CURC Steering Committee
October 3, 2007
Conference Call Began at Noon EST
Present: Tracy Artley, Alec Cooley, Mark Darling, Jack Debell, Judi Dunn Gray, Judi Gard, Rob Gogan, Mary Jensen, Becky Valentich. Christine Von Kolnitz Cooley
Absent: Dana Donatucci, Deb Hanson, Ed Newman
1. Webinar Topics
Alec reported the put together the various topic ideas and added presenter names as he thought of them. The initial idea was to use the speakers bureau for this so that it’s not falling on the Steering Committee’s shoulders. This will be a part of the proposal for the Weyerhauser grant. Alec will be working on the grant over the next day or so and will get it submitted.
The next webinar is scheduled for November 13 and will cover effective operational management. Mary inquired about ways to recruit others to come in and participate in the webinars. Judi Dunn Gray suggested asking CURC members to speak. Steering Committee members with suggestions on speakers should email Alec and Mary.
Jack had 3 points to make: 1. He echoed Judi’s comment on opening up the webinars to panelist and not just one speaker, 2. We should fold in information already created (e.g. the primer guide) and, 3. He has a concern that the webinar speakers connect with a speakers bureau. He stated that the bureau needs to be more focused to people who are on the Steering Committee who can represent the organization in the best way. He suggested having a PowerPoint presentation that gives standardized information on CURC. Alec suggested that there might be a value to throwing the net out to RECYC-L and ask “What are you an expert at?” This would allow for the creation of a database. Mary suggested taking a look at what Alec sent out and going through the list of CURC members to see if we can match people to topics. Discussion ensued on the specific webinar topics.
2. Congress Debrief
Alec sent via email a list of all college- and university-affiliating attendees to the Congress. There were 93 college and university folks representing 68 schools. The next Congress will be during Move In once again. Alec inquired that if it were to fall during late August through late September, is there a better or worse time in that time frame. Mary reported that most people stated that they could attend in late September. Jack let Alec know that he needs to be reimbursed for some approved conference costs.
Rob praised Jack for the campus tour. Jack noted that the next Congress will be in Pittsburgh and that it will be important to keep the flow going for Barb. Discussion turned to the duration of the various CURC-related meetings. It was stated that the Saturday RecycleMania/Steering Committee meeting went too long and that the Tuesday CURC membership meeting was too short. Alec suggested having a CURC retreat in the Spring.
Discussion progressed to the issues surrounding the room setup for the CURC general meeting, including CURC having its own room which is set up to reflect how CURC operates.
Mary stated that she wished they could find additional resources for students. Judi Dunn Gray noted that it can be difficult for students to attend the Congress due to its timing. It was suggested that there be a reduced registration rate for students. Christine suggested giving students free entrance to the exhibit hall.
The group next discussed thank you letters for speakers as well as for Jack. Alec will write the letter and CURC will send a certificate of appreciation to Jack.
Mary has a list of everyone who attended the Tuesday meeting as well as notes from Saturday’s meeting. Jack has an electronic version of the 6 workshops. All notes will go to Mary.
Karen Gaski was very thankful of CURC recognizing Steve. All thanked Stacy for her help in organizing this.
3. Follow-up on Better World Books
Mary reported that CURC is still unable to endorse any organization due to NRC rules. She then inquired about next steps. Stacy suggested having the Better World Books (BWB) representative join the Steering Committee on a call to explain what her organization does. Mary noted that individual schools can promote BWB. Rob state that he has been impressed with the service provided. Stacy inquired about RecycleMania having a category on books in the future. Mary suggested including BWB on a list of links from the CURC webpage. Judi Gard noted that BWB isn’t a non-profit organization, which presents a challenge to a state agency since many items must go through a state surplus program. Comments and suggestions should be sent to Mary.
4. Promoting Work and Awards
Becky received recognition for the UTA composting program. It was noted that a mechanism should be in place for promoting these types of successes. Mark offered to serve as the repository for this information.
5. Other Business
Jack inquired if the group was clear on the waste minimization category for RecycleMania. Judi Dunn Gray indicated that administrators at her school feel that they don’t need to participate in RecycleMania because they have before.
Alec discussed the opening of RecycleMania registration and that school populations will be taken from IPEDS. He emphasized that we need to be prepared for participants to have concerns about this.
Alec then proposed a CURC retreat in conjunction with the RecycleMania retreat.
6. Adjourn
The call adjourned at 1:20 pm.