Union Council Meeting of January 21, 2010
Ms. Zhang reported tabling the naming of the new south campus union building until February 2. She said that adequate information had not yet been obtained. She said Mr. Guthier will lead a meeting for those interested in discussing the issue on Friday, January 22, 12:15 p.m. In response to Mr. Rolling’s question whether Ms. Zhang or Mr. Guthier met with Chancellor Martin, Mr. Guthier shared that he has talked with the Chancellor, and she wants to ensure students have input in the process. She said she also hoped both Union Council and ASM would work out the process.
Mr. Guthier announced the Memorial Union project RFP for architects/engineers will be going “on the street” this week. Projected dates for architect interviews are March or April. Mr. Guthier said that construction is approximately 14 days behind schedule at this time. He also said the project is tracking to be on budget.
Mr. Walter distributed the December preliminary financial report which indicates a year-to-date net loss of over $300,000. He noted that units build budgets from the bottom up and those are rolled together in one larage, complex budget. He said the budget will be presented for approval at the February 2 Union Council meeting. In order to save time at that meeting, the officers suggested not using a full hour presentation, and he is willing to meet with those Council members requesting more detail. Mr. Walter reported that positions have been frozen and that revenue is down.
Mr. Rolling suggested contacting SSFC prior to presenting the Union budget. Mr. Walter said that he, Mr. Guthier and Ms. Zhang are attempting to meet with the SSFC chair to review questions in advance.
Two other issues addressed include the Memorial Union renovation oversight/student involvement and the Union's student leadership structure for 2010-2011.
The oversight/student involvement structure keeps the original Design Committee structure, but it also attempts to make improvements from the Union South project structure by 1) adding an executive committee to serve as a more defined intermediary among Union Council, the architects, and other entities involved in the process and 2) shifting much of the initial planning discussions to input groups with the hope of freeing the Design Committee to focus more on bigger picture items like budget and overall project priorities. The five member executive committee will consist of the Union President, the Student Project Manager (described below), a student Design Committee member selected by the Design Committee, the Union Director, and the other Union staff member on the Design Committee. The fifteen member Design Committee will keep the same format promised in the 2006 funding referendum. Applications for the Design Committee should be sought sometime this semester, with the first meeting likely occurring in early May or before.
On a somewhat related issue, Union Council also addressed the student leadership structure for the 2010-2011 academic year. Eliminating the previous Vice President for Project Management officer position, two new positions - VP for Leadership Development and Student Project Manager - were created. The VP for Leadership Development will work to enhance existing efforts to train student leaders within the Union's student programming board. The position will also work to strengthen partnerships across campus. The Student Project Manager will work with the Union President to coordinate the design of the Memorial Union renovation.
The Union is currently seeking applications for 2010-2011 officer positions, which include Union President, VP for Program Administration, VP for Public Relations, and VP for Leadership Development. Applications are available here.
Spring Union Council Schedule:
February 23
March 4
March 25
April 15
May 7
Posted by Michael Nemmetz and Dan Cornelius
Showing posts with label Union Council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Union Council. Show all posts
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Friday, October 16, 2009
Union Council Minutes - May, 2009
There seems to be a bit of confusion over Union Council's May 2009 action in regards to the building project's Design Committee. Since Union Council meeting agendas and minutes are not accessible online, the section of minutes relating to that action is listed below.
To provide context, Union Council was incorrectly informed in May 2009 that the furniture design needed to be completed by the end of summer 2009 - Union council is now not review these designs until December. Thus, in an effort to meet the stipulated summer deadline for completing the furniture design, an interim Design Committee process was developed that would fulfill the obligations established by the 2006 referendum authorizing the expenditure of nearly $100 million of student fees for the Union project. This summer process would convene an interim, but still student-majority, Design Committee of to review furniture design decisions.
In July 2009, an email from Union administration thanked participants for their time and informed them that the process was being "streamlined" to expedite the furniture design process. The interim process was thereby "postponed" without plans to restart it.
These minutes also stipulate that a report with recommendations for the Design Committee's future be presented at the first meeting of the fall semester. That report has yet to be given, even though planning and visioning for the Memorial Union phase of the project has already begun.
------------------
[earlier portion of meeting minutes are omitted]
Mr. Cornelius reported that he, Mr. Guthier, Mr. Walter, and Mr. Broadhead wrote a recommendation for the design committee structure in the future. A copy of the proposal/description/recommendation is on file with the minutes. Mr. Walter clarified that a summer design committee will be needed to review furniture specifications, provide a way for students to provide input, and perhaps provide a more flexible, temporary structure.
