Present: Donna McPherson, Kim DeGraaf (Southern Polytechnic State University), Linda Slaney, Linda Dudley (University of Georgia), Pam Johns, Ainsley Eubanks (Georgia College and State University), Carla Spivey (Darton College), Tonya Morrow, Cheryl A. Harris (Gainesville College), Peggy Inman, Anita Roush (North Georgia College and State University), Peter J. Blanar (Kennesaw State University), Ramona M. Hasan, Carol Whitcomb (Georgia State University), Marsha Anderson (Abraham Baldwin College) Beverly F. Sharpe, Pat Rozier, Bill Filtz (Valdosta State University)

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

2. The February 27, 1998 minutes were approved.

3. A cafeteria type benefit plan is being discussed at Georgia State University. This would provide funds for each employee which could be used in selecting benefits to fit the specific needs of each employee. All the benefits could be on pretax basis. Various differences across the state in current insurance benefits was mentioned. Some areas have managed program options. Pam Johns noted that the copay portion of the current Blue Cross insurance is waived by the hospital and some doctors in Milledgeville.

4. Ramona M. Hasan presented a draft letter of introduction for getting other USG institutions involved both in forming a staff council and in the USGSC. The letter is for the president of the institution to send to the president of another institution. If possible, the staff council at a current USGSC institution should request the president of their institution to send the letter. The wording in the draft letter should be adapted for each staff council. The following contacts were delegated to be attempted:

   Georgia State University contacts Georgia Tech and DeKalb (Georgia Perimeter College)

   Georgia College and State University contacts Macon College, Middle Georgia College, and Fort Valley State University

   Darton College contacts Albany State University and Bainbridge College

   Kennesaw contacts Floyd College and Dalton College

   University of Georgia contacts Clayton College and State University and Atlanta Metropolitan College

   Augusta State University contacts Georgia Southern University and East Georgia College

   Coastal Georgia Community College contacts Savannah State University and Armstrong Atlantic State University

   State University of West Georgia contacts Columbus State University and Gordon College

   Abraham Baldwin College contacts South Georgia College

   Valdosta State University contacts Waycross College

   Georgia Southwestern State University Was not assigned to be contacted

   Gainesville College, North Georgia College and State University and Southern Polytechnic State University were not assigned any contacts

5. A difference in vacation hours accrued by faculty and staff was discussed. The current thinking is this difference is one of the issues the Central Office of the Regents believes is required to attract faculty. It was decided that the USGSC does not need to challenge this practice. Efforts should be directed at getting a one to one credit for accrued sick leave toward retirement. Louise McBee should be contacted in this effort.

6. A need for clarification of the Regents family leave policy (Board of Regents Policy 802.05) was discussed. The specific wording in the Family leave policy that is in question is "... however, if an employee is eligible to use accumulated sick and/or annual leave, the employee may do so...". Does the word "eligible" mean that if the employee has sufficient accrued sick leave then that can be used for any of the family leave situations instead using family leave with no pay? Does it mean an employee can use sick leave for any event covered by the family leave policy? Or, does it mean that if the event is covered under the sick leave policy then sick leave can be used? The last interpretation was given as the explanation at VSU but made little sense since it would be a redundant statement of the sick leave policy and have nothing to do with the family leave policy. The USGSC decided to contact Don Davis for clarification so the policy could be applies in the same manner across the system.

7. The election for FY 99 was held. Cheryl Harris was elected as Chair; Bill Filtz was elected as Chair Elect; Linda Slaney was elected as Secretary. The term runs from July 1, 1998 to June 30, 1999.

8. The status of the Annual Conference at Valdosta State University was discussed by Beverly F. Sharpe.

9. Several institution gave updates on events at their campus. UGA has adopted a degree program requirement for acceptance of students. Kennesaw presented multiple building and renovation projects as their 10 year master plan. Their council sponsored a Bring Your Child to Work Day. Additionally, their council made $6,300 from concessions at the baseball park. Darton announced a new baseball field, renovations, and a Staff Forum day during the institution's Staff Development days. Southern Polytechnic announced a new president, various building projects, a quarterly open forum, Faculty/Staff awards, web page, and work on a policy and procedures manual with the faculty. ABAC privatized custodial services, discussed ongoing air quality problems in some buildings, had a display of staff and faculty artistic ability and awards. Gainseville announced a new president, privatization of food services, a new science building and student center renovation, and a web page.

10. The next meeting will be the conference in Valdosta, October 1 and 2, 1998 will be set.

11. The meeting was adjourned at 12:10 PM