Chair Cheryl Harris called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. The following institutions were represented:

North Georgia College

Gainesville College

Georgia State University

State University of West Georgia

Southern Poly Tech University

Georgia College & State University

Valdosta State University

Fort Valley

Minutes from October 1, 1998 were discussed and approved. Bill Filtz reminded us of the May meeting. Cheryl informed us that Ramona (**Renet - Linda Slaney, not Ramona, has resigned as secretary) was resigning secretary 18, 1999 (this was confusing).

Cheryl asked if anyone wanted to volunteer and serve as secretary temporaryly through June 30^th. No one volunteered. Cheryl asked Renet Jones from State University of West Georgia to serve and she agreed to serve as secretary.

We discussed that there are several institutions that we need to get on board as part of the mentoring program. Cheryl also needs directions to all institutions so she can visit each campus. There are 34 (thirty-four) institutions within the University System of Georgia.

Consider Having Meetings Via GSAMS (Satellite Conference)

The floor was opened for discussion, Cheryl reported that the feedback she had received opposed this idea.

Issues: cost factor, privacy (meeting too open)

All agreed to oppose GSAMS (satellite conference) and continue having meetings.

• Georgia College and State University's SAC thought they were in the institution's statutes but later found out that they were not. They are in the process of rewriting their statutes and want to be included in the institution's statutes.
• Anita Thomas, State University of West Georgia reported the process in getting representation in the statutes - the Faculty votes, Faculty Senate vote goes to the Board of Regents, and back to the University.

  It was also noted to carbon copy to your University's President, keep him well informed.

• Alberta Cook, Southern Polytechnic University questioned the difference between statutes and policy and procedures.

  Policy and procedures - Set by Board of Regents

  Statutes - Governed/according to university

• Gainesville College stated that their president had said that they would be included in the college's statues.

Bill reported that during the October meeting in Valdosta, it was agreed that we meet 4 (four) times a year. According to the bylaws (page 1, section 5) it states that (USG-SC) meet 3 (three) times a year. General meetings in February and May, and State Staff Conference in October. It was asked should bylaws be changed due to the semester conversion? All agreed to continue 3 (three) meetings a year. Cheryl motioned to adjust the minutes from October's meeting to read 3 (three) times a year.

Update on October's Conference - GC&SU, Milledgeville will be hosting the State Staff Conference on Friday, October 8, 1999. Their theme is The Final Round up for the 20^th Century. Highlighted by: Thursday, October 7th, evening reception/registration at the Alumni House hosted by Career Services, Friday, October 8th, the President hosting Breakfast at the Former Governor's Mansion, the meeting site at Centennial Center with panel discussion topic "conflict resolution." They have made arrangements with Holiday Inn to block off rooms for incoming USG-SC guests. Barbecue is planned and dress is casual!

Who's hosting next?

• Southern Polytechnic University - Year 2000
• Kennesaw State University - Year 2001

• It was stated that our 4% raises would be deferred again this year and this could possibly be a yearly deferral.
• Concerns regarding the following house bills were discussed:

House Bill #255 - ?(I have emailed Ms. Whitcomb at GSU about this)

House Bill #198 - Increase retirement to 33 years

House Bill #202 - Increase retirement to 31 years

House Bill #207 - Increase retirement to 32 years

House Bill # 440 and 526 - regarding 401k

Carol Whitcomb from Georgia State University can get copies of the house bills. Peggy Inman form North Georgia and College and State University can provide the website. It was suggested that we contact our state representatives and give him/her your feedback.

• Ft. Valley has a new human resources director on board, and he is working with them.
• Valdosta State's capitol funds are slim, they are merging with the merit system. Their SAC was recognized with one sentence in the institution's statutes. They are in the process of getting them revised. Official staff day set for October 2^nd. President approved new employee orientation use of a video.
• Georgia College and State University getting geared for the conference in October. They are scheduled to meet with the president during staff meeting on April 27^th. Also, in the process of getting tuition reimbursement entered into statutes.
• Southern Polytechnic has a new payroll system, and their mentoring program is progressing.
• State University of West Georgia working on campus wide Habitat for Humanity project. Representatives were given the opportunity to interview human resource director candidates and new h/r director was hired. They are very interested in establishing a mentoring program. They are also dealing with staff day problems.
• Georgia State University established employee scholarship for tuition remission program. Their SAC is recognized in the university handbook.
• North Georgia College and State University has seats on the Advisory Council, Faculty Senate, and PSAC (President Search Advisory Committee) totaling seven representatives.
• Gainesville College hosted Toys for Tots during the holidays. They started a mentoring program for elementary schools and working on fundraising projects. Established a monthly luncheon, and has a voice in the Staff/Faculty Search Committees, Faculty Senate.

Cheryl asked everyone to focus on how we can get all institutions involved. She also stated that Albany State University has an interest in establishing a SAC however, a contact person is needed. The May meeting will be determined at a later date. The meeting was adjourned at 12:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Renet Jones, State University of West Georgia