To:         Communications Committee

              Employee Forum

From:  Liza Cahoon and Cate Cunningham, Co-chairs

Education and Career Development Committee

Employee Forum

Date:      May 5, 2009

Re:         Using Trust Fund money to print newsletter

As the co-chairs of the Education and Career Development (ECD) Committee, Liza and I have considered your request to use staff development funds to publish the Employee Forum newsletter, InTouch, as discussed in our meeting on April 7 and outlined in your memo dated April 14.

We understand and value your stated goals: the need for editorial independence, quarterly print editions of the newsletter, and increased readership.  We also appreciate your willingness to work with us toward our goal to educate staff about programs and educational opportunities available by agreeing to include a relevant article in each print edition.

However, there needs to be a discussion about the use of EF staff development funds and a new plan developed.  Current EF funding for the Basic Clerical Skills program ends this FY and EF contributions to the Education Assistance Fund (tuition and books) need to be reviewed.  Given budget uncertainties, there may also be increased need for the EF to provide additional assistance.

Therefore, the ECD Committee approves the use of staff development funds for the publication of the EF newsletter as follows: $2,500 for FY 2008-09 and $5,000 for FY 2009-10.  It would be helpful if you would provide us with an annual summary of your publication expenses.

We understand that the Communications Committee will take this matter to the entire Forum for their approval before responding to Chancellor Thorp.  We also anticipate that the Committee will seek alternative funding for FY 2010-11.  In the event that funding does not become available, the ECD Committee will reconsider your request.