MARSHALL UNIVERSITY CLASSIFIED STAFF COUNCIL MINUTES

Thursday, June 15, 2000
Big Green Room - Henderson Center

MEMBERS PRESENT: Nina Barrett, David Blackburn, Jack Blake, Tanya Bobo, Bernice Bullock, Muhammad Chaudhry, Carla Cook, David Cremeans, Shannon Christian, Douglas Franklin, Charlene Hawkins, Verlin Hughes, Jr., Terry Olson, Ken Reffeitt, Lu Ann South, Cora Westmoreland, Janis Winkfield, Joe Wortham.

EXECUSED ABSENT: Marilyn Armentrout, Rena Napier, Stephanie Neal, Joe Taylor, Beverly Bunch, Jill Chapman, Martha Pierson and Martha Deel.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Lahoma Weekley, John Winters, Judy Damron, and Karen Haney.

The meeting was called to order by President Nina Barrett at 1:05 p.m.

The minutes of the May meeting were discussed. A motion was made to accept the minutes and seconded. Minutes were approved.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Barrett announced that Jim Stephens is the new Human Resource Director effective June 1, 2000. David Harris is second in command. Mr. Burdette has been moved to the President’s office, which they are renovating. President Barrett explained the changes in the Human Resource’s office. Discussion continued at length.

GRADUATE SCHOOL: No report.

MEMBERSHIP/ELECTION: Joe Wortham reported that the council election took place two days ago. Nine positions on Council were up for election. Those elected will take office July 1, 2000. Eight positions are for three-year terms and one position was a two-year term. The results of the election are as follows:

Finance Division: Nina Barrett, Jill Burcham and Elizabeth Graybeal.


President’s Division
: Lisa Beckett.


Academic Professional
: Sonja Cantrell.

Academic Office Personnel: Betty Cook.

Administration Division/Office Personnel: There was a tie vote. One candidate withdrew; Brian Coutras was declared the winner.

Administration Division/Professional: Leah Tolliver.


Administration Division/
Service Maintenance
: Charlie Harless (two-year term).

SERVICE COMMITTEE YEAR-END REPORT: Ms. Bullock summarized the work of the Service Committee. One member was lost who left the University on extended medical leave. Staff and committee members contacted Ms. Bullock, Chair, whenever flowers, cards or key cards needed to be sent. Cards were sent as follows during the past year: Get Well 14 and Sympathy 10; Flowers for the ill - 8, Flowers in sympathy - 6. Through the year we have sent cards and flowers to staff and family in the event of hospitalization, illness or death. Key cards were sent when requested with additional being purchased to maintain a sufficient supply. Contributions were collected at the Annual Staff Luncheon for the flower fund; also, a separate flyer a month previous brought in greatly needed contributions. We now have a balance of over $500. A supply of attractive get-well and sympathy cards have been purchased for future use.

FINANCIAL AFFAIRS YEAR-END REPORT: Terry Olson reported that the salary schedule was funded for the fifth year, which is good news for some people and bad for others. If possible a new salary schedule needs to be in State Code. Another key issue is the MUEMS Ambulance. Terry stated his belief was the cut of the MUEMS service was recommended to the President by four faculty members. Beginning July 1 we will have a vehicle (the old jeep). There will still be service, but in the opinion of the committee, the response time will probably go down. There will be no transport capability.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT YEAR-END REPORT: President Barrett reported for Beverly Bunch who was unable to attend. Tuition waivers for fall 1999 were given as follows: 19 in-state and 1 metro. Tuition waivers for Spring 2000 were 17 in-state and 2 metro. The vending machine company distributor throughout MU gave an AVI scholarship of $750 for academic year 1999-2000. This scholarship was used for 3 Tuition Waivers. Four in-state Summer 2000 waivers were also given. One of their main focuses of the Staff Development Committee was setting eligibility requirements and guidelines that they can adhered too when they award the waivers. President Barrett continued to discuss the concerns of requirements, guidelines and stability of committee.

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS YEAR-END REPORT: Ken Reffeitt reported that there is no salary schedule after July 1, 2000. President Barrett reminded Council that the legislature has made changes in the governing structure of higher education. Bill SB653 has affected the election for the ACCE representative. Just a short overview of changes: The Board of Trustees and Board of Directors have been eliminated. A Policy Commission to oversee the "big picture" of the University has been created as well as a Board of Governors to manage the day to day operations of the University.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT- David Cremeans reported that he has been dealing with health and safety issues. One issue in particular is the asbestos problem on campus. One problem was with the asbestos contract. A certain vendor had a lock on it for years. He reported that three years back we had a big problem with an asbestos accident in the student center which could have affected a lot of people. The University and the Administration played down this accident. The information is still there and is still in Pittsburgh with the Federal Government. There is a possibility that Marshall may still receive a fine for their activities during this period of time. A responsible party now has the asbestos contract. Another issue being worked on is trying to secure funds for occupational health and safety training especially in the trades. There are safety violations every day. The committee has been trying to work to get some oversight on these violations from OSHA with whom we have interacted. Air quality is one provision, but the main problem is trying to obtain budget money to make sure that these people get properly trained. Example: Building Service Workers must be trained in the use of chemicals and their rights by law. This issue will be coming up soon with the request for more funding for training.

FACULTY SENATE COMMITTEE REPORT: David Blackburn reported that there were nominations for seven honorariums and three or four nominees for commencement speaker. They selected Harvey White as the commencement speaker and honorarium and it was mentioned that Dr. Gilley was selected to receive an honorarium.

STUDENT CONDUT/WALFARE COMMITTEE: Lu Ann South reported that the committee did not meet.

INSTITUTIONAL BOARD OF ADVISORS: No report.

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: No report.

ACCE: No report.

OFFICER ELECTIONS: President Barrett declared the floor open for nominations for the office of President. Joe Wortham nominated our existing President, Nina Barrett. Motion made, seconded and approved. Nina Barrett will continue to serve as Staff Council President. Floor was opened for the position of Vice President. Joe Wortham was nominated. Motion made, seconded and approved. Joe Wortham is the new Vice President. Floor was opened for the position of Secretary. Cora Westmoreland was nominated. Motion was made, seconded and approved. Cora Westmoreland has been reelected as Secretary. The floor was opened for the position of Parliamentarian. Jill Chapman was nominated. Motion made, seconded and approved. Jill Chapman was reelected as Parliamentarian. President Barrett commended Jill as a charter member of Staff Council--the only remaining original member.

RECOGNITION OF OLD OFFICERS: President Barrett recognized the officers and the outgoing committee Chairs. Awards were given. Special mention was made of all the outgoing members.

NOTE: President Barrett mentioned that if anyone was interested in chairing a committee to please let her or Mary know. Janis Winkfield volunteered to chair the Staff Development Committee. Council recognized President Barrett for all her efforts during this past year as President of Staff Council.

No further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:00 p.m.