The Staff Senate met on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at 2:03 p.m. in Reynolds Room 207. Senators in attendance were Brad Stout, Deana Taylor, Britta Clark, Laura Wilkerson, Jodie Westfall, Mary Bradshaw, Alta Malone, Barbara Torrence, Michael Westbrook

Proxys: Deana Taylor proxy for Julia Nipper, Jake Dunham, Melody Mayo; Brad Stout Proxy for Sarah Adcox

Visitors: N/A

Call to Order: 2:03 p.m.

Approval of Minutes

February17, 2016 Minutes. Motion was made by Michael Westbrook to approve minutes, second made by Barbara Torrence.

Motion carried.

Old Business

Staff Breakfast-Successful event/good feedback.  Brad will commit Grand Hall reservation for 2017 breakfast for the Thursday before Spring Break. Planning will begin in January 2017.

New Business

Election Process will start soon for openings for staff senate via email (except physical plant-paper ballott)

• At-Large Nominations 4/25@ noon, At-Large Voting 4/26-4/29
• Unit Nominations 5/2-5/5@noon, Unit Voting 5/6-5/10 @noon
• Announcement of new Senators 5/12
• Deana Taylor will become President effective at close of meeting
• The next Staff Senate meeting will be in September.

Committee Report

Faculty/Staff Lunch update: Indicators are up for enrollment and housing for Fall 2016; New recruiter in Dallas (Sarah Craig) having positive influence; Cabot recruiting efforts are strong; AR Works Private Healthcare option could be expensive for the University if passed; Residence Halls (Columbia and Magnolia) are on schedule and hoping to be completed by fall; Budget meetings are going smoothly; New Engineering building (Former Armory) is coming along and saving money in the budget; Cafeteria is being expanded to accommodate 1,000 seats; adding classroom space for the Fall 2016; Library will be expanding to add additional study rooms; Education professorship is 51% complete; Student affairs offices open late on Tuesday until 7:00 p.m.; Alumni Pavillion groundbreaking is May 3^rd at the Welcome Center and will be for community and/or University use); ACT trends are increasing in potential students; Dr. Kardas is working on Cuba exchange study; Feasibility study is going well that is funded by SAU Foundation; SAU Track completion is waiting on rain to subside; President’s Home-will meet again in two weeks after some delays, ground-breaking in July, Move in will be late Spring 2017 (3,600 sq ft); Grants with the Highway department were written for solar-powered, flashing signs to be placed within crosswalk of Overstreet, Talley, & new residence halls.

Other

Staff updates: Sandra Martin will be returning from maternity leave to housing the week after graduation.

Resident Directors, Resident Assistants, President’s Ambassadors, & BAM Leaders will all be announced by Friday (4/22).

Rip Powell has been moved to June (due to weather).

May 9^th-Summer schedule begins for Faculty & Staff

Connie Wilson & Brandie Walthall have both been hired in the College of Education.

Student Affairs Luncheon will be held May 9^th.

Adjournment: 2:40 p.m.

The next Staff Senate meeting will be Wednesday, September 21st, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in Reynolds 205.