The Staff Senate met on Wednesday, February 15, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in Reynolds 205. Senators in attendance were Cynthia Blake, Ceil Bridges, Kendra Copeland, LaTricia Davis, Brenda Garrett, Sarah Jennings, Josh Kee, Jeremy Langley, Shawana Reed, Becki Talley, Houston Taylor, Amber Sharp, and Wilma Williams. Becki Talley served as proxy for Sandra Walker.
Approval of Minutes
The meeting was called to order by Houston Taylor. Josh Kee made a motion to accept the minutes from January 19, with a second by Jeramy Langley.
Old Business
Benevolence Fund
Discussion was opened about the Benevolence Fund and how best to administer the fund. There were several questions raised about what the fund would be used for, what guidelines would be followed when dispensing the funds, who would be in charge of the fund and who would benefit from the fund. The Benevolence Fund committee will meet and try to answer the questions and have something prepared at the next meeting.
Committee Reports
Staff Awards
Amber Sharp reminded everyone that the nominations for the Mary Anna King Whitehead award are due by February 22. Everyone is encouraged to take time to nominate someone that they feel deserves the award. There was discussion on how to make the process simpler so people would take the time to nominate. After discussion, Jeremy Langley made a motion to table the discussion with a second by LaTricia Davis. The motion carried by unanimous approval.
Committee Meetings
Kendra Copeland attended the Annual Faculty Performance Review Monitoring Committee met on January 22.
Brenda Garrett attended the Research Committee.
It was noted that Graduate Council will meet February 15.
Wilma Williams attended the Faculty Senate meeting in place of Jeremy Langley and she gave a report from the committee.
LaTrica Davis noted that Academic Affairs will meet on Tuesday, March 1.
Board of Trustees Meeting
Jeremy Langley reported on the Board of Trustees meeting.
New Business
Meeting Change
Houston Taylor asked if there would be a problem with the March meeting being moved to Tuesday, March 15 instead of Wednesday the 16th. He said he would check to make sure Reynolds 205 was available. Everyone was in agreement with the change if the room was available.
Other
Champagne Dinner
Ceil Bridges reported that the Champagne Dinner was a success with over 200 people in attendance. The dinner was a fundraiser for the SAU Rodeo Arena.
Staff Employee Updates
Updates were given on employees who are facing serious illnesses. Several of these employees are back at work. Others are still battling their illness. Two new names were added to the list, Diane Johnson and Vicki Butler’s daughter. Sympathy is extended to the families of Ida Rankin in the loss of her husband and Joann Baxley’s family. JoAnn was a former employee in the post office.
Adjournment
The motion to adjourn was made by Jeremy Langley and seconded by Josh Kee. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in Reynolds 205.