Mr. Guthier said he he’d like 2-3 students on subgroups during the summer. Ms. Boegel said she felt the current design committee members should continue to receive communications.
Mr. Weinschenck MOVED and Mr. Cornelius SECONDED to approve the following:
Design Committees for the Building Project
The Wisconsin Union expresses its deep appreciation for the work of the Design Committee during Phase I of the Union’s Building Project. Over the course of the last three years, hundreds of hours have been dedicated by countless students to the design of the New South Campus Union, all under the direction of the committee and led by its commendable students. As the formal structural, exterior, and interior design of the building comes to a close in May, 2009 Union Council extends its gratitude to the members of the committee and looks forward to the next chapter in the design process for the Union’s overall building project.
Design committee members are: Ade Afolayan, Angela Pakes Ahlman, Jon Augelli, Andrea Bill, Bruce Kieffer, Bradley Molzahn, Paul Broadhead, Carl Korz, Dan Erdman Stephanie Dar, Paul Davidsaver, Dan Cornelius, Drew Lake, Gwen Drury, Hank Walter, John Sharpless, Julie Grove, Jacklyn John, Jeremy Chapman, Josh Clements, Jeff Rolling John Sinclair, Kyle Olsen, Kaitlin Koehler, Katey Smith, Mike Lasecki, Lynn Stathas, Melissa Mamayek, Mark Guthier, Matt Colvin, Marc Kennedy, Margaret Tennessen, Michael Nemmetz, Liz Novy, Patrick Tilley, Jamie Schroeter, Shayna Hetzel, Susan Dibbell, Shira Weiner, Charles Johann Sung, Tim Gloeckler, Lea Zeise, and Xiangyun Zhang. They will be kept updated on all aspects of the building project.
To that end, the Council requests that every effort be made to fully engage students over the course of the summer in 2009 as a bridge to the next iteration of a Design Committee for Phase II of the Union’s Building Project. It is expected that final furniture, fixtures, and equipment (along with other items) will be determined during the summer months and it is Council’s intent that students have an influential voice in those decisions. A fully developed summer plan that includes an interim Design Committee structure and defined student leadership roles should be presented by the Vice President for Project Management to the 2009-10 Union Council Executive Committee at its May 18, 2009 meeting for approval.
In preparation for Phase II of the Building Project, Union Council requests that the Vice President for Project Management present a recommendation for the constitution and responsibilities of a Design Committee for its consideration at the first meeting of the Council in the fall semester of 2009-10.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 pm
To provide context, Union Council was incorrectly informed in May 2009 that the furniture design needed to be completed by the end of summer 2009 - Union council is now not review these designs until December. Thus, in an effort to meet the stipulated summer deadline for completing the furniture design, an interim Design Committee process was developed that would fulfill the obligations established by the 2006 referendum authorizing the expenditure of nearly $100 million of student fees for the Union project. This summer process would convene an interim, but still student-majority, Design Committee of to review furniture design decisions.
In July 2009, an email from Union administration thanked participants for their time and informed them that the process was being "streamlined" to expedite the furniture design process. The interim process was thereby "postponed" without plans to restart it.
These minutes also stipulate that a report with recommendations for the Design Committee's future be presented at the first meeting of the fall semester. That report has yet to be given, even though planning and visioning for the Memorial Union phase of the project has already begun.
------------------
[earlier portion of meeting minutes are omitted]
Mr. Cornelius reported that he, Mr. Guthier, Mr. Walter, and Mr. Broadhead wrote a recommendation for the design committee structure in the future. A copy of the proposal/description/recommendation is on file with the minutes. Mr. Walter clarified that a summer design committee will be needed to review furniture specifications, provide a way for students to provide input, and perhaps provide a more flexible, temporary structure.
Mr. Guthier said he he’d like 2-3 students on subgroups during the summer. Ms. Boegel said she felt the current design committee members should continue to receive communications.
Mr. Weinschenck MOVED and Mr. Cornelius SECONDED to approve the following:
Design Committees for the Building Project
The Wisconsin Union expresses its deep appreciation for the work of the Design Committee during Phase I of the Union’s Building Project. Over the course of the last three years, hundreds of hours have been dedicated by countless students to the design of the New South Campus Union, all under the direction of the committee and led by its commendable students. As the formal structural, exterior, and interior design of the building comes to a close in May, 2009 Union Council extends its gratitude to the members of the committee and looks forward to the next chapter in the design process for the Union’s overall building project.
