10-4-2006
October 4, 2006
Members present: Shelly, Rick, Ann-Scott, Mardell, Crystal, Tim, Connie, Brady, Abe, Tricia and William
Topics Discussed:
- Budget. Shelly distributed the 07-08 Budget proposal along with the explanations/justifications for proposed increases. The proposed budget totals $32,030.00, a $7029 increase over this year. Comments regarding budget issues included:
- The one-time expense of copying/producing and sending CARES (Staff Assembly Handbook) to all employees.
- Adding a line item for expenses incurred for a proposed new program which would give special recognition to staff for “Outstanding Service in Support of the Mission”. Nominations could come from anyone (except self-nominations). This conversation drew a lot of positive enthusiasm for everyone as this recognition would not be related to cost saving initiatives (the bottom line) or length of service or a lottery but would be a reward for real service and positive actions above and beyond in support of the mission of the university. Details need to be worked out. (i.e. working with GSBA so students are aware they can nominate staff). Shelly is going to approach Fr. Spitizer about working collaboratively on this project. Suggested rewards included a certificate and/or Bulldog bucks or 2 hours paid time off. This would be in addition to the annual gifts all staff already receive.
- Staff Assembly is allowed to solicit vendors for discounts for GU Employees. Many discounts already exist. We need to work with GSBA and other departments to create a list of current vendors who provide discounts. We also should have a brochure to approach businesses that explains our goals, etc.
- The one-time expense of copying/producing and sending CARES (Staff Assembly Handbook) to all employees.
- Staff Assembly Handbook – CARES. Ann-Scott has worked hard on the handbook. Some changes were suggested under “Empowering You”. It was also suggested that everyone mentioned in the handbook (i.e. Jason Swain, Vicki Loveland, etc) be given an opportunity to review the text around their name for accuracy. We will also give SA members another chance to review it and send suggestions to Ann-Scott.
- Meeting with Debbie Cerenzia regarding donating sick leave. Current policy does not allow employees to donate sick leave to other employees. This policy is to protect employees from running out of sick leave in the case of prolonged illness or recuperation. Shelly is going to pursue seeing if a policy of donating sick leave might be established for employees who have 1000+ hours of sick leave.
- Laura Brunell, Assistant Professor of Political Science and chair of the Justice Committee, approached Shelly about have a staff assembly member attend committee meetings. Their theme this year is Economic Justice. They would like to do something on the living wage issue and for starters would like to know whether all Gonzaga employees earn a living wage which is somewhere in the vicinity of $13/hr for Spokane. Their meetings are the last Friday of the month from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. in the Greenan Board Rm. All staff are invited to attend.
SAEC meets the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the Road to Utopia Rm, Crosby Student Center. All staff are invited and encouraged to attend.
