February 6, 2014 Minutes

Presiding Officer: Scott Fiedler

Actions of Meeting

Roll Call

  • Roll call was conducted using sign-in sheets
  • Members in Attendance: Teressa Arnette, Catherine Beck, Christina Bowles, Kelly Cara, Addie Douglas, Brian Edmond, Paul Essel, Scott Fiedler, Andrew Garton, Sandy Johnson, Yvette Medley, Janelle Melton, Robert Moore, Allison Overmyer, Charles Schoneboom, Gary Stafford, Ryan Wilson
  • Proxy Members in Attendance: Debbie Letterman (for Tara Benson)
  • Members Absent (Excused): Andrea Weber, Dixie Williams, Dave Falls, Tara Benson, Ian Alaimo, Karen Willde, Sharon Lopinot
  • Members Absent (Unexcused): Lindsey Kolb, Brenda Stewart
  • Guests in Attendance: Adam Edwards (Grounds), Josh Stuppy (CSV), Galen Martin (Campus Rec), Matthew Stubblefield (CSV), Peng Zhang (China Program), Jeff Morrisey (CIO), Michelle Olsen (OIR), Sarah Nyquist (Admissions), Japer Bowles (Admissions), Devin Schehrer (Res. Life), Donna Christian (Internal Audit), Alisha Harris (the Standard), Ken Coopwood (DDI), Heather King (Enrollment Mgt.), Nandita Nag (Physics)

Call to Order

  • Staff Senate had quorum
  • Meeting called to order at 11:07 AM by Chair-Elect, Scott Fiedler

Approval of Agenda

  • Agenda was emailed prior to meeting
  • Motion to approve agenda with no changes by Robert Moore
  • Second by Paul Essel
  • Agenda approved unanimously

Approval of Minutes

  • January meeting minutes were emailed prior to meeting
  • Motion to approve minutes with no changes by Gary Stafford
  • Second by Andrew Garton
  • January minutes approved unanimously

Chair Report by Scott Fiedler

  • Andrea is at a conference this week and cannot attend today
  • Dr. Ken Coopwood – MSU Climate Survey
    • 18 month-long study that involves the research, recommendations, survey development, etc. University is being very thoughtful about this process and the deliverables.
    • Point in process where university is ready for MSU employees and students to provide feedback directly through a survey tool
      • Survey looking at attitudes, perceptions, and environment in which we work
      • Asking questions about external environment (surrounding area)
      • Who is here now, and what might be here 20, 30, etc. years from now?
      • What are the effects of campus changes on those of us here now?
    • Think about next steps regarding changes in policies, practices, and other areas
    • Website about this Climate Study: www.missouristate.edu/inclusiveengagement/climatestudy
    • 1st week of March anticipated for the launch of the Climate Study surveys to employees, students, and community members. Please spread the word to your colleagues.
    • We have to lead by example, be visible, be transparent, and be prepared to take action and make changes for improvement.
    • There will be an incentive plan for those who participate.
  • Adam Beck – My Ideas Program (not present – no report)
  • Executive Budget Committee Update
    • Things seem positive
    • Possible cost of living increase
    • Possible 1% across-the-board salary increase and increase for overall base salaries
    • Discussed tuition rates

Chair Elect Report

  • Staff Development Incentive Program
    • Will be meeting again in Feb or March with monthly meetings every month after
  • Pediatric Nurse Task Force
    • Notes were distributed with the minutes and agenda for this meeting
    • Task Force looked at the options of providing pediatric services at THWC, but the result was that this is not feasible at present
      • Numbers are not high enough in terms of need
      • THWC doesn’t have enough space for a well-child waiting room, equipment needed for children, etc.
      • Current staff not trained for working with young children at this time
      • Children can be brought to THWC after age 6
      • THWC doesn’t want to do something they can’t do well
    • THWC is 100% self-supporting (by revenue they generate)
      • Talk about expanding THWC, and that would be paid for by them, not MSU
  • Shared Leave Report
    • Approved one additional request for shared leave this month
    • No report of exact numbers this month
    • The individuals who have been eligible for shared leave have been granted that leave
    • Question – Are there enough hours?
    • Answer – Yes, there is plenty of time donated by staff

