Approved
Staff Assembly Meeting Minutes
December 3, 2002
Present: Jean Andrus, Ruben Ayala, Karen Baker, Hao Brown, Emily Burgwyn, Jackie Callanan, Alice Carter, Nancy Carter, Rafael Chavez, Carlene Coover, Laurie Fetter, Roger Fisher, Terri Gartner, Rebecca Glass, David Grebel, Josh Harmon, Ida Hernandez, Dorothy Holland, Sharon Hudson, Pamela James, Jacobo Juarez, Mary Kaszynski, Mary Lane, Joe Laster, Debbie Mar, Jake Martinez, Valeria McDougle, Dennis Odom, Tara Pope, Barbara Savak, DeVonna Tinney, Esco Weatherspoon, David Yale
Guests: Chancellor Michael Ferrari, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Don Mills, John Weis, Amy Johnson (Skiff reporter), Steve Kintigh and recreation center staff members
Absent: Chris Arreguin, Victor Baeza, Ross Bailey, Jonathan Brown, Kay Edmondson, Marilyn Eudaly, Ervey Garcia, Marshall Gordon, Julie Graver, Nancy Grieser, Jack Hesselbrock, Pam Hughes, Maria Leyva, Tommy Love, Donna Shepherd, Kathy Smith, Emily Sullivan, Darron Turner, Juan Varela
The meeting was called to order at 3:32 p.m. Chair Karen Baker made brief opening comments, welcomed visitors and reviewed the agenda.
The November Staff Assembly Minutes were approved. Members were reminded to contact Tara Pope (T.Pope@tcu.edu) if they must miss a meeting.
Chancellor’s Remarks: Dr. Ferrari remarked that the University was experiencing a full fall semester. In addition to facility construction, the core curriculum revision is ongoing. Also preparations continue for the February reaccredidation visit from SACS. Fifteen people from colleges throughout the country will visit TCU for one week in February as part of the reaccredidation process. Dr. Ferrari noted the 9-11 candlelight vigil. One highlight of the semester is that TCU will either be Conference USA champions or co-champions which will result in an invitation to a post-season bowl game. Another strong point this semester was the Staff Assembly agenda. Dr. Ferrari remarked that the Assembly has continued to address issues and analyze information while realizing unique parameters set by the current economic climate. In his recent letter to all faculty and staff, Dr. Ferrari explored deferring expenses in order to achieve priorities. In late January, the Board of Trustees will make general decisions on tuition and fees and staff compensation.
Program: Baker introduced Steve Kintigh, director of campus recreation. Steve and representatives of the recreation center staff shared information about the new center. Steve said January 21 would be the first operating day preceded by an open house for faculty and staff on January 8 or 9. An official dedication of the newly renovated recreation center will be scheduled for August. In 1998, Dr. Ferrari asked for an assessment of the needs pertaining to a recreation center. The center was designed around those needs. Steve envisions the recreation center as being a place where students can gather. It will be open 115 hours a week. Kristen McAfee shared information about the challenge course. Departments can send staff members to the challenge course to improve staff teamwork and communication. Rachel Julian shared information about various wellness and fitness programs to be offered. There will be 43 group exercise classes including a few for staff only. On February 6, there will be a Health Fair. Cristie Mitchell stated there are many intramural leagues, and staff can participate as coaches or mentors. Bob Manners shared information about aquatic activities. There will be children’s swimming lessons and lifeguard classes offered. The idea of a “dive-in” movie is being explored. Damien Abel who is in charge of the facility and scheduling operations noted there will be name-brand exercise equipment and also a food court. Handouts of a fact sheet and map were distributed.
Chair’s Report: Baker noted there will be no January meeting. Gail Truitt has resigned from the Assembly. She is replaced by Ervey Garcia, TCU Police. She thanked people for participating in the Professional Development session. There will be a Spanish translation of Dr. Ferrari’s letter to staff. Baker thanked Virginia Dias for translating it. A copy of the letter is available in English at (www.staffassembly.tcu.edu/Chansalltr.htm) and Spanish at (www.staffassembly.tcu.edu/SpChansalltr.htm).
Committee Reports:
Budget – Jean Andrus said that the budget committee has a copy of the Assembly’s letter regarding compensation and benefits. She thanked the executive board for the well-written letter.
Community Service – Mary Lane announced there will be a kid’s RAD class January 18 – February 22. Hao Brown has additional information. Julie Graver spoke to the Faculty Senate recently about the volunteer efforts of the Assembly. Recruitment for Reading Frogs for spring semester beings in January.
Childcare – Baker announced for Pam Hughes that surveys gauging the potential use of a childcare facility are being distributed.
Elections – Emily Burgwyn announced that December 15 is the deadline for the outstanding staff service award. She encouraged members to go back to their areas and announce this.
Policy Review – Sharon Hudson announced the committee is studying the 23 comments regarding the PTO information. She said she would like to hear more responses. The committee hopes to have a recommendation in February.
Professional Development - Alice Carter announced that 35 people attended the Professional Development brown bag session with Dr. Russell Elleven. Carter said that the Staff Assembly is too large a group to do an individualized Human Resources benefit program. In the spring though a general benefit program is being considered.
Web Page – Baker announced for Kathy Smith that the listserv is still in use. Also there are new links on the Staff Assembly Web page. Beginning in January, there will be a staff person of the month featured on the page.
Human Resources Update: John Weis announced the holiday closing dates are from December 24 to January 1. Employees will be paid Friday, December 20.
Other Business:
Resolution – Baker reminded the Assembly of the resolution presented by Josh Harmon at the November meeting calling for the elimination of the $5 per month recreation center fee. Representatives were asked to review the resolution and ask their constituents for feedback. Since the November meeting, members of the executive committee toured the recreation center and reported on the progress. Josh Harmon read the resolution and was followed by comments from Dr. Don Mills, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, and Steve Kintigh. Several representatives asked questions and reported feedback from their areas. Dr. Don Mills said that the funding for the recreation center is 100% borrowed money, and there have been zero gifts to the program. The revenue will be coming from the university fee students pay, gifts, and fees faculty and staff will pay. He said everyone who uses the facility should help pay. Mills said the current prices are significantly discounted compared to area fitness facilities and remain a significant benefit. Steve Kintigh noted at universities such as Vanderbilt and Tulane fees range from $100 - $400 a year. There was discussion of a wellness program. Various opinions expressed from representatives ranged from discussion that the $5 fee wasn’t a problem, that it was an erosion of a benefit, and that some people might find it difficult to pay.
A vote was taken on this question – should the Assembly endorse the resolution calling for elimination of the monthly fee for staff? There was a recount and the vote was a tie 14-14. A quorum of members was present. Karen Baker reported the resolution would be sent to the administration without the Assembly’s official approval with the notation that the vote was a tie.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:05 p.m.