Annual Report 2002-2003

Annual Reports from each standing committee are located at the link for that committee. This document prepared by the Chair of the Staff Assembly provides a summary.

During its fourth year, the Staff Assembly has accomplished much with the aid of its standing committees and the notable participation of its members.  The Chair of each standing committee submitted an annual report, and those reports are attached for review.

In September 2002, Assembly members established priorities for 2002-2003.  While some of our recommendations could not be considered in light of current economic conditions, they are now a matter of record for future consideration.  Included were:

• Compensation (salaries):  Members expressed concern about salary inequities, the living wage, skill-based pay, and the existence of a long-term salary plan.  They also inquired about protocol for advancement or transfer within the University as well as the relationship between the Performance Evaluation and salary increases.  ACTION:  (1) Extensive feedback from staff aided the compilation of a letter to Chancellor Ferrari by the Executive Committee.   That letter urged the Chancellor to appoint a Living Wage Task Force, which could include representatives of the Student Government Association, the Faculty Senate, the Staff Assembly, and other appropriate members who would be charged with developing an appropriate method for determining what a living wage is for a staff member working at TCU and make a recommendation for implementation of a living wage for TCU’s staff members.  Creation of such a task force was supported by both the Faculty Senate and the Student Government Association.  (2) The letter also recommended consideration of a milestone compensation plan. (3) Also included was the recommendation that the broadbanding concept be examined along with its implementation and its future at the University.  The letter asked that Human Resources produce an  implementation timeline as well as provide training for staff as to the opportunities associated with broadbanding.

• Compensation (benefits):  Also of priority was consideration of benefits, specifically the consideration of the findings of the Paid Time Off Focus Group as well as continued lobbying for equalization of the retirement benefit for all staff.  ACTION:  (1) The Assembly hosted a presentation by the P.T.O. Focus Group.  The Assembly’s Policy Review Committee analyzed the feedback of staff and concluded the recommendations of the P.T.O. Focus Group should not be endorsed for three reasons: (a) the level of satisfaction with the current leave policy; (b) concern over the loss of personal leave; and (c) concern that it was not equitable for exempt and nonexempt staff.  (2)  Chancellor Ferrari committed to equalization of the retirement benefit effective June 1, 2003.
  
• Community Service (on and off campus): ACTION:  (1) Participated in a joint meeting with Student Government Association and Faculty Senate.  Maintained consistent interaction with SGA and Faculty Senate.  (2) Designed and implemented a trial period for the Staff Community Service Program (TCU Staff/Faculty Reading Frogs Program) by collaborating with the Fort Worth Independent School District as well as a variety of on-campus and off-campus service endeavors.  (3) Solicited approval of the Staff Community Service Program as a permanent benefit for staff (approved by Chancellor Ferrari & Cabinet in April 2003). 

Accomplishments in 2002-2003

1. Developed and implemented the process for soliciting nominations for the Chancellor’s Staff Award for Outstanding Service.  Secured Cabinet approval for the award (initial presentation in April 2003).
2. Endorsed and publicized ESL Classes for staff as well as a Spanish class for staff.
3. Increased staff awareness of the University’s budgetary process by appointing a representative to the Budget Advisory committee as well as hosting a program on two occasions featuring Carol Campbell, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Business, during which the budget process and the completed budget were considered.
4. Supported the first annual Wellness Fair with a monetary donation and scheduling of translators for Spanish speaking staff.
5. Reviewed findings of Policy Review Committee, soliciting staff feedback for recommendation.
6. Provided avenues for communication regarding the recommendations of the P.T.O. Focus Group, implementation of staff fees for use of the new University Recreation Center, the review of the current Funeral Leave Policy.
7. Hosted two professional development sessions for staff, one on leadership styles, the other on marketing techniques employed by TCU in recruiting students.
8. Expanded the Assembly’s web presence in response to the request of non-Assembly members for more information about Assembly business.  Created a “Key Issues” page on the links page as well as multiple new pages featuring staff business.
9. Submitted nominations of staff for numerous University committees, requesting that term limits be employed for staff participants.
10. Hosted a called meeting to discuss the qualifications needed by a new Chancellor.
11. Provided Spanish translation of monthly meeting minutes as well as major documents.
1. Community Service: Implemented the year-long Reading Frogs Program
2. Participated in TCU Leaps
3. Organized Halloween Party for RISE School in conjunction with Colby Hall
4. Participated in the Reading Frog Train Ride
5. Organized and supported RADKids Program
6. Judged essays for the Log Cabin Village Writing Contest
7. Orchestrated staff participation in Race for the Cure
8. Contributed to Operation H.O.T. (Help Our Troops)
9. Organized Easter Egg Hunt for Rise School
12. Collaborated with Student Government Association and Faculty Senate to plan second annual Joint Meeting of the three groups.

Submitted by:     
Karen Baker
Chair of Staff Assembly, 2002-2003