Present at meeting:
Kris Brinkerhoff, Brett Becker, Norma Ogletree, Veronica Mays, Biff Bird, Dan Brown, Heath Lair, CJ Collins, Kelly Becker, Barbie Mustion, Alex Graham, Karen Ryburn, and Cindy Bridges.
Call to Order:
President Kris Brinkerhoff called the meeting to order.
Dennis Lancaster’s Update:
- Presentation of Missouri State University – West Plains’ vision statement. “Missouri State University – West Plains will be a national model among two-year learning – centered institutions, combining open admission opportunity with academic excellence, student service innovation, community partnership, and global awareness in an environment strengthened by dynamic growth and entrepreneurial spirit.” Dennis indicated this is pretty well finalized.
- Dennis also shared information about the Corps of Opportunity, a work-to-learn program available for the first time in the summer 2008 semester. The Corp of Opportunity is designed to serve those students who have unmet financial need and may be “caught in the middle,” perhaps those who are not eligible for a full Pell grant. Dennis pointed out that this program provides an opportunity to help students while also helping the university fill employment needs. Students participating in the program will be held to higher expectations than those for work study. Dennis added that the university hopes to have five students beginning the Corps of Opportunity program for the summer 2008 semester.
Approval of Minutes:
- Heath Lair moved that the February minutes be approved. Brett Becker seconded the motion.
Old Business:
- The Staff Senate nominated Dr. Stanton Morrison for the Granvil Vaughan Founder’s Award, which recognizes an individual who has made a significant impact upon the mission of the West Plains campus.
- The first Staff Senate potluck of the year was held March 7th and was well attended even with many other campus activities occurring that day.
New Business:
- Kris asked senate members to think about nominations for the annual Missouri State University Distinguished Alumnus Award and also for the Student Awards Program. Kris also circulated the congratulatory letter to Trish Knight for senate members to sign.
- Karen Ryburn asked about health & wellness events and/or programs for the West Plains campus since many employees are unable to attend those offered on the Springfield campus. Karen also gave a brief update on the location for Hass Hoover Hall. The new building will house the SAAS department and the Darr Honors Program and will be located west of Lybyer.
Committee items:
- Special Events/Fundraising Committee
- Watch for the nest potluck date and location to be posted in Take Note. The committee will be asking Staff Senate members to vote through email for a new name for the Friday potlucks.
- Website Administration Committee
- The community server is ready, and Kris will be adding pictures from the March 7th potluck.
Announcements:
- The Board of Governors meeting will be held March 14, 2008. Kris will speak on behalf of the Staff Senate.
- Friday, March 21, 2008 is Spring Holiday. Classes will not meet and offices are closed.
- Tickets to Missouri State – West Plains’ 14th annual auction are being offered to all part-time and full-time faculty and staff at a special price of $15 each (normally $25). The auction will take place the evening of April 5 at the West Plains Opera House. Each employee is allowed to purchase two tickets at the discounted price. Contact the Development office for more information.
- Contact Kris Brinkerhoff if you would like to read the draft of Missouri State University – West Plains’ new Freedom of Expression policy.
- The next meeting will be April 10th at 3:00 pm in room L307.
Adjournment:
Kris Brinkerhoff adjourned the meeting.