Staff Senate Minutes - September 19, 2006
10:30 a.m., #310, Nebraskan Student Union
Present:
Administrative: Bressington, Kauders, Schroeder
Managerial/Professional: Schaffitt, Benitz,
Service: Geiger, Gilbertson
Office: Beerbohm, Meier, Weed
Ex-Officio: Bressington
Absent:
Managerial/Professional: Morehouse
Service: Uden
Recognition of Employee of the Month: Kim Christensen, Buyer, Business Services
Recognition of the Department of the Month:Calvin T. Ryan Library
Guest Speaker: Cathleen Torpey Abels, Executive Director, Kearney Area United Way
Ms. Abels presented the Senate with information on United Way, a volunteer-based non-profit organization that raises and distributes funds to 24 agencies and programs in six counties of Nebraska: Buffalo, Custer, Franklin, Harlan, Kearney and Phelps. Donations to United Way of the Kearney Area fund nearly 100 programs. You may visit their website for specific list of programs at www.uwka.org
Guest Speaker: Deb Schroeder,Assistant Vice Chancellor for Information Technology
Blackboard availability for Staff Senate Members – Deb instructed the Senate on the use of Blackboard- We will begin using Blackboard for all minutes, meeting agendas, etc
I. Call to Order – Benitz
II. Open Floor – Staff members are welcome to have open discussion with Senate
III. Adoption of Agenda – Kauders, Schroeder
IV. Minutes of August 15, 2006 meeting – (w/corrections) Bressington, Beerbohm
V. Financial Report approved – Bressington, Schroeder
VI. Correspondence – None
VII. Unfinished Business
The Executive Committee met with the Chancellor on September 13 with several topics on the agenda: Status of 2006 – 2008 biennium Budget - Particularly in relation to Staff salaries; equitable increase compared to Faculty; Operating Budgets; equipment needs, etc.
VIII. Committee Reports
A.Election – No Report
B. Employee Recognition Committee – No Report
C. Performance Management Committee – No Report
D. Professional Development Committee – Bressington reported the committee met earlier this month obtaining new ideas for workshops, seminars, etc. Julie & Joan Burney will present at the November 28 seminar. The New U Makeover will continue and they are considering revamping the Loper Office Make-over. They are continuing to apply for Pepsi funds.
E. Procedures Committee – No Report
F. Office/Service Dependent Scholarship Committee – No Report
G. Information Technology Advisory Committee – No Report
H. Strategic Planning Committee – No Report
IX. New Business
A. “Wish List” Ideas
a. Banking of Tuition Remission hours for employees
b. Tuition Remission for Part-time Employees
B. Update on Facilities Master Plan – New 10-year plan – Property near Bicos – will be a collaborative effort between city, county and state as to the use of the property. Chancellor requested individuals to serve on the Facilities Advisory Committee. Benitz and Schroeder will now serve.
C. Update on Campus-Wide Search Committees
a. Vice Chancellor of Business & Finance – Schroeder reported that phone interviews are currently being conducted with potential applicants. Nearly 26 applications were received for this position.
b. Dean of Library – Kauders reported that Dr. Kenya Taylor will serve as chair of the Search Committee. There has been one meeting and review of applications has taken place. Hoping for a start date of January 2007.
D. Office/Service Representative for Affirmative Action Committee (3 year appointment) – Weed will serve on the Affirmative Action Committee.
E. Staff Senate Representative for Gender Equity - Anita Kucera will continue to serve on Gender Equity
X. Roundtable
Mike: A pot luck is planned for Residence & Greek Life Facilities staff at the end of September. Staff have returned to a regular maintenance schedule after battling weather related incidents in the halls.
Audrey: Major Exhibitions continue at Mona. The Fire Department was called earlier but fortunately no damage (fire alarm was activated)
Cheryl: HR is very busy. United Way and Community Health Foundation Drives will be under way soon!
Jan: Finance busy with tuition and fee refunds
Fauneil: 434 International Students and 80 enrolled in the English/Language Institute
Rumors that the Japanese population was going down when it is actually going up!
Jami: Mardi Gras is in a week! – Family Day is September 30 and Homecoming is October 28
Deb: With regard to Potluck – there will be a Bingo for prizes – if you have items that can be used as prizes please get them to Deb!
Deb: About done with expanded wireless access – there is a gradual increase in the use of wireless across campus.
Joni: Hosting Senior Open today and tomorrow 10- 3 - Upcoming Career Fair – October 12 (Thursday) – Very Busy in Career Services
Brandon: Women’s Center hosting their Open House today 3 – 4:30; Student Life is organizing a President's Council; Upcoming Literacy Seminar hosted by Wells Fargo – Investing Loper Dollars
XI. Adjourn - Meeting was adjourned at 12:15 PM.
XII. Next meeting –October 17 – Sandhills Dining Room, Nebraskan Student Union, 10:30, a.m.