University of Michigan – Dearborn
2008 Staff Senate
February 27, 2008
9:00-11:00
1227 UC
MINUTES
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michelle Barnes, Laura Beer, Rima Berry-Hung, Don Barbacci, Paul Beteag, Sherry Boyd, Rachel Buzzeo, Monica Hetu, Vera Kapulak, Amy Kazanowski, Cindy Kecskes, Sharon Lobdell, Shirley Solomon, Marlene Pruitt, Diane Sigler, Belinda Soliz, Linda Southward, Judy Walker and Judy Wilson
MEMBERS ABSENT: Sandie Post
Ex-Officio Present: Jeff Evans
Guests: Ray Metz and Ataul Usman
*Items to be discussed with the Chancellor at a special meeting on March 5, 2008.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
3. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
3.1 Committee Assignments – The Chair passed out a list of committee assignments and asked that each Senator check it for accuracy. The Chair will make any corrections to the list and send it out for a formal email vote. Once the committee’s and membership has been established, the Chair asked that each committee prepare a procedures manual. It was also noted that each committee will have a ½ page report prepared for each Staff Senate meeting. The Senate felt that each committee chair should have a template to use in preparing the reports for the Senate. The Secretary will look into it.
3.2 Non-Senate Committee Reports:
3.2.1 Benefits Committee – Linda Southward reported that the committee is rescheduling the February meeting and will begin to prepare their annual report. They will be discussing part-time employees and their benefits and compare our benefits to peer institutions. They will also be discussing benefits for people over the age of 65. The group is doing a Brown Bag where TIAA-CREF will talk about the market.
3.2.2 University Budget Committee – Linda Southward reported that a 3% salary package is being included in the budget so far. They discussed the affect on the budget between the 12 and 13 hour class load. The University looking at off-site housing and a potential equity increase for faculty and staff is being considered. It was noted that even though the debt for off-site housing would not fall on the University, there would increased costs for necessary staff and shuttle needs.
3.2.3 Staff Recognition Committee – Monica Hetu reported that several people’s terms on the committee have expired. The committee suggested that Vera Kapulak remain on the committee, and Farhan Latif be added since he was a winner last year. She also asked that the Senate suggest two additional people for the Chancellor’s approval. Vera Kapulak respectfully declined, so the Senate will need to submit three names to the Chancellor. The Chair will email the Senate asking for suggestions. The Chair suggested that before anyone submits a nomination, they check with the person first to see if they are willing to serve.
3.2.4 Voices of Staff – Marlene reported that the Benefits and Well Being group met. She noted that there are 10,000 individuals in ActiveU. The Dental RFP presentation has not been made. She distributed a flyer to the Senate on “What Voices has accomplished in its first three years.”
3.2.5* Safety Oversight & Advisory Committee (SO&AC) – Judy Wilson noted that the committee had its first meeting. The charge for the committee was distributed to the members. The next meeting will be in May.
3.3 Senate Committee Reports:
3.3.1 Hospitality Committee – Nothing to report.
3.3.2 Communication Committee – Rachel and Sharon met with Susan Gedert. Sue would still like to be the editor. Rachel and Sharon discussed doing an electronic version of the newsletter as an experiment and a cost savings measure.
3.3.3 Election Committee – Judy Walker noted that with Joann Otlewski’s resignation, Shirley Solomon was the only staff member from SOE that was nominated so an election was not necessary. She welcomed Don Barbacci, Laura Beer and Shirley Solomon to the Senate.
3.3.4* Longevity Committee – Since Belinda Soliz resigned from the Senate, Linda Southward suggested that Judy Kennard be added as a member of the longevity committee. Linda also noted that she is still waiting for the information requested from Ginny Zarras in December regarding staff equity adjustments.
3.3.5 Leadership/Development Committee – The Chair received an email from Susan Steel saying that she is willing to continue as chair of this committee.
3.3.6 Program Committee – The Chair noted that two people have volunteered for this committee. It was noted that this committee will be responsible for making suggestions for brown bags and open forums.
3.4 UMake a Difference Program – Rachel Buzzeo past out the proposed enhanced criteria for the UMake a Difference Program, since this award should be for those individuals who go above and beyond their job descriptions. Rachel asked that the Senate read the criteria and send her any changes via email. As a cost savings measure, if a person is nominated more than once during a year’s time, they will only receive one “goodie bag.” They will only receive a certificate for additional nominations in the same year. Rachel is keeping track of what people have received so that the gifts can be changed for nominations in successive years
3.5* Staff Senate Support Letter Follow-up – Jeff Evans noted that he and the Chancellor have had discussed how to support the Senate and will discuss it further at the March 5 special meeting with the Chancellor.
3.6* Staff Budget Recommendation Letter to Chancellor/Senior Officers – Discussion took place about the fact that the committee did not address what the Senate’s charge requested. With the need to get the recommendation letter prepared, the Senate voted to disband the committee. It was agreed that the work that the committee completed would be discussed at a later time, since the “white paper” that the Chancellor requested needs to be completed before other issues are addressed. It was noted that the Senate’s by-laws allow the Senate to create ad-hoc committees and disband them at the Senate’s discretion. After the request is completed the Senate will decide if it wants to create a new committee to utilize the information that was provided in the report.
3.7 Leadership Program Follow-Up – The Chair noted that she has been invited to the Leadership Program. No other Senators have been invited. The first meeting will be March 7th. Don Barbacci noted that he has been invited, but not as member of Staff Senate.
3.8 Craft Show/Picnic – Due to time constraints and other issues, the Senate has decided to incorporate the staff craft show with the Staff Senate picnic in August. Bob Behrens has agreed that the craft show is a good idea. The Senate will charge $7.50 per table and the money will be used purchase a bench for the University. It was suggested that crafters sign an agreement stating that they will take vacation time to run their booths.
4. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND ACTION:
4.1 Staff Senate Budget – Rima Berry-Hung noted that the statements are balanced to the penny, but that the Senate only has a balance $63.04. This means that the Senate will have a large negative balance at the end of June. It will be necessary for the Senate to cut costs for the rest of the year. It was suggested that the Senate request a line-item increase in the Senate budget of $500 for gifts for the UMake a Difference program.
4.2 Response Protocol for Medical Emergencies – Marlene Pruitt expressed concern about the 20 minute response time from Public Safety for medical emergencies. It was suggested that the Senate invite Rick Gordon to the Senate to discuss this concern. Ray Metz noted that he would take the concern back to the administration immediately.
4.3 Visit to Flint Staff Senate will take place March 20th. The Chair, Crystal Pepperdine, has contacted Sharon Lobdell on several occasions. Flint has invited Dearborn for their meeting, llunch and a tour of the campus.
5. SENATE GOALS – The Chair reminded all Senators to check the goals.
6. ROUNDTABLE – It was noted that departments need to add their events to the Campus Calendar. Ray Metz suggested that the request that departments use the calendar should come from the Senate. It was requested that labels and the calendar be added to the next agenda for further discussion. Jeff Evans added a plug for the “Time Management Training” program that will take place on April 29 and 30th. There are only 15 open spots each day – so those interested should choose one of the days as soon as possible. The training will last 8 hours.
Respectfully submitted,
Judith K. Wilson
Secretary
- Website maintained by jkwilson@umd.umich.edu
last updated 04/11/2008
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