The Staff Senate met on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in Reynolds 205. Senators in attendance were Phyllis Austin, Cynthia Blake, Kathy Cole, Kendra Copeland, Josh Kee, Jeremy Langley, Shawana Reed, Sandra Smith, Becki Talley, Houston Taylor, Robbye Taylor, Sandra Walker, Lesley Walthall, Paula Washington-Woods, Wilma Williams, Donald Wray, and Lillie Wright. Guests included Stacy Clanton, Steve Dingman and Aaron Street.
Approval of Minutes
The meeting was called to order by Josh Kee. Jeremy Langley made a motion to accept the July 27 minutes. The motion was seconded by Shawana Reed.
Old Business
Benevolence Fund:
Josh Kee requested additional information on how the benevolence fund committee is doing in regards to setting up a fund to help staff members that might need extra help during a crisis. Information had been gathered about the fund, but the committee has not met to discuss it. It was noted that LaTricia Davis was on the committee, but she has rotated off of the Staff Senate, so Robbye Taylor will replace her on the committee. The committee will be Kendra Copeland, Josh Kee, Jeremy Langley, and Robbye Taylor. Josh Kee will set up the initial meeting of the committee.
New Business
Wellness Center/Wellness Program:
Coach Steve Dingman gave a report on the SAU Wellness Center and proposed Wellness Program. He noted that several years ago at a Fringe Benefits Committee meeting, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Insurance proposed a wellness plan for SAU. At the time, the committee felt the plan was too intrusive for the employees and also SAU would have no control over the program. Since that time, the University has discussed a new wellness plan, but at this time, no plan has been put into place. However, Dingman noted that the wellness center offers many options, free of charge, for employees that want to exercise. He also reported that the wellness center is trying to do more to keep the employees informed about what the center has to offer by sending out newsletters and providing more educational information. There is now a Zumba class 2 nights a week, offered for free. Dingman is collecting data to provide the Fringe Benefit Committee when they meet to give him more direction on the wellness plan proposal.
It was agreed that the Staff Senate would wait to pursue the wellness plan that had been discussed until after the Fringe Benefits Committee meets.
Faculty Senate Meeting:
Stacy Clanton, the President and Faculty Liaison to the Staff Senate, provided a report of the Faculty Senate. He reported that the Faculty Senate is concerned that the university website is not serving the university like it should. The website director was complimented on doing the work without having any additional help. He also noted that the faculty senate had questions about the raises on campus, but Dr. Rankin and Mr. Giles could not attend the meeting to address the questions. There was also a discussion among the faculty senate concerning interim positions being filled within the year which is stated in the faculty handbook. Clanton announced that the next Faculty Senate meeting will be October 20.
Committee Liaison Lists:
Josh Kee reported that he had sent the committee liaison assignments to the VPAA’s office. He noted that a member of the SGA is an ex-officio member of the Staff Senate and will be included in future meetings.
Committee Reports
There were no committee reports.
Other
Board of Trustees Meeting:
Jeremy Langley reports that the Board of Trustees will meet on Friday, September 23. Sandra Smith announces that the MAC will be dedicated at noon on Friday also.
Staff Senate Website:
Shawana Reed will be handling the updates to the Staff Senate website.
Adjournment
The motion to adjourn was made by Jeremy Langley and seconded by Paula Washington-Wood. The next scheduled meeting will be Wednesday, October 20, 2011.
