STAFF COUNCIL MEETING
Thursday, September 8, 2005
2:00 p.m., Chappell 102
Present: Neil Jones (presiding), Carol Brown, Ann Portwood, Monica Wood, Gina Peavy, Julia Jordan, Randy Gilman, Ruby Griffin, Lilia Biktyakova, Janie Dunn, Vicki Folendore, Jen Russell. Excused: Myrna Olsson-Owen, Patrice Terrell. Guests: Aja Dixon, Doris Henderson, Quintus Sibley.
Call to Order. Neil Jones called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.
Approval of Minutes. A motion was made, seconded, and approved to accept the minutes of the June meeting as written.
Old Business.
At our last meeting, a question was raised about the training position vacated by Lynn Allen and whether or not we would get this position back. Neil has talked with Diane Kirkwood about this, and Diane is optimistic that we’ll be able to fill this position eventually even though there is no money available for it this year. She is trying to find some money for staff training, such as inviting guest speakers to campus, purchasing training aids, etc. Neil will keep us updated on this issue.
There was no new information to present on the bylaws revision. Discussions are ongoing, and we will get feedback in terms of the final proposal. Neil will keep us updated.
New Business.
Conflict Resolution Committee representatives. Neil received nominations, prepared a ballot, and presented it for us to elect two staff representatives for this committee. He will relay the results of the election to Quintus Sibley. Results are:
1. Doris Henderson
2. Monica Wood
3. Eve Puckett - Alternate
4. Julia Huprick - Alternate
Time sheet drop off location. Some staff who are far away from main campus have expressed concerns about getting their timesheets over to human resources in a timely manner. There has been some discussion about installing a drop box in mail services or in the business and finance office. The drop box will need to be locked and closely monitored for confidentiality reasons. More information will be forthcoming.
Recycling program possibilities. Neil received some questions about the possibility of starting a campus-wide recycling program. Having a campus-wide program would be too costly, but there are several individuals and/or groups on campus already recycling. Interested persons can contact these individuals and/or groups to see how they can help recycle. We may be able to get some student groups interested in recycling projects as a way to complete service learning projects. Kendall Stiles would be a good contact for these groups.
November 5 events. Gina Peavy wants us all to be aware that Saturday, November 5, is going to be a huge day on campus. There are lots of different activities (Parents Day, Siblings Weekend, athletic alumni event, Alumni Association lectures, etc.) going on that will impact almost every department on campus. If anyone can help with any of the activities, let Gina know.
Reminders.
Conference in Athens. The annual state conference will be in Athens on October 13 and 14. For more information, contact any Staff Council delegate. You can also visit the site at http://www.gactr.uga.edu/conferences/2005/Oct/13/ssteam.phtml.
Other Business.
Use of staff development funds has increased drastically. We need to form a committee to revise the guidelines for use of these funds, and Neil asked for volunteers to serve with him. Janie Dunn, Monica Wood, Jen Russell, Patrice Terrell, and Ann Portwood will work with Neil on this committee.
Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 2:35 p.m. Regularly scheduled meetings for this year are: December 9, March 16, May 18, and June 16. All meetings are scheduled for 2:00 in Chappell Hall 102. Other meetings may be added as needed, and regularly scheduled meetings may be changed in the event of scheduling conflicts.