Staff Senate

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10/12/2023 Staff Senate Agenda

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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.

 

Call to Order

Approval of Agenda

Approval of August Meeting Minutes

Approval of September Meeting Minutes

Chancellor’s Report – Dr. Dennis Lancaster

 

Welcome Guests

  • Jason McCollom, Faculty Senate
  • Deidre Mings, Assistant Director, Human Resources-Benefits

President’s Report (Vickie Petkovic)

  • Volunteer/service/project opportunities
  • Recap: Operation First Smile, Welcome Week Block Party and Waterpalooza, CASA Dinner Theatre, Sadie Brown Cemetery
  • Downtown West Plains Revitalization Events: Block Party 10/14 and Scare on the Square 10/31
  • Lee Denim Days and Chili Cookoff – On hold at present.
  • That Friday Thing
  • Staff Senate T-shirts
  • The next Administrative Council meeting will be Tuesday October 17. Please let me know any questions you have or issues that you want brought before the Council.

President Elect Report (Trish Smith)

Secretary Report (Kileene Collins)

Treasurer Report (Alex Graham)

Committee Reports (none)

Department Reports

  • Human Resources (Deidre Mings)
  • Employee Benefits Fair:All full-time and part-time employees are invited to Missouri State University’s Benefits Fair from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, in the Student Recreation Center. Employees will have the opportunity to meet with our various insurance and benefit providers in an informal setting. The Howell County Health Department will provide free COVID vaccinations. Plus, be sure to enter for a chance to win one of many door prizes! No appointment is required.
  • Earn the 2024 Wellness Incentive Discount:In order to educate employees about health benefits resources and to reduce the impact of influenza on our workforce, full-time employees enrolled on the MSU health plan will qualify for the full 2024 wellness incentive by completing an educational “Did you know” questionnaire through My Learning Connection ($15 incentive; available Oct. 9-Dec. 1, 2023) and by receiving a flu vaccination ($15 incentive, received between Aug. 1-Dec. 1, 2023). Refer to the HR blog for more information.
  • Health Plan and Prescription Premium Rates: MSU’s health coverage plan will incur rate increases for 2024.
  • FREE Flu Shots: Flu vaccinations through Magers Health and Wellness will be available to all employees, full- or part-time, and immediate family members (spouses, sponsored dependents, and eligible dependents 6 years of age and older) at no cost to the employee. The final vaccination clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, in the Student Recreation Center. Appointments are required.Please schedule online through the MyHealth Portal.
  • FREE Biometric Screenings: All employees are encouraged to undergo annual biometric screenings, which is a covered preventative service under the MSU health plan. Additionally, full-time employees who have received an approved accommodation to the 2024 wellness incentive program will be permitted to earn the $15 month incentive by completing biometrics in lieu of vaccination. (Additional $15 portion of incentive will require completion of educational questionnaire). Free biometric screenings provided by Magers will be available to benefit eligible employees from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, in the Student Recreation Center. Appointments are required.Please schedule online through the MyHealth Portal
  • Staff Excellence in University Service Awards: Do you know a coworker who has proven superior service to MSU-WP? Nominations are now being accepted for the Staff Excellence in University Service Awards. Staff, faculty, and administrators are encouraged to nominate full-time staff employees for this award. The nomination deadline is Friday, Nov. 10. The Staff Excellence in University Service Awards recognizes excellence in service to the university among staff employees. University officials wish to recognize those staff employees who strive to do their jobs well daily, those who go above and beyond the call of duty in a special situation, and those who have contributed in a significant way to the success of the university. Six full-time staff employees will receive a one-time $1,500 award. Nomination forms and additional information can be found at http://www.missouristate.edu/seusa
  • Painting Workshop fundraiser for one of the University’s United Way Partners, Christos House, will be on October 24, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Magnolia Room at the West Plains Civic Center. See attached flyer for more details and sign-up information.
  • Workforce Development (Sheila Barton)
    • The Too Cute Scarecrow Painting Workshop, Saturday, October 14 from 10:00 to noon at the Creative Discovery Center at Drago Hall. Register by contacting Sheila Barton or online through Eventbrite. Only $45 and seats are available.
  • IT (CJ Collins)
  • University Communications
    • If you are planning a university-sponsored event on campus, please refer to the Event Planning Checklist for detailed information about the steps you should take to ensure your event is a success. The checklist includes a timeline for completing the various tasks involved in planning for the event, such as:
      • posting the event to the web master calendar or submitting a publicity request form for graphics, flyers, news releases, etc.
      • the appropriate individuals or departments/offices to contact for assistance with those tasks
      • other important information and links

If you have questions, please email WPUnivComm@MissouriState.edu.

  • Student Services & SGA – Angel Tree Invitation
    • Please read and respond as you are able to the invitation emailed to all staff on Tuesday. An excerpt follows: Stop by the Vice Chancellor of Student Services office beginning Monday, November 1 to pick up information on sponsoring a child or family.  We are asking that sponsors provide each child they choose with at least one item of clothing and one toy.  We also ask that sponsors spend at least $50 on each child.  If sponsors prefer to give a monetary donation of $50 or more, the SGA has agreed to do the shopping for them.  Sponsors are asked to return gifts to the Vice Chancellor of Student Services’ office by December 1st so that we will have time to distribute the gifts.  Also, if you know of any students who would benefit from this program, you can direct them to the Vice Chancellor of Student Services office from October 16 through November 10 to fill out information forms for their children.  If you have any questions about the Angel Tree Program, you can contact Angie Totty at 417-255-7255.  Thank you and again we invite you to take part in this joyous celebration of the Holiday spirit
  • Garnett Library/Friends of the Garnett Library (Rebekah McKinney)
  • Friends of the Garnett Library Meeting and Luncheon tomorrow, October 13 at 12:00 p.m. The program “Grizzly eSports” will be presented by Alex Pinnon, Head Coach and CJ Collins, Assistant Coach.
  • Poetry Reading on October 17 at 6:00 p.m. Dave Malone will be reading poetry from his most recent work “Bypass.” Books will be available for purchase. Light refreshments provided.
  • Karst Topography and the West Plains Sewage Lagoon Disaster of 1978 on October 19 at 1:20 p.m.: Students from West Plains High School Project Lead the Way (PLTW) biomedical course will present on the disaster of 1978, when the sewage lagoon collapsed. Light refreshments provided.
  • “Mythological Monsters of the Ozarks” on October 26 at 6:00 p.m.: Dr. Brooks Blevins will speak about the mythological monsters of the Ozarks. Bring your kids. Light refreshments provided.
  • Friends of the Garnett Library are selling cheesecakes until October 20. We have 13 flavors to choose from this year. Come into Garnett Library and Order yours today!!! Payment due at time of order.

Upcoming Events & Important Dates:

Adjournment