MOREHEAD STATE UNIVERSITY

STAFF CONGRESS MINUTES

October 1, 2001

MEMBERS:

Sharon Beller Larry Besant Thelma Bumgardner *Vincent Butler Gene Caudill

Joy Cecil Rhonda Crisp Lana Fraley *Patty Eldridge Michael Hopper

David Jessie *Linda Kegley Rhonda Mackin Jackie McCleese Zach McClurg

Pam Moore Carole Morella Lonnie Morris *Lora Pace Darlene Ramey

Belva Sammons Dallas Sammons Tim Smith Jeannine Stevens Stephanie Stewart

Willis Taylor Todd Thacker *Jonell Tobin Madonna Weathers *Rick Williams

*Denotes member was absent

 

Guests:    None

 

Chair Weathers called the meeting to order at 1:06 p.m.  A quorum was present.  Chair Weathers welcomed new Congress Member Jackie McCleese and reported that Jeannine Stevens accepted her appointment to the congress, but was absent due to back surgery.

 

MOTION:           To approve the September meeting minutes with the following corrections:  change "To approve the August meeting minutes with the following corrections:" to "Approve the August meeting minutes."

                       

                                    Pr  Rep. Caudill         Seconded:       Rep. Ramey      

Called for vote:           Passed

 

 

CHAIR'S REPORT – Chair Weather's had emailed Roger Barker about the status of the recommendation Staff Congress had made on March 5, 2001 regarding the tuition waiver for retirees.  Staff Congress had proposed that retirees with 20 or more years of service at Morehead State University receive the tuition waiver for their children.  The rationale behind this proposal was 1.) that other benchmark institutions had similar policies in place and 2.) the hire down salary of the retiree would offset the benefit.

 

 

VICE-CHAIR'S REPORT - No report.

 

 

SECRETARY'S REPORT – Sec. D. Sammons reminded members of the attendance/absence policy.  Three consecutive absences or a total of five absences in one congress year will constitute dismissal from the congress.

 

 

Committee Reports

 

Credentials and Elections Committee – No report.  Committee Chair Hopper is still working on the Spring Staff Congress on-line elections.  Student Government Association election on September 11, 2001 had a low response due to the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington DC. As far as the election itself, the on-line election process had worked according to plan.

 

Standing Appointments Sub-Committee – Committee Chair Stewart reported that five committee appointments had been made and two volunteers from Staff Congress are needed to serve on the planning committee.  Larry Besant and Ed Beam were appointed to the Employees Benefits Committee.  Jeanie Osborne and Alvin Madden-Grider accepted appointments to the Library Committee.  Brent Jones, Belva Sammons, Lana Fraley and were appointed to the Planning Committee.  Three names were submitted for the Student Media Board for the President to select from:  Rosemary Johnson, Karen Cornett, and Judy Krug.  Neal Wheeler was appointed to the Technology Resources Committee.  The following committee appointments still need to be filled: a female from the Service Maintenance category is needed for the Job Reclassification Review Committee; Intercollegiate Athletics needs a person from any category except Executive Managerial; Scholarship Committee needs one male Professional Non-Faculty person; Service Committee needs one Professional Non-Faculty, one Technical-Paraprofessional, and one Service Maintenance; Student Disciplinary Committee needs one Executive Managerial position; Student Life Committee needs one Professional Non-Faculty; and the Wellness Committee needs one Secretary-Clerical and one from any category.

 

 

Fiscal Affairs Committee – No report.

 

 

Personnel Policies and Benefits Committee – Committee Chair Thacker reported that several Employee Benefits Committee meetings dealing with university insurance issues had been cancelled. The committee had not received any rate quotes for the 2002 insurance premiums.  Chair Weathers had consulted with Suzanne Hogge from Human Resources who indicated rates were being worked on by Human Resources and the President's Office.  They are anticipating a 50%-60% increase in total premiums and do not know how much the university is going to contribute.  Chair Weathers will ask to attend the President's Cabinet meeting on 10/2/01. If necessary the Congress will convene to discuss the 2002 insurance plans and premiums.

           

OLD BUSINESS

MOTION:           To accept the Standing Appointments Sub-Committee committee appointments. (see above report

                        Proposed:        SAS Committee                        Seconded:       Rep. Jessie

Called for vote:           Passed

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Regent’s Report - Regent Gene Caudill reported that he had 'Good News' and 'Bad News'.  The 'Good News' is enrollment is up.  The 'Bad News' is that we are facing low pay raises next year. The Board of Regents has approved an 8% increase in student tuition and fees for next year.  The state has notified the university not to expect any new money.  This may change.  Without any state money it will be very difficult to find money for pay raises.  The university is budgeting one-half million dollars for insurance premiums.  There were preliminary figures.  If enrollment goes up significantly or money is received from the state, there is a possibility of money for some pay raise.  Enrollment is up overall 5%.  The biggest increase was in graduate students.  The university is starting the budget process assuming zero pay raises.  Money will be tight especially since no one knows what effect the events of September 11, 2001 will have on the national economy.

                                    

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Rep. Lora Pace had her baby.  He has been named Alex Joseph Pace.

• Homecoming will be October 25 - 28.

• The employees benefits fair will be held October 16 in the Crager Room of ADUC.

• Meet Morehead State University open house is scheduled for Oct. 6

• Depression Screening Day is scheduled for October 11.

• Flu shots will be available after Nov. 1.

 

MOTION:          Adjournment

                                    Proposed:  Rep. Thacker                        Seconded: Rep. B.Sammons

Called For Vote:           Passed.  Meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m.

 

Minutes by:                    Dallas F. Sammons, Secretary