In attendance:  Chulapol Thanomsing, Mary Kellum, Kileene Collins, Lu Adams, Alyssa Collins, Alice Smith, Sarath Rongali, Caitlin Crouse, Karla Bean, Missi Jett, Grayson Gordon, , Sylvia Kuhlmeier, Jill Stephens, Debbie Martin, Sheila Barton, Kathy Schloss, Dakota Bates, Scott Schneider, Joe Kammerer, Karen Pecsok, Mary Maupin, Michelle Branton, Aileen Gonzales, and Thora Broyles.

Chulapol called the meeting to order.

Chancellor Bennett gave an update on Graduation. Everyone agreed this year’s speaker, Orvin Kimbrough of the Board of Governors, was the best to date. Peggy Kissinger was the recipient of the Honory Degree and she was very thankful.

The legislative session is now closed – Dr. Bennett reported we had a 5.2% increase and qualified for Performance Funding. That funding will cover deferred maintenance projects, including a fire and sprinkler system in Putnam. There will also be some projects in the Library and Looney Hall.

Our number one Capital Project, Hass-Hoover, will not be funded by the state. The Executive Budget Committee is in discussions about issuing a bond to help cover part of the $6 million that is projected for costs of the project.

Operation 50K was a great success. With 56,000+ hours, we met and surpassed our goals. Thanks to all that contributed. Our volunteer efforts will continue, at the request of students, faculty and staff. It will be called, “The Grizzly Give Back”.  Faculty, staff, students and Alumni will be able to continue recording their volunteer hours.

Dr. Bennett recognized our custodial crews for all of their hard work year round.

We have received the HLC draft report and the committee recommended we are re-accredited. We met all 5 criteria with a couple concerns that we can respond to and correct via a written report.

Dr. Bennett presented a Certificate of Appreciation to outgoing Staff Senate Treasurer, Alyssa Collins for the last two years of service. Also, receiving a Certificate  of Appreciation for outgoing Staff Senate Secretary, Jill Stephens.

Open Positions Report: Provided by Alyssa Collins

Current Searches

History (Full Time Faculty, 9-Month Appointment) – To be posted 5/23/14

Bookstore Manager (Full Time Staff) – Application deadline 5/23/14

Executive Assistant IV (Full Time Staff) – Reviewing applications. Finishing clerical testing.

Academic Advisor (Full Time Staff) – Reviewing applications.

Mathematics (Full Time Faculty, 9-Month Appointment) – Hiring proposal submitted.

New Hires

Victoria Howerton – Coordinator, Testing & Prior Learning Assessment (TAACCCT Grant) 5/1/14

Bronwen Madden – Coordinator, Small Business & Technology Development Center 5/19/14

Dan Wilson – Part-time Web Programmer (Title III) 5/27/14

Briana Walsh – Assistant Volleyball Coach 6/2/14

Lindsay Hill – Instructor of Nursing 8/1/14

Capital Projects:  Scott Schneider

Still in hopes for funding for the Post Office building and grounds. No final plans yet but discussions are beginning.

The the TAACCCT Grant, there will be a Greenhouse built between Lybyer and Kellett. Construction to begin this summer.

The Grizzly House in the process of getting a new roof.

This summer, all campus parking lots will be resurfaced.

Upcoming Events: 

Scott Schneider announced as of yesterday, there are 50 signed up so far, for Kid’s College, in July.

Faculty/Staff Welcome Back Potluck Picnic will be Friday, September 5th on the lower level of Lybyer. Watch your email for more details.

Department Information:

Kathy Schloss shared some new items they are offering in the Drago College Store.

Mary Kellum said they need some new TRIO Applicants. The students must meet one of three criteria to qualify: (1) Low Income; (2) First Generation Student; (3) Disabled

Old Business:

Staff Senate meetings will start meeting on the first Friday of every month from 10:30-11:30

New Business:

Two projects for the Staff Senate to consider are:

Adopt-A-Street (Led by Scott Schneider) and Habitat For Humanity (Led by Mary Kellum). Grayson made a motion to explore these two considerations to gather more information and vote on them at the next meeting. Kathy Schloss seconded the motion.

Staff Concerns:  Chulapol said he will meet with Dr. Bennett bi-weekly to address any staff concerns that are brought forward.  None noted at this meeting.

Meeting was adjourned and everyone enjoyed the potluck luncheon.