USGSC Minutes

February 23, 2001

Macon State

Macon, Georgia

Present: Brenda Keen, UGA; Elizabeth Pape, UGA; David Baugher, KSU; Cheryl A. Harris, GC; Leora Myers, GC; Michelle S. Brown, GC; Alberta Cook, SPSU; Sharon Hodge, SPSU; Donna McPherson, SPSU; Mary Nevill, CGCC; Kaye Percell, CGCC; Mae Okwandu, GSU; Shelia K. Bradley, GSU; Lisa Maddox, MGC;Ainsley Eubanks, GC&SU; Clois Reese, UWG; Erma Shooks, UWG; Regina Chester-McHenry, CSU; Laura Joris, CSU; Carlos Romero, CSU; Nina Windham, VSU; Tommye Miller, VSU; Holly M. Decker, VSU

I. One correction to the Minutes of our October 5, 2000 meeting was in order. Members present were from GSU, not GCSU as noted. Minutes were approved as amended.

II. Four new universities were represented at the conference in October. They included Georgia Southern, Atlanta Metro, Savannah State, and Georgia Southwestern. Columbus State attended the February meeting for the first time. Welcome!

III. Since the early retirement of Peggy Inman, current chair of the USGSC, Alberta Cook assumed the role of the chair for the current year and through June 2002. David Baugher from Kennesaw State University was elected chair-elect through June 2002. The responsibilities of the chair-elect were discussed. Discussion of By-laws was discussed. For those wanting to peruse the By-Laws, a link is accessible through Georgia State's website.

IV. Kennesaw State University will be host for the October 1, 2001 conference. State University of West Georgia will host the Conference in 2002. A meeting site is needed for October 2003.

V. Senate Bill 163 was discussed in detail. This Bill concerns TRS monies being invested in high risk returns by the BOR. It appears that the government will use the profits and monies will not be returned to the employees. Brenda Keen indicated that she read an article on SB163 and would e-mail it to us. Our opinion should be expressed to our legislators via personal stationary, home/cell telephones, and personal computers. No communication should be used with state-owned equipment.

VI. Discussion of House Bill 211 was next on the agenda. The purpose of this Bill is to do away with penalties for early retirement. The proposal of House Bill 211 is to do it in increments--29, 28, etc., until you get to 25.

VII. Discussion of the sick leave pool was next on the agenda. The donation of sick leave to those with catastrophic illnesses has been an issue in the past with the BOR not approving this request. Brenda Keen will draft a letter and post it to the listserve for us to comment. Please respond with your thoughts.

VIII. Tommye Miller from Valdosta State discussed vesting in five as opposed to 10 years. She will draft a letter to the BOR/Chancellor and post it to the listserve for us to comment.

IX Dues for membership in USGSC were discussed. It was decided that further discussion of this issue would continue at the fall conference where we will have more institutions present. If dues are voted in, a treasurer's position needs to be established.

X. USGSC is represented by 17 out of 34 institutions. We need to be more diligent about getting new members and promoting our committee. A recommendation to produce a statewide newsletter was brought to the floor. This may promote new members. Letterhead with all institutions listed on the left-hand side was discussed as being a useful tool to advertising our purpose. With an HR meeting being held on SSI, this would be an opportune time for us to advertise. Further discussion on this topic will continue at our June meeting.

XI Discussion of Peach Care was next on the agenda. Peach Care provides health insurance for a nominal fee for children only. It is a state-administered and federally funded benefit for low income families. However, state employees are not eligible because the state "offers" insurance for their employees. It was concluded that this is unfair to state employees who cannot afford the state insurance. Brenda will draft a letter to the appropriate persons.

XII. Next meeting will be held on June 15 at Macon State at 10a.m.