Members Present: Mason Door, Teresa Holguin, Barbara James, Peggy Lankford, Margaret Soucy, Anita Rios, Frank Carbajal, Shawn Sias.

Proxy: Marcia Harris-Bourdette, Charlene Ashburn, Dean Foster

Absent: Jon Saari, Tina Rippa, Grace Wallin.

I. President James called the meeting to order at 10:10 . The pledge of allegiance was said. Roll Call was taken.

II. Approval of Agenda - Motion to accept agenda was made by Senator Rios, second by Senator Carbajal. Motion passed.

III. Approval of July 2nd and August 6th Minutes, correction made to daycare issue for convocation. Motion to accept minutes with corrections was made by Senator Rios, second by Senator Carbajal. Motion passed.

IV. President's Report – President James reported on the following:

• Dr. Counts has allocated additional funding for salaries – 30,000 for staff and 30,000 for faculty. The staff amount has been divided between the three VP’s. Dr. Counts indicated that they should allocate as necessary for their departments. It will not be given to the Salaries committee to decide.
• It was with deepest sadness that, President James announced that Lynn Lewis has lost one of her daughters in a vehicle accident. Services have been tentatively set for Monday, September 8, 2003 at 3:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center Theater. She asked that we please keep Lynn and her family in our prayers.
• President James reminded us once again that Homecoming is scheduled for October 4th.
• The university-wide assessment convocation is scheduled for September 23rd. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. in the GRC lobby. The convocation will begin at 8:30 with introductions and guest speaker. Break-out sessions will follow throughout the day.
• President James stated that she has received a resignation from Senator Lankford, her acting position makes her ineligible to be a member of Staff Senate.

V. Treasurer's Report - Senator Holguin reported that there is $273.24 in the Staff Senate account. No report on Foundation Recognition account.

VI. Old Business – President James indicated that no decisions could be made or voted on because we have no quorum.

A. Committee Reports

1. Staff Handbook – no report

2. Rewards & Recognition- The chair on this committee was not present, however Senator Soucy, one of the members indicated that they would bring forward a proposal to reward regular full time staff who had accrued over a certain number of hours in sick leave. Action was tabled until the next meeting.

3. Salary & Classification - Next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 4th at 2:00 in the JCB conference room.

4. New Employee Orientation – It was reported that they had conducted an orientation in the CDC, which provided a relaxed atmosphere. They will be providing another one this month.

5. Election Committee – The committee met yesterday and found that there is confusion with the lists that are being provided, ie; directors listed on the professionals list. This should be getting cleared up with Carmen. Ballots for senator positions are due to go out by September 12th. President James also appointed Senator Rios to replace Senator Lankford as chair.

6. AQIP committee – no report

VII. New Business –

A. Issues & Goals – President James stressed that we as senators must get in touch with our constituents to find out what issues are important to them and how they would like us to represent them on the issues.

B. Employee Pot Luck has been set for October 2nd at Old James Stadium. Senator Sias and Senator Carbajal have been asked to be in charge of setup and cleanup. Senator Soucy will provide list for food items to be provided by departments. President James is working on getting donations of Burgers and Hot Dogs.

C. Employee of the Month – Discussion on whether the names of the recipients are getting leaked out before they are officially announced. President James indicated that it was a one time happening because the recipient would not be present. A suggestion was also made that the nominator should be present to speak on the recipient’s behalf. Issues will be brought for at the committee meeting. The Employee of the Month presentation will be presented at a later date.

VIII. Open Forum:

• General Assembly – asked that it be postponed to September 15th.
• Request by Julie Miller to have Dr. Gilbert present the results of the Staff Satisfaction Survey.
• Name Plates for senators- All name plates for senators who don’t have one plus the newly elected senators will be ordered in October.

IX. The next meeting is set for October 2, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. in the Seminar Room, SMB

X. President James asked for a motion to adjourn. Motion by Senator Sias, second by Senator Holguin. The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 a.m.