Staff Senate Meeting Minutes

THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN-DEARBORN
2006 STAFF SENATE
May 24, 2006
9:00-11:00
1227 UC
MEETING #6

MINUTES

MEMBERS PRESENT: Vera Kapulak, Shelley Harris, Bill Romej, Linda Southward, Cindy Kecskes, Diane leach, Paul Beteag, Judy Wilson, Judy Walker, Marlene Pruitt, Sharon Bingley, Bob Crocker, Laura Drabczyk, Sandy Kulka, Betty Greco, Michelle Barnes, and Diane Sigler.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Amy Kazanowski and Lori Kornelson

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

3. Visitor - Gary Taylor – Gary discussed the heating and cooling issues in the 20 some buildings across campus. Anything built since 1997 (EB, PEC, UC, etc.) have direct digital control systems, which allows isolation of areas in a building that are not in use. They bring in a significant amount of outside air. The campus is a combination of old buildings that are very inefficient and new buildings. Digital is not an energy management system because of what the buildings are used for. Facilities Management is currently looking at utilities and strategies to improve costs. Temperatures are currently set at 70 ° in the winter and 74 ° in the summer. These settings may mean a .5 to 1% decrease in cost. They are also looking at submetering every building so we can know which buildings are the energy hogs. Also looking at the schedules for buildings and doing a night set-back. There is no current policy about using space heaters other than they should meet electrical safety requirements. Facilities Management will be meeting to discuss strategies when new buildings come on line and what to do to cut loads so we don’t exceed utility peaks. Larry Hicks and Gary will visit again once all information is gathered.

4. ANNOUNCEMENTS:

4.1 The Senate chair received a copy of the agenda for the Senior Officers. It was noted that the agenda was received after the meeting actually took place. The Senior Officers are working on a three year budget model. Vice Chancellor Henderson presented the Hostler report. Staff participation in commencement was discussed.

4.2 Meeting with Faculty Senate – The Council met with the Faculty Senate Council and discussed mutual concerns regarding benefits – Medicare Part B, salary compressions, and salaries in general. Linda Southward and Bob Fraser both attended. It was a very cooperative environment. The Faculty Senate will vote on the Medical Part B resolution. The resolution will be presented to the Regents with endorsement from both Senates. The Agenda for Women is also endorsing the resolution. A copy of the resolution was sent to the Flint Senate, but Dearborn has not heard back. The resolution was also sent to SACUA. Paul Fossum, the chair of the Faculty Senate, discussed it with the Chancellor. It was noted that the Faculty Senate wants to talk further with the Staff Senate about salary compression and longevity recognition.

4.3 Committee Reports:

4.3.1 Workplace Environment Committee – The WPE committee met and compiled a list of items to discuss, including a possible Brown Bag on overtime and comp time and departments having lunch time meetings and expecting staff to give up their lunch hours. HR would be invited. The WPE is requesting other ideas for Brown Bags.

4.3.2Benefits Committee - The committee is working on their annual reports.

4.3.3 Budget Committee – Nothing to report.

4.3.4UMake a Difference Committee – Three more people recognized for May, 2006.

4.3.5Recognition Committee – The next meeting is June 7. They have only received 4-6 nominations so far. Fliers will be distributed at the Chancellor’s picnic. All plans are moving along.

4.3.6Voices of Staff – Marlene Pruitt attended the annual Voices meeting on May 15 with President Coleman. AA will be looking at benefits for part-time people.

4.3.7Longevity Committee – No meeting held. Leah, Bill, Laura, Linda Southward and Diane Leach are current members of the committee. Paul Beteag, Sharon Bingley and Sandy Kulka are willing to join.

4.3.8Leadership and Development Committee – Nothing to Report

4.3.9Mission Statement Committee – Nothing to Report

4 .3.10 Election Committee – Nothing to report.

4.4Flint Senate Meeting - Bill, Diane Sigler, Cindy, Betty, Paul, Marlene, Sharon and Judy Walker are planning to attend the Flint Senate meeting. Maps were distributed and everyone will meet at the circle by the UC at 8:30 a.m. on May 25.

4.5 Chancellor meetings – The meeting was cancelled.

5. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND ACTION:

5.1 Hospitality Committee – Staff Appreciation Picnic – Betty distributed a copy of the memo to be sent to Chancellor Henderson, Kathy Herr, Karen Stone and Nancy Thomas. A motion was made by Judy Wilson, seconded by Sharon Bingley, to approve the memo with minor changes. Vote: Unanimous

5.2 Proposed Scholarship Program – The Staff Senate chair proposed that the Senate raise money yearly for a scholarship for an incoming student the same way many other scholarships are set-up and either be an annual scholarship for $3-5,000 or awarded every 4 years or so. One of the issues is raising the money. The chair proposed 50-50 raffles to be held every 2 weeks and sell tickets at $1 a piece. The chair spoke to Cecile Aitchison about fundraising and the rules for scholarships. The chair also made it clear that the Senate would want to make the final decision on the recipient, and that the Senate would set-up the rules for selection. Cecile obtained the raffle rules and they are complicated. The chair presented the idea to the Senate for consideration. There was discussion as to whether this idea was appropriate for the Senate, given the Senate’s mission, since the Senate represents staff and their interests and not students. Expending efforts on fundraising was also questionable. Further discussions is needed.

5.3 The WPE discussed a possible gift for staff to be given during Staff Appreciation month in August. A week of recognition is being proposed along with an ice cream social, email notices about how we appreciate staff, and a gift. There is 481 permanent regular staff and it was suggested that $2 and a special note of appreciation showing them what they can do with the money be given. It was also noted that the notes would have to be delivered personally by Senate members. A motion was made by Diane Sigler, seconded by Vera Kapulak, to approve the note idea with the $2 gift to be distributed in August. Vote: 13 yes, 3 abstain.

Respectfully submitted

Judith K. Wilson
Secretary