Staff Senate Meeting Minutes
February 16, 2022
2 p.m. via Zoom
Staff Senators:
Members Present: Sharee Berry, Marisa Grippo, Gary Hickson, Anne Sands, Wilson Impson,
Margarita Norment, Greg Taylor, Angela McLaughlin, Sage Woodham, Jennifer Ford, Lacey Dodson
The Staff Senate met on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. via zoom
Start time: 2:04 p.m.
COVID UPDATE: (Dr. Berry)
-Three positive (One self-reported at home)
– The Task Force will send out an updated email tomorrow
Arkansas Department of Education: (Dr. Berry)
– Enrollment chart comparison: 5yr change was about 4% (SAU was down about 200) lost
around 1,000 graduate students. SAU were still able to boost enrollment and keep things
steady.
– Scholarships: SAU was right in the middle which is great.
– Fund Balances: Need to work on reserves (fund balances) We have improved within the
past five years but need to work on putting more resources into reserves.
– Cash on hand is another category (SAU has about 5mo of funds to operate from within this
fund)
– Education and General are two other fund balances.
Campus Updates: (Dr. Berry)
– Computer roll out is 45% complete (Hope to be completed before next Fall).
– Recruitment: Graduate and undergraduate is up.
– Campus tours are up
– Will advertise for Fall around March 1, 2022
– Foundation will have a few scholarships this summer
– The budget committee will start meeting around March 15, 2022
Staff Senate Award Update: (Roger Giles)
-The professional staff category is not equal to the support staff category; in the beginning they
were equal. State categories and grades have changed so it is no longer a valid way to make a
balance between the two categories.
– The current split is: 25 Support and 75 Professional
-Two possible categories: Professional above $40,000 and Support below $40,000?
– Salary may be an issue?
– Could split categories by exempt or non-exempt (Timesheet or no timesheet)? Will discuss and
get back with Roger.
– Staff Breakfast: Can do before or after Spring Break (Booked Grand Hall for March 29th & 30th
will discuss again next week)
Wilson Impson moved to approve the minutes from the January 2022 meeting and
Margarita Norment second the motion to approve the minutes.
Committee Reports: (Graduate) Will be adding a grade forgiveness program per Marisa.
Old News: Staff positions: Have one person interested in joining Staff Senate per Marisa.
– United Way campaign rewards: Margarita has confirmed several prizes from local business
such as: Magnolia Blossom, Bridgette’s, Mule Kick, SAU Book Store and Awesome
Blossom.
– Margarita will write Thank you notes for donations.
– Wilson will check on Social Media thank you post for donations?
New News:
– Survey Results?
Adjournment: The motion to adjourn was made by Wilson Impson with a second by Margarita
Norment. The next staff senate meeting will be March 16, 2022 via zoom
End Time: 3:04 p.m.
