By Jody Record, Media Relations
November 15, 2006

The Operating Staff Council welcomed two new members at its recent monthly meeting, with Holly Hillsgrove, an administrative assistant in the CIS Academic Technology department, representing District 13 (CIS/library) and Janice Pierson, who in her 18 years at UNH has worked most recently with the President’s Commission, taking over in District 7 (Academic Affairs).

The addition of Pierson frees up Jeff Jones to focus on District 9 (Business Affairs/UTS). Previously, Jones represented both districts.

Updates included changes to the Administrative Office Professionals (AOP) conference, which will now be held biennially. The next conference is set for March 2008. Moving the event gives volunteers more time to develop programs, according to Chris VanHorn, AOP program director.

The AOP planning committee is also putting together a speakers’ series and hopes to present two annual speaking events during the off years (“odd” FY) of the conference, starting in the winter and spring of 2007.

There was some discussion on whether any of the AOP learning series lunches could be breakfast meetings to allow those to attend who can’t make noontime events.

It was also noted that the AOP planning committee is looking for volunteers. Interested individuals can contact VanHorn in HR at 2-0519.

Chair Jason Brodeur provided a recap of the tri-council forum with Dick Cannon, vice president of finance and administration, whom Brodeur says has agreed to make himself available to the council chairs.

“He is also open to quarterly tri-council forums,” Brodeur said.

The next forum will take place during the annual day-long council retreat, tentatively slated for Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007. Cannon has been invited to attend, Brodeur said, adding that Interim President J. Bonnie Newman is the invited speaker.