The Staff Senate met on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in Reynolds 205. Senators in attendance were Cynthia Blake, Ceil Bridges, Kendra Copeland, LaTricia Davis, Charles Honza, Teresa James, Sarah Jennings, Josh Kee, Essie Moore, Eric Plummer, Shawana Reed, Sandra Smith, Becki Talley, Houston Taylor, and Donald Wray.
Approval of Minutes
The meeting was called to order by Eric Plummer. A motion to accept the minutes of June 17, 2009 was made by Essie Moore and seconded by Donald Wray.
Old Business
Disability Access Concerns
Chief Plummer noted that he had not received any updates or feedback on the issues about building access for disabled persons.
Campus Clean Air Act
Chief Plummer had spoken with Dr. Donna Allen about the Clean Air Act. The Student Affairs office will be working, along with input from the Staff Senate, to develop programs to help faculty, staff and students prepare for the no-smoking policy that will take effect next year.
Committee Reports
There were no committee reports
New Business
New Senators
Chief Plummer welcomed the new senators to their first meeting.
Staff Senate Elections
Elections were held to nominate new officers for the coming year. Essie Moore was elected Vice President/President Elect; Sandra Smith was elected Faculty Staff Liaison; and Becki Talley was re-elected Secretary.
Board of Trustees Meeting
Chief Plummer announced that the Board of Trustees had approved the sale of 2009 improvement bonds. These funds will be used to build the new student recreation center.
Thanksgiving Work Week
The Vice President for Administration’s office had contacted Chief Plummer about the schedule for the Thanksgiving work week. In the past, students and faculty have had the Wednesday before Thanksgiving off, but this year they will be required to have classes. The staff has worked two 10 hour days and one 5 hour day and been off on Wednesday afternoon. After discussion, the staff senate voted unanimously to keep the schedule as it has been in the past.
Other
August Staff Senate Meeting
Chief Plummer noted that the August back-to-school meeting had been used as the August staff senate meeting, but this year’s back-to-school meeting will be in September. He wanted feedback to decide whether to have an August meeting at all. After much discussion, it was decided to have the August meeting as usual, and use the September back-to-school meeting as our September staff senate meeting.
Adjournment
The motion to adjourn was made by Josh Kee and seconded by LaTricia Davis. The next scheduled meeting will be August 19 at 2:00 p.m. in Reynolds 205.
