Annual Report 2003-2004
Return to Annual Reports page.
During its fifth 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 will be available on the website for review.
In September 2003, Assembly members established priorities for 2003-2004. Included were:
- Compensation (wages): Members continue to express concern about wage compression, the living wage, skill-based pay, opportunities for advancement or transfer within the university, and the relationship between the Performance Evaluation and salary increases. ACTION: The Assembly led in the formation of a university-wide compensation task force. This task force is currently meeting and is scheduled to complete its work during the fall of 2004. The task force is charged with evaluating the current status and past history of the compensation program, consideration of specific compensation areas (wage compression, living wage, rewards for skill level and performance, competitiveness with peer institutions and local labor markets, and comprehensive benefit programs), development of goals for compensation, and establishment of a strategic plan for compensation.
- Compensation (benefits): The following benefit priorities were established: increased cost of health insurance, tuition benefit, and domestic partner benefits. ACTION: (1) The Assembly heard a presentation by Vice Chancellor Campbell and Associate Vice Chancellor Weis concerning the development of a statewide consortium of private colleges and universities intended to reduce health care insurance increases. The Assembly expressed its support for these efforts. (2) The Assembly, led by the Policy Review Committee, responded to proposed changes in the tuition benefit provided for faculty and staff. Working with the Retirement, Insurance and Benefits Committee the Assembly recommended modifications to the proposal that were adopted by the administration. These modifications provided an ongoing benefit for those dependents denied admission to TCU by allowing them to attend their local community college.
- Parking: ACTION: Held a called meeting with Vice Chancellor Mills in June to discuss parking concerns. Received regular reports from the Traffic Regulations and Appeals committee.
- Cost Cutting: Members expressed concern about actual and perceived financial waste and abuse. ACTION: The Assembly executive committee provided advice and support to human resources during the development of a university-wide suggestion program.
Accomplishments in 2003-2004
- In cooperation with the Faculty Senate, the Assembly recommended that the university establish a permanent Budget Advisory Committee. Made two appointments to the current Budget Advisory Committee.
- Transferred administrative responsibility for the Chancellor’s Staff Award for Outstanding Service to the Chancellor’s office. The next awardee will be recognized at the 2004 Faculty/Staff Luncheon.
- Provided staff representation at the Chancellor’s inauguration and on the Inaugural Committee.
- Provided staff representation on the search committees for Provost and University Minister.
- Hosted two professional development sessions for staff. The first, held in December, dealt with interpersonal skills. The second, held in April, dealt with attitudes.
- Submitted nominations of staff members for University committees.
- Continued a history of community service with the following endeavors:
- TCU Reading Frogs : Aimed at developing a love for reading and an awareness of its importance among the young students of Fort Worth. The elementary schools that benefit from the program include Alice Carlson, Lily B. Clayton, Alice D. Contreras, Daggett, South Hi Mount, and Tanglewood. We have about a dozen staff participants in area FWISD schools.
- Family Education Dinner: Due to the work of Tara Pope and Darron Turner this event brought high school dependent children prospectively entering TCU to an informational dinner covering admissions and financial aid information. Perhaps future committees can contribute to expanding this program.
- Christmas at KinderFrogs : Santa Claus (Howard Payne) came to KinderFrogs for a visit, reading a story and passing gold chocolate coins to children.
- Easter Egg Hunt: Staff volunteers hid eggs at KinderFrogs for an egg hunt and assisted children with egg painting.
- Race for the Cure: About 25-30 TCU employees participated in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure.
- Clothing Drive: In conjunction with The Women’s Resource Center, women’s professional clothing was donated by staff/students to support the Attitudes and Attire program, which helps build self-esteem for economically disadvantaged women.
- RAD Class for Children: This summer (June 7-11) a Resist Aggression Defensively class/camp for dependent children ages 5-11 will be offered to help teach them self-defense.
- Collaborated with Student Government Association and Faculty Senate to plan third annual Joint Meeting of the three groups. The meeting agenda dealt with the establishment of an honor code.
Submitted by: David Grebel
Chair
Staff Assembly, 2003-2004