Staff Senate Meeting
June 11, 2008
The Staff Senate met on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the Overstreet Boardroom. Senators in attendance were Wendy Burge, Gaye Calhoun, LaTricia Davis, Brenda Garrett, Roger Guevara, Charles Honza, Mary Hubbard, Sarah Jennings, Pat King, Essie Moore, Eric Plummer, Shawana Reed, Becki Talley, Houston Taylor, Donald Wray, and Shelly Whaley. Visitors were Jeanie Bismark.
Approval of Minutes
The meeting was called to order by President Shelly Whaley. A motion to accept the minutes of May 14, 2008 with the following amendment was made by Pat King and seconded by Eric Plummer. The minutes indicated that Dr. Christensen was leaving SAU. This was incorrect and we apologize to Dr. Christensen for the error. The motion to approve the minutes with this amendment passed.
Old Business
Student Worker Pay Increase
There was confusion about exactly what student workers will be making after minimum wage goes up in July. Shelly Whaley will check with Darrell Morrison about it and report at the next meeting.
Liaisons for Arkansas Staff Senates
Shelly Whaley noted that she had heard from University of Arkansas and they would be implementing the merit pay raise program at their university.
Educational Leave Benefits
Shelly Whaley announced that she had spoken to Roger Giles about the educational leave benefit. He had visited with the VP council and it will be added to the leave benefit. An employee can take up to eight hours leave for educational purposes. It would be reported on a leave slip or on the timesheet. Shelly will also ask Mr. Giles about sending out the educational leave report to all users.
Staff Development
Shelly Whaley reported that she had contacted Dr. David Ashby about presenting a retirement planning seminar for staff development and he agreed. She also contacted Kathy Cole to discuss what other staff development projects could be developed. Roger Giles’ office also stated they would like to work with the staff senate to develop staff development programs. Eric Plummer noted that he would be offering staff personnel the opportunity to watch a video on awareness of office violence. He also stated a course in self-defense training will be offered at a later date. These could also be considered staff development. Shelly Whaley questioned whether there should be a committee formed to oversee the staff development program.
Board of Trustees Meeting
As was noted in our May meeting, the Board of Trustees met to decide about the new recreation center. The bond issue was approved and plans will be moving forward for the new center.
Committee Reports
Shelley Whaley asked that the website committee set a date to meet with Gary Millican, who has agreed to oversee the website.
Donald Wray reported that the Academic Suspension committee had met. Eight students had appealed their suspensions. Five students were allowed to return early. Three students were not.
New Business
Back to School Meeting
Shelley Whaley noted that Roger Giles had asked the staff senate for input about the back-to-school meeting. Several suggestions were made and Shelly will talk to Mr. Giles about them.
Other
Facilities Rental
A staff member asked if the staff senate could look into whether facilities rentals on campus could be a part of the benefits package. They noted that staff members had to pay rental on the Greek Theatre and other places on campus. The senate discussed this and it was decided that it was just not feasible solution because the rental fee helped pay for the expenses associated with the facilities.
Alumni
An alumnus of SAU asked whether or not SAU allowed children of alumni to attend the university without paying the tuition or fees. This hasn’t been done in the past, but Shelly Whaley will ask the administration whether this was something the university might look into.
Faculty/Staff Tuition Waivers
A staff senate member questioned if something should be implemented to discourage employees from taking jobs at the university for a short term while their children attended the university so they could take advantage of the faculty/staff waiver. The senate discussed the issue and it was noted that the faculty/staff waiver was a benefit that was offered to employees and was a deciding factor for people seeking employment at the university. This also raised the issue about whether budget issues might cause the administration to cut back on the faculty/staff waiver and whether something should be put in writing that assured staff members who have worked here for many years that they will be grandfathered in at the percentage the waiver is now. Shelly Whaley will ask the administration about this issue.
Vice President for Academic Affairs
LaTricia Davis announced that Dr. Brian Canfield, the new VPAA, will begin work on August 1st.
Updates from Staff Senate President
Communication Issues
Shelly Whaley noted that she had invited Dr. Rankin to attend the July meeting to discuss communications issues.
BAM
Shelly Whaley announced that the BAM sessions have been a success and this program will continue through the summer months. She also noted that volunteers were needed for the mentoring program.
Adjournment
The motion to adjourn was made by Donald Wray and seconded by Charles Honza. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at 2:00 p.m.