Design committee members are: Ade Afolayan, Angela Pakes Ahlman, Jon Augelli, Andrea Bill, Bruce Kieffer, Bradley Molzahn, Paul Broadhead, Carl Korz, Dan Erdman Stephanie Dar, Paul Davidsaver, Dan Cornelius, Drew Lake, Gwen Drury, Hank Walter, John Sharpless, Julie Grove, Jacklyn John, Jeremy Chapman, Josh Clements, Jeff Rolling John Sinclair, Kyle Olsen, Kaitlin Koehler, Katey Smith, Mike Lasecki, Lynn Stathas, Melissa Mamayek, Mark Guthier, Matt Colvin, Marc Kennedy, Margaret Tennessen, Michael Nemmetz, Liz Novy, Patrick Tilley, Jamie Schroeter, Shayna Hetzel, Susan Dibbell, Shira Weiner, Charles Johann Sung, Tim Gloeckler, Lea Zeise, and Xiangyun Zhang. They will be kept updated on all aspects of the building project.
To that end, the Council requests that every effort be made to fully engage students over the course of the summer in 2009 as a bridge to the next iteration of a Design Committee for Phase II of the Union’s Building Project. It is expected that final furniture, fixtures, and equipment (along with other items) will be determined during the summer months and it is Council’s intent that students have an influential voice in those decisions. A fully developed summer plan that includes an interim Design Committee structure and defined student leadership roles should be presented by the Vice President for Project Management to the 2009-10 Union Council Executive Committee at its May 18, 2009 meeting for approval.
In preparation for Phase II of the Building Project, Union Council requests that the Vice President for Project Management present a recommendation for the constitution and responsibilities of a Design Committee for its consideration at the first meeting of the Council in the fall semester of 2009-10.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 pm
Monday, December 1, 2008
Union Council Meeting 11/20/08
Brittany Wiegand presented a brief overview of information regarding the Student Activity Center (SAC), which will open spring semester. SAC is a part of the new University Square complex at 333 East Campus Mall (Lucky Apartments is above it), with the purpose of providing student organizations meeting spaces. The Student Activity Center Governing Board (SACGB) is the ASM committee that oversees the spaces, which is chaired by Lauren Vollrath. They have finished allocating offices for registered student organizations.
Brittany also gave out information about the current draft of the new ASM Constitution, which can be found online at asmconstitution.wordpress.com. Feedback can be submitted to the blog.
Each of the four departments of the Union (Admin and Marketing, Facilities, Food, Social Education) gave a brief report on efforts currently being used to increase its sustainability. They will report back again in the spring to show what new efforts have been taken; any suggestions are welcome, and it was agreed that it would be a good idea to get experts in the area to give feedback and suggestions.
The one action item of the meeting was concerning extended hours for both of the Unions during finals week. It was voted to keep them open until 3am on Dec 14 (Sun night/Mon morn) through Dec 17 (Wed night/Thurs morn) (as opposed to 12 midnight, the normal closing time). This was concurrent with WUD's recommendation, but different than the Facilities subcommittee's recommendation of leaving them open for 24 hours Sunday through Thursday.
Brittany also gave out information about the current draft of the new ASM Constitution, which can be found online at asmconstitution.wordpress.com. Feedback can be submitted to the blog.
Each of the four departments of the Union (Admin and Marketing, Facilities, Food, Social Education) gave a brief report on efforts currently being used to increase its sustainability. They will report back again in the spring to show what new efforts have been taken; any suggestions are welcome, and it was agreed that it would be a good idea to get experts in the area to give feedback and suggestions.
The one action item of the meeting was concerning extended hours for both of the Unions during finals week. It was voted to keep them open until 3am on Dec 14 (Sun night/Mon morn) through Dec 17 (Wed night/Thurs morn) (as opposed to 12 midnight, the normal closing time). This was concurrent with WUD's recommendation, but different than the Facilities subcommittee's recommendation of leaving them open for 24 hours Sunday through Thursday.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Union Council
On Thursday (Oct. 30th) Union Council held its monthly meeting. It lasted about three hours, and included several important action items. First, we listened to an update by all WUD Directors (this includes the music committee, Global Connections, etc... if you really don't know what WUD is, ask me). We then approved a a document that overhauled all of the procedures to accept "naming" donations for all Union rooms. We decided that the Rath probably shouldn't become the KFC Beerhall, and so we included a list of locations that should not be named. This bill has been in the wings for years, so the fact that it was finally passed made the admin very happy. I don't think many students ever want to see buildings "sold" via donations. But, at the same time... money is very very nice.
We then authorized the Union to be the administrative home for a program for incoming freshman to go on a trip to bond. This program was started by students, but they are graduating, and need it to have a real home. In the future there is the hope that any group/org will be able to go on the trip to "bond".
