New member orientation, an appropriate theme for the first meeting led by an incoming president, was the focus of the Employee Council’s latest meeting, April 17 in the Rollins Room of the Rollins School of Public Health.

Chairing her first meeting as president, Cheryl Bowie not only introduced new members to the benefits and responsibilities of sitting on the council, but also outlined the theme of her yearlong presidency: “Presenting Opportunities for Participation and Growth.”

“I want the council to become a conduit for all information and communication at the University,” said Bowie, an accountant in the radiation oncology department at Grady.

Bowie promoted several of the efforts she hopes the council can accomplish during the upcoming year, including several ongoing events: The town hall meeting with President Bill Chace, two yearly information fairs and the annual blood drive.

She also mentioned new initiatives such as volunteer opportunities associated with the EmoryGives program, a way to honor staff members who graduate from Emory degree programs (not just with bachelor’s or advanced degrees, but also those who receive their GEDs, for instance), and the naming of an “Employee of the Month.”

Three guest speakers visited the meeting: Chace; Alice Miller, vice president of Human Resources; and Bob Ethridge, vice president of Equal Opportunity Programs. Chace answered questions regarding the recent changes to Emory’s benefits package and offered “in the most neutral voice possible” a suggestion that the council consider whether the current format of Staff Fest “is the celebration you would like.”

To put his idea in context, Chace said the format of Staff Fest has not changed since he came to campus. He merely wanted to say that, if anyone had any ideas to adjust it, his office would be willing to listen.

Miller discussed several of HR’s newer programs and passed out a mission statement describing the office’s goals.

Ethridge, whose office sponsors the council, pledged his continued support. “This is an organization many of us in the University are proud of,” he said.

Members of the council’s executive committee and its committee chairs took turns introducing themselves and offered brief descriptions of their job responsibilities. New members will be asked to join committees at future meetings, once they become familiar with the committees’ inner workings.

The next Employee Council meeting will be held May 15 at 2 p.m. in WHSCAB Auditorium.

If you have a question or comment for Employee Council, send e-mail to Cheryl Bowie at cheryl@radonc.emory.org.