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Staff Senate Meeting Minutes November 9, 2023

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Date/Location:

November 9, 2023 – 10:30am via Zoom

In Attendance: Vickie Petkovic, Alexandra Graham, Kileene Collins, Trish Smith, Mel Steele, Brittney Adkisson, Mark White, Neva Parrott, Mikala King, Kelly Becker, Tanya Miller, Cindy Bridges, Deana Bell, Pam Tate, Michelle Bryan, Melissa Jett, Tara Shahan, Lindsey Hicks, Christina Hodgson, Alex Cochran, Donna Monticelli, Christina Kerley, Biff Bird, Barbie Mustion, Wayne Cahoj, Kris Brinkerhoff, Todd Stockton, and Carrie Steen.

Approval of Agenda – Motion to approve agenda and seconded.

Approval of October Minutes – Motion to approve agenda and seconded.

Chancellor’s Report

  • Thank you to all that helped with the HLC site visit. Things went well. They were impressed with the Ozarks Symposium & the ASCEND program. We will receive a draft version of their report in a few weeks and will get their final report in the spring.
  • Thank you to all that helped with the ASCEND Groundbreaking. It was a great event.
  • Housing update: The lawyers are working on a resolution. More to come.
  • ADP season is here. Check your email for more information.
  • The Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers to help with the Christmas parade on December 9 beginning at 2pm to approximately 5pm.
  • Happy Thanksgiving to all and hope you enjoy your time off.

Welcome Guests

  • Jason McCollom, Faculty Senate Chair – Praise from the HLC reps regarding how it is evident all staff and faculty really care about the students.
  • Stacy Tintocalis, Executive Director, Heart of the Ozarks United Way – The current campaign runs through Dec 15. New grant program to assist low-income families, beginning Dec 1. Added 2 organizations – Birthday Blessings and Chaos Closets. Also 10 other non-profit organizations. 100% of donations will go towards the organizations and you can select which organization you want it to go to. Available through payroll deduct.

President’s Report (Vickie Petkovic)

  • Events Committee – table for now.
  • Volunteer Opportunity – Contact Vickie if you are interested in volunteering for the Christmas parade.
  • Angel Tree Program – ongoing and there are angels ready for selection.
  • Training – EMS Training next Tuesday. Contact Mike Scheidt for more information.
  • Find out what is happening with the presidential search
  • The Friday Thing discussions – Kelly Becker will coordinate the first event after the holidays.
  • Staff Senate T-shirts – still available in the bookstore.

President Elect Report (Trish Smith) – no report

Secretary Report (Kileene Collins) – no report

Treasurer Report (Alex Graham) – $1,790.39

Department Updates, Announcements, and Committee Updates/Reports

  • Committee Reports
    • No reports
  • Departmental Reports
    • Human Resources
      • Employee Benefits Fair: If you missed the Employee Benefits Fair on October 25 or if you want to review benefits while you are making your choices during open enrollment, a virtual benefit fair is available now through December 1.
      • 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.
      • 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
    • IT
      • The new admissions application is nearing completion.

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

Next Meeting: December 14, 2023, at 10:30am via Zoom

Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 11:05