Documents and Info for the Open Forum

Hi Everyone,

This entry repeats the earlier call to attend the Open Forum with President Fogel at the upcoming Staff Council meeting (January 6, at 12:05pm, in the Livak Ballroom of the Davis Center).

In the right-hand column I've also posted four documents that were sent to us from the Staff Council office to be passed along to you. The first is a detailed agenda for the meeting, and the other three are summaries of meetings from standing committees of the Board of Trustees:

• Audit Committee Summary Report of Meetings - October 6, 16, 20, & November 25, 2008


• Budget, Finance and Investment Committee Summary Report of Meeting - December 5, 2008


• Educational Policy And Institutional Resources (Epir) Summary Report of Meeting - December 5, 2008

These documents all discuss some aspect of University finance and resource allocation, so it would be a very good idea to look them over in preparation to forming some questions for the Forum.

Remember, even if there isn't time for every question, they still can be submitted in writing after the Forum. If you prefer to remain anonymous, the question can be sent to the Staff Council to arrive by Monday, January 5, 2009. More information about the Forum procedures can be found on the SC website.

I hope everyone's break is going well--see you all soon,

Joanne

Into December

Hi Everyone,

The December Staffline is out, with the main address written by our Staff Council Vice President Jon Reidel: it's the summary of a meeting he recently attended with President Fogel, Chief of Staff Gary Derr, Staff Council President Beth Walsh, and Staff Council Administrator Jeff Bukowski. While we already have heard the discouraging news, this informative account also reminds us of some of our relative strengths compared to other universities, and lets us know that President Fogel seems to be aware of our level of concern. The Staffline is available online here from the Staff Council website.

Our guest presenter at last Tuesday's(12/2) Staff Council meeting was Professor Frank Bryan, who introduced us to his basic rules for Public Speaking. He used demonstrations, examples and humor to make a scary topic feel more user-friendly (approximate list below).

• It's normal to be afraid; don't worry, expect it. A podium is specifically intended for hiding behind-use it if that helps. Remember to breathe: in, out.


• Know your subject and be enthusiastic--who else will be if you aren't? And discard Ego- the audience is doing you the favor by listening.


• Over-prepare and bring notes--memory is undependable. If you don't bring notes, carry a folder so it still looks to the audience like you have some.


• Know your audience and what they consider PC-avoid using trigger words or phrases. Don't talk down to people, and never use &%#$%$ foul language.


• Use self-deprecating humor so the audience can identify with you--save the controversy until they like you. But, not too much humor--be serious about the important parts so they take them seriously too.


• Dress up a bit--it shows respect for the audience and for the topic.


• Speak up! Clearly! And use a mic if the audience is "over 30".

He answered questions about when it's better to extemporize from notes, memorize a speech, or read the text. (Use a combination, depending on the type of topic, and how experienced you are at presenting it) And he strongly opposes using "technology aids"(PowerPoint, etc.) unless absolutely necessary, to avoid distracting from the speaker. We thanked him very much for the valuable and painless lesson!

Don't forget that First Night buttons are available at an incredible discount to UVM people until 12/21/08-you can get them at the Staff Council Office or call 656-4493 for more information.

Try to stay warm and have a good week,

Joanne