close to completion. Butler said OHR has spoken with campus leadership about thinking through these issues as they put together budget plans for the upcoming year, including looking at where their people fall in relation to the new market rates. He envisioned that leaders could plan for this need from a departmental budget standpoint as part of the central budget planning process that is currently underway for FY25.
Arlene Medder asked if there was a follow-up to the report that the State Health Plan had 96% enrollment. Butler replied that the university had some follow-up enrollment for flexible spending accounts, which was a little higher for folks who had been enrolled and did not enroll this year. He said that these people may have coverage elsewhere or have other good reasons why they did not enroll in the plan.
Senior Work/Life Manager Jessica Pyjas shared the monthly update on wellness opportunities at Carolina. She noted that the university will host Mindful Mondays with meditation sessions starting at 8:30 a.m. for a fifteen-minute exercise. She said that upcoming Wellness Wednesday sessions are available for sign-up as well. She would share an emailed update with the Employee Forum detailing these and other trainings. One featured set of trainings will address mental health issues through June. Departmental trainings are available through the Human Resources website at https://hr.unc.edu/benefits/work-life/. Pyjas reminded the Forum that Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services are available every day of the week, either over the phone or on the web, with appointments available.
Public Health will now offer free weekly virtual yoga sessions on Monday afternoons. In addition, on-demand fitness courses are available from the Student Recreation Center, with no membership required. In-person classes are available with a group class membership available for $40 (membership spans from January to May). A Campus Recreation overall membership is $12.50/month.
The Eat Smart, Move More program is continuing its offerings at no cost to university employees, with code GNC2024. A refresher course is offered for a 12-week term, while the primary course lasts 15 weeks.
Pyjas noted the amount of work involved in putting on the university’s Well-Being Expo, which will take place Wednesday, March 13th from 11-2 p.m. in Fetzer Hall. She noted the large exhibit hall, fitness classes, chair massages and time for fellowship with other Tar Heels. TIAA will offer a variety of pizza, salad, and beverages for attendees as part of a large sponsorship of the event. Exhibit hall tables are available to be reserved until January 26th. Volunteers may sign up for 66 available slots starting as early as 7:50 a.m. through 3 p.m. Volunteers are desperately needed and are awarded free t-shirts.
Pyjas said that the university had registered its largest participation to date in the Miles for Wellness challenge, with 43 teams and 386 employees participating and three UNC teams placing in the statewide challenge. Wesley Comfort and the Highway Safety Research team led the Super Hare division, along with Jenny Vonn and the Alcohol Study Center team. Vonn led another team to a second-place finish in this division. Pyjas looked forward to the next iteration of the challenge.
She added that the Helping Heels list would accept registrants through January 20th. In addition, Student Affairs and Playmakers will debut a one-person production, “Everything Brilliant,” this week. This production speaks to issues of mental health through comedy, improvisation, and audience interaction. The 65-minute show may be attended during worktime with supervisor’s permission.
TIAA advising appointments are available at the Administrative Office Building (AOB) on Airport Drive. Pyjas also noted financial wellness initiatives to help employees with budgeting. She wished the Forum a Happy, Healthy New Year.
The Chair thanked Pyjas for her remarks and planned to share her emailed update to the group following the meeting. She asked for a motion to approve the consent agenda, noting that the November and December minutes were now available. The Chair asked committee chairs to ready updates for their groups during this portion of the agenda. Arlene Medder made this motion, seconded by Elizabeth Dubose. The motion was approved by acclamation.
The Chair noted that the Forum had received an invitation to contribute representatives to the consultant effort to develop the After-Action Report related to the August 28th shooting incident. Keith Hines, Tiffany Carver, and Jessi Hill have stepped forward to assume this role and provide valuable feedback to the committee. Delegates with concerns or questions for the committee should feel free to email Hines, Carver, and/or Hill with their thoughts. The Chair also said that the January 11th Vice Chancellors’ (VC) representatives’ meeting had been cancelled, with the next regularly scheduled VC meeting set to occur on March 14th.
The Chair noted that the Communications and Public Relations committee will meet to produce the next edition of InTouch, the Forum newsletter. Vanessa Blake said that the Book Club will meet January 25th to discuss its next book.
Ally Wardell had no immediate updates from the Community Service committee, with the group meeting soon to consider a request to move committee funds to the Carolina Blood Drive budget instead. Laura Pratt said that the Blood Drive committee was happy to report collecting 381 units of blood at its December 7th drive, with 103 first-time donors and 54 incredible volunteers. Pratt thanked co-chair Renata Buchanan who led the event while Pratt was out on maternity leave. The 36th annual Carolina Blood Drive will take place Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 in the Dean Dome. The Chair said that the Forum had scheduled its May meeting the following week to avoid a conflict with the drive.
Arlene Medder said that the Carolina Community Garden had volunteers working to prepare new accessibility paths through the garden over the winter holiday. The garden will continue to harvest and distribute crops to employees through the winter.
