1. What You See As CDS Council Roles?

1. What you see as CDS Council roles?

I wish the CDS Council saw its role as tackling difficult problems in the organization, which may become noticeable at any time. If Council members listened to what people (themselves included) complain about, and thought about whether there is a real problem, they could be an extremely positive influence at CDS. My own interpretation is that the Council feels it has no power to tackle big or difficult issues. I believe the Council could exercise this power if it were determined to. Sunshine alone often does wonders.

To keep an eye on issues in the greater UH system and culture that could benefit or hinder CDS efforts. Also to identify opportunities or challenges that affect all or most CDS projects. Keeping an eye on the bigger picture when everyone else is doing what is best for their own projects.

Support newly established CDS committees such as the Committee on Hidden Disabilities

Assist CDS employees with disabilities with obtaining on-the-job accommodations

Develop a mentor project for new faculty and staff

I think you have a very appropriate outline of the activities appropriate for the role of the Council.

2. What would you like to see the CDS Council doing that it may not be doing now?

Look at retention of good people when projects end, prior to projects ending. Cultivating a culture of shared responsibility for the success of all projects not just the one that is near and dear to your heart. Maybe one a day a month where staff are available to add their skills and expertise to help/consult/ promote other projects.

I think, CDS, like the COE lacks a good sense of community. We have too few opportunities for fellowship – for getting to not only know one another, but also to know each other’s families. On lower campus we tried several times to host a holiday party, a beginning of the year and end of the year parties. But the space was insufficient although we had a good turn out. I think maybe it would be worthwhile questioning whether we need two assembly meetings a year…and maybe instead have on “business type” meeting and then another fellowship meeting.

I would like to see more community building within CDS. I am not sure how this may be done but it has come to my attention that as CDS continues to grow so does our lack of Community and a sense of being a Team. We have to go to a conference or stumble upon each other in passing to find out what we are doing. I believe we have lost some good people because the sense of community within our organization is an area that could be strengthened. I am not quite sure it is the responsibility of the Council but it may be a

place it can be started (eg. CDS Assembly). Another idea might be a newsletter that is bi-annual or quarterly that shares what the projects are doing and is perhaps more personalized.

3. How can we better represent you?

Pursue inequities in personnel processing; look for ways to provide administrative support for projects which don’t have funding to provide their own.

Keep asking for input like this. Maybe rather than sending minutes out send a couple of sentence summary of major decisions, or activities.

It would be nice if there were closer linkages between the representatives and those they represent. It would be nice if we could have a sense of “togetherness” between those representing “service, education, and research.” We tried this in the past but have not been very successful.