University of Nebraska Kearney

Staff Senate Minutes - March 17, 1998

Employee of the Month: The presentation of the March Employee of the Month to Robin Harding will be given at the May meeting.

Present: Marilyn Anderson, Sue Downey, Dee Ellingson, Shelly Fleck, Rex Kendall, Anita Kucera, John Lakey, Kathy Livingston, Bonnie Mumm, Stephen Robinson, and Judy Spellman.

Absent: Dennis Choplin, Jane Sheldon.

Guest: Annabel Zikmund.

1. The meeting was called to order by Chair Kucera.

2. The amended agenda was adopted.

3. Minutes of the February 17, 1998 meeting were approved.

4. Unfinished Business
   1. The Executive Committee will meet with Chancellor Gladys Styles Johnston on March 26, 1998.

5. Wharton Pew-Knight Collaborative - Zikmund and Robinson
   Eight universities were invited to send a team to the University of Pennsylvania. Each team developed their own statement and expanded on it.

   The team spent between 8 to 10 hours each day on development plus additional work prior to the next meeting. The team discussed items on the UNK campus that make a difference, i.e. size, education, etc. Retention ideas were explored. For example, recruitment of the brightest students leads to greater retention. Ideas identified in retention failure include when students do not feel connected to other students, faculty or staff. The team explored ideas to make campus experience more positive by establishing a center for faculty/staff/student learning; and marketing the value of the education dollar at our university because of its size and commitment to students, etc. The team identified that UNK tuition was low in comparison to other institutions, therefore providing an excellent education for less money.

   Need to be cognizant when comparing UNK by using comparison to other universities and not to KSC. Also, recognized that some see the education value as "you get what you pay for." Discussed that students from Colorado can pay non-resident tuition and pay less than attending in their home state. Also, Vermont students pay approximately $18,000 for public education. Other ideas discussed to increase retention includes cluster classes, expanded residence hall usage, establishing a center for teaching and learning, and expanding the social and/or academic community.

6. Committee and Search Reports
   1. Professional Development - Fleck
      The committee met on March 5, 1998. Linda Clark will represent the Office/Service Advisory Council. A review of employee orientation including tours, maps, and mentoring was discussed. The wellness discussion was tabled at this time to eliminate duplication of effort. A new employee checklist is being developed. A budget outline was presented. The idea of use of Channel 8 as a medium for orientation and outreach was discussed. The committee will be following up on Connections training and efficient orientation of new staff. Dual career opportunities were discussed.
   2. Employee Recognition - Mumm
      The Council of Deans, department chairs and directors are being encouraged to nominate and recognize employees for the Employee of the Month as well as the Kudos Award. The Employee of the Month award will continue as in the past. Recognition of the employee's anniversary date will be acknowledged by Staff Senate and the date will be forwarded to the appropriate supervisor. An award for excellence similar to the Pratt-Heins is targeted for this fall. Continuous and non-continuous service to the University may be mentioned.
   3. Performance Management - Livingston
      1. The committee recognized the need to focus on the evaluation process and increase the awareness of pay for performance. Also, pay equity needs to be identified by how comparison is being accomplished by using city, state, national and/or peer institution statistics.
      2. An Ad Hoc committee on daycare of Robinson, Downey, and Lakey are charged with fact finding and will report back to Staff Senate.
   4. Facility Search - Mumm
      Two candidates have already been interviewed and an additional candidate will be on campus in March.
   5. Computer Director Search - Robinson
      The search is ongoing. Deb Schroeder is the interim director.
   6. Fine Arts and Humanities--MONA Director - Spellman
      Two candidates were on campus and one additional interview was scheduled.
   7. Director of Residential and Greek Life - Kendall
      Process is ongoing.

7. New Business
   1. A card was signed for Dennis Choplin.

8. Announcements
   1. The meeting on June 16 will be held in the Sisler Room.
   2. Staff Senate and Office/Service Advisory Council will sponsor Faculty/Staff Club in April.

9. Adjournment

The next meeting is April 21, 1998 at 10:00 a.m. in the Art Gallery of the Nebraskan Student Union.