Big News on the By-laws Front!

Hi Everyone,

At our special meeting on Tuesday February 19th, the new proposed by-laws passed their first required vote. There was a lot of discussion, some of it intense, that took up two meetings to get us this far. There were motions made proposing some amendments to the original document prior to the vote, but in the end those didn't pass. After more discussion, there should be a second and final vote at the next meeting (which is scheduled for Town Meeting Day, March 4th).

So, three cheers! If we continue to find consensus, we'll finish the voting and have by-laws to work by in time for the next election cycle. And as a protective mechanism, written directly into these by-laws is the power to amend them. If we discover down the road that some things need to be done differently, we'll have the ability to deliberate, vote and make those changes. I don't think I can publish the document while it's in draft form, but I can say that it gives the individual staff member many more voting rights, and covers many more contingencies. It's definitely something we can work with.

We also received updates from the University Benefits Advisory Committee. Their report is posted in the right-hand column. They have a full list of interesting topics to consider, but right now they're focusing on benefits issues for retirees, and availability of on-campus child care for working parents.

So, heading into the weekend, don't forget to register for Mastering the Maze. Take a look at the current Staffline and make sure to wish Helen Olson well in her retirement!


More soon,

Joanne