UNIVERSITY STAF ASSEMBLY MINUTES

Tuesday, March 18, 2008 10:45 a.m.

President’s Conference Room

Called to Order by:  Chair Penny Merritt

Mission Statement:    Read by Penny 

Roll Taken:     Yes

Attendees:      17

Approval of Minutes:

2-19-08                                                               3-18-08

Jenny Carver                Motion                          Cindy Hopkins               Motion

Kevin LeMaster                        Second                         Denise Brockett                        Second

Announcements/Remarks from Chair/Executive Board Report:

Executive met on 2/13/08 and decided to keep regular Executive meetings as scheduled.  Bane Sylvia will be the speaker for the next meeting, April 15.

Penny met with Dr. Morris earlier this morning, 3/18/08.  She said the goals for the University Systems of Ohio are due to the governor by the end of this month, 3/31/08.  The goals are (1) graduating more students, (2) keeping graduates in Ohio, and (3) attracting more talent to Ohio (both out-of-state and international).  A new Director of Institutional Research position will be created to be responsible for 250 new reporting regulations.  Also there will be a temp hourly position that will evolve into a full-time position.

Dr. Morris shared that the state budget has not yet been decided, but state is mandating a 3% savings over all.

Dr. Morris wants the campus to encourage more Post Secondary Enrollment students; however, school districts are not anxious to give up their state funding.  SSU has increased its enrollment and retention.  The campus needs to increase enrollment without increasing spending.  Housing applications are up 130% (SSU applications are highest in state), but fewer lending institutions may mean less money available for loans, therefore, making an impact on future enrollments.  Currently, SSU has 20 slots for high school students.

SSU will begin a new AIP (Academic Improvement Plan) for new students needing encouragement and assistance in beginning their academic endeavors.  There is free tutoring and classes geared toward students who may be struggling.  International students will be teaching such classes for those of languages other than English.  Dr. Morris will be sending out a survey asking for input on retention.

Penny gave new members an invitation to sit in on meetings with Dr. Morris.

Dr. Morris shared that the Capitol Campaign has exceeded its goal.

Announcements from the USA Floor

AEP will be on campus Monday, March 24^th to begin work toward the UC renovation – parking may be limited.   The work on the new sports complex will begin soon.  The old tennis courts will become parking areas.

CWA

Penny and Denise Brockett reminded attendees to take advantage of CWA’s offer to pay for members’ attendance to the Professional Administrative Day on April 22 to be held in Micklethwaite Banquet Hall.

Debra Schwamberger asked if there will be any money for computer training and Denise assured members there would be. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Election          

Elections for new USA Officers will begin in April.

Professional Development:

Denise stated that AED training is still in the works.  Dr. Morris is planning a year-long training and development for staff on campus.  Dr. Morris didn’t give any specifics to the types of training yet. 

Newsletter:                

Debra Schwamberger said the newsletter is still running “for sale” items; Sarah Richards’ house is for sale.

Spirit Committee                                            None

UNIVERSITY WIDE COMMITTEES

ADA Compliance                                           

Denise Brockett reminded academic secretaries to urge faculty to include a small blurb in their syllabi explaining that help is available to disadvantaged students; faculty should direct them to Jim Weaver in the Disabilities Department.

Affirmative Action                                          None

Athletic and Intramural                                  None

Budget and Finance                                        None

Facilities:                                                        None

Personnel Development                                 None

Records Commission                                     None

Special Events                                                           

The spring picnic is being considered.

UTAC                                                            

Sarah Smith Richards said committee has not met.

OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS

Insurance Committee

Wellness groups on campus have begun their Weight Watchers meetings.

Tai Chi is being considered as the next wellness interest on campus.  It is now being held in the Scioto County Health Department and several from the campus are attending.

Kevin LeMaster and his Education Department coworkers have begun a walking group; they are inviting other USA members to join them.

Parking Review & Appeals Committee        None

Veterans Committee                                      None

Unfinished Business:                                     None

New Business:           

Penny suggested that Occupational Therapy might be considered as one of our future speakers.

Lori Perry informed the members that a Prayer Shawl Ministry is being held at the Campus Ministry House each Tuesday from noon until 1 p.m. with Christel Hilgarth as leader, and a Bible study from noon until 1 p.m. each Wednesday conducted by Evan Fisher. 

Adjournment:

Penny Merritt adjourned.