Asked by President Jim Wagner to provide feedback to the University’s draft Vision Statement, Employee Council discussed the issue at its most recent meeting, Wednesday, Oct. 15, in the Rollins Building’s Rollins Room.

The draft statement reads: "Emory University: An academic destination and a resource for changing the world, whose unique blend of intellectual quest and ethical discourse makes it a leading community for teaching, scholarship and service."

Working off sheets that provided some prewritten notes and suggestions, council members noted that there were no mentions of the general staff in the statement. One member suggested adding a phrase about respecting all people at Emory. Another offered snippet statements like "enhance the sense of community and inspiring its members though service and accomplishment" and "exemplifying good stewardship of our vast resources."

Council President Don Newsome said the council’s executive committee would take all suggestions under advisement and prepare formal comments for Wagner.

The council hosted several guests. Dottie Toney, coordinator of mentoring programs for DeKalb County Schools, introduced members to "Partners ‘N’ Pals," a program that provides adult mentors to children at Shamrock Middle School. Joining Toney was Shamrock Principal Tom Davis, whose school has a partnering relationship with Emory.

Mentors are asked to spend 30 minutes a week with a child during their lunch hour. More than 200 Shamrock students are on a waiting list for mentors. Interested Emory faculty and staff members are encouraged to contact Toney at 678-676-1884. They would first attend a mentoring orientation session followed by training. Then they would be paired with a child.

Emory guests included Mary Smith from Human Resources, who outlined the Open Enrollment period that begins Oct. 20, and Michelle Smith of corporate relations, who encouraged the council to promote the University’s corporate giving program, EmoryGives.

Special issues chair Susie Lackey said her committee is considering exploring the issue of a living wage at Emory. Communications chair Melodye Moore announced that the council’s town hall meeting with Wagner—his first—has been scheduled for Nov. 11 at noon in Winship Ballroom.

The next Employee Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 19 in the Jones Room of Woodruff Library.

If you have a question or concern for Employee Council, contact President Don Newsome at dnewsom@emory.edu.