The Staff Senate met on Wednesday, June 16, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in Business 341. Senators in attendance were Cynthia Blake, Ceil Bridges, Kendra Copeland, LaTricia Davis, Brenda Garrett, Josh Kee, Jeremy Langley, Eric Plummer, Sandra Smith, Becki Talley, Houston Taylor, Amber Sharp, Sandra Walker, Wilma Williams and Donald Wray. Visitors included Brad Stout.
Approval of Minutes
The meeting was called to order by Houston Taylor. Jeremy Langley made a motion to accept the minutes with corrections. The motion was seconded by Amber Sharp.
Old Business
Proposed Amendments
Houston Taylor noted that voting on the proposed amendments would be due by 5:00 Thursday, June 17.
Wellness Plan
Amber Sharp discussed the plans to begin a walking fitness program at SAU. Amber provided a flyer for everyone to look over. Participants would walk every Tuesday and Thursday at the walking track. The Staff Senate would be encouraged to participate as host for the events. There was discussion about providing water or incentives for people to participate. Due to more information needed on the matter, a motion was made by Jeremy Langley to table the discussion with a second by LaTricia Davis.
Committee Reports
Fringe Benefits Committee
Josh Kee reported on the fringe benefits committee meeting. He noted that discussion about insurance cost was the topic at the meeting. Josh reported that SAU is paying out more in claims than it is taking in. The committee is considering several different options to help compensate for the losses in claims. No decision was made on any changes for the coming fiscal year at the meeting.
The Staff Senate discussed the fringe benefits report. Several suggestions were made at the meeting such as looking at having a doctor on staff at the university which could help keep office visit costs down. Josh Kee agreed to bring that suggestion up at the next fringe benefits committee meeting.
Board of Trustees
Jeremy Langley reported on the Board of Trustees meeting. The new budget for fiscal year 2011-2012 was approved. No raises were approved except for pay adjustments to faculty and some administration salaries. The only other raises would be cost-of-living raises if the state authorizes it or SAU enrolls more students. A tuition increase was approved.
The Board of Trustees approved personnel matters. Utility costs are down at the university. The Magnolia Adult Education Center, formerly under the direction of the Magnolia Public School system, has now been placed under the control of SAU-Tech. It was also noted that SAU had a large increase in fringe benefits.
New Business
Houston noted the Staff Senate elections will be conducted by survey, except for some employees of the Physical Plant, who would receive paper ballots. He observed the staff members whose terms have expired would not need to attend July’s meeting.
Adjournment
The motion to adjourn was made by Jeremy Langley and seconded by Donald Wray. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in Reynolds 205.
