Staff Senate Minutes - March 15 , 2005
10:30 a.m., Nebraskan Student Union – Room 310
Employee of the Month: Laura Wardyn, Cashier/Teller, Finance Office
Department of the Month - Calvin T. Ryan Library's Cataloging/Systems/Serials Department (Presentation of the award box was made to department members on March 2, 2005 in the Library)
Present:
Administrative: Audrey Kauders, Kathy Livingston, Debbie Schroeder
Managerial/Professional: Brandon Benitz, Cheryl Bressington, Dusty Newton
Service: Bruce Uden
Office: Linda Clark, Joni Weed
Absent:
Service: Aaron Asay, Susan Frerichs
Office: Dixie Larson
I. Call to order – President, Linda Clark
II. Adoption of Agenda: Benitz/Kauders
III. Minutes of February 15, 2005 meeting - approved: Newton/Uden
IV. Financial Report – Kauders reported a balance of $1175.22 in the two accounts. Benitz/Weed
V. Correspondence – None
VI. Unfinished Business
A. Brochure for Staff Senate - Clark updated the group regarding the development of a brochure for Staff Senate. The new brochure will be printed once the elections take place in April so that the brochures are current for a year.
B. Program for Employees to Purchase Computers - Lakey provided a written report, which Clark read. An employee who would like to purchase a PC (also can cover printers and related equipment) through UNK Connections is eligible to go to the Kearney Federal Credit Union to apply for a one- or two-year loan to pay for the PC. A price quote should be obtained from UNK Connections prior to going to the KFCU so that the amount of the loan can be determined. An application will be completed and the applicant's credit background will be checked. The applicant must have a share account (savings account) with KFCU with a minimum $25 balance.
Once the credit background is checked and the loan approved (normally one to two days), the loan agreement will be signed and the loan check payable to UNK Connections will be cut. The interest rate for the loan is set according to the credit rating level of the applicant. Currently, the lowest possible interest rate is 7% and as high as 18% depending on credit worthiness. The interest rate for a one-year loan will be lower than a two-year loan. Upon receipt of the loan check, UNK Connections, will order the PC. When UNK Connections receives the PC, the serial number of the PC will be sent to the KFCU. A lien will be placed on the PC until the loan is paid off.
VII. Committe Reports
A. Election – Bressington reported for Larson that during the first phase of the election, 85 individuals were nominated. Bressington was working with the Election committee to contact 43 individuals who had not responded to the e-mail regarding their willingness to serve. The election ballot will be sent out on Thursday March 17th. Suggestions were made that the Election committee be careful that the first round of the election be titled nomination form and the choices be title choose or select.
B. Employee Recognition Committee – No Report
C. Performance Management Committee – No Report
D. Procedures Committee –No Report
E. Professional Development Committee – No Report
F. Office/Service Dependent Scholarship Committee – Lakey provided a written report to Clark. It was confirmed with the University of Nebraska Foundation office that there is enough expendable funds between the Office/Service Dependent Scholarship endowed and expendable funds to support a $1,000 award in scholarships for the 2005-06 academic year. Mary Sommers has been advised of this and told that no more than $1,000 is to be awarded regardless of the amount available. Livingston is representing Staff Senate on the Financial Aid Scholarship Committee this spring and she is aware of the Senate's guidelines that no more than $500 should be awarded to any one applicant for the scholarship and no less than $250 to any one applicant.
Lakey recommended that the Senate members entrust Livingston with the ability to speak for the Senate based on the guidelines and what she learns from being on the scholarship committee. There may be some very valid reasons why the scholarship is awarded in a different way based on other awards that may be given out from other scholarships and financial aid. This is the time for Senate members to share with Livingston any specific concerns so that she knows them before sitting on the committee.
G. Making a Difference Subcommittee – No Report
H. Mentoring Subcommittee – Benitz reminded Senators that the Mentoring committee is still planning to host a “cup promo” for Secretary’s Day.
I. Information Technology Advisory Committee – Schroeder indicated that the committee is meeting every other week. One of their current tasks is to review the results for the three surveys that were completed. In addition they are reviewing proposals for additional projects to be supported by student technology fees. Livingston indicated she saw an overarching comment on the surveys regarding speed. Schroeder indicated that surveys support updating hardware every three years which would address this issue. Livingston suggested that the committee make this recommendation to campus and maybe have it as a Tech Tip from Information Technology Services. Schroeder indicated that they are currently quoting to replace computers in some of the student labs. Those interested in seeing the proposed Dell model, can go to UNK Connections and contact Schroeder if interested in purchasing under current pricing.
J. Strategic Planning Committee – Schroeder stated that the committee has not met for a couple weeks. Currently they are “unpacking” the proposed mission statement and they will be moving on to looking at the core values and visioning.
K. Centennial Committee – Livingston reported that the brochure for the Centennial tree planting project was sent via campus mail. Staff Senate cannot pay for a tree with funds from the University accounts. Those interested are encouraged to donate directly to the Foundation.
L. Search Committees – Bressington reported that the Dean of Fine Arts and Humanities has been filled and that an offer has been made for the Dean of Business and Technology.
VIII. New Business
A. Staff Senate Survey – Clark reviewed the last Staff Senate survey, which was distributed in 2001. Members are asked to review the survey and bring new questions to the next meeting.
B. Permanent Display of SAFE Award – Clark informed the group that after several years, the SAFE Award winner’s pictures are taken down and given back to the employee. Clark proposed creating a permanent display at the Student Union. Livingston recommended that Clark check to see how long similar faculty awards are displayed and then return with a recommendation.
c. Climate Survey – Bressington updated the group on the Climate Survey (employee survey to look at issues regarding gender, diversity and work environment) which the Chancellor has asked to be completed this semester. Members of the Staff Senate Executive Committee will be asked to help prepare the questions for the survey.
IX. Announcements
A. Next meeting – April 19, 2005, 10:30 a.m. Nebraskan Student Union Room 310
X. Adjourn 11:55 a.m. Kauders/Newton