STAFF SENATE MEETING
January 10, 2001
Seminar Room, SMBPresent: Mason Door, Peggy Lankford, Elaine Martinez, Michelle Murati, Greg Rolfe, Kathy Ryan, Henry Sanchez, Adele Springer, Orpha Gonzales, Julie Morales and Raul Yanez. Proxy: Maria Rolfe and Patsy Madrid.
Absent: Troy Hudson and Diane Portillo.
I. The meeting was called to order by President Lankford at 10:05 a.m. followed by the pledge of allegiance and roll call.
II. Sick leave was added to the agenda under Old Business and Safety was added as New Business. Senator Ryan made the motion to approve the agenda as amended and Senator Murati seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
III. The minutes for December 13, 2000 were approved without corrections.
IV. President Lankford discussed the upcoming legislative session and items affecting WNMU.
President Lankford once again expressed her gratitude in having an extended holiday break. She also informed everyone that in the past employees had to use their vacation time during the break.
President Lankford will be attending an AQIP conference in Phoenix in February with Dr. Counts and other members of the Cabinet. The conference will educate those in attendance on the continuous accreditation process that WNMU will now be undertaking.
V. Committee Reports:
A. Rewards & Recognition - Senator Gonzalez reported that Sammy Molina's mother had passed away last month. She also reported that Ray Vizcarra's award would be available today for delivery. Senator Gonzalez recommended that some sort of formal recognition for employee attendance be developed. Senator Springer moved that a plan be developed, Vice President Rolfe seconded the motion and the motion carried. President Lankford appointed Senator Yanez and Senator Martinez to the committee. She also requested that the committee prepare a proposal for review for the next meeting.
B. Staff Handbook - No report from the Chair. President Lankford stated that Regent Darling would like to have the handbook as soon as possible. The handbook is currently being reviewed by the attorney.
C. Salary & Classification - No report from the Chair. President Lankford has requested that this committee meet before the next Senate meeting.
D. New Employee Orientation - Vivian Myers transferred to the Housing Department as the Housing Assistant and Amy Baca has filled the Cashier's position at the Business Office.
E. Election - No report.
F. Career Development - No report.
G. Treasurer's Report - Secretary/Treasurer Ryan reported that there were no changes to the budget during the last month. President Lankford requested that a balance for the Staff Recognition fund** be obtained from the Foundation and that it be included in the Treasurer's Report.
**There is a Staff Recognition fund established at the Foundation that is used to provide staff with different awards and recognition. The source of funds is derived from elective employee contributions. Anyone wishing to contribute to this fund may contact the Foundation for details.
VI. Old Business Senator Gonzalez recommended and moved that a committee be formed to develop a Sick Leave Incentive plan to submit to the Senate. Vice President Rolfe seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. President Lankford appointed Senator Gonzalez as chair and Senators Martinez, Sanchez and Yanez as members. She also suggested that at least two, but no more than three, staff members also be asked to serve. She also suggested that Eloy Gonzales be one of them.
VII. New Business Senator Door recommended and moved that a letter be generated and sent to the VPBA, building supervisors and Eloy Gonzales in regard to safety concerns around campus. Senator Gonzalez seconded the motion. Senator Martinez voted nay and Senator Morales abstained. The motion carried by majority vote. Discussion followed on the content of the letter and safety concerns on campus. Senator Morales was concerned about not having an opportunity to review the letter before sending it out. Senator Door made a motion to make an amendment to the previous motion that would allow the Senate to review the letter and approve it before sending it out. Senator Morales seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Senator Sanchez suggested that employees should be encouraged to discuss any concerns with their supervisors again. The need for staff training and certification was discussed.
VIII. Open Forum Gary Cook concurred with the importance for appropriate licensure and certification.
IX. The next meeting will be February 21, 2001 at 10:00 a.m. in the Seminar Room of the Student Memorial Building. X. President Lankford adjourned the meeting at 11:02 a.m.