Staff Senate Mission Statement:

The Staff Senate serves as a liaison to administration as an advocate for staff welfare and productivity, in conjunction with the University’s mission, to support, improve, innovate and promote academic excellence.

University Mission Statement:

Missouri State University-West Plains empowers students to achieve personal success and to enrich their local and global communities. As a two-year public institution, we provide accessible, affordable, and quality educational opportunities.

1. Call-to-Order
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Approval of February Meeting Minutes
4. Chancellor’s Report
5. Welcome Guests
   • Paula Wilhelm – Assistant Director of Human Resources-Performance Management
   • Brenda Smith – Faculty Senate Chair
   • Brenda Polyard – COVID Response Team Report
6. President’s Report (Jared)
   • Admin Council Report
     • $20,000 grant was received for the Diversity space in between Hass-Darr and Melton. The official naming for that space is currently being discussed.
     • Surplus Auction April 1, 2021 at 9am.
     • Starting this week, the Lybyer computer lab will now be open on Saturdays from 10am-2pm.
   • Academic Success Coach- Vickie Petkovic was hired and has started within this position.
   • Online Course Coordinator/Instructional Designer- Krista Lair was hired and has started within this position.
   • Over 300 responses to the eight-week course survey. Another reminder was sent out to all students (Currently discussing sending out a survey to the faculty and staff, as well).
     • Honorary Degree Nomination
     • Polls
       • Staff Senate T-Shirt-Rachel Peterson
       • HR/Five Year Service Milestone Gift-Alyssa Collins
     • 2021-2022 Staff Senate Cabinet Nominations
       • President Elect, Treasurer, and Secretary

7. President Elect Report (Amber)
8. Secretary Report (Kileene)
9. Treasurer Report (Alex)
10. Department Updates & Committee Reports
    • Committee Updates
      • Grizzly Ambassador Program – Website, application and logo are completed. Big thanks to Kris Brinkerhoff and Ron Kerns for their help in developing these for us! Still on target to launch the GAP on May 1, 2021.
      • Grizzly Strong – Next Meeting is Monday, March 22. The Grizzly Strong/Grizzly Country Banners are in production with the target goal of being installed by end of March.
      • Executive Budget Committee- Discussion on Common Fee and Tuition
        1. Next meeting is set for Friday, March 19 @ 1:30 pm. Contact Scott Schneider if you are interested in attending the meeting and getting the Zoom link.
      • Department Reports
        • Save the Date: An Employee Appreciation Picnic will be noon to 2 p.m. Friday, May. 7, at the MSU-WP amphitheater. All full-time faculty and full-time staff are invited to attend. The picnic will replace the Employee Recognition Luncheon traditionally held in January. Part-time staff and student employees will also be recognized during the Employee Appreciation Week of May 3-7. Details will be forthcoming.
        • Diversity 101 for Employees: Diversity 101 training presented by Juan Meraz, assistant vice president for diversity and inclusion, will be held via Zoom on Thurs., April 8 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. This session is specifically for employees on the West Plains campus. Please register through My Learning Connection.
        • Don’t Lose Vacation! Employees are encouraged to check their leave balances to avoid lost vacation time at end of FY21. Read the HR Blog for more details
      • Celebration of Leaders nomination link sent out in Take Note this week.

11. Upcoming Events & Important Dates: For a complete list of events please go to https://calendar.wp.missouristate.edu/
    3/27- Homecoming

3/27- Fertigation (Fertilization + Irrigation) Workshop

3/30- Teacher Placement Day

3/31-4/6- Art Around Town

4/1- Spring Holiday (No classes/Offices Open)

4/2- Spring Holiday (No classes/Offices Closed)

12. Next Meeting: April 8 @ 10:30am
13. Adjournment