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Staff Senate Meeting Minutes December 9, 2021

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Date/Location:

December 9, 2021 – 10:30am via Zoom

In Attendance: Rachel Peterson, Kileene Collins, Bryan Moore, Alex Graham, Sheila Barton, Trish Smith, Mark White, Heath Lair, Kelly Becker, Biff Bird, CJ Collins, Charles Rietman, Alyssa Collins, Douglas Cooley, Rebekah McKinney, Lauren Franz, Melissa Jett, Erica Puckett, Lindsey Hicks,, Lauren Kerley, Jennifer Walker, Kelley Towell, Cindy Bridges, Nancy Leeper, Pam Tate, Joan Wright, Laurie Wall, Garland Barton, Angela Marcak, Neva Parrott, Krista Lair, Christina Kerley, Tara Shahan, Marcie Bean, and Kris Brinkerhoff

Approval of Agenda – Motion to approve made by CJ Collins, seconded by, Alex Graham, motion carried

Approval of January Meeting Minutes – Motion to approve the November 18, 2021, meeting minutes by Sheila Barton, seconded by Alex Graham, motion carried

Chancellor’s Report

  • Thanks to all who sent him a congratulations and for the condolences
  • Bo Pace Welding Program – fun event at the naming ceremony
  • Gifts received for renovations of the Library for the Ozark Heritage & Resource Center and for the Ascend program that will be for students on the autism spectrum
  • Cost of living increase may come in June
  • Watch your email for a Holiday Greeting
  • Happy Holidays to all and hope you enjoy your break

Welcome Guests

  • Angela Totty, Dean of Student Services – DEI
    • Please be careful about making an assumption, based on what you see when you are interacting with others. ie: Just because a female student is of African descent and tall, does not automatically mean she is on the volleyball team
    • Flag Poles in commons area should be up by the end of this semester
  • Paula Wilhelm, Asst. Director of Human Resources-Performance Management, Missouri State University – ADP reminder and employees dealing with stress have resources available that may help (Employee Assistance Program)
  • Gary Phillips, Faculty Senate Chair – Merry Christmas and thanks for the Angel Tree challenge

Welcome New Employees

  • Lauren Kerley, Administrative Specialist – Financial Aid
  • Travis Woods, Custodian I – Physical Plant
  • Brittney Adkisson – Administrative Assistant II – University/Community Programs

President’s Report (Rachel Peterson)

  • Supporting each other – Rachel encouraged us to be supportive of others and what they may be going through, such as departments being short staffed, working through stressful times, etc…
  • Long-Range Plan focus groups – After our break, Rachel may be reaching out for participants – please send Rachel an email if you are interested
  • Jean policy amendment request – Based on the survey results, the vote was really close to 50/50 so the decision was made to stick with Mondays for jeans with Grizzly Gear Day – we are allowed to wear jeans Dec 17 – Dec 22
  • Reminder – Holiday Potluck, Friday Dec 17 from 11am – 1:30pm T103, T104 and T105 signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409054babae2ea0f58-missouri
  • Reminder – Confidential “Suggestion Box”, morale, trust

President Elect Report – no report

Secretary Report (Kileene Collins) – no report

Treasurer Report (Alex Graham) – We have $1,684.09 in the account – money from the t-shirt sales will be deposited soon and there are still t-shirts available for purchase

Department Updates, Announcements, and Committee Updates/Reports

  • Committee Updates
    • Grizzly Ambassador Program – Next event, February 11 Team Building exercise; Be thinking about joining the next cohort
  • Departmental Reports
    • HR (Alyssa Collins)
      • The Heart of the Ozarks United Way pledge deadline is December 15
      • Missouri minimum wage will increase to $11.15 hourly, Corp of Opportunity will increase to $12/hr effective Jan 1
      • 2021 ADP one-on-one sessions and acknowledgements are due Jan 31
      • Save the date: Employee Recognition Luncheon February 11, 2022
      • Anyone that participated in the virtual Benefits Fair please email Alyssa with any feedback on your experience
    • IT (CJ Collins)
      • Banner upgrades this weekend
      • Do not turn off your network printers while on break – just cover them
    • IT Web Training (Kris Brinkerhoff) – Monday Lybyer 101

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

  • 12/10 – Friends of the Garnett Library meeting & luncheon, T104-105
  • 12/10 – Counselor & A+ Coordinator Meeting and luncheon
  • 12/16 – Grizzly Basketball Home Game, 7pm WPCC
  • 12/22-1/4 – Campus closed for holiday break

Next Meeting: January 13 at 10:30am via Zoom

Adjournment: Motion by Bryan Moore and seconded by CJ Collins to adjourn, motion passed