Present: Peter Blanar (Kennesaw State University), Kim DeGraaf (Southern Polytechnic State University), Bill Filtz (Valdosta State University), Jean Fuller (Georgia Tech), Cheryl Harris (Gainesville College), Ramona M. Hasan (Georgia State University), Ruby Heaton (University of Georgia), Peggy Inman (North Georgia College and State University), Pam Johns (Georgia College and State University), Vicki Phillips (Darton College), Cheryl Player (Augusta State University), Carol Whitcomb (Georgia State University)

1. Chair, Ramona M. Hasan, called the meeting to order at 11:45 AM.

2. Approval of the May 29, 1997 minutes was postponed.

3. A summary of the meeting with Don Davis was given. No system wide position classification will be developed by the Regents unless funds are given for that purpose. The position classification list on the Regents web page is out of date and is not intended to be a system wide classification. No efforts will be made to help institutions determine market adjusted pay scales for each area of the state. The Regents believe institutions are autonomous in personnel matters and it can not support our request that a letter be written from the Regents encouraging each institution to have a Staff Council. Mr. Davis suggested USGSC do a presentation at the Personnel meeting in Savannah.

4. Ramona M. Hasan coordinated the development of a computer generated presentation for the Personnel Managers. Her presentation went well. Information about USGSC and activities of institution staff councils was given to those in attendance.

5. Several issues about the implementation of the Tuition Remission and Reimbursement program were discussed. It was agreed that USGSC needs to address and try to get only one or two specific issues changed rather than try to address all the issues at one time. The question of job related versus career related courses was seen as the most important issue. Other issues were: earlier registration than phase 2; half or three-quarter time permanent employees not getting the benefit; remission versus reimbursement if attending other institutions in the system. It was agreed that USGSC members need to share their institution's implementation policies and procedures to have knowledge about what an be done. It was suggested that each institution have its policy on the GA_STEERERS list or accessible by the web.

6. The next meeting will be in Macon. A date in February 1998 will be set. The next Conference will be at Valdosta State University. A date in 1998 will be set. A list of each institution on the GA_STEERERS list will be posted to the list.

7. Activities at several institutions were summarized. Darton College is doing to staff development days per year. No classes are scheduled and offices are closed. Gainesville College has a position of Development Coordinator funded by the institution. Georgia State University has an Office of Employee Development. Kennesaw State University has development through Continuing Education. Gainesville College has representatives on a campus committee to review the job evaluation methods and job descriptions. Georgia Tech has implemented the Resumix software program to track and evaluate positions and employment applications. Georgia College is working to link the yearly evaluation to the pay raise for each position. Southern Polytechnic State University has established a mentoring program for new employees. Also, they are working on a process to distribute Staff Development funds when that budget is approved and are working with their Faculty Senate on a campuswide policy and procedures review.

8. The meeting was adjourned at 12:45 PM