MARSHALL UNIVERSITY CLASSIFIED STAFF COUNCIL MINUTES THURSDAY MARCH 21, 2002
JOHN SPOTTS ROOM – MEMORIAL STUDENT CENTER 

President Barrett called the meeting to order at 1:07 pm and asked for approval and/or discussion regarding minutes of last meeting.  President Barrett noted that Mr. Stephens advised a correction needed to be made regarding positions evaluated.  It should read that “positions of incumbents is 43 instead of 40.”  With no other discussion or corrections motion was made to accept minutes as amended and seconded. 

STANDING COMMITTEES:
 Election Committee: Carla Cook

Carla reported the Membership Committee had met and is now in process of making preparations for nominations of Staff Council positions that will become vacant by members finishing existing terms.  Vacant seats will be that of David Blackburn, Muhammad Chaudhry, David Cremeans, Woodrow Edmonds, Charles Harless, Verlin Hughes, Lu Ann South, Cora Westmoreland, Janis Winkfield, and Joe Wortham; Brian Coutras as a result of his resignation, and Michael Justice as a result of unexcused absenteeism.  Michael’s seat will be for a two-year term and Brian’s will be for a one-year term.

The committee will meet again on April 11th to review and finalize preparations.  Nominations will be accepted from April 22nd to May 3rd.    On May 8th Mary will be notified of list of all nominees and letters will be mailed out by May 10th.  Absentee voting will be held May 17th in the Staff Council Office, 100 Old Main.  Voting will be held May 22nd in the usual designated areas.  Thursday, May 23rd voting will be tallied and results will be given to Council that afternoon.  

Ethics Committee:  No report available
President Barrett advised that Patsy Stephenson was absent due to the sudden death of her sister Ella Zirkle. Ella was also an employee of MU working in the Drinko Library.  President Barrett asked that we observe a moment of silence in remembrance of Ella and for Patsy and family as well.  It was noted that a trust fund had also been established for the children and anyone wishing to make donations could do so.  A donation had been made by Council in honor of Ella.  

Service Committee:  Bernice Bullock – Given by Betty Cook

Bernice reported that 5 get well flowers were sent, 7 Get well cards, 4 Sympathy Flowers and 9 sympathy cards.  Memorial Contributions – Donation had been made to MU School of Medicine in honor of Greg Gibson’s father.  

University Functions:   Charlene Hawkins
  The University Functions Committee had met on Wednesday, February 27th.  The Committee was asked by  the Faculty Senate President to submit additional names for consideration as commencement speakers for future dates.  After some discussion the Committee submitted a list of five additional names.  Officers for the coming academic year were elected.  Carl Johnson was re-elected as Committee Chair and Kelli Williams was re-elected as Secretary.  No other meetings have been scheduled for this fiscal year.  

Graduate School:  Martha Pierson:  
Martha noted that a situation has risen at the graduate school involving a long-term employee.   Steps are now under way to solve this issue through the grievance process.  Martha felt it was inappropriate to bring this before council for discussion at this time because she had not obtained all pertinent facts regarding the issue at hand.  Martha hopes to be able to report fully at next council meeting.  

ACCE:   Stephanie Neal  
Stephanie reported that the Advisory Council had met on March 14th at South Charleston. Stephanie gave Council several documents to review that had been presented for discussion at this past meeting. Stephanie reminded everyone that Advisory Council minutes are posted to the web site for anyone’s review.  She hopes everyone takes time to view the web page so that we may stay current on issues at hand that are in critical stages.  Stephanie reported a 1.5% decrease in the base budget for higher education.  It is still uncertain as to what kind of impact will be felt as a result of this decrease in funding.  Marshall will be receiving peer equity money and a pool of funds will be allocated in 2002-03 fiscal year.  How that money will be disbursed is still undecided at this time and a big concern as to whether we will actually receive a raise for the new fiscal year.  Senate Bill 115 which passed in the Legislature removes the 20 year service cap granting increment salary increases to eligible state employees. However, the removal of the cap does not impact classified employees in Higher Education.   Senate Bill 121 did not pass but addresses the  issue of removing  the cap for classified employees, but it includes several other non-related issues.  It appears to be unclear at this time where this matter is heading.  A resolution was presented to Senator Lloyd Jackson in appreciation for his years of service in the legislature as one of the strongest voices on behalf of Classified Staff.   PEIA: Stephanie distributed a copy of press release regarding coverage for a Spouse. The proposed change will not take effect until Plan Year 2004, which begins July 1, 2003. The proposal submitted has not been finalized or adopted at this time.  Director Tom Susman stated many comments of concern had been received and needed to be reviewed in order to formulate a better plan regarding the change.  Mr. Susman advised that a draft of the policy will be developed and made available for public comment before any decision is made in adoption of policy.  

Job Evaluation Process:  Stephanie Neal and Sherri Noble  
Stephanie and Sherri presented a full step-by-step presentation in compiling the information required in submitting a PIQ for desk audit review.  A hand out of the PIQ form was given to each council member and a complete overview of each question was addressed by Sherri and Stephanie.  Council members had an opportunity at any given point in the presentation to put forth questions to Sherri and Stephanie for clarification on areas that presented concern to them.  As Sherri and Stephanie both serve as representatives on JEC, they were able to show us how the PIQ’s are looked at, what criteria is looked for in the job position, what duties are performed, how duties may have changed, level of responsibility required, and how they arrive with conclusion as to whether that job position should be upgraded   In some instances a position downgrade has resulted from the desk audit review.  

Still an area of concern addressed to Sherri and Stephanie is that one person still makes the final decision on the desk audit evaluation.  Again, the pros and cons of one person verses a committee, etc. was brought forth in discussion as well as looking for alternative measures to improve the evaluation process of the desk audit. President Barrett thanked Stephanie and Sherri for giving us a complete overview and better understanding as to what one needs to do in preparing the PIQ.  

Jim Stephens:  Mr. Stephens reported that annual/sick leave reports will be distributed.  As of this date it is not clear as to when a program will be available through the Banner System. 

Old Business:  President Barrett again reminded everyone of the importance of employees attending the upcoming Town Hall meeting.  This gives everyone a chance to address issues of concern with candidates. She also asked if everyone had been receiving the newsletter, The Classified Reporter.  It is important that we have correct address information and anyone having changes or knows of individuals not receiving the newsletter to please advise Mary.

With no further business meeting adjourned at 3:30 pm.