Present:

Augusta State – Lisa Webb

Columbus State University – Terri Abrams, Randy Duncan, Brian E., Brenda Jakes,

Regina Chester McHenry & Eddie Woodhouse

Costal GA Community College – Mary Nevill

Gainesville College – Cheryl Harris & Leora Myers

GA College & State University – Cindy Diaz, Barbara Monnett & Rose Murner

GA Southern University – Todd Aldrich

GA Southwestern – Mike McNeely

Kennesaw State University – David Baugher & Amy Phillips

Southern Polytechnic Unviersity – Kimberly Bell

University of GA – Tony Hughey & Margot Peter

University of West GA – Erma Shooks

The meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m. by the chair, David Baugher. Minutes from the September meeting were approved with minor changes. Dues were discussed as being due in June and July. The USGSC account stands at $475.00 with an outstanding payment due to ex-chair, Alberta Cook, in the amount of $55.67, which will leave the account with $419.33.

Mary Nevill spoke frankly about recent struggle with whether or not to resign as chair at CGCC in light of the lack of support, if not opposition, from their administration. She stated that she was fairly sure she would not resign and was given many words of encouragement from the other USGSC members. The discussion turned to elections for the next year (Chair-elect and Secretary), which will be held at the June meeting.

Lisa Webb gave an update on the status of the fall conference. It will be October 2^nd & 3^rd at Augusta State. Fees will be the same as last year ($45 for members/$55 for non-members). A block of rooms will be reserved at an Inn in the historic district of Augusta.

Tony Hughey updated everyone on the attempts at UGA to establish a sick leave pool. They had been looking at other institutions across the country and were going to be presenting 3 different plans to the administration in the next month. Hopes are that the UGA pilot program will be able to be implemented across the USG.

Discussion turned to raises and the desire to have them moved back to July 1 from October 1. Everyone agreed that letters should be sent by each individual institution as well as from the USGSC to the attention of Chancellor Meredith and Associate Vice Chancellor Wallace. Other issues of concern were the varying policies regarding comp time and where the BOR stands on the issue. Since the possibility of raises is very slim, is it possible for the benefits premiums, specifically health, to be frozen for this coming year. David agreed to draft a letter on behalf of the USGSC and send it out over the listserv for everyone to make comments. It was agreed that raises for faculty and not staff would be devastating to morale and the USGSC would raise the issue if it became necessary. There was conversation about the current bill to increase the TRS benefit factor to 2.5% from 2%. Given all of the issues that came up, it was determined that David should contact BOR representatives (Dan Papp and Bill Wallace) about attending the June meeting.

Attention then turned to what is happening on the individual campuses:

KSU successfully completed a Staff Council cookbook to raise money for charity. Gainesville College has just implemented a non- smoking campus and is completing the new Athens section of their campus. GC&SU Staff Council achieved a seat on the university Senate. Augusta State Staff Council helped build a new playground for a new low-income elementary school. West GA successfully completed SACHS accreditation and a “Toys for Tots” drive. Columbus State Staff Council had a wine and cheese mixer and established a staff book scholarship. GA Southwestern was excited about the new Jimmy Carter’s contributions to campus after winning the Nobel Peace Prize and the establishment of a new HR relations committee. UGA is working hard on the sick leave pool and still has massive construction on campus due to their continued growth. GA Southern was excited about the renewed support that their Staff Council was receiving from their administration. SPSU was having a “Sense of Place” campaign. CGCC Staff Council was excited about the completion of their campus beautification project to add bird boxes.