January 9, 2003 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 Adams, Patrick Byers, SuzAnn Ferguson, Betty Lewis, Marilyn Robertson, Myril Stewart, F. Chris Arney, Mike Clark, Cyndi Giacin, Lisa McEowen-LeVangie, Pam Sailors, Candi Vincent, Kelly Brown, Belinda Davis, Mary Lynne Golden, Steve Mills, Chris Strodtman, John Avery, Lisa Reed, Sara Clark, Edie Sartin, David Liss
Absent - Chuck Donald, Tara Horton, Phil Nichols, Alan Roland
Guests - Ginger Allard, Sheila Ponder, Janet Wight
Shirley Keck resigned.
Mary Lynne Golden, Chairperson, presided and Edie Sartin recorded the proceedings of the meeting.
Mary Lynne Golden, Chairperson, welcomed the new senators. She reported on the recent Board of Governors meeting where the modifications to the non-discrimination policy were approved. The outgoing senators were thanked for their service.
Current officers were asked to explain their duties. Nominations and elections for 2003 Chair-Elect and Secretary were held. Phil Nichols was voted in as Chair-Elect and Betty Lewis was voted in as the new Secretary. The change of officers was held and the outgoing officers were thanked. Lisa McEowen-LeVangie, Chair-Elect presided for the rest of the meeting.
Staff Senate voted to approve the minutes from December 2002.
The introduction of Pam Sailors, Faculty Senate Representative, was made to the new senators.
3. Committee Reports - Reports were presented by each Staff Senate standing committees.
Staff Salary Task Force member Myril Stewart reported the committee is reviewing
recommendations to bring staff salaries up to market value and rewarding longevity
of
employment. This is to be done with a cost neutral approach.
By-Laws Committee Chair, Myril Stewart, reported on a future meeting to make amendments
to
the Staff Senate By-Laws.
Issues and Concerns Chair, Sara Clark, reported on how this committee investigates
and
researches issues to bring information back to Staff Senate. They meet one time a
month,
develop surveys for budget priorities and staff morale. They are currently working
on a staff fee
waiver increase.
Public Affairs Committee, is currently unmanned. This committee could work on bringing some speakers or events to campus to support the University's Public Affairs mission. Those interested in joining should contact Lisa McEowen-LeVangie.
Public Relations Chair, Edie Sartin, reported on the information made available on the bulletin board in Carrington Hall.
Website Administration Chair, Sara Clark, reported on working to keep the Staff Senate website up to date. They send out monthly news letters, Staff Senate agendas and minutes.
Special Committees were described by Lisa McEowen-LeVangie:
Veterans Recognition Committee, committed to recognize; faculty, staff and students who have served our country.
Short Term Disability has worked to provide options to cover loss of coverage due to illness.
Lee National Denim Day Committee works with the Susan G Komen Fund through the American Cancer Society to raise funds to continue research, education and provide assistance for breast cancer.
Other University committees with representatives from Staff Senate made reports.
Centennial Steering Committee is working to bring the University's Centennial in 2005 together. They are looking for a keynote speaker and will bring a donated one room schoolhouse to campus. Many other projects will compliment this celebration.
Health Care Planning Committee has worked to provide continued health care coverage at a reasonable cost to the University.
Master Planning Committee are responsible for what happens and where on campus. This includes art work and the current tentative location for the one room school house.
4. New Business -
Issues and Concerns member, Betty Lewis, presented a Smoke-Free Resolution. A motion was made, seconded and the vote was approved.
Lisa McEowen-LeVangie, Chairperson, opened the discussion of priorities for Staff Senate during 2003:
- To communicate more with staff on campus, invite more staff to attend meetings and committees.
- Help staff have a voice or get resolution to a concern.
- Finish proposals that are started such as Short Term Disability and a staff workout room in McDonald Arena.
Staff Senate accepted the resignation of Shirley Keck. Josie Gage, administrative clerk in Art & Design was approved as the replacement, pending her acceptance of the appointment.
5. Announcements -
The next meeting of the Staff Senate will be held Thursday, February 6, 2003, at 1:30 p.m. in Plaster Student Union, Room 313.
The meeting adjourned at 2:45.
Respectfully submitted:
Edie Sartin
Staff Senate