STAFF COUNCIL MEETING
2:00 p.m., March 7, 2002
CHAPPELL 102
Present: Cindy Diaz (presiding), Rose Murner, Barbara Monnett, Alma Hall, Robert Ethier, Valerie Smykal-Tieger, Ann Portwood, Terri Pope, Bill Bloodworth, Ainsley Eubanks, Lindy Ruark. Excused: Kendall Stiles. Absent: Neil Jones, Lynda Grable, Kenneth Manson. Guests: Lynn Allen, Dixie Evans, Jim Wolfgang
Call to order/approval of the minutes. Cindy opened the meeting, and a motion was made and seconded to approve as written the minutes from the last meeting.
FISH. Lynn Allen presented an overview of the FISH customer service program that Human Resources would like for Staff Council to endorse. The program is a fun way to encourage teamwork, social skills, and develop team trust. Everyone agreed the program is informative and worthwhile.
Statues review. Cindy updated us on the statutes review. Staff Council will propose that the current structure of Staff Council remain and will request two elected positions on the University Senate.
Staff Tech Talk Cabinet. Dr. Jim Wolfgang explained the concept of this group. Staff need a mechanism by which they can discuss technology as it impacts us. This cabinet will consist of staff who meet monthly to discuss technological issues. The group needs to have a good variety of representation from across the university. Several staff have already volunteered for this, and anyone wishing to volunteer can e-mail Cindy with their contact information. The first meeting is tentatively scheduled for March 14.
Relay for Life recap. Cindy gave an update concerning raffle tickets, drawings, etc.
GIVE Center. There will be an open house on Thursday, March 14 from 2:00-4:00 in Ennis.
Staff Council Relay for Life Team. Cindy will let Angela Criscoe know that it is okay to pay for pizza, etc. at the kickoff from Staff Council funds.
Brown Bag Lunch. A suggestion was made to combine the brown bag luncheon with the awards presentation. Cindy will ask Kendall to have the awards committee look into some alternatives.
Appreciation Day. We are still open to suggestions for this. The Appreciation Day will be held in May, and Cindy will check with Kim Mercer on prices for different things such as ice cream, cake, etc. We may hold the festivities in the cafeteria.
Budget. The group voted to raise the amount available for conferences and other professional development activities from $150 to $250 per event effective immediately.
Staff Awards. The Spring 2002 Staff Excellence Award ceremony will be April 25 at 9:00 in MSU lounge.
Pay Study & classification. No news on this. There are no final results, but there is no money available now to implement the plan.
Elections for 2002-2003. Rose Murner is handling the elections for the Staff Council delegates who will roll off this year.
Other Business. Ainsley Eubanks gave an update from the latest statewide Staff Council meeting and gave us dates of future statewide meetings.
Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 3:40 p.m. The next meeting will be May 16.