MARSHALL UNIVERSITY CLASSIFIED STAFF COUNCIL
MINUTES
THURSDAY MAY 23, 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 . Since a quorum was
not present minutes were accepted as written.
STANDING COMMITTEES:
Academic Professional – Betty Cook
Academic Technical – James Sinnette
Administrative Personnel – David Cremeans and Leonard Lovely
Administrative Professional – Joe Wortham
Administrative Service Maintenance – Barbara Black and Charles Harless
Administrative Skilled Crafts – Woodrow Edmonds
School of Medicine Office Personnel – Cora Westmoreland
School of Medicine Professional
– Muhammad Chaudhry
Carla reported also that a tie had resulted in the
President’s Professional Division and that a run-off election would be held on
June 5th. The tie
resulted between Nancy Pelphrey and Feon Smith.
Staff Development:
Muhammad Chaudhry: Muhammad reported that a meeting would be
held in early June to discuss the waivers for the Fall Term.
The number of recipients will be based on the allocation which has not
yet been received. Information from
Mr. Toney is that it will be safe to work with the same allocated amount as last
year. A notice will be mailed out
for staff with appropriate info for deadline to submit application.
ACCE: Stephanie Neal: Stephanie reported that the recent meeting focused mainly on
the upcoming retreat scheduled for July 30 and 31st to be held at the
Heritage Farm. Committee
assignments had been distributed in order to develop the agenda for the retreat.
Also, a video conference has been scheduled with invitations extended to
Legislative members, Higher Ed Members, Governor Wise and Tom Susman from PEIA,
along with a representative of TIAA-CREFF.
Tentative plans are for Marshall to host this event with each campus site
able to converse. This entails a great effort to have something of this stature
but could be very beneficial to staff and faculty. This will be an opportune time for questions and
concerns to be addressed to this elite group.
Stephanie advised that the merit pay is still very much on
the table rather than a raise to be given next year. This is still in question but a very strong possibility that
this could be put in place. Much
discussion is still ongoing with this issue and she will report back to us.
Board of Governors: Sherri Noble – Sherri reported that at recent meeting the following had been addressed:
· PEIA Increase: Concern was voiced regarding the impact the increase in premiums would have on employees under the family plan vs. individual coverage. WV is the only state that basis the premium amount on income which is rarely done.
· Salary Increase: Proposal was approved. For classified staff this means an increase of 14%of the difference between your current salary and your target salary. The entry level on the schedule will be increased to ˝ pay between the old entry level and the entry level. If, after the 14% of the difference is added, your salary is still below the “revised “ entry level, your salary will be increased to the “revised” entry level. Very few employees are affected by the entry-level increase. If a person is hired prior to July 1 at the current entry level, their salary will be increased to the new entry level on July 1.
· Biotechnology Science Center: Board approved the schematic design and the name “Robert C. Byrd” Biotechnology Center”.
· Dr. Gross gave a presentation regarding the Center by stating “The School of Medicine Faculty and the College of Science Faculty had been involved in the plans for the Center.” After he concluded his commentary Sherri repeated his statement to him and brought to his attention that staff had not been involved in any planning or decision making process and Dr. Gross responded “no, they had not.” At this point, Mr. A. Michael Perry commented that students had not been involved as well. After discussion on this matter the main point made was that “you could not make everyone happy” and when it comes down to the fine tuning of this project, they may at that time consider further input. However, they did not formally commit themselves to this process, but they are very much aware of the concern of non-involvement from staff and students.
· Property Issues: Board approved additional purchases of property along 6th avenue. This land is to be used for parking and building development. Board rescinded action to sell property across from the Vocational School because it is too costly for anyone to resolve access problems.
·
Program Review: Board
approved all recommendations of University after a very thorough review.
Guest: Jim
Stephens: Mr. Stephens gave a
handout with steps to calculate one’s raise.
The 1st page explained the salary increase process, 2nd
page was formula to use in calculating the salary increase, 3rd page
gave entry level rates effective July 1, 2002 and last page was old salary
schedule July 1, 2001. If
anyone had problems or questions regarding this process, he asked that we
please contact his office.
Mr. Stephens also addressed the question Stephanie raised
at our last meeting that insurance premium be split between our pay periods
instead of being withheld only in one. Mr.
Stephens advised he had spoken with the payroll office and told that because of
the WV State Auditors process of scheduling the withholdings taken from an
employees pay, this was not a
feasible process at this time.
Muhammad Chaudhry asked if our pay on July 16th
would reflect our increases and Mr. Stephens indicated that it would.
President Barrett advised a mailing would be sent to all
staff after the holiday regarding salary increase.
Old Business: President
Barrett advised that an effort to begin contacting the College of Science
employees regarding the Biotechnology Center would begin.
New Business: President
Barrett noted election of officers for new year will be held at next meeting.
Carla Cook raised question to President Barrett as to what constitutes an
excused absence? President Barrett
advised that usually the person is sick, that they are not able to leave work,
etc.. The concern was raised over
the excessive absences of the same people over and over.
It was noted that if people are not being permitted to leave to attend a
council meeting by their supervisor that Layton Cottrill’s office should be
contacted. Discussion of this issue
has been endless without resolving the issue.
It was suggested that newly elected members be made very aware of the
commitment they have made to serve on Council and that attendance is of the
utmost importance. If certain
Council members who are continually absent are not committed enough to attend
the meetings, then they should step aside to allow someone to serve that is
committed.
President Barrett asked Stephanie to please let Council
know if assistance is needed in helping with the upcoming retreat.
President Barrett also thanked members for a successful
Council Year and that work for the new year is ongoing and many issues of
concern will still need to be addressed.
With nothing further meeting adjourned at 2:45 pm.