Montana State University Northern

The meeting included a reminder regarding the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) process overview and deadlines, specifically noting the March 1, 2024 deadline for submitting the updated Mapping Tool. The team reviewed the interface capabilities of the mapping tool, continuing work on the MSU-Northern ERM Report. The majority of the meeting focused on the first priority: Hiring and Retaining Quality Faculty/Staff. During this focus, language changes were identified for the risk description and associated bulleted risk response areas, along with providing initial estimates for the completion or progress of these response areas.

The council discussed applications for loss mitigation grants, noting that funds for fire suppression grants were exhausted and a reapplication would occur in May. A broad discussion covered facility needs across campus, including the DTC sidewalk, guard rails for family housing, and the lack of fire suppression in the Gym, with a goal set to obtain plans and bids by May 1. The group also addressed government repairs and maintenance, agreeing on the necessity to list all required repairs and maintenance projects to apply for available grants and secure funding allocations, including dormitories on the list regardless of high numbers. The majority of the meeting was dedicated to discussing and working on the Risk Assessment report.

The council, responsible for creating a disciplined campus process for identifying and managing risk management strategies aligned with MUS and campus missions, reviewed information due by March 1 regarding the draft risk mapping tool, including risk identification, ownership, response, supporting documentation, and progress on control implementation. The committee also reviewed and updated the MSUN Enterprise Risk Management Report from March 2022, comparing it to the MUS top risks. Additionally, the MUS Risk Management and Tort Defense Division Application was discussed, and a reference list of funded loss mitigation expenses was reviewed. A commitment was made to submit an application for fire suppression/sprinkler systems and Armory fire alarm upgrades before the May 1 deadline.

Key discussions focused on the finalization of employee evaluation forms, including changes to column headings and rating scales, which, upon implementation, will render the evaluations complete. A Labor Management Committee (LMC) Training session is scheduled for October 15, 2008, with a follow-up LMC meeting planned for October 16, 2008, to discuss the training. New business involved tabling the discussion on whether annual evaluations are mandated by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) or management rights. Other topics included the successful supervisor training, planning for future classified employee evaluations, and addressing the policy regarding classified staff volunteering for the We Love Northern Ball, which required clarification from the Chancellor.

Key discussions during the meeting included the X-Mas Closure policy, where clarification was sought regarding which employees were allowed to work on campus, particularly custodians, and whether this option was uniformly shared with staff. New business involved concerns about the facility scheduling process across campus, leading to an agreement on the need for better communication and role clarification for scheduling different buildings and off-campus groups, including liability insurance requirements. Another topic addressed solicitation on campus, proposing alternative arrangements for classified employees wishing to donate to various fundraisers. Finally, concerns were raised regarding the enforcement of the "25 feet away from the building" smoking policy, noting an increase in smokers from the adjacent hospital utilizing campus grounds.