09-23-2008

Tuesday, September 23, 2008; 1:30-3pm
Road to Bali Room in Crosby

 Present:  Ann Price, William Gibson, Connie Hickman, Angela Ruff.

Absent: Karen Franks-Harding, Bill Kostelec, Tim Woodard, Rodolfo Pagsanjan , Jill Wilkinson, Marcia Bertholf, Kim Gieber, Mike Tobin.

 According to the Staff Assembly by-laws, a quorum of 20% of the council is needed to vote, and four members is 25% of the entire council of twelve members, so we had a quorum.

 Old Business

 A.   Council Process Documents

 1.    Budget Management – William suggested a budget management process will allow for better planning of utilizing Staff Assembly budget resources, and will help hold committees accountable for their event and activity decisions related to money.  Members discussed how having a clear process for deciding where monies are spent makes the organization transparent to our constituents.  Ann Price motioned for us to accept the Budget Management Process as submitted, Connie Hickman seconded, and all present voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

 2.    Council Meetings – William proposes a guide for meetings in order for the group to be more effective, and to better facilitate conversation.  The group discussed and decided upon a purpose statement and settled on the frequency and duration of meetings.   The impact of the by-laws was discussed, specific to using Robert’s Rules, with consensus toward the council leadership deciding on the appropriate use of such.  Connie Hickman motioned for the Council Meetings process to be approved as amended with a purpose statement and meeting details.  Anne Price seconded.  All voted unanimously to approve. 

 3.    Committee Relations – William clarified the intent to foster communication with committees and to give committees the responsibility to designate a group leader.  Those present agreed that “point of contact” should be changed to “chair”.  Discussion included questions for including goal setting as an expectation, and also how to identify elected versus appointed committee members and related expectations.  The group agreed that Angela Ruff could propose a newly revised document for the next meeting.

 4.    Blackboard Site – William wants the countil to utilize Blackboard for business of the council, limiting access to the council or others as needed.  Connie Hickman motioned accepting the submitted document.  Anne Price seconded.  Vote to approve was unanimous.

 5.    Minutes – will be discussed at a future meeting.

SAEC – 9/23/08

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 Old Business, Continued

 B.    Calendar – Group discussed the sensitivity in scheduling Staff Assembly activities so that they don’t conflict with other major university events in light of the goal to increase participation.  A concern was expressed about the guidelines being established in Plant Services for event attendance as job-related or voluntary and without pay and the potential impact on Staff Assembly activities. The guidelines have not yet been published. 

 C.   Mission Awards – Connie Hickman is chair of this subcommittee.  She set a mid-October deadline for taking nominations and is promoting the opportunity. 

 New Business

 Fall Open Meeting – Anne Price volunteered to chair a subcommittee for the success of this event.  She will seek out the potential for having the event in the Globe Room in mid-November.  William suggested a “town-hall” format to foster discussion amongst attendees.  Anne and William will meet to create ideas.  Anne will recruit other members to the subcommittee.

 Decisions

Budget Management process approved.

Council Meetings process approved.

Blackboard Site process approved.

Fall Open Meeting Subcommittee Chair is Anne Price.

 Action Items

Angela revise the Committee Relations document and propose at next meeting.

Anne explore space options for the Fall Open Meeting, and recruit a subcommittee for event.

Connie promote mission award nominations.

 Prepared by Angela Ruff
Staff Assembly Secretary 2008-09
10/8/08