UNIVERSITY STAF ASSEMBLY MINUTES

Tuesday, January 15, 2008 - 10:45 a.m.

President’s Conference Room

Called to Order by:  Vice Chair Steve O’Rourke

Mission Statement:    Not read 

Roll Taken:     Yes

Attendees:      12

Approval of Minutes: Will approve at next meeting

Announcements/Remarks from Chair/Executive Board Report:

Steve announced that Dr. Morris has not resumed staff advisory meetings as of this date; will probably resume anytime now that spring classes have begun.

Announcements from the USA Floor:                       None

CWA News:

Steve O’Rourke announced that CWA is reviewing three grievances.   A grievance regarding the utility department’s seniority and scheduling of overtime and call-outs was expected to be settled today.  Denise Brockett assured the attendees that the contract will be observed regarding this issue. 

As soon as they have all signatures the CWA Contract will go to the printers after which copies will be distributed to all CWA members.  Anyone other than members who are interested in the contract may view it by checking out the CWA website or in the archival department of the Clark Memorial Library.

Denise Brockett announced by email that CWA pocket calendars were in and ready for distribution to members.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Election:                                                         None

Professional Development:

Steve stated that training on the new insurance for staff is still in the works.  Also, those staff members not using direct deposit pay may benefit from a session on this issue as well.

Newsletter:                                                     None

Spirit Committee:                                           None

UNIVERSITY WIDE COMMITTEES

ADA Compliance:

Jim Weaver, Coordinator of Disabilities Services, was today’s guest speaker.  He said the goal of his service is to allow students with mobility, hearing, and visual disabilities the opportunity for assistance with their handicaps.  Jim stated that 8% - 10% of the student body has a disability need.  Not all disabilities are visible.  He also offers assistance with such disabilities as learning impairments and ADHD.  His service offers tutoring and distraction free testing as well as time and a half testing.  He asks that departmental secretaries encourage faculty to include statements in their syllabi making students aware of these valuable and important services.  Jim also mentioned that if SSU personnel have disability needs, even though he does not handle staff issues personally, he can direct them to the proper authorities.

Affirmative Action:                                         None

Athletic and Intramural:                                 None

Budget and Finance:

Steve stated that he is involved with the Governor’s plan to make a more economically sound university-wide system.  The governor is focusing on redundancy of services offered by various universities.   Steve mentioned that a plan to create a buying consortium to increase buying power throughout universities in the state is also in the works.

Facilities:

Steve stated that the ground breaking took place to kick off the new UC renovation.  He said soil testing is taking place right now.  The issue of UC staff location will be addressed on a day-to-day basis. 

Personnel Development:

Penny Merritt is looking into staff technical and software development training.  The new VISTA and Microsoft 2008 is being used now on campus.  Sarah (Gatti) Smith asked Steve if this committee (Personnel Development) has ever actually met since she is a member but has never been asked to meet with them.  Steve wasn’t sure if it ever has met.

Records Commission:                                                None

Special Events:                                                           None

UTAC:                                                                        None

OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS

Insurance Committee:          

Denise Brockett reminded attendees that Weight Watchers will be meeting in the Massie Auditorium instead of the President’s Conference Room due to such an overwhelming response.  She stated that more incentives like this one will be forthcoming to the campus as a preventative measure for staff.

Parking Review & Appeals Committee:       None

Veterans Committee:                                     None

Unfinished Business:                                     None

New Business:           

Jonna Cook suggested we ask Bane Sylvia, the new HR Director, to be our next guest speaker.  Everyone whole-heartedly agreed with this suggestion.

Denise suggested that USA might consider emailing OPERS to come and do a retirement readiness or 401k informational session.  She stated that possibly if CWA and USA both sent an invitation, they just might agree to come.

Adjournment:

Denise Brockett made the motion to adjourn

Jonna Cook seconded the motion