STAFF ASSEMBLY EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MINUTES
December 5, 2001 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Crosby Large Conference Room
Members Present: Kim Gieber, Theresa Castillo, Anne Thomas, Neva Bishop, Bill Kostelec, Krystal Burns, Brett Hendricks
Members Absent: Molly Spilker, Keith Gauthier, Janice Resch, and Barbara Kolbet
The meeting was called to order by President Bill Kostelec at 12:05.
Old Business
Minutes from 12/28 will be reviewed at the 12/12 meeting
Acknowledgment letter to Fr. Spitzer
· Bill passed out a draft of a letter to Fr. Spitzer thanking him for taking the Christmas time off proposal to the cabinet. This letter will go on it’s own to Fr. Spitzer, with a list of moral boosters as a follow-up.
· Bill will have Janice print the letter on letterhead and bring it to the next meeting for all the Executive Council members to sign
Budget Committee report
· Bill read a report from Jeannie Coffey from the last Budget Committee meeting on 11/30
· Even though we have had below average tuition increases in the last 5 years, there is not a lot of difference between GU and the schools we compare ourselves to
· In 2001-2002 tuition, room & board ranged from $18,840 to $33,350 (GU was at $23,980). Tuition alone ranged from $14,222 to $26,200 with GU being at $18,300.
· There are 2 arguments when considering raising tuition: charge tuition according to the market and what it can bear, and set rates based on what’s happening
· ESL program expects a big drop in enrollment due to the terrorist activities. Possibly as much as 50%
· Law School is proposing an increase in tuition
· Energy fee charged this year will not be charged next year
· GU closed on bowling alley property on Boone and Pearl.
· Began review of VPs budget requests for FY 2002-2003
Proposals for Mike Casey and Fr. Spitzer
The Executive Council came up with the following list of moral boosters to propose to Fr. Spitzer:
· Better communication from the top down. We don’t want to hear about things neither through the Gonzaga grapevine rumor mill nor through the VPs, then Deans and Dept Heads. There should be communication directly to staff from the top.
· Compensation/Benefits - Work to stop erosion of employee benefits. During Budget meetings put on by Chuck Murphy and Fr. Spitzer it was stated that the staff could expect a ‘modest’ increase in pay. What does this mean? Just the 2% cost of living? Are we guaranteed the 2%? And when would we find out about any increases? The cost of medical benefits is greater then the adjustments made to wages. In many cases, employees are seeing a net loss in income/benefits.
· Gatherings as a community – Bring back Oktoberfest or the spring picnics so employees can feel a part of the GU community and interact with their fellow employees
· Mandatory Supervisor training – Provide mandatory, on going training for all supervisors. This training should not come from other supervisors within the GU community. We should bring in professionals who can answer the questions that arise and who can provide us with the skills needed to be effective supervisors. Along with this, there should be mandatory evaluations of supervisors by their staff, much like students evaluate their professors.
· Commitment from the President that the staff at Gonzaga are significant stakeholders in the University
· Staff Recognition Day – much like the day off Harry Sladich gave as Acting President in 1996-97. This day would be in addition to any vacation, personal days or sick days in appreciation for the extra duties and responsibilities the staff has taken on to support the increase in student enrollment.
· Monthly Lottery drawing – to recognize one staff member every month with a prize. All full and part time non-faculty staff would be eligible. With a budget of $1200 a year, we could offer such prizes as a $100 gift certificate to one of the local malls, or a gift certificate to a local restaurant, tickets to an event at the Spokane Arena, or symphony tickets, etc. The Community Service/Outreach Committee could be in charge of drawing the names and providing the prizes, as well as publishing the winners.
· Anniversary recognition – provide something more then a pin for the major anniversaries. Perhaps a banquet to recognize all those employees who’ve been here for 5, 10, 15, 20 years. Provide them with a nice, framed certificate. Could also include faculty and do a combined banquet to recognize employees commitment to GU.
Bill will write up a list of these proposals, with a paragraph describing each and why we think it is important, for review at the next meeting.
Scheduling of future meetings
December 12, 2001, Crosby Large Conference Room, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
All Staff Assembly Executive Council meetings take place on Wednesdays in the Crosby Large Conference Room from 12 – 1:00 p.m. Since this is the lunch hour, please feel free to bring your lunch. All SAEC members will be notified if there is a change to this recurring meeting.
By virtue of the bylaws, all Staff Assembly meetings are open unless otherwise designated by the Executive Council. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Visit our website at http://www.gonzaga.edu/staff
Bookmark & Share
