MOREHEAD STATE UNIVERSITY
STAFF CONGRESS MINUTES
May 7, 2001
MEMBERS:
|
Sharon Beller
Larry Besant
*Thelma Bumgardner
*Vincent Butler
Gene Caudill
|
Joy Cecil
Lenore Dixon
Patty Eldridge
Lana Fraley
*Rosemary Hinton
|
David Jessie
*Linda Kegley
*Margaret LaFontaine
Velda Mabry
Rhonda Mackin
|
Zach McClurg
Pam Moore
Carole Morella
*Joel Pace
Darlene Ramey
|
Belva Sammons
Dallas Sammons
Tim Smith
Stephanie Stewart
Todd Thacker
|
Jonell Tobin
Madonna Weathers
Michael Hopper
*Kenneth White
*Rick Williams
|
*Denotes member was absent
Guests: None
Chair Weathers called the meeting to order at 1:08 p.m. A quorum was present.
MOTION: To approve the April meeting minutes with the following corrections: Change ‘years’ to ‘terms’.
Proposed: Rep. Dixon Seconded: Rep. Stewart
Called for vote: Passed
CHAIR'S REPORT – Chair Weathers responded to the question regarding merit pool groupings being published. Human Resources give lists to the Vice Presidents. Budget managers and Vice Presidents are to let employees know what grouping they are in. The supervising unit evaluator sets up merit units. Merit units can include employees evaluated by more than one supervisor. Vacancy monies will not be added to the merit pool. There will be a 5% pool of existing employees.
Chair Weathers had received from Faculty Senate the COSFL position paper on University Governance requesting the Staff Congress endorse this position.
Chair Weathers reported the SGA on-line elections had gone very well. Participation was increased and there were no problems. Staff Congress is moving toward an on-line election process. Information Technology has already been contacted regarding on-line Staff Congress elections.
VICE-CHAIR'S REPORT - No report.
SECRETARY'S REPORT – No report.
Committee Reports
Ad-Hoc Staff Regent Election Committee- Chair Moore presented the committee’s recommendations regarding Staff Regent elections. The guidelines are as follows:
“As a courtesy to all staff who might be interested in serving as Staff Regent, Staff Congress offers the following guidelines:
- Each candidate may have a page on the Staff Congress we page. All candidates will be invited to present themselves and their views to the campus community.
- Staff Congress will host a series of open forums. Dates and times to be determined by the Credentials and Election Committee.
Theses guidelines are set forth in the expectation that no organized campaigning other than those sponsored and sanctioned by Staff Congress will be held.”
This proposal will be voted on in new business.
Credentials and Elections Committee – Chair Hopper reported that the Staff Congress elections would take place on Wednesday, May 16,2001. The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is 4:30 pm, Friday May 11, 2001. Any poll workers that cannot be at the poll during the time they signed up for will need to call Rep. Hopper on his cell phone. He will be at the poll all day.
Standing Appointments Sub-Committee – No Report
Fiscal Affairs Committee – Chair B. Sammons reported on the budget meeting attended by Staff Congress Chair Weathers in the absence of Chair B. Sammons. The university is still trying to find $250,000 to balance the budget. At this time the 5% salary pool is being maintained. This year’s budget will be based on an enrollment of 8600 students. Offices have already been asked to develop a 2% contingency fund for a budget cut in case we do not meet enrollment numbers and do not receive money from the Action Agenda Plan.
Personnel Policies and Benefits Committee – No report.
Regent’s Report – No report
OLD BUSINESS – The Job Re-Classification Review Committee has reviewed 3 positions. The committee expects to receive ten more position for review. Members of the committee have to provide their own copies of the review requests. Chair Weathers will inquire to see if the copies can paid for by HR. If HR will not cover the cost, the Staff Congress could pay for the copies of the review requests for committee members.
Motion: Approve Staff Regent Campaign Guidelines.
Proposed: Ad Hoc Committee Seconded: Rep. Thacker
Called for Vote: 12 in for; 5 opposed; 2 abstentions. Passed with following friendly amendment by Rep. Besant. “These guidelines are set forth in the expectation that no other organized campaigning will be done.”
A discussion regarding distribution of merit pay for employees who are off probation by December 31 and employees that transfer to other departments took place. Some congress members felt that employees who had completed probation by December 31 should be entitled to merit for the next year. Also concern was expressed regarding employees who transfer departments and the old department having to give merit pay from their budget to the new departments budget. There was a discussion regarding whether probation was 6 months or 3 months. Some member of the congress thought that the revised PG-44 had changed probation to 3 months. The revised PG-44 has not been posted on the Human Resources web site. Chair Weathers will discuss these concerns with Human Resources.
NEW BUSINESS
Chair Weathers has received a request asking that the Congress investigate the possibility of spouses sharing accumulated sick days. This was referred to the PPB committee.
Chair Weathers presented the COSFL position paper on University Governance provided by the Faculty Senate. Faculty Senate is asking the Staff Congress to support this paper. Following discussion, the congress requested a representative of the Faculty Senate provide more information before a vote is taken on this issue. Rep. Besant wanted to go on record as feeling the COSFL position was basically saying to the President, that it is better when you tell your governing bodies (ie. SGA, Staff Congress, Faculty Senate, etc.) what it is that you are going to do
The University Standing Committees web site has not been updated to reflect current committee membership.
Rep. Caudill inquired if anyone had received a copy of the university's operating budget. He had not received a copy.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Spring Break for 2002 will be the week of March 25-29.
An offer has been made to a candidate for the Vice President of Development position.
The June meeting will be a luncheon for all staff congress members including new members in the Eagle Dining room at 11 AM.
MOTION: Adjournment
Proposed: Rep. Besant Seconded: Rep. Stewart
Called For Vote: Passed. Meeting adjourned at 3:08 p.m.
Minutes by: Dallas F. Sammons, Secretary