A new programing fund was also started (funded by the Union) for programing that encourages democratic values. The requirements are pretty loose, so be creative!
Thanks,
Guthrie
Monday, January 28, 2008
Union Council, January 22nd, 2008
Among this meeting's more notable items were the news on a coffee house for Memorial Union, a prolonged discussion and decision on building hours, approval of a new officer position, and an update on the building project.
By this coming summer, Memorial Union should have a Peet's coffee and tea franchise in the former STA Travel location. Peet's beat out other competitors, including Starbucks, largely on the bases of their commitment to quality and significantly greater operational flexibility. Their locations are predominantly on the East and West Coasts but they do have another franchise in Madison at the Sundance Cinemas in Hilldale Mall. The Union was hoping to have the coffee house open by spring break but complications first in the contract negotiations and now with navigating minor building improvements will delay the opening. Currently, plans call for entrances from the exterior near the main east doorway to the building, through the trophy room (by the bathrooms), and a new doorway where the game room currently sits (it will be removed). The facility should greatly expand on campus programming opportunities, particularly during nighttime hours.
Those nighttime hours will be extended during finals period at both Memorial and Union South beginning this semester, at least from Monday through Wednesday. This change resulted from calls for additional options for late night studying. A further call for extended hours on Thursday nights was rejected, primarily due to a current lack of programming and overall student use. Union staff does, however, have the ability to extend these hours without Union Council approval.
A proposal for an additional officer, a Vice President for Project Management, was also approved. As the title indicates, this officer will be in charge coordinating the Union South and Memorial Building projects. Specific responsibilities for the estimated 30 hours per week position will include chairing the Design Committee, coordinating special events, developing and promoting programming related to the building project, serving as the official representative and spokesperson for the building project, and engaging Union Directorate in the development of a long term strategic plan. This officer will also be the primary liaison between the building project and ASM, as well as the rest of the campus community.
Finally, we received an update on the building project. The partnered firms of Moody Nolan and Workshop Architects, selected back in December, will be holding their first meeting with the Design Committee this evening, January 28th, in the former STA Travel location. Despite the major delay imposed by the state's budget problems last fall, the project is still scheduled for completion, meaning the design concept will be done by May 5th of this year. TRANSLATION: this project will move incredibly fast over the next couple months. The official project kickoff will be February 25th in Memorial Union. Much more information will be forthcoming in the next couple weeks. I also sit on the Design Committee so please feel free to contact me (dcornelius@wisc.edu) with any questions.
By this coming summer, Memorial Union should have a Peet's coffee and tea franchise in the former STA Travel location. Peet's beat out other competitors, including Starbucks, largely on the bases of their commitment to quality and significantly greater operational flexibility. Their locations are predominantly on the East and West Coasts but they do have another franchise in Madison at the Sundance Cinemas in Hilldale Mall. The Union was hoping to have the coffee house open by spring break but complications first in the contract negotiations and now with navigating minor building improvements will delay the opening. Currently, plans call for entrances from the exterior near the main east doorway to the building, through the trophy room (by the bathrooms), and a new doorway where the game room currently sits (it will be removed). The facility should greatly expand on campus programming opportunities, particularly during nighttime hours.
Those nighttime hours will be extended during finals period at both Memorial and Union South beginning this semester, at least from Monday through Wednesday. This change resulted from calls for additional options for late night studying. A further call for extended hours on Thursday nights was rejected, primarily due to a current lack of programming and overall student use. Union staff does, however, have the ability to extend these hours without Union Council approval.
A proposal for an additional officer, a Vice President for Project Management, was also approved. As the title indicates, this officer will be in charge coordinating the Union South and Memorial Building projects. Specific responsibilities for the estimated 30 hours per week position will include chairing the Design Committee, coordinating special events, developing and promoting programming related to the building project, serving as the official representative and spokesperson for the building project, and engaging Union Directorate in the development of a long term strategic plan. This officer will also be the primary liaison between the building project and ASM, as well as the rest of the campus community.
Finally, we received an update on the building project. The partnered firms of Moody Nolan and Workshop Architects, selected back in December, will be holding their first meeting with the Design Committee this evening, January 28th, in the former STA Travel location. Despite the major delay imposed by the state's budget problems last fall, the project is still scheduled for completion, meaning the design concept will be done by May 5th of this year. TRANSLATION: this project will move incredibly fast over the next couple months. The official project kickoff will be February 25th in Memorial Union. Much more information will be forthcoming in the next couple weeks. I also sit on the Design Committee so please feel free to contact me (dcornelius@wisc.edu) with any questions.
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