Members Present: Charlene Ashburn, Marcia Harris-Bourdette, Barbara James, Peggy Lankford, Tina Rippa, Anita Rios, Shawn Sias, Margaret Soucy and Grace Wallin.

Members Absent: Frank Carbajal, Mason Door and Teresa Holguin.

Proxy: Dean Foster.

I. President James called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m. The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance, and roll call was taken.

II. Approval of Agenda — Senator Lankford made a motion to approve the agenda, and Senator Ashburn seconded the motion. The motion was approved.

III. Approval of July 2, 2003 Minutes – President James stated that the minutes for the July meeting were not available and approval would be postponed until September 3. Senator Lankford made a motion to amend the agenda to reflect the removal of approval of the July minutes. Charlene Ashburn seconded the motion, and the motion was approved.

IV. President’s Report – President James reported the following:

• Homecoming will be October 4.
• There will be five home football games this year, and the second game of the season on September 6 will be against New Mexico State University in Las Cruces within driving distance.
• Interviews for the Information Technology Director are in progress. The open forum scheduled at 3:15 p.m. today is the last one. There are two candidates from off campus and one on-campus candidate.
• David Kent is leaving the library on Friday, August 15. A potluck lunch will be held on Thursday, August 14, from 11:30 to 1:00 in the library staff lounge on the lower level. President James encouraged all staff to attend.
• Staff Senate sponsored a farewell reception for Tim Turner. President James explained that all employees who have been employed at the university for five years or more are given a farewell reception.
• Maria Rolfe is on leave due to back surgery, and Sharon Zuniga has been hired to assist with events for the fall semester. Students, staff and faculty will be painting the “W” on Saturday, August 23.
• Laure Romero is the new Assistant Director of Admissions.

President James asked for an update on Sherri Bays. Chris Casey said that Sherri is recovering at home now and, hopefully, will be able to return to work within a few months.

V. Treasurer’s Report – There was no report due to the Treasurer’s absence.

VI. Old Business

A. Committee Reports
1. Staff Handbook – Senator Harris-Bourdette reported that the handbook committee met and discussed the comp-time issue. Their conclusion was that the current policy should stand and that the maintenance issues should be discussed in the department. Chris Casey said that she is working with maintenance to draft a policy. Marcia asked that we table any action until further notice.
2. Rewards & Recognition – Senator Ashburn stated that the meeting to select the employee of the month for September will be held on August 20 at 4:00 p.m. She further stated that the committee will reevaluate the sick leave issue and will bring their suggestions to the staff at the September meeting.
3. Salary and Classification – Senator Soucy reported that the committee has met four times. She stated that the committee had decided to look at the way salaries are disbursed rather than longevity. The committee will look at mid-point ranges and employees’ rankings within those ranges. The committee should have some suggestions by the November meeting to bring to the Senate. She said that the committee will make sure that descriptions fit what people are doing now. She further stated that the jobs that were recently reclassified would not be reviewed.
4. New Employee Orientation – Senator Soucy reported for Senator Foster in his absence. The committee will meet tomorrow at 2:30 to introduce themselves to new employees to let them know that they can contact committee members with questions. Senator Soucy invited everyone to stop by at 2:30 at the Student Memorial Building Seminar Room.
5. Election – Senator Lankford stated that the committee will meet during the last two weeks of August to prepare ballots for the first week of September according to the Constitution.
6. AQIP – Senator Rippa reported that the committee has not yet met.

B. Reports on Issues & Goals for Upcoming Year – Senator James stated that no goals or issues had been received from the administrative area. The deadline for receipt of goals and issues was extended to the end of August, and they will be discussed at the next meeting.

C. Employee Potluck – The potluck will be held October 2. Senators will be assigned to work on the different areas. We will begin at 11:00 and end at 2:00. When the person to contact has been assigned the secretary will send invitations. Senator Lankford made a motion to approve the date and time of the potluck, and Senator Ashburn seconded the motion. The motion carried.

VII. New Business – President James presented the Staff Employee of the Month award to Charlene Ashburn.

VIII. Open Forum

Chris Casey stated that there is a temporary air conditioning system in place currently, and that it will be in place through August 18 in Castorena Hall. The system will them be down for another two weeks and the new system should be operational soon after registration.

IX. The next meeting will be Wednesday, September 3, 2003, at 10:00 a.m. in the Seminar Room of the Student Memorial Building.

X. Senator Rios made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Senator Soucy seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned.