GC&SU Staff members attended the annual Staff Conference held at State University of West Georgia September 26th and 27th. This year's conference began at 4:30 Thursday evening with light refreshments.
USG Staff Council representative, Cindy Diaz and GC&SU Staff Council chair, Barbara Monnett, attended the USG Staff Council meeting. Staff member Ainsley Eubanks also attended this meeting. Issues that were discussed included: Peach Care, sick leave pool update, and evaluation timeframe. This was followed by a tour of State University of West Georgia.
Friday morning began with a continental breakfast and welcoming remarks by past chair and vice chair of State University of West Georgia Staff Advisory Council. Our staff members went to various breakout sessions that included self-defence, cultural diversity,how to start your own Staff Council and the Teachers Retirement System. All staff enjoyed a wonderful meal and got the opportunity to listen to keynote speaker, Dr. Beheruz Sethna, President, State University of West Georgia. Door prizes were then given away.
State Rep. Tracy Stallings spoke to the entire group about political issues facing Georgia and fielded questions from staff. He talked about the 11% decrease in revenue statewide, budget cuts, and economic recovery. He mentioned that a huge auto plant in South Georgia is getting ready to open and should help the economy. He said that the university system and the Board of Regents is the envy of the whole country as they can set policy and are somewhat immune to the political world. Our Teachers Retirement System is in good shape even though money was lost because of the Enron collapse.
GC&SU was well represented with 11 staff members in attendance. Those in attendance were Carol Brown and Jennifer Brooker- Student Affairs, Cindy Diaz-OIIT, Barbara Monnett-University Communications, Paula Jefferson, Jill Harper, and Lori Strawder-School of Business, Ann Portwood, Terri Pope, Kim Ireland and Ainsley Eubanks -School of Liberal Arts & Sciences. Next years conference will be hosted by Augusta State followed by Columbus State in 2004 and UGA in 2005.