USGSC MINUTES

FEBRUARY 22, 2002

MACON, GEORGIA

Present: Alberta Cook, SPSU; David Brougher, KSU; Amy Phillips, KSU; Lisa Chastain, MGC; Sheree Cook, MGC; Cindy Dean, Bainbridge College; Dwayne Crew, FVSU; Paris Miller, FVSU; Cheryl A. Harris, GC; Jason Ponders, GC; Charlotte M. Petrek, GSU; Nancy Brannen, ABAC; Teresa M. Williams, ABAC; Amy P. Willis, ABAC;Judy Perry, ABAC; Jocelyn Clark, SPSU; Randy N. Duncan, CSU; Regina Chester-McHenry, CSU; Teneka Wilson, CSU; Wanda Campbell, CSU; Zenobie Purnell, SSU; Gwendolyn Brigham, SSU; Tony Hughey, UGA; Margot Peter, UGA; Erma Shooks, UWG; Clois Reese, UWG; Debbie McKenzie, UWG; Ainsley Eubanks, GC&SU; Barbara Monnett, GC&SU; Cindy Diaz, GC&SU; Mary Nevill, CGCC

The meeting was called to order by Alberta Cook, chair, at 10:00 a.m.

Minutes from the October 4, 2001, meeting were approved as written.

Alberta Cook addressed the Council on the poor responses she received when sending out messages/questions on the LISTSERV. Out of 73 names listed on the LISTSERV, she received five responses to a question she was asking. She stressed the importance of responding even if the response is NO COMMENT.

Introductions of representative institutions were next on the agenda.

Kudos went to Patty Sanson of Kennesaw for the well organized and well attended Staff Council Conference she chaired back in October. Institutions who will be hosting the conference in future years include West Georgia , 2002; Augusta State, 2003; Columbus State, 2004; UGA, 2005; and Coastal Georgia Community College, 2006 (pending approval from the president).

Brenda Keen, UGA, was not in attendance to give an update on PeachCare. However, it was noted that UGA has some employees who are working at the poverty level yet state rule dictates that said employees are not eligible to participate in PeachCare. Brenda will be drafting a letter for Council members to review. It was noted that the monthly premium for PeachCare is $7.00.

Although House Bills was on the agenda, this item was bypassed.

Dr. Papp addressed the topic of the sick leave bank at the conference back in October and noted that the BOR is reviewing it. Russ Henson from Middle Georgia is on the board that is discussing the sick leave bank. Mr. Henson agreed to keep us informed of any new developments. It was mentioned that the possible hold up to implementing the bank was the issue of sick leave abuse. Additional information can be found at http://www.gms.state.ga.us/rules/rule30.asp

The Georgia Defined Contribution Plan was brought up by Margot Peter. She explained that it was created to do away with the state having to pay the 6.2 percent for OASDI (social security). There are approximately 25,000 participants required to pay 7.5 percent of their gross earning into this fund, which earns some investment interest less fees. Margot believes the fund to be more of a “forced savings plan” than a retirement fund. More information can be found at www.ersga.org/ers/gdcp or call Cedric Williams at 404 352-6456 or 404 352-6400 (Main number)

Alberta asked attending institutions to list three things that could improve staff morale. Georgia College & State University developed a feedback form for staff to submit comments, questions, and concerns. Staff Council teamed up with Human Resources and the President to review the feedback and made changes when possible. The collaboration has been positive for the staff. CGCC staff chair and vice chair met with their president to discuss staff morale. Their staff board is working on ideas to bring staff and faculty together for after hour get-togethers, which have met with positive results. Other ideas and suggestions ranged from having a senate that had equal representation of faculty, staff and students, to providing computers for custodial staff, to an ice cream social.

Other items discussed included USG trying to get rid of a classification system for salary planning.

The treasurer was asked to change the enrollment form to include a FIN number and fiscal year period that dues will cover.

Bylaws revisions were approved as amended with one correction. Page 1, Section IV: Membership. Second sentence in first paragraph should read “…preferably from the system institution’s staff body.”

Meeting adjourned at 12:25p.m.