University of Nebraska Kearney

Staff Senate Minutes - May 19, 1998

Employee of the Month: The presentation of the April Employee of the Month was given to Cel Davis. The May recipient is David Peterson and his award will be presented at the June Meeting.

Present: Sue Downey, Dee Ellingson, Shelly Fleck, John Lakey, Bonnie Mumm, Stephen Robinson, Jane Sheldon, and Judy Spellman.

Absent: Dennis Choplin, Marilyn Anderson (resigned), Rex Kendall, Anita Kucera, and Kathy Livingston.

1. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Mumm.

2. The amended agenda was adopted. (Spellman/Fleck)

3. Minutes of the April 21, 1998 meeting were approved. (Ellingson/Downey)

4. Unfinished Business
   1. The Executive Committee will meet with Chancellor Gladys Styles Johnston on May 29, 1998. Items to be discussed are the July Summer Activity for staff and requested budget for Staff Senate.

5. Committee and Search Reports
   1. Professional Conduct - Downey
      The Board of Regents Bylaws have been recommended to be changed to cover faculty and staff more equitably. Please see "New Business."
   2. Employee Recognition - Mumm
      Continued effort in the nominations for Employee of the Month and Kudos by staff must be stressed to all members of the staff. Please help by submitting deserving fellow employees.
   3. Election - Sheldon
      Patty Sitorius will replace Marilyn Anderson for the unexpired portion of her term.
   4. Assistant Director/Human Resources - Downey
      There were 55 applications for the position and the candidates have been narrowed down.
   5. Athletic Director - Mumm
      The candidates have been on campus so the position should be announced in the near future.
   6. Associate Director of Registration and Student Records - Robinson
      There were 12 applicants with only three meeting the minimum requirements. The position will remain open and additional advertisement will be done.
   7. Residential and Greek Life Director - Robinson
      The process is in the interview stage and should be concluded soon.
   8. Assistant Director of Residence Life - Robinson
      Three candidates have been brought to campus for interviews. The offer should be made tomorrow.
   9. Student Activities Director - Danyelle Quincy has filled this position.
   10. Dean of Fine Arts and Humanities is Rodney Miller.

6. Old Business
   1. Wellness - Lakey
      The idea of the "Wellness Community" and how UNK fits into the entire proposal was shared. Kearney and the community have become a part of this idea and are going forward with its development. The Dean's have identified funding for the .25 position of a wellness coordinator. UNK will be accessing and joining this effort. Additional information will be coming at a later date.
   2. Dual Career - Lakey
      The "Dual Career Program" information was handed out to Staff Senate. This program will offer support and resources for assistance in relocating partners of UNK employees. For additional information, contact Trish Kenagy, Mike Schuyler, or John Lakey.

7. New Business
   1. Retirement and Service Awards - Mumm
      The Retirement and Service Awards were held on April 30. Both functions received compliments on their presentations and planning. However, a suggestion to have these functions on separate days was voiced. There has been a noticeable decrease in attendance identified because staff is unable to be absent for the extended time period required to attend both. A motion was made to recommend the celebration of the Retirement and Service Awards at different times. (Ellingson/Downey) A motion to amend the motion to draft a recommendation for presentation to both Faculty Staff and Office Service Advisory Council for their support of the separation of the Retirement Dinner and Service Awards was included. (Downey/Robinson)
   2. Proposed Constitutional Amendment - Downey
      A draft of the "Proposed Change to the Composition of Faculty Senate's Professional Conduct Committee dated May 19, 1998" was given to Staff Senate for review. This change reads: Compositions: President-Elect of the Faculty Senate, two administrative and/or managerial/professional staff representatives elected by the Staff Senate and one tenured representative selected from the Faculty Senate. Total: 8 members. Staff Senate voted to endorse the change. (Robinson/Spellman)

8. Announcements
   1. June 16 meeting will be in the Sisler Room.
   2. Please plan to attend the EAP meeting dealing with stress through positive thinking on May 5 in Copeland Hall.
   3. A copy of the May 17, 1998 Lincoln Journal Star was circulated. Staff Senate and the community need to keep informed on the "state budget proposed constitutional amendment" and be vigilant in its outcome and its impact on the university.

9. Adjournment. (Fleck/Robinson)

The June 16 meeting will be in the Sisler Room of the Memorial Student Life Building at 10:00 a.m..