The Staff Senate met on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Reynolds 205. Senators in attendance were Amber Allen, Phyllis Austin, Kathy Cole, Kendra Copeland, Josh Kee, Shawana Reed, Sandra Smith, Becki Talley, Lesley Walthall, and Wilma Williams. Becki Talley had Sandra Walker’s proxy and Wilma Williams had Paula Washington-Woods’ proxy. Guests included Jeanie Bismark and Paul McLendon.
Approval of Minutes
The meeting was called to order by Josh Kee. Amber Allen made a motion to accept the February 15, 2012 minutes with a second by Phyllis Austin.
Old Business
Fitness Proposal:
Wilma Williams gave a report on a possible Fitness Proposal for faculty and staff. She suggested that there might be scheduled time to exercise during the summer months at the MAC if there was enough interest. There was a discussion on the best way to find out if the faculty and staff would be interested and decided it would be best to survey the faculty and staff. Wilma Williams and Sandra Smith agreed to work together to put the survey on Survey Monkey. It was also agreed to form a committee to look into the fitness proposal. The committee will be made up of Amber Allen, Kathy Cole, Sandra Smith and Wilma Williams. Sandra Smith noted that there will be a virtual 5K, 10K and half marathon during the week of August 5-11, 2012. She will be sending out an e-mail with more information.
Committee Reports
AQIP:
Amber Allen reported on the AQIP. She noted that the report deadline had been moved up to the end of summer 2012. Each committee is responsible for turning in reports and there would be a lot of work to do to finish the reports by the deadline. Josh Kee noted that the deadline had been extended to June 2013 and although this gives the AQIP committees more time, it is still one year short of the original deadline. The Executive Council for AQIP will meet on May 21.
Faculty Senate:
Amber Allen reported the Faculty Senate met on May 19. New officers were elected for the 2012-2013 year: Scott White-President, Sam Riner-Vice President, Jennifer Logan-Secretary, and Shannon Schroeder-Parliamentarian.
SAU Charitable Fund:
Josh Kee reported the Charitable Fund had met many needs during the month of April and May. A report was provided and the report is available from Kendra Copeland.
New Business
Budget Report:
Paul McLendon gave a report on the upcoming 2012-2013 budget. He noted that tuition will be increasing by 5.3% to cover the funds that the state will not be providing this year. The total for tuition, fees and board will be $6018.00. McLendon announced the staff will receive a one-time bonus based on their evaluation ratings. If the state does not approve a cost of living raise for the staff, there might be another one-time bonus later on. There will be a 2.5% raise for faculty and non-classified staff in the new budget. McLendon noted utility costs have increased across campus due to water and sewer rates increasing. The health care costs have remained stable and there will be no insurance rates increase this year. McLendon reported there was a need for a new residence hall to accommodate students.
Other
Staff Updates:
Updates were given on several staff members who are having health issues. The Staff Senate wishes them a speedy recovery. Also, the Staff Senate wishes to express their sympathy to the family of Diane Johnson and to Gary Hickson in the loss of his wife, Pam.
SAU Steak Cook-Off Team:
Josh Kee noted that Sandra Smith would be taking over the lead for the SAU Steak Cook-Off Team for the Magnolia Blossom Festival. We wish the team the best of luck at the cook-off.
Staff Senate Elections:
Elections for Staff Senate will be held at the June 20th meeting.
Adjournment
The motion to adjourn was made by Amber Allen with a second by Sandra Smith. The next Staff Senate meeting will be Wednesday, June 20, 2012 in Reynolds 205.
