In attendance: Michelle Branton, Shiela Barton, Sylvia Kuhlmeier, Joe Kammerer, Sharath Rongali, Alyssa Collins, Becky Estes, Mary Kellum, Scott Schneider, Grayson Gordon, and Chulapol Thanomsing.

I. Updates

• Chancellor: Dr. Bennett addressed the Staff Senate: He shared that enrollment is up 3.9% at this time. We are anticipating a $5.00 increase in tuition. All of the A+ students have been contacted about the shortfall of one credit hour for them. The Chancellor is continue to lobby on behalf of A+ students with our legislators asking for additional funding to take care of this one credit shortfall and to fully fund the program next year. He invited us to attend the Homecoming game this weekend and Trivia Night next week. He also reminded us of the upcoming Employee Recognition Luncheon. He answered questions. The governor is putting out a bonding issue for consideration. The University can use volunteers at Garnett Friends of the Library and other ways. Contact Joe Kammerer on this. He mentioned the AEL and its successful transition to the university setting.
• Michelle Branton: Presented about the Title III Progress

  Scott Schneider updated us on the Post Office/Missouri Hall funding options.

  Shelia Barton talked about the TACT Grant and the building of the Green House.

Welcome New Employees:

• None

Academic Affairs: Dr. Lancaster of Academic Affairs presented Educational Pathways to us and answered questions.

Title III: Michelle Branton present a power point on the Title III Grant

Business & Support Services:

• Scott Schneider updated us on the Post Office/Missouri Hall funding options.
• Sheila Barton talked about the TAACCCT Grant and the building of the Green House.

Department Updates:

• Sylvia Kuhlmeier reported that the library has two new online resources available for use: Psychtestonline and Ambrose digital video.
• Habitat For Humanity is looking for volunteers to help out at the Home Show on March 7 & 8 at the Civic Center.
• Drago College Store will be having a Valentine’s Day sale next week, Monday through Friday. 20% off of 1 item and 25% off 2 or more items.

Approval of Minutes:

• Motion to approve: Sheila Barton
• Second: Becky Estes
• Approved: All

II. Old Business

Battery Recycling Effort:

• Chulapol reported to us that we will be using the Battery Recycle Program via the Garnett Library.

Staff Dedication Wall:

• Chulapol reported that he had received a quote on an 18 x24 plaque for the Staff Recognition Wall. The price was $127 and $3.50 for each name.

Staff Senate Representative attending Faculty Senate:

• Jill Stephens has volunteered to serve as the liaison for Staff Senate with the Faculty Senate.

SSIP (Staff Salary Incentive Program): 

• Mary Kellum report on the Staff Salary Incentive Plan. She, Chulapol Thanomsing, and Grayson Gordon are meeting with the Staff Senate from Missouri State University Springfield via teleconference to develop this plan. More information will follow.

III. New Business

City Wide Chili Cook-Off:

• The City Wide Chili Cook-Off is January 31. The Gordon’s are representing us. Volunteers would be appreciated to help with this.

IV. Next Meeting:

• February 6, 2015 in the Cass Hall Conference Room at 10:30am