January 13, 2026-University Staff Committee (USC)-Minutes

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Present:           A. Dempsey-Fischer, G. Dukes, L. Eastman, T. Nation, K. Premeau,
K. Valerius, C. Warneke

Absent:             J. Almquist

Location: Via TEAMS

  1. Call to Order-The meeting was called to order at 10:01 a.m.
  2. Approval of December 9, 2025 Minutes-The minutes were approved as submitted.
  3. Chair update-There was no update at this time.  Acting Chair A. Dempsey-Fischer will be meeting with campus administration soon to get updates to share with the committee.  If you have concerns or question you would like answered email her.
  4. Digital Accessibility Policy (SAAP Proposal)-The committee discussed the proposed SAAP.  They had a few concerns.  Acting Chair A. Dempsey-Fischer will summarize the concerns and share with the committee and Senate as well as S. Genung and E. Watson before the next Senate meeting so the proposal can be discussed further.
  5. Member reports-
    1. University Staff Grievance Committee-A. Dempsey-Fischer reported that the committee has yet to meet but will meet to discuss changes to both the documents and steps to help grievants to go through the process.
    2. Search and Screen for Marketing and Communications-K. Premeau-The committee met before winter break in December.  They will be updated in February on the progress of the search.  The search firm hopes to have completed the search by May 1, 2026.
    3. Academic Planning and Budget Committee (APBC)-T. Nation reported that the committee has completed their budget meetings.  They will meet in Spring to get updates on the budget.
    4. Academic Policy Committee (APC)-T. Nation reported the committee has not yet met but will soon to discuss business.
    5. University Staff Awards Committee-T. Nation told the committee that the committee will meet in Spring to discuss upcoming University Staff Awards.
    6. University Staff Elections-L. Eastman gave the timeline for University Staff Elections.  Preference Forms are set to go out in February and Elections will take place in March.  Finalizing in April.
  6. New Business-Thank you to G. Dukes.  The committee thanked G. Dukes for her wonderful dedication and service.  January 13, 2026 was G. Dukes last USC meeting as chair. 
  7. Adjournment-The meeting was adjourned at 10:54 a.m.