Past Chair Report

  • Computer Information Systems Taskforce for Wi-Fi on campus
    • Josh Stubby, Chair of committee, sharing details
    • Figuring ways to improve wireless at MSU
    • Are there things people/students are complaining about
    • How can we improve what we are providing
    • Specific area looking at is how all staff can have access to wireless (long-term concern from staff)
      • How would this benefit the university
      • Who doesn’t currently have access who should have access
    • Will send report to IT Council
    • Question from Alisha – How would you go about how students feel about the Wi-Fi service? Would you do a survey?
    • Answer – Students currently have access to wireless. There is a student representative on the committee, so his voice will be heard. There isn’t time for this committee to do a survey, but Res Life may be doing one.
    • Jeff Morrisey, Chair of IT Council – This is really an advisory committee rather than a task force. One of the main considerations is how students are affected by changes to technology on campus. One of the concerns several years ago to put wireless on the campus. Goal is by 2016 to have wireless access in every building on campus (not everywhere exterior, but 100% interior access). 95% of our buildings currently have Wi-Fi access. Instead of each person bringing one device, people are bringing numerous devices which leads to a need for expanded services, analysis of security, etc. Looking at areas where open wireless could be accessed without an account – connect with devices without a sign-on or pay point for those services. Each staff member whose job requires wireless access can get it through their departments.
      • Reps from faculty, staff senates, students, others. What funding models should be used to sustain the changes, how can we enjoy more open access on campus, what needs are there and what recommendations can be made. As most people know, the budget process has been started, so the timeline is quick if we want to get recommendations in the 2015 budget. We’re not sure what is right or wrong in this area, but we sure want to look into this.
      • Question from Adam – any justification for why it isn’t available to all staff now?
      • Answer from Jeff – Yes, good justification for it. The purpose of these resources is to do the business of the university. Students need it for their academics, teachers need it for preparing learning tools for students, staff who need it to do the business of the university are provided wireless, but not all staff roles require the use of this resource for university business
      • Comment – It seems like the use by most students is also for entertainment, so that should be a consideration.
      • Comment – You mentioned that the PSU has as many access points as it can at this time.
      • Yes, we have installed the newest technology that our vendors can make, but this technology changes rapidly, so we may need to come back and renew things again soon.
      • Question – Are we maxing out our points?
      • It depends on the day and the events that are going on. When conferences and events are going on, it is a challenge, but on a day in the summer when there aren’t many people, you can get great access.
      • We want to know what our maximum capacity is, and we want to create more open access areas for places on campus that service our community members
      • We understand the needs of the staff, and in Computer Services, we want to build resources that are available to everyone. Understand that we have that at the forefront of our interest. We have some of the smartest folks on our committee trying to figure out how to do that.

Secretary/Treasurer Report

  • Budget balances
    • Operating budget (A account)
      • Balance is $1,340.56 (correction from last month)
      • $124.50 paid to Fast Signs for Staff Senate banner (went through on 11/30)
    • Activity budget (B account)
      • Balance is $2,812.67
      • Donation to Lee National Denim Day
        • $100.68 reimbursement in Jan. (ribbon)
        • Waiting on $54 charge for luncheon set-up
        • Final donation should be $1,984.58, slightly lower than we thought
      • Anticipated end balance - $774.09
      • Petty cash on hand is $125
    • Foundation fund (Scholarship account) – report by Scholarship Committee (below)
    • Staff Senate nominations begin March 15 – stay tuned

