Andrea Northwood

The subcommittee discussed the development of the 2027-2029 Equity and Inclusion plan, focusing on goal recommendations across culture, recruitment, and retention. Discussions included strategies for enhancing employee well-being tools, expanding recruitment through youth programs like apprenticeships and federal work-study, and improving the new employee orientation process with additional supervisor training.

The committee meeting will include subcommittee reports on culture, recruitment, retention, and partners in giving. Old business topics include the expiration of current members' terms, updates to the 2027-2029 Equity and Inclusion plan, and a review of March Madness challenge brackets.

The board received an overview of benefits offered by the WDVA, including the Wisconsin GI Bill, and received administrative updates regarding travel reimbursement rates and mandatory training compliance. Discussions covered potential legislative changes affecting veteran designation on identification cards and the impact of UW System tuition remission funding policies on veteran enrollment. Additionally, the board reviewed reports from the COVP Chair and Board Chair regarding efforts to assist veterans with disability claims, youth outreach for military leadership opportunities, and concerns regarding VA staffing levels. Future meeting dates and upcoming veteran-related events were also noted.

The Council meeting included a presentation on the history and risks associated with entities preying on veterans seeking federal benefits, specifically regarding accreditation standards. Administrative updates regarding travel and meal reimbursement rates for upcoming travel were provided. Additionally, reports were presented on efforts to protect veterans from predatory claims practices, legislative updates concerning veteran designation on identification documents, and various organizational member reports. The meeting also covered discussions on promoting military recruitment in schools and upcoming veteran-related events, as well as the identification of future agenda topics including veteran-related infrastructure and departmental updates.

The key discussion points included updates from the Recruitment subcommittee regarding employee testimonials and access issues requiring IT coordination. The Culture subcommittee reported on a successfully completed skit and the upcoming implementation of RED Friday screen savers. The committee addressed EIAC member vacancies. New business involved discussing methods for distributing 'Stay Connected' materials, such as utilizing the DOR shared newsletter and screen savers, since the July meeting was canceled. The Human Resources report detailed recommendations for new members, monitoring the BEI Audit, finalizing the Vets Recruitment Plan, and presenting upcoming hot topics on Signs of Retaliation and Respectful Communication in the Workplace.