Staff Senate Minutes

SMB Seminar Room

May 16, 2001

Members Present: Henry Sanchez, Adele Springer, Maria Rolfe, Greg Rolfe, Peggy Lankford, Michelle Murati, Orpha Gonzalez, April Matthews, Julie Morales, Mason Door and Kathy Ryan

Absent: Troy Hudson, Patsy Madrid, Raul Yanez, and Diana Portillo

1. President Lankford called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. The pledge of allegiance was said and roll call was taken.
2. Vice President Rolfe made the motion to approve the agenda, Senator Rolfe seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
3. Vice President Rolfe made the motion to approve the minutes of March 21, 2001, Senator Rolfe seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
4. President Lankford reported that she attended last week's Board of Regents meeting. They will meet again on August 10, 2001 for a Board Retreat. During the meeting, former Student Government President Jason Murguia introduced Sharon Zuniga and the new President and former Faculty President Gwen Cassell introduced Michael Metcalf as the new President. President Lankford also reported that policy revisions were made by the Board. She also commented on how well commencement and related activities had gone.
5. Committee Reports
   1. Rewards & Recognition - will be addressed in Old Business.
   2. Staff Handbook - Senator Rolfe reported that unfortunately the handbook did not go before the Board, but hopes they will have the opportunity to review it on August 10, 2001.
   3. Salary & Classification - will be addressed in Old Business.
   4. New Employee Orientation - no report
   5. Election - no report
   6. Career Development - no report
   7. Treasurer's Report - no activity since the last meeting.
6. Old Business
   A. Rewards & Recognition

Senator Gonzalez reported that Dr. Counts has approved the staff Employee of the Month (EOM) and the Employee of the Year (EOY) awards. Forms for the first award to be awarded July 2001, will be distributed out soon. President Lankford stated that Dr. Counts approved the day off for the EOM and that an undetermined type of compensation will be given to the EOY. Senator Gonzalez expressed her gratitude towards Dr. Vowell and the committee for all of their assistance.

1. Sick Leave - Tabled to next meeting
2. Classification & Compensation

Vice President Rolfe announced that 53 staff members voted for the equal percentage increase for all employees and 46 staff members voted to go with the current longevity plan. Dr. Counts made the decision to go with the current longevity plan. VP Rolfe and President Lankford will meet with Chris Casey tomorrow morning. Concerns were raised over Dr. Counts' decision not to go with the majority vote. Discussion followed. Vice President Rolfe invited Class and Comp committee members to a meeting with Chris Casey tomorrow. Concerns were raised about staff feeling that their vote didn't really count.

1. New Business - none
2. Open Forum

   More concern was raised over the decision not to go with the majority vote on the compensation plan. There was a 62% voter turnout, the best for any staff election so far. It was also stated before the voting took place that the President would have the final say. A suggestion was made to form a committee to research all details for any future items up for vote by the staff. Senator Rolfe also noted that Staff Senate is only a recommending body.

3. The next meeting will be June 20, 2001 at 10:00 a.m. in the Student Memorial Building Seminar Room.
4. President Lankford adjourned the meeting at 11:00 a.m.