University of Michigan – Dearborn
2008 Staff Senate
March 26, 2008
9:00-11:00
1227 UC
MINUTES
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michelle Barnes, Laura Beer, Sherry Boyd, Rachel Buzzeo, Vera Kapulak, Cindy Kecskes, Sharon Lobdell, Shirley Solomon, Sandie Post, Marlene Pruitt, Diane Sigler, Judy Walker, and Judy Wilson
EX-OFFICIO’S: Chancellor Little and Jeff Evans
MEMBERS ABSENT: Paul Beteag, Amy Kazanowski, Linda Southward and Don Barbacci
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CALL TO ORDER
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ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
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ANNOUNCEMENTS:
3.1 Committee Assignments – The Chair reminded everyone to respond regarding committee assignments. For those who are chairs of their committees, a meeting should be called before the next Senate meeting, if they have not already done so. Also, committee chairs should keep track of attendance and let their members know that they are responsible for letting the chair know when they cannot attend a meeting, and for checking after the meeting for possible assignments. If a member missed several meetings, then their membership should be reevaluated. Also, the committee chair should be using the template distributed via email by the Secretary to prepare their monthly reports.
3.2 Non-Senate Committee Reports:
3.2.1 Benefits Committee – No report
3.2.2 University Budget Committee – No report.
3.2.3 Staff Recognition Committee – A task force has been appointed and the website updated. Monica Hetu sent out the first announcement email.
3.2.4 Voices of Staff - The Core Committee met at the beginning of the month. Laurita Thomas mentioned that Voices started as a three year pilot program and they have received approval to continue. Each committee budget has been increased. The Benefits and Wellness group met and heard 2 of the 3 Dental RFP presentations. It was noted that benefits will not increase with the new dental proposal. Starting in FY’09 there will be incentives, as opposed to penalties, of $100 a year for maintaining one’s health, which will include yearly physicals. Initially the program will be costly, but should prove beneficial over time.
3.2.5 Safety Oversight & Advisory Committee (SO&AC) – Nothing to report.
3.3 Senate Committee Reports:
3.3.1 Hospitality – Nothing to report.
3.3.2 Communication Committee – The first meeting was held March 25th. Susan Gedert attended the meeting and laid out the basics for collecting information and what is needed. Assignments were made. The chair will send an email to all members of the committee with their assignments.
3.3.3 Election Committee: Rima Berry-Hung (Business Affairs) and Monica Hetu (EMSL) have resigned. As of Monday, March 24, 2008, the Election Committee is accepting nominations for the two Unit Specific seats. Both seats are 3 year terms, expiring 12/10. Nominations will close March 31st. The Committee will send out ballots on Tuesday, April 1st. Preparation will be done at 11:00 a.m. in the University Center near the bookstore. The election will run until Monday, April 7th, 5 p.m. Ballots will be counted on Tuesday, April 8th at 11 a.m. in the UC near the bookstore. The Committee plans to announce the winners on Tuesday afternoon April 8th. Gail Raby and Steve Hunter have been nominated for the Business Affairs seat, and Denise Bozeman has been nominated for the EMSL seat.
3.4 UMake a Difference Program – Rachel Buzzeo received 2 more nominations for March. She and Vera will distribute all outstanding awards the week of March 31st.
3.5. Meeting with Chancellor – Sharon Lobdell, Sandie Post and Rachel Buzzeo met with the chancellor. The budget document was discussed and information exchanged, which clarified on both sides the reasons behind the document and how the Chancellor viewed it. It was noted that there have been many misunderstandings on both sides. The Chancellor noted that the past year has been a new relationship and learning period. He reiterated that the Senate is an advisory entity, not an advocate. It seems that all the Senate’s concerns regarding the Chancellor’s comments were a matter of semantics, since the Senate has always viewed themselves as an advisory entity.
4. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND ACTION:
4.1 Visit to Flint Staff Senate – The Chair noted that she still needs to hear from more Senators as to whether or not they can go to Flint on April 17, 2008. If we are unable to attend this meeting, we will have to wait until June after Flint’s elections.
4.2 Labels and Directory – Following up on the discussion from the last meeting about the accuracy of the labels produced from the Budget system, Rachel Buzzeo noted that she was told that changes have to be done in three different places in order to take affect – M-Pathways, UMD directory and the label directory. However, she did all three of those and her information is still incorrect. Judy Kennard met with individuals regarding these issues. The current information has not been downloaded by Mail Services and she will meet with Judy Harris regarding this. After some discussion, Jeff Evans noted that if we need up-to-date labels we should contact Ataul in his office, and he will get the correct information for us. Rachel noted that an information email should be sent to campus letting them know what to do.
4.3 Senate Vice-Chair Position: The Chair sent out an email last week, after the Council meeting, with the recommendation that Sandie Post fill the vacant Vice-chair position. The Chair asked if there were any objections to confirming that recommendation. Cindy Kecskes made a motion to approve Sandie Post as Vice-Chair of the Staff Senate; seconded by Rachel Buzzeo. Vote: Unanimous
5. SENATE GOALS
6. Round Table – Marlene Pruitt noted that her two-year term on Voices will expire in May. She will continue in that capacity if the Senate wishes her to, but wanted to give other people a chance.
Email Vote information:
Vote to disband the programming committee: 12 Yes, 2 No Response
Vote to disband the Longevity Committee: 12 Yes, 3 No, 2 No Response, 1 abstain
Respectfully submitted,
Judith K. Wilson
Secretary
- Website maintained by jkwilson@umd.umich.edu
last updated 04/11/2008
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