Staff Senate

Date/Location:

February 27, 2025 – 10:30am via Zoom

In Attendance: Trish Smith, Kileene Collins, Alexandra Graham, Alyssa Collins, Sophia Skinner, Brittney Adkisson, Mel Steele, Pam Tate, Christina Kerley, Lauren Willis, Deana Bell, Jennifer Edgeller, Michelle Bryan, Carrie Steen, Kelley Towell, CJ Collins, Neva Parrott, Laura Underhill, Jess Johnson, Tara Shahan, Barbie Mustion, Jennifer Walker, Cyneca Huddleston, Nina Williams, Crockett Oaks, Joshua Gregory, Wayne Cahoj, Douglas Cooley, Mikala King, Kelly Becker, Luke Hurtt, Trace Winfrey, Sue Icenhower, Kris Brinkerhoff, Rocky Long, and Vickie Petkovic.

Approval of Agenda – Motion to approve and seconded.

Approval of January Meeting Minutes – Motion to approve and seconded.

Chancellor’s Report

Update on legislative items – nothing of great threat on the state level. Admin Council is working on the budget, and we plan to have a town hall when final decisions are made.
April 4 Risner Farm Dedication event at 1:30. Later that day will be a Rodeo Showcase, but it is by invitation only. Contact Rachel Peterson if you would like to attend.
Open House for the new ASCEND building is tentatively set for either April 15 or April 17. An announcement will be made once the date is confirmed.

President’s Report (Trish Smith)

2024-2025 Granvil Vaughan nominations are being sought. Send nominations to Trish by March 14.
2024-2025 Honorary Degree nominations are being sought. Send nominations to Trish by March 14.
That Friday Thing:
- ASCEND plans to host the next event on March 14 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. They hope everyone will be able to attend and see their new digs.
Volunteer opportunities: Let Trish know if you are interested in volunteering and which day works for you.
- Birthday Blessings has group volunteer opportunities on the following weekday mornings:
  - Monday
  - Wednesday
  - Friday

Welcome gifts for new employees:
- Trevor shared an example of a laser cut bear on a stand that can be personalized. After some discussion, it was decided he will pursue some other options that would be in our price range and will present them during our next meeting.
- Please note that while it’s everyone’s desire to welcome a new staff member with a gift, we will not be able to provide much for a long period of time if we do not make some fundraising ideas a reality.
Fundraising Ideas:
- Recipe Cookbooks
  - We received 68 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 cannot determine or discuss a selling price until we receive quotes. Trish is going to attempt to obtain multiple quotes to find the cheapest price. She will also be sending out a poll via email to get an idea of how many faculty and staff are willing to purchase and their ideas on the quantity we should have made and this will be discussed further at our next meeting.
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) – no report

Secretary Report (Kileene Collins) – no report

Treasurer Report (Alex Graham) –We have $1,866.54 in our account.

Department Updates, Announcements, and Committee Updates/Reports

Committee Reports
- No reports this month
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 nominations through the online form by Friday, March 7. If you have any questions, please contact Luke Hurtt.
  - New Insurance Cards will be sent because the name of the pharmaceutical company has changed. Please watch your mail for new cards.
- 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. It is FREE to attend.
  - 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.
      - Civic Center
    - Saturday, April 12, 2025 / 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
      - MSU-WP Music Festival for Vocal & Instrumental Students.
      - Bands, Choirs, Solos, and Small Ensembles
      - WP Civic Center

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

Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 11:17 a.m.