February 12, 2019 Minutes

The February meeting took place from 9:00 to 10:30 am on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, in Benson University Center. Approximately 50 staff members and SAC members were in attendance.

Guest Speaker: Suzanne Hawks from the Learning Assistance Center discussed the composition of the Wake Forest student body.

  • Her presentation was titled A Diversity Working Group analysis using the Making Excellence Inclusive Model. She outlined five dimensions of an institutional context and shared a myriad of statistics regarding students and faculty at the University. A sampling is below, and all of these statistics – and more – are available in the Office of Institutional Research Fact Books.
    • 2018 incoming class is 11% international
    • 2017 top 5 states represented in student body: NC, FL, NY, NJ, GA
    • 2016 52% of students reported household income of $100k+
    • 2017 31% reported “middle of the road” political views
    • 2017 558 students received academic accommodations for a disability
    • 2017 24% reported that they were Roman Catholic
    • 2017 16% reported participation in an ethnic/racial student organization
    • 2017 42% reported often having meaningful discussions with someone from another ethnic/racial group
    • 2017 83% said WFU has contributed to their knowledge of people from different races/culture

Standing Committee Report-Outs

Communications – the committee is working closely with the Events Committee to plan a communications strategy that will make staff feel welcome and able to attend the annual staff picnic.

Events – Save the Date for the Staff Appreciation Event was sent out last week. They’re working to make this year’s picnic bigger and better!

Fringe Benefits – no updates at this time.

Membership – an email was sent to all staff on Monday to call for nominations. Nominate someone online here! Voting period will be open March 11-April 5.

Pro Humanitate

  • First meal at Ronald McDonald House was a great success. The committee continues to explore how to accept donations for food for these monthly meals and involve more volunteers. Each meal is approximately $150. Read Wesley Todd’s reflection on his experience.

Outside Committee Report-Outs:  SAC representatives on other committees

Capital Planning Advisory

  • Next building is on Davis Field, start fall 2020, complete summer 2022. Wake Forest Road will be re-routed in front of Scales.
  • Wake Downtown forecasting to meet needs of third year of program with additional teaching studios, research spaces and offices.
  • Calloway relocating the Math Center to the main floor
  • Purchase of Deacon Place and WS First Church. Eventually Deacon Place will be undergraduate housing with 328 beds.
  • Campus Master Plan is online here.

Faculty Senate – new representative being appointed.

Parking & Transportation

  • New policy is on the horizon regarding repeat parking violation offenders. This has been approved by the committee; projected roll out in fall 2019. More details forthcoming.
  • They are also looking at tiered responses for ticketing/parking.

Tree Advisory – no report.

Council on Inclusion and Diversity – no report.

Finance Advisory

  • Overall favorability; slight deficits in Schools of Business and Divinity
  • $463 million is outstanding debt; credit rating is stable.
  • 15% of universities across the country will be forced to cut costs due to constraints
  • 50% of students pay full tuition; revenue drivers are primarily tuition and fees; expense drivers are compensation (salaries and benefits), utilities, interest and depreciation expenses, and tax implications due to the new tax laws.
  • WFU is “middle of the road” in comparison to peer cross-admit institutions re: tuition/fees.
  • Workday is in full effect; optimization continues.

Poverty Task Force – no report.

Campus Rec Advisory Board

  • Discussed expanding awareness of Outdoor Pursuits and team-building events available (rope course, hiking, climbing, etc.
  • Family Hours – Wellbeing Center now open to family members of members on Saturday mornings.
  • Summer Camps scheduled, seeking counselors for various camps.

Professional Development Advisory Board – possible changes forthcoming from this advisory board

General Announcements

  • Looking for volunteer opportunities? Our Pro Humanitate committee continues to partner with the Ronald McDonald House of Winston Salem to prepare meals for residents of the house on the third Thursday of every month. If you wish to get involved by either participating or donating for groceries, please email SACphc@gg.wfu.edu with the subject line “I want to volunteer.”
  • SAC nominations are open! If you know someone who you think would be a great addition to the council, please nominate them!
  • Farewell to SAC Members Jason Lowe and Cyndi Tucker.
  • March SAC meeting: speaker to be announced.

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