The University System of Georgia Staff Council Meeting
September 5, 1996
Minutes

The meeting began at approximately 10:15 a.m. in room 129 of Georgia College's Macon Center.

Present: Diane Carpenter (Gainesville College), Linda Dudley (UGA), Ainsley Eubanks (Georgia College and State University), Cheryl Harris (Gainesville College), Ramona Hasan (Georgia State University), Pam Johns (Georgia College and State University), Melissa Lach (North Georgia College), Suzy Millwood (Kennesaw State University), Anjelica Nation (Georgia State University), Cheryl Player (Augusta College), Lila Kendrick (Fort valley State University), Carolyn M. Wicker (Coastal Georgia Community College), Brenda Johnson (August State University), Deborah Hardin (Darton College), Joyce Shalack (Darton College), Jodie Sweat (Kennesaw State University), Brenda Humble-Bates (Kennesaw State University).

Ramona Hasan opened the meeting by asking for each member present to introduce themselves.

First item: it was noted that the meeting scheduled in May 1996 was not attended by a quorum, and therefore there was not an official meeting held during the spring quarter. However, the minutes of the March 1996 meeting were approved as read, that being that last official meeting.

Second item: a slate of officers for the USGSC was presented by the Chair of the nominating committee, Suzy Millwood, with the following names:

Chair: Linda Dudley

Chair Elect: Ramona Hanson

Secretary: Diane Carpenter

There being no nominations from the floor, it was moved and seconded that the nominations be closed and the slate of officers be accepted. Those nominated were elected by a unanimous vote.

Chair Linda Dudley asked that Ramona continue presiding over the current meeting as her voice was limited.

Next item: Member recruitment. All those who were attending their first meeting of the USGSC were welcomed. It is the intent of the Council to have representation from each of the 34 institutions within the University System. Discussion followed as to how to best approach that objective.

Suggestion: As a Special Committee, form a Membership Committee to contact those institutions not yet involved. Cheryl Harris accepted the Chair position and Regina Doyle, Suzy Millwood, Cheryl Player, Debbie Hardin, and Edna Jackson were named as members of this Committee

Next item: Chancellor's Recommendation for Implementation of the Faculty/Staff Development Recommendations

Copy of memo form Dr. Portch to Presidents dated July 1, 1996 was distributed. The recommendation under discussion is located on page 9 of the memo and deals with remitting or reimbursing tuition for authorized activities which are related to the employee's job or career in the University System of Georgia, noting that guidelines need to be in place with a target date of fall 1997. During the discussion it was also noted that currently at least two institutions are ready to implement this recommendation winter quarter of 1997 and one will begin fall quarter of 1996. Both institutions are using the 1% development funds included in their 1996-97 budgets.

Further discussion revolved around how to access the solicit support from the Board of Regents for staff concerns. Linda Dudley announced that she had a draft of our letter of introduction to Dr. Portch and Dr. Dunning. She will email a copy of it to the Council and will have it to Dr. Portch by September 13, 1996. Linda will include an invitation to the System-wide Conference in October as well. Suzy Millwood will follow-up with a phone call to Dr. Portch's office after that date.

Next item: Next meeting for the USGSC WILL BE AT THE System-wide Conference, October 25, 1996 at Gainesville College.

Next item: System-wide Conference issues: it was decided after some discussion to allow an open registration and not limit the number from each school with the registration fee set at $20 per person. The feeling was that the 250+ max capacity is high enough that we will not get more that we can handle.

The tentative schedule for the day of the Conference is:

9:30- Check-in and coffee/juice/muffins in Lobby of CE Building

9:30- Special gathering for new member institutions to the USGSC to meet

with existing members/and have quarterly meeting of USGSC

10:00-10:45 - Welcoming by GC President (or his representative)

Introduction of USGSC officers/distribution of bylaws

11:00-12:00 - Four concurrent sessions:

Employee Support Program

Alternate Dispute Resolution

Staff Leadership Program

Career Management

12:00-1:00 - Lunch Break

1:00-2:30 - Employee Rights Discussion group in CE Auditorium

2:30-3:00 - Closing remarks/mini reports/door prize drawings

Three speakers have been approached and have agreed to present on 10/25. As soon as the other two programs leaders are confirmed, Diane Carpenter will send out confirmation letters to these individuals. It was agreed that their registrations fees would be paid for by the proceeds.

Other ideas discussed: Tables for displays of each existing council's information with a handout describing accomplishments and those things still to accomplish

Each institution will donate a door prize

Continue the theme of "Connect/Share/Learn" for the Conference

New Business: Future topics proposed for discussion by Council

1. Residency requirements for graduation at institutions

2. Open enrollment for dental coverage

3. The negative impact that current classification system has on loyalty of long-term employees

Final topic discussed was brought up by Chair Dudley who addressed the need for each local institution to include in their bylaws the procedure with which they would provide membership to the USGSC to guarantee its future as a viable organization.

There being no further discussion or business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted: Diane Carpenter