The Staff Senate met on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 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, Houston Taylor, Robbye Taylor, Becki Talley, Sandra Walker, Lesley Walthall, Paula Washington-Woods, Wilma Williams, Donald Wray and Lillie Wright. Guests included Dr. David Rankin, Dr. Stacy Clanton and Christopher Harris.
Approval of Minutes
The meeting was called to order by Josh Kee. Jeremy Langley made a motion to accept the November 16, 2011 minutes with a second by Sandra Smith.
Old Business
SAU Charitable Fund:
Kendra Copeland passed out the new rules and regulations for the SAU Charitable Fund. The rules will guide how emergency needs of the SAU staff are met. Sandra Smith suggested an on-line form to fill out if someone needs help from the fund. It was also noted that the donations can be done with an on-line payroll deduction form. The Staff Senate was in agreement with the new rules.
Angel Tree:
Josh Kee reported that the Staff Senate sponsored two children from the Angel Tree and he thanked everyone for their donations and also a special thanks to the ones that shopped for the gifts for the children.
Committee Reports
Academic Suspension Appeals Committee:
Josh Kee reported for Amber Allen. There were thirteen student appeals. Three of these were allowed back into the university and ten were suspended.
AQIP Meeting:
Josh Kee reported for Amber Allen. The committee had met to discuss what had been accomplished since they had begun meeting. They also encouraged everyone to get involved and join an AQIP committee.
Faculty Senate Report:
Josh Kee passed out the Faculty Senate minutes from November 17. He noted the resolution voted on by the Faculty Senate concerning Dr. Rankin’s raise, Dr. Rankin’s response to the Faculty Senate and also a Board Member had written a letter in response to the resolution.
Kendra Copeland noted the Faculty Senate’s Parking Appeals Committee report concerning changing the date when parking stickers were to be purchased from August 15 to August 31.
New Business
Update on the University:
Dr. David Rankin gave an update on the university. Dr. Rankin reminded everyone that Shaun Smith is appearing on “Sweet Home Alabama”. Rankin presented a slide show on the building projects that were taking place on campus. He also discussed the performance funding from the legislature and how that will impact the university’s funding. Rankin noted that SAU’s tuition is now the same as Henderson’s. Rankin discussed the new optical network that SAU will be getting soon. This will make the network faster and will provide wireless connection campus-wide.
Staff Awards Banquet:
The Staff Awards Banquet will be the responsibility of the Academic Affairs unit this year. The date for the breakfast is March 19.
Other
Staff Updates:
Updates were given on several staff members who are having health issues. The Staff Senate wishes them a speedy recovery.
Adjournment
The motion to adjourn was made by Jeremy Langley and seconded by Paula Washington-Wood. The next scheduled meeting will be Wednesday, February 15, 2012.
