February 5, 2004 Minutes

1. Call to Order - A regular meeting of the Staff Senate of Missouri State University was called to order at Plaster Student Union, Room 313 at 1:30 p.m.

2. Roll Call -

Present - Sherry Adam, Patrick Byers, Earle Doman, Norm Griffith, David Liss, Phil Nichols, D. Lynn Singleton, Lisa McEowen-LeVangie, Veronica Adinegara, Mike Clark, Diana Garland, LaDonna Hansen, Monya McMichael, Marline Ritter, Chris Strodtman, Lois Shufeldt (Faculty Senate), Ben Boslaugh, Sara Clark, Cynthia Giacin, Tara Horton, Steve Mills, Marilyn Robertson, Tami Sutton

Absent - Allison Crocker, Scott Walker, Belinda Davis, Antoinette Foster (SGA), Phyllis Kenney

Guests - Larry Dudley, Chris Bailey, Dale Moore, Betty Lewis

Phil Nichols, Chairperson, presided and Tami Sutton recorded the proceedings of the meeting.

3. Announcements - All senators and guests introduced themselves.

Lois Shufeldt indicated that Bob Thurman (the former Faculty Senate representative) had a class during the Staff Senate meeting time this semester and that she was taking his place. She indicated that Bob had enjoyed his time as representative and that he thanked Staff Senate for making him welcome.

4. Approval of Minutes - The minutes of the open, regular meeting of January 8, 2004 were approved.

5. Report from the Chair - Phil Nichols - Phil Nichols presented an idea that is being formulated of the possibility of creating a maintenance certification program and being able to use noncredit fee waivers for the cost of the classes. This idea is only in the beginning stages and will be discussed further.

Phil also gave a summary of the January Board of Governors" meeting. He made everyone aware that the Staff Senate parking resolution was presented at that meeting. A brief discussion followed regarding the Parking Advisory Committee's recommendation of a 30% parking fee increase and the effect that pre-tax, monthly payroll deductions could possibly have on an employee's social security.

6. Report from the Parliamentarian - Lisa McEowen-LeVangie - Lisa gave a report regarding her and Phil's trip to Jefferson City to attend the Springfield- Branson Regional Salute to Legislators. She indicated it was a very positive trip.

7. Committee Reports -

Budget and Priorities, Lisa McEowen-LeVangie-Chair - The first organizational meeting for the new year was held on January 16th. Lisa indicated some concerns will be healthcare, developing a proposal for a "Just in Time" process for class registration, and funding of the University Service Awards. She noted that the committee was pleased that all four Staff Senate budget recommendations appeared in the fiscal year budget process. She also indicated that anyone wishing to join the committee need not be a staff senator and that the committee meets the 2nd Thursday of each month, from 2-3 PM, in PSU 310. Those interested in joining should contact her.
Public Affairs, Lisa McEowen-LeVangie-committee member - Lisa McEowen-LeVangie gave the report for the committee chair, Phyllis Kenney, in her absence. Lisa reported that the first presentation in the Lunch Hour Lecture Series on Tuesday, February 3, was a success with approximately 60 people in attendance. She reported that the topics for the upcoming presentations will include: the University's name change, healthcare, Missouri State history and centennial, and presidential change.
Faculty Senate, Norm Griffith-classified Staff Senate representative - Norm Griffith gave a brief report on the actions of the Faculty Senate.
Staff Senate Centennial Committee, Diana Garland-Chair - Diana Garland reported that the Staff Senate Centennial Project had been approved by the Centennial Committee with a budget of $4500. She again thanked everyone for their submitted proposals. A prize drawing was held for the participants who had submitted proposals that were not chosen. Four of the participants will receive 4-tickets to a Bears or Lady Bears basketball game of their choice and three will receive donated afghans from the Missouri State Bookstore.

8. Unfinished Business - Phil Nichols reported that David Liss and Ben Boslaugh were appointed to the Health Care Committee and that Tara Horton had agreed to chair the Public Relations Committee.

9. New Business - Staff Senate discussed the possibility of a one-time payout in lieu of a percentage raise. A motion was made and a vote taken to "support the rejection of a one-time payout." Outcome of the vote was: nineteen-yes, zero-no and one abstention. No formal action was taken. Nothing has been formally offered by the Administration at this time. No formal recommendation was put forth by the Staff Senate.

The next regular meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. on March 4, 2004 in Plaster Student Union room 313.

The meeting adjourned at 2:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:
Tami Sutton, Secretary
Staff Senate