Present: Donna McPherson, Kim DeGraaf (Southern Polytechnic State University), Bretha Bryan, Sheila Tallent, Clois Reese (State University of West Georgia), Linda Slaney, Brenda Keen (University of Georgia), Elaine Schremp, Pam Johns (Georgia College and State University), Debbie Hardin, Vicki Phillips (Darton College), Tonya Morrow, Cheryl A. Harris (Gainesville College), Peggy Inman, Suzanne McCarter (North Georgia College and State University), Peter J. Blanar (Kennesaw State University), Ramona M. Hasan, Shelia K. Bradley, Carol Whitcomb (Georgia State University), Beverly F. Sharpe, Sandra Y. Denson, Bill Filtz (Valdosta State University)

1. Chair, Ramona M. Hasan, called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM.

2. The October 24, 1997 minutes were approved with one correction. The second sentence in section 7 is changed to: Darton College is doing two staff development days per year.

   The May 29, 1997 minutes were approved with two changes in the section of reports from the institutions. The first sentence of the University of Georgia report should be changed to: President of their Council is on a search committee... The fourth sentence of the Georgia State University report should be: They are working on an Employee of the Year award and the winner might be provided free parking.

3. The pay raise was discussed. It appeared to be a good chance that a 6% appropriation would be made but we need to watch for last minute changes.

4. Ramona M. Hasan noted that the agenda wording should have said a University System of Georgia Sick Leave Pool. A proposal was submitted to the Central Office staff at the Board of Regents. We do not know if the Central Office staff has made the Board of Regents completely aware of the nature of the proposal. The Central Office proposed that we use vacation leave rather than sick leave for the pool because we do not earn sick leave. Ramona expressed the question of how is sick leave not earned if the total is based on the length of employment. We have not received any written, official final decision about the request for a pool.

   Pam Johns stated that because of our questioning, the sick leave pool at GC & SU was rescinded as being in violation of System Policy. Sentiment was expressed that it is a shame to have had it revoked. But, if it was illegal then it should not have been allowed and if legal then all institutions should have the same opportunity.

5. Ramona M. Hasan's invitation to be on a panel discussion for the inauguration ceremony of the University of Georgia President was addressed. Two areas she will try to present are promotion from within and having administrative thinking be more staff oriented.

6. Several issues about the implementation of the Tuition Remission and Reimbursement program were discussed. The University of Georgia still does not have an approved, formal policy. Concern was expressed that some institutions are taking exception to the Regents policy that Phase 3 is the only time available for registration under this program. If allowed, this practice could collapse the program since it would appear that paying students are being denied attendance in a class in favor of employees who attend at no revenue to the system. Copies of institution policies were made available by members.

7. Members brought copies of their staff organization's by-laws.

8. The status of the Annual Conference at Valdosta State University was discussed by Beverly F. Sharpe. The web address for the survey will be reposted to the GA-STEERERS list. The survey web page will be open until March 13, 1998 for input. Results of the survey will be posted. An August 13, 1998 deadline was requested for all institutions to provide information to be made available at the conference. Copies of By-Laws, TRR policies, summary of accomplishments, or staff related brochures should be sent to Beverly F. Sharpe, College of Nursing, Valdosta State University, 1500 N. Patterson St. Valdosta GA 31698.

   The 1999 meeting will be at Georgia College and State University, Southern Polytechnic Institute and State University will host the 2000 conference. Plans are for The State University of West Georgia to host the 2001 conference.

9. A nominating committee for the election was formed. The committee is Ramona M. Hasan, Cheryl A. Harris, and Pam Johns. Please contact a committee member if you are interested in serving. The election will be held by e-mail with installation in May.

10. No Old Business

11. The next meeting will be in Macon. A date in May 1998 will be set.
    The need to get more institution involved in USGSC was discussed.
    We are reminded to keep the our institution's president informed of what we do as staff and to thank the administration, the legislature, and the Regents when we or the institution receive funds for new programs, buildings, and pay raises.
    If your institution is interested in doing a presentation to another institution about how to start a staff council a draft letter is being written. If you believe you can, ask your institution's president to consider writing a letter of introduction, for your staff organization, to the president of a local institution that does not have a staff organization involved with USGSC. The letter could allow you to make a presentation at that institution about a staff organization and the USGSC. A draft letter will be sent over the GA-STEERERS list.

12. The meeting was adjourned at 12:20 PM