Arkansas State University Staff Senate met on Thursday, September 21, at 9:00 a.m. in Lab Science East (Room #205).
The senators present were as follows:
Carol Barnhill, President
Deanna Barton, Senator
Tammy Fowler, Past President
Clint Halcom, Senator
Janet Hardin, Senator
Robin Hicks, Senator
Peggy Hunt, Senator
Phyllis Hurt, Senator
Judy McCay, Senator
Helen McCoy, Senator
Jackie McDaniel, Treasurer
Kathy Meyer, Senator
Anthony Passalaqua, Senator
Hope Phillips, President-Elect
The absent senators were:
Anthony Carter, Senator
Kevin Chamber, Senator
Jim Counce, Senator
Danny Faulk, Senator (Excused Absence)
Russ Hannah, Senator (Excused Absence)
Robert Hobbs, Senator
Tami Murray, Senator (Excused Absence)
Sue Southard, Senator (Excused Absence)
Vicki White, Senator (Excused Absence) Hope Phillips served as
Vicki's Proxy.
I. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Carol Barnhill at 9:00 a.m.
II. Minutes: The minutes from August 17th meeting was approved as is.
III. Treasurer's Report: Senator
Jackie McDaniel reported that we had a beginning balance of $1659.50
and made a payment for a tent of $150.00 which left a balance at
the end of August of $1509.50. There is now an outstanding
bill for the Town Hall meeting for $142.50.
The treasurer's report was approved.
IV. Parking Garage and Campus Violence Prevention:
Dr. Rick Stripling (Interim Vice President for Student Affairs) reported
upcoming changes for the parking garage and new student union.
There will be a complex ground breaking on October 3rd for the parking
structure and new student union - everyone is invited. The
university will open bids for the parking garage and will, hopefully,
begin this project very soon. Bids on the new part of the student
union will be opened in December and begin this project in January,
anticipating it will take two years. After this portion is
completed, then the renovation of the current student union will
begin and take approximately two years. Rick discussed campus
violence regarding students and non-students. He recommended
that all departments have an emergency code - so that a department
could possibly contact
University Police and they could be close in case they are needed
or to prevent anything from occurring. He recommends to use
caution.
V. Shared Governance Issue: Financial Aid and Scholarships recommends that a counselor from Student Counseling Center be added to the membership to the committee. This motion was approved with no opposition.
VI. Town Hall Report: Senator Hope
Phillips reported that 184 staff signed in at the meeting on August
30th, noting that the attendance was larger since some probably didn't
sign in. There were
approximately 54 more cookbooks pre-sold at this event.
A list of the results obtained from the questionnaires distributed
was handed out and will be used to focus on concerns of the staff
as well as fill committee openings. Also, a handout was made
available listing the items that were discussed at the meeting for
the senate to discuss further. These items will be discussed in more
detail in the future. Thanks to the committee and building
reps for their assistance in making this meeting a great success.
VII. Homecoming Committee: Senator Helen McCoy sent a list around for volunteers to bring items for the tailgate during Homecoming on September 30th. Those items need to be at the tent by 3:00 p.m. Also, the hospitality tent will be setup for students on September 28th and the committee needs volunteers from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
VIII. Cookbook Committee: Senator Jackie McDaniel said that the committee intends to send off the order next week. She will get in touch with Senator Faulk to get a final count of the total that have been pre-sold. It was mentioned that we probably will be able to sell more since they will be here right before Christmas.
IX. Drug Awareness Committee: Senate Doug Mathis reported that the committee is still in the very beginning stages and have lots of work ahead of them. After they have come up with a complete recommendation, it will be brought to the Staff Senate and then finally be submitted thru the shared governance process. Senator Barnhill stated that she would like for herself to be added to this committee as an ex-officio member (in the event that she couldn't attend, Senator Phillips will substitute).
X. Part-Time Rep. Election: Senator Jackie McDaniel introduced Darah Williams from Finance, and nominated her for one of the part-time rep. members. This was approved. The Senate still has one opening for a part-time rep. If anyone would like to make a nomination, please bring this person to the next meeting.
XI. Benefits Fair: Senator Kathy Meyer stated that it will be held October 12th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Ballroom. The Staff Senate needs volunteers to cover the booth. For those interested, please contact President Carol Barnhill.
XII. Web Page: President Carol Barnhill reported that Lisa Glasco from the Purchasing office is currently updating the senate's web page.
XII. Calendar: Senator Deanna Barton updated the Staff Senate on the calendar of events on campus.
XIII. Other Business: It was noted
that during orientation for new employees, the Staff Senate area will be
expanded and presented by the Human Resource office and/or staff
senators from their office.
-Senator Doug Mathis discussed an issue about getting
staff to volunteer as ushers at athletic games. With the athletic
budget being tighter, they are needed some assistance. Staff inquired
about being able to get into games free as well as their children
and/or spouse. Doug said he would investigate this further.
-Announcements: United Way Campaign is underway.
Dr. Wyatt has asked for the Staff Senate's participation and support.
90th Anniversary Celebration will be October 3rd at the arch in the
middle of campus and then groundbreaking ceremony for the new student union
will follow at 12:15 p.m.
XVI. Next Meeting: October 19 at 9:00 a.m. in the Physical Plant.
XV. Meeting adjourned with no other discussion.
