Gina Fernandez

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.

The meeting commenced with roll call and an engagement activity. Discussions covered a presentation by an enterprise consultant from BEI regarding FMLA compliance and support for EIC professionals. Subcommittee reports included updates on the voice initiative and recruitment tracking by the Recruitment subcommittee, planning for the New Employee Orientation and Stay Survey by the Retention subcommittee, and the development of a 'Noteworthy News' weekly update newsletter by the Retention subcommittee lead. New business included discussions on new member recruitment as terms expire, planning for the 2027/2029 E&I Plan development, and restructuring the Partners in Giving subcommittee to increase involvement. The HR report included an update on the SWISDIP internship program. Public comments included commendations for the group's work and feedback on the impact of SWISDIP.

The meeting commenced with a call to order and roll call confirming a quorum was present. Key discussions involved subcommittee reports. The Recruitment subcommittee is focused on job shadowing and creating employee testimonials or videos, collaborating with the Retention and Mentorship subgroups. The Retention subcommittee has completed the 'Stay Survey' and is developing messaging, while also reviewing the DOR's 'Connected' newsletter and prioritizing New Employee Orientation (NEO) onboarding before addressing mentorship goals. The Culture subcommittee reported on efforts to increase awareness via newsletters, including submitting photos of staff wearing red on Fridays, updating the EIAC SharePoint concerning KPIs, and distributing diversity posters. Old business centered on addressing committee member vacancies. New business involved continued analysis and review of survey results to determine the optimal method for messaging all staff. The HR report covered SWISDIP intern onboarding, planned monitoring of EIAC Plans by BEI starting in July with an emphasis on action items, and an upcoming September presentation on workforce demographics to leadership.