Date/Location:

March 20, 2025 – 10:30am via Zoom

In Attendance: Trish Smith, Kileene Collins, Alexandra Graham, Trevor Cressman, Alyssa Collins, CJ Collins, Mel Steele, Nina Williams, Crockett Oaks, Tanya Miller, Wayne Cahoj, Kelly Becker, Douglas Cooley, Rebekah McKinney, Heath Lair, Trace Winfrey, Michelle Bryan, Sophia Skinner, Todd Stockton, Jessica Johnson, Luke Hurtt, Joshua Gregory, Mark White, Kelley Towell, Melissa Jett, Kristi Huff, Misty Davis, Krista Lair, Cyneca Huddleston, Mikala King, Pam Tate, Tara Shahan, Abbi (Horstman) Worley, Vickie Petkovic, Julie Dulaney, Charles Rietman, Alex Cochran, Sue Icenhower, and Christina Kerley.

Approval of Agenda – Motion to approve and seconded.

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

Chancellor’s Report

• Budget Update – continuing to watch. House proposed a 1.5% across the board increase for all 4-yr institutions, which includes us. System discussions – possibly a 1% salary increase across the board or 1-time payment – more to come.
• If you hear of students affected by the storms or in general – suggest the Emergency Grant.
• Questions:
  • As a staff, how can we help those affected by the storms? We cannot do anything, as a university. Student organizations can get involved. Individual groups can help but we cannot contribute financially, as an institution.
  • Dept. of Education concerns/discussions? Pell grants & loans will go to the US Dept of Commerce, which is good news for our students. Other grants will go to other depts. Other aspects of the DOE – unsure and remains to be seen. Not much of an effect on us is expected.
• Retirement Update – Dennis’ wife, Rita is retiring, and they decided to do it together.

President’s Report (Trish Smith)

• There were no submissions from staff for the 2024-2025 Granvil Vaughan or Honorary Degree.
• That Friday Thing:
  • ASCEND’s on Friday, March 14 was so much fun!
  • Looking for a dept to hold the next one in April. Let Trish know.
• Volunteer opportunities: Let Trish know if you are interested in volunteering and which day works for you. Multiple groups can work together. All hands make a difference.
  • Birthday Blessings has group volunteer opportunities on the following weekday mornings:
    • Monday
    • Wednesday
    • Friday
  • Trish is going to plan to volunteer the week of April 7. Anyone that would like to join her, let her know.
  • The Chaos Closet needs assistance hanging clothes and sorting clothes and organizing hygiene items.
  • Email wpstaffsenate@missouristate.edu  if interested in either of these options.

• Fundraising Ideas:
  • “Grizzly Campus Recipes” cookbooks:
    • We have received two quotes for printing 50-60 cookbooks:
      • Springfield Print Services – $542.20 ($10.844 per book)
      • WP Daily Quill – $750.00 ($15.00 per book)
    • After discussions with Wayne Cahoj, the initial thought is to sell the books for $20. The first 27-32 books sold will reimburse the bookstore for the cost of printing. Every book sold past that will be staff senate funds.
    • Thoughts, comments, suggestions:
      • Will have two table of contents – one for the recipes divided into the appropriate sections, and one by names of those that contributed.
      • The majority agree with the $20 per book.
      • The first printing will be for 60 books, and we can make a re-order if needed.
      • Thanks to Wayne for assisting with the whole process.
• Welcome to the Grizzly family:
  • Sarah Rietman – Testing Coordinator (Sarah has been part-time test proctor since April 2022).
• The next Administrative Council meeting is Wednesday, March 26. 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)

• Summer Scholars – looking for volunteers.
  • June 9-11 for 9-12 graders. Mon-Wed 8am – 3pm.
  • June 23-27 for 5-8 graders. Mon-Thur. 8am – 3pm and Fridays 8am – noon.
  • Please email Trevor if you are interested. Need help in all areas.

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)
    • Get ready for the Spring Walking Challenge from March 24 – April 20. Participate in a chance to win a $25 Drago College Store gift card! Visit the Walking Challenge webpage for information and registration instructions.
  • Garnett Library (Rebekah McKinney)
    • Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 6:00 p.m.: Dawn Larsen, Songs of the Ozarks. Light refreshments provided.
    • Tuesday, April 8, 6:00 p.m.: Dave Malone, Celebrate National Poetry Month. Listen to poetry, song lyrics, and contemporary songs. Light refreshments provided.

• • Music Program (Rocky Long)
    • Music Festival events during the spring semester. Assistance running and supervising the events is needed. Please consider volunteering and if interested, contact Rocky Long at RockyLong@MissouriState.edu.  The dates are as follows:
      • 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
  • ASCEND (Mikala King)
    • Autism Awareness – April is Autism Awareness Month and to celebrate, we want to Light the Campus Blue on April 2. They are asking all to wear Grizzly Blue and they have blue tealights to put in windows around campus, for those that would like to participate and show their support. Please contact Nina Williams at NinaWilliams@MissouriState.edu if you would like some lights to display.

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

Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 11:08 a.m.