University of Nebraska Kearney

Staff Senate Minutes - September 21, 2004
10:30 a.m., Nebraskan Student Union - Room 310

Employee of the Month: Michelle Fleig-Palmer, Director of UNK Dual Career Program
Department of the Month: University of Nebraska Foundation - Kearney Office (presented at half-time of UNK Football game

Present:
Directors -- Audrey Kauders, Kathy Livingston, Deb Schroeder
Managerial/Professional -- Brandon Benitz, Cheryl Bressington
Office -- Linda Clark, Dixie Larson, Joni Weed
Service -- Bruce Uden, Clayton Willis
Ex Officio: John Lakey

Absent:
Service: Katherine Liebhart

Guest Speaker: Senior Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs and Student Life, Finnie Murray, gave a brief presentation on the vision/mission of UNK. Dr. Murray shared with Senate members a portion of the UNK mission statement that he has printed on the back of his business card and included in e-mail messages: "The University of Nebraska at Kearney is Nebraska's public, residential university -- distinguished by its commitment to be the state's premier institution for undergraduate education and to serve the state with excellent graduate programs, research, and public service." He encouraged employees to step back from time to time to readjust our vision/mission to assure that we are a part of making the UNK mission happen. Murray further challenged employees to adopt a more teamwork oriented approach in our work places and across campus. Murray concluded by answering questions and concerns from the members.

1. Call to order - President, Linda Clark

2. Adoption of Agenda with changes of removing the UNK summer hours proposal from the agenda and adding New Business: Centennial Book, Faculty Staff Club, Wellness Program request and labeling system purchase. Bressington/Weed

3. Introductions

4. Minutes of August 10, 2004 meeting - approved: Bressington/Kauders

5. Financial Report - Kauders distributed printed Financial Reports showing a balance of $2231.93 in the two accounts. Lakey reminded Senate members that this year's budget will not carry forward to next year as it will be the end of a biennium.

6. Correspondence - Thank-you notes from Mary Sommers and Dixie Larson, e-mail from Doyle Howitt

7. Unfinished Business
   1. Banner for Staff Senate - In the absence of Newton, and because Staff Senate would like to have the banner to use for the upcoming Homecoming parade, Staff Senate gave the Executive Committee authority to select and order the Staff Senate banner. Livingston/Uden

8. VIII. Committee Reports
   1. Election - No report

   2. Employee Recognition Committee - Weed reported that the September Department of the Month presentation was made at the UNK football game at the newly renovated Foster Field. Weed also reported that bottled water given away at Blue and Gold was a success, however more water will be needed if we continue the event in future years. Weed also commended Uden for providing the barrel and ice for the event. It was estimated that over 3,000 people attended the Blue and Gold festivities. Staff Senate Minutes - September 21, 2004 Page 2

   3. Performance Management Committee - No Report

   4. Procedures Committee - No Report

   5. Professional Development Committee - Bressington reported that two applications had been received for the Loper Office Makeover. More e-mails will be generated to advertise the contest.

   6. Office/Service Dependent Scholarship Committee - Lakey reminded Senate members that the Foundation Drive would be beginning within a few weeks. Clark will contact the Foundation to determine if a representative can give a brief presentation to Staff Senate regarding the drive.

   7. Making a Difference Subcommittee - Bressington reported that the event has been planned and is scheduled for October 19 in the Nebraskan. Items are being solicited for prizes to be given away during the day. Registrations are due by October 8. Bressington asked Senators to encourage colleagues and employees to attend.

   8. Mentoring Subcommittee - Benitz reported that 70 cups have been sold or spoken for to date. Benitz also announced that the committee is taking orders for a bosses' day promotion. A "mentoring" cup filled with candy and popcorn will be delivered by a Mentoring committee member to a boss for $2.00. Members were reminded that Chartwells is also promoting the sale of cups by offering a $.50 refill rate at all Chartwells fountain locations.

   9. Information Technology Advisory Committee - No report

   10. Strategic Planning Committee - No Report

   11. Centennial Committee - No Report

9. IX. New Business
   1. UNK Homecoming - October 9 - Clark reported that the group will again host a float in the parade. The Child Development Center children will ride in the back of a pickup over the parade route with their parents and Staff Senate members walking along and handing out candy. Clark encouraged members to come and join the parade.

   2. Polo Shirts and Sweatshirts - Bressington reported that she has sent our Staff Senate logo to a company here in town to get prices for polo shirts and sweat shirts to sell. The group will take orders and collect the money before actually ordering the shirts. Bressington will send out a campus e-mail when the information is available.

   3. Centennial Book - Clark reported that she had received an e-mail regarding a centennial book that is being drafted. Senate members suggested ideas to be included in the Staff Senate portion of the book including the history of Staff Senate and the Office/Service Advisory Council merger and information about the first campus mentoring program.

   4. Faculty Staff Club - Staff Senate will host this event on January 14 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. It was noted that since Newton had so successfully coordinated the event last year, he should be appointed as the coordinator again this year. Clark will talk to Newton.

   5. Wellness Program request - The UNK Wellness Committee is hoping to bring a motivational speaker, with expertise in the value of a walking program to campus and is requesting funds from all organizations. Staff Senate will donate $50.00 to the funding contingent on the group securing the remaining funds. Bressington/Kauders

   6. Labeling System - Bonnie Mumm had suggested that Staff Senate purchase a labeling system to assure that font styles/sizes for names on photos of Employee of the Month award recipients, etc. would all be coordinated. Staff Senate will purchase a labeling system. Livingston/Kauders

   7. Open Floor - Staff Senate Executive Committee members presented a brief overview of the Administrative Retreat held in August. All attending reported it being informative and worthwhile.

10. Announcements
    - Next meeting - October 12, 2004 - 10:30 a.m. - Nebraskan Student Union Room 142 (note different room)

11. Adjourn 12:07 p.m. Benitz/Bressington