Lori Shamblin reported that the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee had met the previous day and discussed the transition to a new Chancellor. The committee also discussed the creation of an honorary resolution.
Shavon Carey-Hicks said that the Education and Career Development committee had awarded 32 grants for professional development, totaling nearly $15,000 in total awards. She thanked all involved in the reading and scoring of the grant applications.
Tiffany Carver said that the Membership and Assignments committee had worked hard to plan the in-person meeting for the Forum in December. She thanked all who helped put the meeting together and help move furniture for the event. The Chair noted that audio issues caused recording difficulties for the meeting. She said that the Forum would likely search for another location for its June in-person meeting to avoid similar audio issues. She thanked Carver and the committee for their work on the December event.
Leah Hefner said that the Personnel Issues committee continues its affordable housing discussion. Jacob Womack said that the Rules committee did not have updates, but he had worked on an overhaul of the Forum Bylaws and other material. He noted questions concerning the six-year term limit, and other officer and delegate items. Interested parties can consult his electoral process document on Teams, which contains a proposed solution to these questions. He looked forward to consulting with the Executive Committee on these proposals, including the proposed Chair-Elect system. The Chair noted the possibility of a School of Law group doing some of this work to review and revise the Bylaws. Womack was interested in their assistance with the project. The Chair praised Womack, Matthew Teal, and Rebecca Howell for their contributions to these revisions as well.
The Chair did not believe that there were updates from the UNC System Staff Assembly. She said that UNC-Chapel Hill is putting together a proposal to return the Chancellors’ Cup Golf Tournament to Finley Golf course in Chapel Hill. She thanked Charlissa Rice and Arlene Medder for taking the lead on this proposal.
The Advisory Committee on Transportation and Parking wrapped up work on the five-year plan in December through the aid of a consultant. The Committee will then present the plan to the Board of Trustees for review, with a review of the plan with the Forum to likely occur in March.
James Stamey reported that the Buildings & Grounds committee had met to discuss storage for Hooker Field and improvements for Davie Courtyard. Arlene Medder said that the previous chair of the Status of Women committee had been on sabbatical and was returning this semester.
Tiffany Carver reported that the Parking Appeals representatives had met with Chrissie Greenburg to discuss how things are executed with this group. She said that the practice of Parking overriding committee decisions had undercut enthusiasm. She would bring the group together shortly to discuss possible changes.
Matthew Teal said that the Policy Review committee had dealt with several high-profile policies in the last month. Among them was the new faculty workload policy mandated by the UNC System Office. Another update involves updates to the university’s policy and procedure on how the university responds to allegations of research misconduct. This policy was rewritten to make it easier to read and to incorporate recommendations from the U.S. Government. Emergency Management and Planning also brought forward a standard laying out rules for designated emergency situations, namely when and how the university can come and take over spaces to use in the event of an emergency. These rules will increase transparency, while also addressing how the university signs memorandums of understanding with leadership of various schools.
Tracy Wetherby Williams reported that the tuition and fee advisory task force had concluded its sessions in October with recommendations sent to the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees.
The Chair noted a chat question requesting more details about the parking plan, namely items the planning committee advocated for and positive outcomes sought. She noted the new pricing structure for parking will create more tiers of pricing for employees making different salaries, in turn creating more equity in the percentage of salary dedicated to parking fees. She said that this change should make parking cheaper for many lower paid employees. The planning committee also changed the structure of parking permits, simplifying and standardizing the permit system. The planning committee also pushed for an education campaign about this new plan and its significance. She anticipated that the plan would be rolled out in February or March for approval.
Arlene Medder praised payroll communications regarding how to code time for the holidays for people required to work during this period. She appreciated this clarity. The Chair noted that Walter Miller, Director of Payroll Services, will make a presentation at the February general meeting.
Theresa Silsby praised David Bragg’s work on the Carolina Blood Drive in her absence this year. Tiffany Carver praised the Chair and Matt Banks for their work on the initial draft of the honorary resolution for Chancellor Guskiewicz. She said that delegates had voiced their appreciation of this work during the closed session.
Laura Pratt asked if the Chair knew if she would meet as frequently with Interim Chancellor Roberts as she did with outgoing Chancellor Guskiewicz. The Chair said that the answer to this question remains to be seen given the amount of work Roberts must do to onboard to his new role. She said that discussions are ongoing to get regular meetings on the books with his office.
Pratt also recalled that the Chair will also have a role on the committee to choose the permanent Chancellor of the university. Pratt was proud to have a staff voice on this important committee. The Chair noted that President Peter Hans had called her to ask her to serve on this time- and labor-intensive national search. She anticipated a rigorous process and pledged to do her best to bring staff voices to the table.
Arlene Medder moved that the meeting adjourn, seconded by Brigitte Ironside. The meeting adjourned by acclamation at 11:10 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Matt Banks, Recording Secretary