Director of Staff Relations Report

  • Committee Reports
    • Bylaws – No report
    • Denim Days Committee – No report
    • Public Affairs Committee – Gary Stafford
      • Adopt-A-Street, March 14 (12-1 PM, all staff) and May 1 (12-2 with a lunch meeting for those who attend – staff senators only) – meet at the Burger King parking lot at Cherry and National (sign-up passed around)
      • Convoy of Hope, March 25, April 29, May 20, 6:30-8:30 each date (sign-up passed around)
      • Relay for life, April 25 from 7 PM-7 AM (not many details to share yet) – There will be a Staff Senate team, so contact anyone from the Staff Senate Public Affairs Committee if you want to be on the team
    • Public Relations Committee – Ryan Wilson
      • Filming happening now – thanks for your cooperation and participation. We’ll be working with Web & New Media over the next month to complete this Staff Senate ad project.
    • Scholarship Committee – Andrew Garton
      • Final expected balance = $3,948.81
        • The scholarships have already been paid out this year, so current balance remains as is.
        • Total raised this year $1,210 (goal was $1,000)
        • Proud to be Staff shirts now for sale at the Bookstore, money coming in soon.
        • Ovations concessions on Tues., Feb. 25 men’s basketball (final men’s home game and senior night) People working that will arrive at 5 PM and should be done by 9-9:30 PM (8 people already signed up, but needing a few more)
          • Working the cash registers, filling drink cups, passing out food
          • Wear black pants, close-toed shoes, and a white shirt; Ovations provides an over shirt
          • Second annual benefit luncheon to be combined with Admin Prof. appreciation lunch on Wed. April 23, 11 AM-1PM in PSU ballroom
            • Chartwells pays for set-up fees, equipment, marketing, decorations, etc.
            • Theme is a tropical summer theme (will have a tiki punch station, pineapple trees, menu pending)
            • We get to reap all the benefits
            • May do a raffle during the luncheon
            • Will be selling the “Proud to be Staff” shirts
            • Needing 10-20 volunteers, sign-up to come
    • Staff Activities – Janelle Melton
      • Working on a Level 1 Activity Center game night
      • $80 an hour (hoping for 3 hours) – needing to request funds from Staff Senate
      • Last two Fridays in May are available (6-9 PM)
      • For food, guests would have to dine in the PSU (can’t bring any outside food)
      • Max of 75 people
      • Do we ask people to contribute a dollar or two to help offset costs, but don’t really want to require this
      • Sodas available at the Level 1, but concessions are gone
    • Staff Excellence in University Service Awards – No Report
    • MSU Administrative Professional Forum Committee – Sandra Johnson
      • February 5 – Procurement updates (PCards, purchases, etc.)
        • Great turnout at the forum; Isaac Balasundarampresented
      • Next forum May 28 – Financial Services presenting in CARR 208
        • Travel expenses
        • Banner
        • Argos
      • Working on a more formal spreadsheet
    • Public Arts Committee – No report
    • My Ideas Committee – No report
    • Faculty Senate – No report
    • Sustainability Committee – No report
    • Admin Budget Committee – No report

Old Business

  • Scott Fiedler - T-Shirt and Dress-Shirt Sales Update
    • Waiting on check from t-shirt sales from luncheon. Also waiting on a display at Bookstore to showcase this shirt.
    • Dress shirt idea still in the works. Scott working with Bookstore on this.

New Business

  • None

Announcements

  • Scott Fiedler – Speakers for future meetings: Taylor Health in March, General Education update in April, Faculty Senate in May
  • Scott Fiedler – Goal for next year: Task Force to review the Staff handbook
  • Kelly Cara – Upcoming events on campus
    • Colin Powel presenting at 8 PM on March 20 in JQH arena (tickets are free but needed for admission)
    • PA Conference, April 8-11, PSU third floor. Staff are usually given an hour or two release time to attend sessions, so look for that announcement in Clif’s Notes and plan to attend!
    • African American History Month and Chinese New Year
    • Next meeting is March 6, 11-12, PSU 313

Open Forum

  • Common Reader Discussion led by Christina Bowles (tabled due to time constraints)

Adjournment

  • Motion to adjourn by Janelle Melton
  • Second by Allison Overmyer
  • Meeting was adjourned at 12:04 AM by Chair-Elect, Scott Fiedler

Minutes respectfully submitted by Kelly Cara, Secretary/Treasurer