Staff Senate

at Missouri State-West Plains

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02/27/2025 Staff Senate Meeting 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 January Meeting Minutes

Chancellor’s Report

President’s Report (Trish Smith)

  • 2024-2025 Granvil Vaughan Nominations (see attachment)
  • 2024-2025 Honorary Degree Nominations (see attachment)
  • That Friday Thing – ASCEND plans to host the next That Friday Thing on Friday, March 14, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. They hope everyone will attend to see their new digs.
  • Volunteer opportunities:
    • Birthday Blessings has group volunteer opportunities on the following weekday mornings:
      • Monday
      • Wednesday
      • Friday
    • If you are interested in volunteering, please let me know which weekday works best for you. I can put multiple groups together. All hands make a difference.
  • Staff Senate welcome gifts for new employees:
    • “Grizzly Campus Recipes” cookbook:
      • We received 64 recipes, which is AWESOME! Now, please note that I haven’t checked for duplicate recipes yet, so that number may decrease a little. But, a tremendous thank you to everyone who took the time to contribute to this endeavor. I am currently working with communications on a quote to print the books and with Wayne Cahoj in the bookstore to sell the books.
      • We can’t determine or discuss a selling price until we receive a quote. Since our next meeting is only two weeks away, we will discuss the selling price at that time.
    • New staff gift idea (paid for by the funds raised selling cookbooks) presented by Trevor Cressman.
  • Welcome to the Grizzly family:
    • Abbi Hortsman, Admission Counselor
  • The next Administrative Council meeting is Wednesday, March 5. Please let me know if you have any questions or issues to bring before the Council. My extension is 57900, and my email address is WPStaffSenate@MissouriState.edu. My office door is always open (Kellett Hall, #203).

President-Elect Report (Trevor Cressman)

Secretary Report (Kileene Collins)

Treasurer Report (Alex Graham)

Committee Reports

  • None this week

 Department Reports

  • Human Resources (Alyssa Collins)
    • Mammogram Bus Appointments: The OZH Mobile Mammography Unit will be on campus Wednesday, June 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the north Lybyer parking lot. Call 417-257-5912 to schedule an appointment. Preventative screening is available at no cost to female employees over 40 with the MSU health plan. Refer to the flyer for more details.
    • Estate Planning Educational Session: Are you prepared for life’s biggest transitions? Join Rachel Fortenberry, Founder of Fortified Elder Law, on Tuesday, March 4 from Noon-1:00 p.m. to learn how to prepare for life’s unexpected changes. This virtual session covers essential estate planning topics like wills, trusts, and healthcare directives. You’ll also learn how to update beneficiaries, access helpful resources, and explore workplace benefits that can support your financial future and protect your loved ones during major life transitions. Refer to the HR Blog for registration details.
    • Student Celebration of Leaders Nominations: Please take a moment to recognize a deserving Grizzly! Any staff or faculty member can nominate a student. Nominee categories include:
      • Community Service
      • Campus Service
      • Outstanding Student Employee
      • Outstanding Corps of Opportunity
      • First Generation Student
      • Outstanding Student Leader
      • Multicultural/International Leadership Award
    •  Please submit your nominations through the online form by Friday, March 7. If you have any questions, please contact Luke Hurtt.

 

  • Music Program (Rocky Long)
    • The MSU-WPs Community Band will join the Springfield Community Band for a concert on Monday, March 3, at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m.
    • Music festival events during the Spring Semester. Assistance running and supervising the events is needed. Please consider volunteering. The dates are as follows:
      • Friday, March 7, 2025 / 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
      • MO HS Activities Association District Music Festival
      • Solo & Small Ensembles
      • Melton, Lybyer, Hass-Darr, Methodist Church, and potentially Gohn if needed.
      • Tuesday, March 25, 2025 / 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
      • MSU-WP Music Program Pre-Festival Assessment
      • HS Bands and Choirs
      • WP Civic Center
      • Friday, March 28, 2025 / 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
      • MO HS Activities Association District Music Festival – Bands and Choirs
      • WP Civic Center
      • Saturday, April 12, 2025 / 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
      • MSU-WP Music Festival for Vocal & Instrumental Students
      • WP Civic Center
      • Bands, Choirs, Solos, and Small Ensembles

Upcoming Events & Important Dates:

 Adjournment