UAA Meeting
February 26, 2008
Library 207

Co-Chair Ann Marie Short called the meeting to order at 10:07 a.m.

The minutes from the December 13, 2007 meeting were distributed.  Rick Merb made a motion to approve the minutes.  Mark Moore seconded.  Motion passed.

New Business

1)      Proposed Changes to Administrative/ATSS Policies

Ann Marie reported that the UAA Executive Committee, UAA Compensation Committee and UAA Policies Committee met with Elinda Boyles and Bane Sylvia to discuss proposed revisions to Adminstrative/ATSS policies Monday, February 25^th.  Ann Marie asked that any suggestions about the policies be given to her or Bill Rockwell by Wednesday at 5 p.m. so these materials can be included in the Board of Trustees packet for the March meeting.  Ann Marie then introduced Elinda, who presented the proposed changes, which have already been approved by Dr. Morris  and will be presented to the Board of Trustees at their March meeting.

• Policy 4.55 Administrative/ATSS Vacation

Recommended Change: 90-day grace period for carryover of excess vacation

• This change was based on the UAA’s suggestion to explore the possibility of a payout for unused vacation.  Elinda reported that a survey of IUC and peer institutions shows that SSU has a very good vacation policy.
• Policy 4.57 Administrative/ATSS Holidays

Recommended Change: None

·        After studying the possibilities of closing the university during the period between Christmas and New Year’s, it was determined by HR that it would limit vacation leave.  Plus, considerable work is ongoing during that time.

• Policy 4.49 Performance Recognition Award and Salary Increases

Recommended Change: Rescind performance recognition award program (4.49) and shift funds to the service awards program for Administrative and ATSS employees who have worked at SSU for an extended period of time.

• This change was based on the overall dislike of the award program and the UAA suggestion to reward employees with a longevity increase.
• Policy 4.58 On-Campus Education Benefits Administrative and ATSS

Recommended Change: Add tuition waiver benefit for SSU graduate programs

and modify language for dependents of retired and deceased employees to better

define retired employees and to set a time limit for dependents of deceased

employees.

• Policy 4.54 Tuition Reimbursement Off-Campus

Recommended Change: Increase eligibility to 8 hours per semester and

10 hours per quarter after two years of employment, require a written agreement

that the employee will remain at SSU for two years after receiving degree,

calculation of amount changed to average credit hour cost from all Ohio public

universities for the relevant program and clarification of approval process.

• Policy 4.53 Compensation for Administrators and ATSS

Recommended Change: Rewrite policy due to the move to a market-driven system.

• These changes result from recommendations from Mercer.

Elinda reported that if approved by the BOT, all of these policies would go into effect March 15, 2008, with the exception of Policy 4.54, which would go into effect the first full term after approval. 

Elinda then opened the floor to questions, and a short discussion took place.

2)      University Center Renovation

Dr. Jim Settle presented an architectural rendering of the University Center renovation.  He also presented color scheme choices for each area and asked for input on which schemes the group liked best.  Evaluation forms were distributed for members to make their choices.  Dr. Settle reported that the schemes would be on display in the UC next week for people to make their choices and then that data will be used to make the final decisions.  Dr. Settle also reported that construction will begin in March and will last for at least two years.  He warned that there will be inconveniences for existing offices in the building during that time.  The office suite on the second floor (Career and Counseling Services, Financial Aid, Bursar, Registrar) will not change except for more efficient lighting.

Campus Announcements

1)      Cardiovascular Health Screening

Ann Marie announced there will be a free cardiovascular health screening Tuesday, February 26^th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the UC Lobby.

2)      Women’s Center Activities

Ann Marie announced that Sugar and Spice V will take place Monday, March 3^rd from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the UC Lobby.  A Read In will be Wednesday, March 5^th from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Library Alcove.  Refreshments will be served.  Both events are part of Women’s History Month.

3)      Alumnus of Tomorrow Award

Angela Henderson reminded everyone that nominations for the Alumnus of Tomorrow Award are due to her Friday, March 7^th.  The award is given each year by the Alumni Association to a graduating student who has displayed commitment to his or her individual endeavors—academic, social and personal—and who shows great promise toward his or her future endeavors.  For more information, you can visit http://www.shawnee.edu/off/alum/Honors%20and%20Awards.html.

Rick Merb made a motion to adjourn the meeting with Matt Matthews seconding.  Motion passed.  The meeting adjourned at 11:07 a.m.